Sunday Service

January 12th, 2025

10:30 am (EDT)

Everyone Has A Story

Rev. Lee Anne Washington

Our Soul Matters worship theme for January is Living Love Through the Practice of Story. We know our own stories. We think of them as true. We view our lives through the lens of those stories. We make judgments about ourselves and others based on those stories. But, what if our stories aren’t the only stories? What if there really is more than one side to every story? And what happens when we listen to each other’s stories? Come join us for the first of three interactive consecutive worship services exploring January’s theme.

For the month of January, we will be exploring different ways to find meaning in Sundays worship services. There’ll be a survey to answer in February, so please come to as many services as you can.

The Share the Plate recipient for January is Fair Districts PA, a nonpartisan, all-volunteer, statewide organization focused on making state government work for you by codifying a fair redistricting process that makes your legislator effective. When legislative leaders manipulate district boundaries to keep themselves in office or to oust their opposition, we all lose. Fair Districts PA is focusing on a constitutional amendment to create an independent citizen’s commission in time for the next redistricting process. Donations cover expenses of the organization only; there are no salaried staff.

How to Donate to Share the Plate

IN THIS WEEK'S ENEWS-- TO SEE IT ALL, CLICK ON "VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE" AT THE BOTTOM

Coffee house Tonight
Leadership Council Meeting
Bellwood Open House
Denominational Task Force Town Hall
Mid Year Congregational Meeting
Youth Group Soup Sale
UUJUSTICEPA Pledge Drive
Meditation Group
Ukulele Group
Covenant Group Sign ups
Children's Religious Education
Systemic Change
Mitten Tree Generosity
CER Opportunities for Connection
UUCNH Weekly Connection
Joys and Sorrows

Coffee House Tonight!

You are invited to be entertained by your talented friends. The West Room stage will be an open mic for anyone interested in singing a song, telling a joke, telling an interesting story, or ranting about the news — let’s keep it non-political.

Here's an idea -- make it a date night! Go out with some friends for dinner and come by the UUCNH Coffee House for entertainment and dessert. You'll have this opportunity every second Friday of the month at 7:30pm

Leadership Council meeting tomorrow!

Join us from 9:30 - 11:30 for the a Leadership Council meeting in the West Room/Sanctuary. In addition to updates from committees, teams, staff, and the board; we will be exploring the DiSC personal style framework for improving teamwork. The DiSC model can give us a better understanding of our own strengths and preferences, and help us understand how to work more effectively with people who have other styles. Everyone is welcome and there will be snacks.

Bellwood Open House

If you have not had a chance to visit Bellwood Preschool in person, we are hosting an Open House on Saturday, January 11th, from 10:00 am to noon. Our Director and staff will be in attendance for you to meet to give tours of the school and answer all of your questions. You are welcome to bring your child(ren) with you to the Open House or without the kiddos. We look forward to meeting you! For any questions, please contact Nicole, Registrar@Bellwoodpreschool.com

Denominational Research Task Force Town Hall

The Denominational Research Task Force will be hosting a town hall session after church on this Sunday, January 12th, to answer any further questions you might have. Members should have received a phase II report, please contact office@uucnh.org if you have not.

Mid-year congregational meeting agenda and proxy form

The UUCNH Mid-Year Meeting is happening after services on Sunday, January 19th. This is a chance to get caught up on the many exciting activities underway at UUCNH and to participate in shaping the future direction of our church. Please see the agenda here. Also attached is the proxy form for those who cannot attend, well as the Proxy FAQ. If you have any questions you can contact Board member or send an e-mail to Board@UUCNH.org.

Youth Group Soup Sale

The youth group will be having their annual soup sale on Sunday January 19th. Come enjoy homemade soup to eat during the congregational meeting and support the youth group.

Cash and Checks only.

$3 for bowl for here

$5 small to go

$10 large to go

UUJusticePA Pledge drive

UUJusticePA is in the 4th week of their annual individual end of year pledge drive.

Would you like to sustain the progressive agenda in the Commonwealth of PA?

Please consider a monthly donation, as low as $10 a month, to our statewide organization.

Questions, contact carolballance@uucnh.org.

Meditation Group - On Monday

Please join us for Meditation group. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays from 7 to 8 pm. No experience required just a willingness to learn and breathe. Contact meditation@uucnh.org for any questions.

Ukulele Group - On Monday

The Ukulele group meets on second and fourth Monday 7-8 pm in the East Room. Beginners are always welcome. Contact ukegroup@uucnh.org with any questions.

Covenant Group Sign Ups

Would you like to deepen connections and strengthen relationships with fellow members of our congregation? Please consider joining our UUCNH Covenant Groups

· Covenant Group Sign Up Form

· Covenant Group FAQs

The Winter/Spring 2025 Sessions will begin in February and meet twice a month through May. There will be 8 sessions total.

Deadline to register for the February Sessions is Sunday January 26th .

If you are interested in being one of the Covenant Group Facilitators this year, please contact Kip Ruefle.

Children's Religious Education Class Schedule

Religious educations classes for grades k-6 grades will occur on the following dates.

January 12th, 19th, 26th (Theme is Story) Appreciating our common and unique stories

Systemic Change Team - Making Changes

The Systemic Change Team met and voted on which topics to present to the congregation for its vote for advocacy for the 2025-2026 PA legislative session.

The topics will no longer be presented at the mid-year meeting but in a separate service to be held on February 2nd.

Criminal Justice Reform

Equal Access to Healthcare

Fair Districting/Gerrymandering

Mitten Tree Generosity

Our generous donations from the mitten tree were dropped off at NHCO on Thursday.

To those in need our congregation provided:

25 hats

20 pairs of gloves

49 pairs of underwear

14 t-shirts

90 pairs of socks!

1 scarf

Central East Region Opportunities for Connection (click on image)

UUCNH Weekly Connection

Zoom with UUCNH Friends

This drop-in connection will be held every Tuesday at 3:30 - 4:30 pm and will be led by Michael Horwitz. Contact Michael Horwitz michaelhorwitz@uucnh.org for zoom details

Joys And Sorrows

A Joy: from Hal Dixler:

Hal and his (partner/husband) Nick Duerlinger just celebrated their 50th anniversary.

Note: When you want to share a joy or sorrow submit it electronically by clicking here by Saturday. Alternatively, you may can fill out a card as you enter the sanctuary on Sunday.

Minister's Schedule

Rev, Lee Anne's Work Week: Tuesday – Sunday

Tuesday-Friday: 10 - 6 and Evenings

Saturday: (variable)/Sunday: 8:30 - 2:30

Office Administrator's Schedule

Robyn's Work Week: Monday-Friday

Monday: (variable/work from home)

Tuesday - Friday (9-5)

Rev. Lee Anne's Work Schedule Explained