Sunday Service
December 14, 2025
10:30am
Holiday Pageant - The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming - A Christmas Story about Hanukkah
UUCNH Children and Youth
Sunday is the first night of Hanukkah.
Join us as we explore the inspirational story that gave rise to this holiday and light the first candle.
Our children and youth will tell the story of a potato pancake desperate to distinguish himself and his holiday from all things Christmas.
Enjoy the amazing costumes and set designed by Michelle Broge-Connor, the inspired direction of Robyn Travers, and the exquisite stage managing of one of our youth, Evelyn Erbrecht.
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Please bring a dozen or two cookies to share in our annual cookie exchange to occur after the service.
We will also be trimming our tree and decorating the church for the holidays.
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UUCNH Inclement Weather Plan
Winter is upon us. If leadership at UUCNH decides that the church should be closed due to inclement weather or an emergency event, we will notify you in multiple ways:
-there will be a banner on the church website stating that the church is closed.
-there will be a message posted on the UUCNH Community and main Facebook pages.
-there will be a mass email sent out of Breeze -- the email we have for you in Breeze will be the one used, so please make sure we have the correct one.
-if you have opted in for text messages in Breeze you will also receive a text.
-the church voicemail will have a message when you call explaining the closure.
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Christmas Eve Service
Come join us at 5:00 pm for a traditional Lessons & Carols candlelight service.
Immediately following the service we will enjoy a potluck dinner.
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Sharing a Christmas Eve Potluck Dinner is a long-standing and much-loved tradition at UUCNH! Everyone is welcome, whether or not you are able to contribute to the potluck.
To ensure that everyone enjoys breaking bread with their families and UUCNH friends (and that no one spends most of their time working in the kitchen), we are asking you to follow this protocol:
- If you are a cook, we are looking forward to enjoying your traditional, family favorite, Christmas dinner dish. The two ovens and two new warming trays are available. Also, wrapping hot items in a towel and transporting them in an appropriately sized cardboard box will help keep them warm during the service.
- For non-cooks, please feel free to bring any store-bought item that will enhance our gastronomical experience, such as dips with veggies, cheese with crackers or bread, roasted chicken, mac & cheese, bread, and butter, or dessert. Use your imagination!
- Bring whatever serving ware your contribution may require.
- Bring your own place settings from home: dishware, drinkware, and flatware. After dinner, please collect your soiled place settings, place them in an appropriate container, and take them home to wash. It’s not nice to be stuck in the Church’s kitchen on Christmas Eve!
We look forward to sharing Christmas Eve together as a beloved community.
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Set up and clean up help needed!
We are looking for folks to help set up the Sanctuary for Christmas eve on 12/21 after the service. We are also looking for volunteers to help with clean up on Wednesday evening.
If you are available to help with either please contact cla@uucnh.org
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Soul Matters Monthly Theme
Choosing Hope
For the soul matters small group materials click on the image.
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Quest for Belief- This Sunday
“That’s fine for you, dear!”
How do we manage relationships with those of different faiths – particularly within a marriage? What is our obligation to those who haven’t “seen the light?” Are UUs churches truly tolerant of firm adherents to other faiths worshipping in their midst? Let’s discuss!
All are welcome to join Quest for Belief Sunday, December 14th, from 9:15-10:15am upstairs in the Youth Room.
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Jesus Discussion group
3rd Sunday of December, the 21st, from noon to 1:15 PM on Zoom and at church (upstairs, left, then end of the hall). Are the gospels fact, fiction or something else entirely? [And how many are there?] See Tony Palermo for details.
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Children's RE Schedule
December 14th - Pageant
December 21st - Children's Chapel - Solstice fun
December 24th - Christmas Eve Candle Light Service
December 28th and January 4th - No Religious Exploration Classes
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Joys and Sorrows
A Sorrow from Becca Hovermale:
My father, Dennis Hovermale, passed away peacefully on Tuesday. He was a hard-working man, devoted to his faith, his family, and the small, rural community that adored him. He was often referred to by the community as "salt of the earth" and even a "legend" for his strong work ethic and compassion for others, including all of nature's creatures. I am thankful that my sisters and I got to be by his bedside as he journeyed to his heaven.
A Sorrow from Joyce Kepner:
This past Tuesday, Dec 2nd, our Aunt Nancy Holt Rose passed away at the age of 96. Nancy did not have children of her own but she was everybody’s favorite aunt. Over the last month, all 9 of us from my generation traveled to Columbus, NC to help her move into her Assisted Living home. We all kicked in to help her because she would have done the same for us. She could have asked the moon from us and we would have gladly given it. She was an amazing woman and will be missed.
A Sorrow from Robyn Travers:
Our family said good-bye to our sweet dog Wicket on Friday. He regularly joined us for church and helped me at work. Many of you may have met our cute boy. He and I were inseparable. Our family will miss him so much.
A Joy from Carol Ballance:
UUJustice PA has just hired a new full-time director. His name is Michael Mehrazar and I'm really excited to have him on board.
Note: When you want to share a joy or sorrow submit it electronically by clicking here by Saturday. Alternatively, you can fill out a card as you enter the sanctuary on Sunday.
| | Game Night and Potluck- Next Friday | |
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Auction Winners!
Patrick Waddington took home the crocheted dragon. Diana Hull has a new pair of beautiful mittens and Lisa Robl will have a portrait of her pet. Some of the bidding got intense!
Thank you for your generosity to UUCNH!
| | | | Cherishing the Connectedness of All Things | |
UUCNH Weekly Connection
Zoom with UUCNH Friends
This drop-in connection will be held every Tuesday from 3:30-4:30pm and will be led by Michael Horwitz. Contact michaelhorwitz@uucnh.org for zoom details.
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Upcoming Board Meeting
The Board of Trustees will be meeting Tuesday December 16th, at 7:00PM. Meetings are open to all UUCNH members and we welcome your participation. Attendees will be muted upon joining and we respectfully ask that questions and comments be reserved until the end of the meeting.
Please click here to join the meeting with passcode UUCNH. The agenda for this meeting can be found here.
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Meet the Church
A "Meet the Church" session will be held on December 21st from 12:30pm to 2, following the Sunday service in the East Room. This is an opportunity for you to meet other new folks, the staff, and learn about UU-ism.
Lunch will be served. If you are interested in attending or have any questions please email connections@uucnh.org
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Mid-Year Congregational Meeting
Mark your calendars for the Mid-year congregational meeting scheduled for January 11th, 2026.
If your team or committee would like time on the agenda please contact jodyclark@uucnh.org with your request before December 19th.
See you there!
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Save Your Books, DVDs and CDs
Save your books, DVDs and CDs for Fundraising committee's Book Sale coming in January.
When the holidays are over and your mind turns to cleaning out and New Year's Resolutions, hold on a while longer to those hard covers, paper backs, DVDs and CDs that you have finished (or not) so that you can donate them to our book sale and find replacements.
More details will follow. Thanks for your support.
Your Fundraising Team
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New! Focus, Breath, and Movement Group
Starting in January join us for 15 minutes of socializing and 75 minutes of the exploration of focus, breath, and movement, on the first and third Wednesdays in the Sanctuary.
The group meets at 7pm. Yoga begins at 7:15pm.
Bring mats, bolsters, straps, blocks, and whatever props you feel are necessary. Bring some to share if you have them.
This is going to be a group of people practicing yoga. New people are welcome. You don’t have to have yoga experience to join us. With an emphasis on safety and stability, we will be giving suggestions on how anyone can breathe, focus, and move in a way that will bring peace, calm, and relaxation.
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Current Share the Plate Recipient
North Hills Community Outreach
The Share the Plate recipient for December will be North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO). NHCO addresses the needs of people in crisis, hardship and poverty in northern Allegheny County. They provide a variety of services including food pantries, utilities and other emergency assistance, employment programs, senior services, Ask the Attorney, and tax preparation for qualifying individuals.
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Donate to Protect Pennsylvania’s Environment — Meet the Moment with UUJusticePA
Pennsylvania’s environment is facing real challenges — polluted waterways, unsafe air, abandoned wells, and rising climate impacts. And the people most affected are often the ones with the least political power.
Environmental justice is UU justice.
Click on the image to learn more and donate.
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PA Voters Want Fair Districts
When legislative leaders manipulate district boundaries to keep themselves in office or to silence their opposition, we ALL LOSE.
The following are opportunities to take ACTION
Sign the petition
Asking your legislators to support an independent redistricting commission. Then share the petition link with your family, friends and networks.
Collect petition signatures
Download our petition sign-up form and gather signatures from your friends and neighbors. Every signature counts!
Contact your legislators
Find your representatives, gain insight into their positions, and get talking points.
For any questions, please contact Cheryl Rampelt - crampelt@uucnh.org
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Support Fair Trade
Fair Trade Equal Exchange Coffee, Tea, and Chocolates are always available to purchase from their usual display in Friendship Hall.
Mother Earth and small-scale farmers benefit when you buy Fair Trade Equal Exchange products.
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Buy a Grocery Card
UUCNH benefits when you buy Giant Eagle and/or Kuhn’s Gift Cards at no extra expense to you! Both stores donate $5 to UUCNH for every $100 of gift card value sold. Grocery cards are sold by the ushers in Friendship Hall after the Sunday service.
| | From Our Community Partners | |
North Hills Community Outreach
Food Pantry Donations
UUCNH has a food pantry for donations to North Hills Community Outreach located in Friendship Hall. Please consider donating non-perishable food items, hygiene and cleaning supplies.
Did you forget your items? No problem... you can buy a grocery card and donate it.
Click here for NHCO volunteer Opportunities
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There is my dog Cole
Wagging his tail when greeting me
Giving me such joy.
-Hal Dixler
| | | | Laughter Is the Best Medicine | | |
What do snowmen wear on their heads?
Ice Caps!
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Minister's Schedule
Rev, Lee Anne's Work Week: Tuesday – Sunday
Tuesday-Friday: 10 - 6 and Evenings
Saturday: (variable)/Sunday: 8:30 - 2:30
email minister@uucnh.org
Congregational Life Administrator's Schedule
Robyn's Work Week:
Tuesday - Friday 9-5 and some evenings
Sunday 8:30am- 2:30pm
Saturday and Monday off unless needed
Admin times- Wednesday morning, Thursday, and Friday
Religious Exploration times - Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon
email cla@uucnh.org
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