Sunday, December 28 — 10 am

In-person and Zoom

"Gathering Together at Year's End"

Join us for this final Sunday service of 2025. It is said that the moments between transitions hold a special wonder: when one thing ends and another begins, a baby is born, one enters a room, one sets out on a journey. There is mystery and wonder in the spaces between these comings, goings, beginnings, and endings. We’ll pause to honor this time as the New Year approaches with reflection, discussion, storytelling, and, as always, humor, music, and laughter. Stay for fellowship and a festive potluck brunch! Please bring a dish to share.



• Annie Lavin, Service Leader
• Michael Casey, Music
• Paul Chakroff, Greeter
• Marilyn Chakroff, Coffee Host

This week's music:

• "Morning has Broken" #38 (grey hymnal)
• "Just as Long as I Have Breath" #6 (grey hymnal)

Please CLICK HERE to join us via Zoom.

JAN 04 | "Inner and Outer Travel, the Journey of Self-Discovery," Rev. Kathryn Adams, Minister — In-person & Zoom

As we start the new year, let's talk about our travels and journeys. Michael Crichton offers a beautiful blend of his literal and figurative travels in his autobiography. He describes his self-discovery with the loss of routine and comfort of his external travel as well as the transformative journey of his inner travel in spiritual experiences. Let us reflect on this life journey as we pass this milestone.

JAN 11 | "New Year's Resolutions: Bah, Humbug!" Rev. Greg Chute, Guest Speaker — In-person & Zoom

It is tempting at this time of year to make resolutions to improve ourselves. What do they say about us; our hopes, dreams, desires? Why do they so often fail? What alternatives might we have?

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• This Week's Worship Service
• Upcoming Worship Services
• This Issue's Contents
• Helpful Links, Office Hours, Upcoming Events Calendar
• Minister's Column
• Potluck Brunch — December 28
• UU & UUCR Information Session — December 28
• Special Congregational Meeting — January 4
• Multigenerational Game Night — January 3
• First Thursday Conversations — January 8
• Insight Meditation Group Retreat — Jan 10
• Democracy Corner
• Birthdays

Merry Christmas!!!

Wherever you are, I wish you and those you love a fabulous Christmas.

This is one of the high holy days for our Christian siblings. Let us join our voices to theirs singing "Joy to the World."

Thank you to everyone who made our Eve of the Eve celebration a fun, warm, time. It was wonderful to see so many of our family members. I am grateful to all our readers, those who offered reflections, and the beautiful music. This was a beautiful service to close our ministry in 2025 as we pivot to 2026.

After gathering together to say goodbye to 2025 with our final Sunday service of the year, we will welcome in the new year with a festive holiday potluck brunch following the service. Please bring a dish to share.

The Membership Committee will host an information session about Unitarian Universalism and the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River (UUCR) on Sunday, December 28, 2025, after the “potluck brunch.” If you have been visiting for a while, have just dropped in, want to learn about Unitarian Universalism in general, or are interested in becoming a member of UUCR, please plan to attend.

For more information, contact Diane Shields, Membership Committee Chair.

There will be a special congregational meeting for book-signed members following the service on Sunday, January 4, to approve up to $24,000 from UUCR funds for replacement of the failing and leaking roof over the sanctuary. This expenditure exceeds the limit that the board can spend without congregational approval, so this vote is required to let a contract for the needed repairs.

Jan Sprinkel, UUCR Board President

It's once again time for First Saturday's Multi-generational Game Night, which will take place on Saturday, January 3^rd at 6:30 pm. Please consider coming to enjoy some friendly competition with your fellow congregants.

Rev. Kathryn schedules appointments for in-person conversations on first Thursdays starting at noon. The next "Conversations" date is Thursday, January 8^th.

The Insight Meditation Group will be holding a retreat at UUCR from 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturday, January 10. They will be using the entire building. Please keep this in mind when planning your access to UUCR on that date.

DECEMBER



05 | Carlee Berkenkemper

07 | Pat Bjorke

08 | Lynn Donahue

JANUARY

01| Vida Morley

04 | Dianne Turpin

14 | Judy Graham

22 | Clark Bjorke

We want to help celebrate your birthday!

If we didn't include your birthday, please contact the UUCR office by email