Stillness is so often elusive in life – especially during the holidays. But it can also be something we so want to run from, something we try to escape when we’re deep in the valley of life’s struggles. This Sunday, I’ll tell you the story of how I learned the transformative power of stillness and came to know deep in my being that our worth is inherent and unconditional.

To join online, go to zoom.us/j/89214621289

UUCSW is now pleased to offer closed captioning of our online Sunday services! To view the captions in Zoom, navigate to the bottom of your screen and click on "Closed Captions" and then "Show Subtitles." We would appreciate hearing your feedback on how well this new feature works for you. You may submit your comments to office@uucsw.org.

Dear Congregation:

We are doing the Giving Tree this year, but it will be different because of COVID. Instead of specific gifts, all children will receive $50 gift cards to either Walmart, Marshalls, Target or the Solomon Pond Mall. The children request one of these four types of gift cards. Please note these specific instructions on how to participate:

Thank you!! I hope we can do our share to help children in need this holiday season! If you have questions, please email me at the above address or call/text me at 856-669-9954. - Erin Boudreaux 

Join us on December 9 from 4:00 – 5:30 pm for our monthly meeting. We will first discuss committee business, then consider characteristics of white supremacy culture. What are they? Where do we see them in our personal life? work life? church life? Curious but unable to join us? You can learn more here.

If the meeting time does not work for you, please let Jane know of your interest; you can reach her at janenboro@aol.com or 508-393-9206.

Otherwise, the meeting Zoom link is: zoom.us/j/84599163211.

We are continuing this fundraiser throughout the year. For every card purchased, the church receives 5% of the face value back. If you are interested in purchasing some cards to support the fundraiser, contact Lisa Shumway at treasurer@uucsw.org.

Please consider participating in a congregational food drive to benefit the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) which provides meals for people in Worcester. At this time they are especially in need of: 6-8 ounce juice boxes/pouches; fresh fruit, especially apples and pears; 16 oz. packages of bologna, pre-packaged slices; and boxes of chewy/soft granola bars. There will be a collection for these items on Tuesday, December 22nd between 4:30 and 5:45 pm at the Ruggles Street door of UUCSW. Please reach out to Libba Moore at libbamoore13@gmail.com ahead of time if there's a better time for you. Food will be delivered to SMOC on December 23rd. Thank you for help with this. - Your friends on the Social Justice Committee

It's the second week of giving with our values! Last week we talked about local bookstores. This week let's talk bath products that give back. I personally love giving soap because it's something we all need and use regularly, so it doesn't add to the mountain of unnecessary stuff. Here are some of my favorites. All of them are small, women-run businesses:

Gifted by FreeFrom - this is an organization that teaches financial literacy and business skills to survivors of domestic violence. They make beautiful products and they're paid a living wage.

Thistle Farms - similarly, this is an organization that was started by an Episcopal priest as a way of funding a home for women who had been trafficked or forced into sex work.

Avital's Apiaries - this one is run by local bee keepers in upstate New York. Support bees and use less plastic! I love the rosemary shampoo and conditioner bars.

Spooner Hill Soap Works - these are made by a local UU minister. You can even get them embossed with a chalice!

What are your favorite products to give that do good? - Rev. Laurel