Book Group Plans

There will be no December meeting of the book group. We will begin the 2015 New Year reading novels written by church members. Bring a copy to the meeting and the author will sign it. We love to support our homegrown authors!

For January 25 we will read Heather Menzies Jones' Nanoman; this is available from Amazon (you will need her middle name). We will also have a copy or two to pass around. The novel takes an irreverant look at modern American life with a great deal of humor while it also tells a good story.

For February we will read Steven Farrington's Rodrigo's Land. It isalsoavailable from Amazon in both paperback and ebook editions. This historical novel is set in Cuba, 1514. Intrigue and mystery....

This Week at First Universalist

Thank you for keeping us updated, both when you schedule events and when you need to cancel one!  Please continue to do so. Send news of your events to [email protected]; or call 546-2826.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR DECEMBER 14, 2014:

NEXT SERVICE: Sunday, December 21: Thou Art That. Who are we? Something in us keeps asking that question, and society is happy to try to answer it for us through marketing and advertising. The great spiritual teachers, from Jesus of Nazareth to the ancient authors of the Upanishads, have whispered their own riddle-like answer. Rev. Celie Katovitch.

NEXT DROP-IN DISCUSSION: Sunday, December 21: A Vision for 100% Renewable Energy.  Hal Bauer will present a study of how to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by a team including his son, Zachary Bauer, for the Stanford University Solutions Project.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Kids ages four and older join us every week in the sanctuary for the first portion of our worship service. Children's Worship begins after the Message for All Ages. Nursery care for babies and younger children is on the second floor provided throughout the service. We also have seating in our second floor foyer, where parents can hold their little ones and listen to the service via speaker.

ARE YOU NEW TO FIRST UNIVERSALIST?  Have you come a few times and want to find out more about Unitarian Universalism and our congregation?  Then stop by the Welcome Table  in the Clara Barton Lounge during coffee hour.  You'll find friendly folks there every Sunday who are eager to talk with you!

FOOD INGATHERING is today. Donations of non-perishable food items will be collected to benefit The Community Food Cupboard. If you can, let's please make this a wonderful collection for the folks who need the Cupboard at this holiday season.  While all items are welcome, some of the staples are low sodium soup, peanut butter, beans and mac & cheese.

 DECK THE HALLS WITH...CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS! Today is the last day to order from Marcy Klein or Eileen Fernandez. $9.  Please specify whether you will take the plant home with you after the Christmas Eve service or you want to donate it to our Congregation without Walls.  If you'd like to dedicate the plant in memory or honor of someone, we'll list his/her name in the Order of Service on Sunday, December 21^st and on Christmas Eve.  Also, if you'd like to deliver a plant to someone, we welcome your help!

 OUR WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SHOPPE will continue for this Sunday and next- but don't delay- hot selling items are going fast!  Visit the table in the lounge during coffee hour and pick up a few gifts or a wonderful treat.   We will accept donations for the shoppe through the final day of sales on December 21.  Contact Paula Marchese ([email protected]) for information, or just bring your item to church.  Remember that all proceeds from the Holiday Shoppe go to benefit our church's many programs!

CHRISTMAS COOKIES: If you are able to bring a dozen cookies for the reception after the Christmas Eve service, please contact Tom Williams.

ATTENTION POETRY LOVERS: If you will be joining us for the service on Sunday, December 28, please consider bringing a favorite poem to share with the congregation. It should be not too long, and on one or both of our twin themes of midwinter/solstice and spring and renewal. (Please understand, we may not have time for every poem.) Questions? Contact worship associate Bridget Watts.

THE CLOCK IS TICKING- AND AUCTION TIME IS COMING! The big day is February 1, after the church service,  but NOW is the time to plan!  Think about what you might like to donate to the auction- perhaps a dinner,  gathering, or unique item. Donation forms and information will be available by December 21,  so it's not too soon to get excited!  Watch for more information in weeks to come,  and contact Ann Rhody ([email protected]) or Paula Marchese ([email protected]) with questions.

BE A SECRET SANTA FOR RAIHN with gift cards - Holidays are especially difficult for homeless families.  Parents want to provide for their children - clothing, toys, a hot meal.  You can help empower these parents by donating gift cards through RAIHN.  Cards from Target, Tops, gas cards, RTS bus passes - all are welcome.  You can send your cards to the RAIHN Day Center, 34 Meigs Street, 14607, or you can give them to Marti Eggers who will deliver them to the Day Center where staff will distribute them.  Thank you!

MITTEN TREE: Please bring in mittens, gloves, hats and scarves, and place them under the tree. This year, in addition to children at School 7, we will collect items for adults, and hope to provide warmth for the difficult to serve homeless population that often seek shelter around our church. Please bring bulky items directly to the House of Mercy at 725 Hudson Avenue (546-2580). Last day to drop off items is Sunday, December 28.

SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE SURVEY FORM: Please take the time to fill our orange survey form by the Social Justice bulletin board in the Clara Barton lounge. Your input will help us to prioritize issues and stay engaged in those initiatives you want to participate in.

EASTMAN LUNCHTIME CONCERT SERIES: Concerts are  held each Thursday at 12:15. They are free and open to the public.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER? If you are considering making First Universalist your spiritual home, you are warmly invited to chat with Rev. Celie any time. Please drop by her office after the service or contact her to arrange a conversation. 

A CARING COMMITTEE REMINDER: When a family member enters the hospital, needs emergency meals, needs transportation to church, or wants home visits; please contact Ruth Fitzgerald [email protected] 225-0555,or Eileen Fernandez, [email protected].

HEARING LOOP IN SANCTUARY: Please use the T setting on your hearing aid or see an usher for a receiver.