This is a busy time of the year for religious and spiritual communities across the world, and we are no different. So much to celebrate, reflect on, and look forward to!
We thought it’d be helpful if we laid out all the holiday activities for the remainder of December. Please refer to our website and upcoming SOUNDINGS for more detail, including complete rehearsal times, sign-up sheets, and contacts, where applicable.
Thursday, December 12
5:00-6:00 PM – Rehearsal for Christmas Pageant
Saturday, December 14
• 5:00 PM – Join in the holiday spirit! We will create Gingerbread houses and enjoy our time together; young and old alike are welcome.
• 6:00 PM – Annual holiday potluck dinner: enjoy our community together over a shared meal. Sign up HERE.
• 7:00 PM – Carol sing-along. Gather around the piano for some good cheer: classic carols as well as more contemporary holiday chestnuts will be sung with gusto!
Sunday December 15
• 9:00 AM – contemplative service: “Advent and the Season of Hope” – Rev. John Morehouse
• 11:00 AM – Holiday Concert: Our Special Projects Choir presents Journey of Light by Ed Thompson. Accompanied by “authentic Irish instruments, and rhythmic jigs and reels, it is holiday music with a twist: secular, warm and melodic. The text is not biblical — but it is deeply spiritual. This work asks why we sing during the darkest of seasons. The answer: the importance of community, of sharing our own inner light, and … of yearly celebrations that date back thousands of years.” (from Dan Woog, blog 06880)
After both services:
• Holiday Boutique.There are new items available!
• CDs on sale to support our Music programs at the church.
• KIVA cards on sale to help entrepreneurs help themselves
Thursday, December 19
7:30 PM – Rehearsal for Christmas Eve Choir
Friday, December 20
7:00 PM Blue Christmas Service – Intern Minister, Margalie Belizaire, and Carrie McEvoy
We recognize that the holiday season can be a sad and difficult time for some. We want to acknowledge this and make room for it; for you, if this is your story. So, we invite you to come and be in a reflective space for the holding of your spirit without the trappings of commercialism. As so moved, we will sing, meditate, and reflect in a warm and supportive setting. Come co-create this supporting and loving space with us.
Saturday, December 21
4:00 PM – Sacred Circle Worship, Sanctuary
4:30-7:00 PM Candle-lit Labyrinth Walking Sanctuary
At Winter Solstice we celebrate the return of the light and renew our hope for the future. Part of sacred and ancient traditions, this is a time for deep reflection, letting go, and setting intentions for the new year. Marjorie Partch will provide guidance to those who are new to the practice of walking the labyrinth. Supporting materials will be available in the lobby, including meditative coloring and finger labyrinth pages. Come to one or both as you wish.
Sunday, December 22
9:00 and 11:00 AM regular services – “Letting in the Light” – Rev. John Morehouse
Rev. John ponders the awe of surrender in a time of darkness. “The creative process is a process of surrender, not control.” – Julia Cameron
We will recognize the first day of Hanukkah and the power of light.
Tuesday, December 24
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:00-5:00 PM – Christmas Pageant – Although this is the nativity story and produced on Christmas Eve, the essence of this story is not about a historical figure. Nor is it about historical documentary. It is about the ways that the story talks about the human condition. With costumes, carols, solos and readings.
9:00-10:00 PM – Christmas Eve Candle Light Service
A time for sharing the joy of the Christmas season. Carols, hymns, readings, candle-lighting, and contemplation are all part of this lovely annual event. Arguably one of the most moving services in our church calendar.
Sunday, December 29
11:00 AM Service – “Let Go, Get Grounded, Reach Out” – Margalie Belizaire, Intern Minister
Come to our “Stations” worship service, a ritual for All Ages. So often in our lives, we rush headlong into the next thing on our to-do list. In this last service of the calendar year, let’s create sacred space with one another, slow down long enough to let go of that which no longer serves us, plant seeds of intention to grow in the new year, bless each other, and imagine ways we can reach out to continue to grow together.
We wish the very best of the holiday season to you, your families and loved ones.
We look forward to seeing you in church at this special time of year. Peace to us all.