Sunday, December 23 - 10:30 AM

“The Darkness Before the Dawn”
Rev. Tim Kutzmark

Poet Rainer Maria Rilke wrote: “Darkness from which I come, I love you more than all the fires that fence out the world . . . darkness holds it all . . . all power, all sight .. . I have faith in the night.”  As we pass through the Winter Solstice and the longest night of the year, join us for a service reflecting on the spiritual gifts of darkness and night.  Special Solstice-themed music provided by Ryan Patterson and Clyde Hardin, Sharyn Taitz and Al Mosier, Beth and Al Murray, and Roald Wilson.

Sunday, December 23 – 1:00  PM (rescheduled due to the storm this past December 16th)

When The Holidays Hurt” – A Gentle Service of Support”
Rev. Tim Kutzmark

Join Rev. Tim for a gentle service of support for anyone who finds themselves grieving a loss, or challenged, hurting, or struggling during this holiday season. The holidays can be such a difficult time for many of us.  With all the colors, and lights, and songs and parties, it can be hard to find a quiet place that acknowledges some of us are struggling.  Perhaps we've lost a loved one, or a job, or our sense of hope.  Perhaps we struggle with depression or stress or anxiety.  Perhaps someone we love is ill, or we are ill.  Perhaps we feel alone.  Perhaps we don't celebrate Christmas because it is not part of our spiritual tradition. We are opening our doors to anyone who hurts in any way this holiday season, and offering a safe and healing place for comfort and support.  Everyone from the community is welcome.  Special music by Roald Wilson (Please note special 1:00 PM time)

Monday, December 24, 2006

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES - At 5:30 and 7:15 PM

Join us on this sacred evening of story, carols, and hope renewed. 

5:30 PM Family Service—An interactive child-friendly service suited to families and children who might need to wiggle a bit.  The service will include traditional candle lighting and passing of the flame, as well as the telling of the Nativity Story.  UUCR Choir will sing.  As an opportunity to help our children reach out beyond themselves this season, we are requesting that each child bring with them an item of clothing that will be collected as part of the service and donated to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota: Please bring fleece or wool socks, Sweat Shirts or Fleece tops any size new or gently used, hats, gloves, scarves or mittens for adults or children.

7:15 PM Traditional Candlelight Service—Join us for a reflective service of carols and readings, ending with the traditional candle lighting and passing of the flame.  The UUCR Adult Choir will offer selections, including the long-standing choral benediction of the “Hallelujah Chorus.”

NOTE: The offertory at both services will be donated to Cangleska, Inc., an organization that operates the only battered women’s shelter on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.   Cangleska assists families with payment of their utilities. Pine Ridge, home to members of the Native American Lakota Sioux Tribe, is considered one of the poorest counties in the United States.  All money collected will be sent to Cangleska, Inc.  to help purchase heating and fuel during the long winter months.  Checks can be made payable to Cangleska, Inc., with the notation “Utilities Fund.”

Sunday, December 30, 2007 10:30 AM

“The Personal Epiphany”
Tony Fisher, Worship Arts

Our most profound religious experiences, or epiphanies, can have the power to change the way we think and act. How then can we align the non-rational aspect of 'mystical' events with a religion that holds up reason as the light on the pathway to truth?

Sunday, January 6, 2008 10:30 AM

“Bridges and Beginnings – A Service for the New  Year”
Rev. Tim Kutzmark and Guest Vocalist, Michael Ricca

Join us as we begin the New Year with a celebration of the year just ended, of those who have passed into the mysteries of death, and of the unfolding gift of life itself in a brand new year.  We’ll have special music, an opportunity for each of us to memorialize our loved ones who died in 2007, and Rev. Tim will share a message to point us all towards the hope of the future. Joining Rev. Tim this morning is vocalist Michael Ricca, who returns to UUCR to share reflective songs.   Michael Ricca has appeared off-Broadway, and in Boston at the Huntington Theater Company and the SpeakEasy Theater Company.  Most recently, he played to sold-out crowds at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston.  The UUCR choir will also sing.  NOTE: Please bring back your “Guest At Your Table Boxes” today

Dear Friends:

In this season of light, color, and gentle joy, may the spirit of hope and renewal—however you understand or experience it—touch your life and the lives of those you love.  May your sadness be tempered by the caring touch of those who love you.  And may the Great Mystery that holds us all envelope your heart and mind with some promise of peace.

As Maya Angelou writes:

It is the Glad Season.
Thunder ebbs to silence and lightning sleeps
            quietly in the corner.
Floodwaters recede into memory.
Snow becomes a yielding cushion to aid us
As we make our way to higher ground.

Hope is born again in the faces of children.
It rides on the shoulders of our aged as they
            walk into their sunsets.
Hope spreads around the earth, brightening
            all things,
Even hate, which crouches breeding in
            dark corridors.

In our joy, we think we hear a whisper.
At first it is too soft.  Then only half heard.
We listen carefully as it gathers strength.
We hear a sweetness.
The word is Peace.
It is loud now.
Louder than the explosion of bombs.

We tremble at the sound  We are thrilled by
            its presence.
It is what we have hungered for.

Someday, may it be so.  See you on the path.

Tim

PS: I hope to see you at one of our two Christmas Eve Services.  They are always specials moments of song and story.  And don’t forget our January 6th service to welcome in the New Year will give you a chance to remember and light a candle for loves ones who have died.

PPS: Chalice Circles begin meeting in January.  This is perhaps the best opportunity at our church to connect with others and explore the important questions in life.  We all search for meaning and a sense of belonging.  Chalice Circles, our small group spiritual reflection groups, is one simple way to discover some of this.  If you haven’t signed up to participate, give yourself a true gift and do so today.  Email the Church Office or call 781-944-0494 for more information.

Holiday Coffee Hour!

Due to snow, freezing rain, and high winds on Sunday December 16th, the Fellowship Committee and Holiday Open House Hosts decided  to reschedule and revise our Holiday Open House Event.  The Event has now been moved to December 23, as a Holiday Coffee Hour right after church. Join us then for special treats and conversation in Fellowship Hall. Hope to see you there. 

Santa's Sleigh !!

For the fourth year in a row, the people of Cruz Electric in Woburn provided a delivery truck to take the "Undecorate the Tree" presents to the Malden office of DSS.
 
Santa's elves, who carried all of the gifts out of Community Hall and loaded them on the "sleigh" include:  Eric Tuvell; Eric Barras; Rose Mini of DSS; Judy Bousquin; Justin DiMichelle and Ricky Anderson from Cruz Electric. (not shown: Meghan Young).
 
A  very hearty and sincere “thank you” goes out to all of you who provided gifts, collected gifts, packed gifts, and helped load them.  To provide this service for 102 children is a mammoth task and we so appreciate all who helped in this project.  Also a special thanks to Cruz Electric who provided the truck and manpower to deliver these gifts to the DSS office in Malden.  Linda King and Margaret Soli

NEW UU CLASS TO BEGIN IN JANUARY

Are you new to the church?  Would you like to meet other folks who are new as well?  Have you been here a while but would like to learn more about Unitarian Universalism, or get to know some new people in a fun, small group setting?  Are you thinking about becoming a member of UUCR?  Then the NEW UU CLASS is just the thing for you.  Join Rev. Tim for a four-week exploration and introduction to our faith.  The class will be held on four consecutive Tuesdays: January 15, 22, 29, and February 5 from 7:00—9:00 PM. Registration is required, please call the church office at 781-944-0494, email the Church Office , or sign up in the new atrium .

WHAT DO I WANT TO DO WITH THE SECOND HALF OF MY LIFE

Are you at a point in your life where you're stepping back - taking stock of where you've been and thinking about what lies ahead? Are there interests that you yearn to pursue? Are there changes - big or small - that you want to make? Is the life you're living in alignment with your passions and principles? Join with others for a morning of personal exploration. Using exercises involving private reflection and group conversation, we will clarify values, articulate dreams and make commitments aimed toward creating lives of passion and purpose. 

Facilitator: Ann Fisher Saturday, January 12, 2008, 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon. 

Registration is requested.  You may sign up during coffee hour.  Sign up sheet available in atrium.  Or call the office at 781-944-0494 or email the Church Office .

REGISTER FOR CHALICE CIRCLE!

The Chalice Circle program is designed to foster connections and caring, provide an avenue for personal growth and spiritual development and ultimately strengthen the foundation of our community.  Contact Nora Buckley or call 781-944-7591.

COACHING YOUR TEEN TO SUCCESS – 7 SIMPLE STEPS TO TRANSFORM RELATIONSHIPS AND ENRICH LIVES

This series of workshops will teach parents how to use coaching techniques to improve their relationship with their teens.  The program will focus on assisting parents to develop more confidence in their ability to support their teens progress in becoming respectful, accountable and contributing adults.  This workshop series will take place on Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30 pm in Loring House - Room 103.  This workshop will be presented on January 22nd & 29th and February 5th, 12th & 26th.  Materials fee is $15.00 for the cost of the book, which participants will use for the duration of the series.  Sign up during coffee hour or by emailing Marsha Finkelstein .

The workshop series is facilitated by Marsha Finkelstein, a new member of the UUCR.  Marsha is co-active life coach and has many years experience working with teens and parents.

UU SERVICE COMMITTEE HOLIDAY CARDS:  THANK YOU!

Thanks to all who bought UUSC holiday cards the last few Sundays. Of the $12 price of each pack of cards, about $8 goes to UUSC programs—so UUCR members and friends have helped the UUSC put about another $208 to work toward social justice in the world..

GUEST AT YOUR TABLE BOX RETURN DATES JANUARY 6TH AND JANUARY 13TH

Please continue to share with the UU Service Committee “guest at your table” throughout Christmas and New Year by placing donations in your GAYT box, and return it to church at the January 6 or 13 service. If you didn’t receive a box, you can still pick one up at the Welcome Table in the atrium or email Ann Mark (781-944-8769).  The UUSC is our faith’s social justice organization, working with and for people in the US and around the world.

UUA RESOURCES ON IMMIGRATION REFORM

The Unitarian Universalist Association supports comprehensive immigration reform and has endorsed the New Sanctuary Movement. For more information and to see a video of UUA president Rev. Bill Sinkford speaking at an immigrant rights’ rally, please visit http://www.uua.org/socialjustice/issues/immigration/index.shtml. (If you don’t have Internet access, contact Anne Mark (above) for a copy of the written material.)

Leading Congregations into a Multiracial, Multicultural Future

Feb. 22-24, 2008 in San Jose, CA
Building on the success of the February 2007 national conference, Congregational Services of the UUA invites you to join congregational leaders from around the country to explore the dynamics of creating multiracial, multicultural congregations. The 2007 conference reinforced how essential it is for Unitarian Universalists to continue with this important work as we seek to build just and inclusive communities through our commitment that is rooted in Unitarian Universalist identity, theology, and values. For more information and to register, visit http://www.uua.org/events/multiracialmulticultural/index.shtml  

Church School and Events

Sunday, Dec. 23
• – Pre-k through Grade 6 begin in Sanctuary. Multi age Church School follows in Community Hall until 11:45. Playschool with Jenn in Sawyer. No Senior High Youth Group.

Saturday, December 22Sunday, December 16

Youth Adult Committee leads an all church Solstice Worship Service from 5 – 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary followed by a light potluck dinner and Party.

*PLEASE BRING A WINTER DECORATION TO TIE ONTO THE SOLSTICE WREATH, BELLS TO RING FOR THE SERVICE and A TRADITIONAL FOOD TO SHARE AT THE PARTY.*

Monday Dec. 24th

Christmas Eve Service 5:30 Family, 7:15 Traditional.

For the Family Service at 5:30 please bring warm winter items that will be sent to the people of Pine Ridge Reservation.

Sunday, Dec. 30

• Children begin in Community Hall for Multiage Religious Education Program.
• Playschool with Jenn in Sawyer.
• No Senior High Youth Program.

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS!

• Saturday, December 22 at 5:00 p.m. in the church Sanctuary the Youth Adult Committee and Senior High Youth Program will be leading a wonderful Solstice Service. The service is open to all! Please join us afterwards for a Solstice Celebration in Fellowship Hall.
• For the Solstice Service please bring a winter symbol to tie onto our Solstice Wreath and bells to ring enthusiastically during the service. For the Solstice Party please bring a traditional food item or drink to share.  The Service is from 5 – 6 p.m. The Party begins in Fellowship Hall after the service and ends at 7:30 p.m.  See you Saturday for a Service of Renewal and Love!

On Sunday, December 23 the children will begin in the Sanctuary for a brief solstice story. During the multiage program that follows in Community Hall the children will paint and decorate the figures for our Christmas Eve Family Service. There are Wise men and Shepherds, an Angel, Mary and Joseph and of course, Baby Jesus. They will paint and use other materials to bring these wood figures to life!

The Family Christmas Eve Service is Monday, December 24 at 5:30. This is a wonderful interactive service for people of all ages. Join us for the Nativity Story, Christmas Carols and the passing of the light. Please bring fleece or wool socks, Sweat Shirts or Fleece tops any size new or gently used, hats, gloves, scarves or mittens for adults or children. These items will be donated to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. We will be taking a collection during the service for fuel assistance for the Native American residents of Pine Ridge Reservation. Please send your tax-deductible check or money order made out to Cangleska, Inc.  For year round support of the people of Pine Ridge Reservation visit http://www.friendsofpineridgereservation.org/. They are always looking for books and other materials that are simple to purchase or we may have around our homes.

The Christmas Eve Traditional Service will be at 7:15 p.m. We will be taking a collection during the service for fuel assistance for the Native American residents of Pine Ridge Reservation. Please send your tax-deductible check or money order made out to Cangleska, Inc.  For year round support of the people of Pine Ridge Reservation visit http://www.friendsofpineridgereservation.org/. They are always looking for books and other materials that are simple to purchase or we may have around our homes.

Sunday, December 30 the children will begin in Community Hall for a fun multiage program.
Our Traditional Resolution Stars are coming up! Reflect on your dreams of last year and begin the thoughtful process of looking forward into the New Year. What do you want to accomplish? How do you want to live on the planet? How do you want to treat others and how do you want to be treated by others? Resolution Stars are a great way to start the New Year! 

How Can This Be? 

In the December 10, 2007 edition of TIME magazine, on page 22, the state of Massachusetts ranks lowest for children of low-income families in the country. When it comes to health and education for low-income children, our state is the worst according to a new report using data from 2003.  Go to the Annie E. Casey Foundation at http://www.aecf.org/ to download and read the report.   With the most saturated Unitarian Universalist church population in the country, how can we let this happen?!  “It is surprising,” says report co-author William O’Hare about the plight of poor kids in rich states. “There is a crucial sense of community lacking in the metropolitan areas.”  So Unitarian Universalist families, what can we do? I bet, A LOT! “tis the season to reach out…”

New Orleans! 

The Senior High Youth Program held its first New Orleans Planning Meeting Committee. “It will be a week-long trip of creating a relationship with the community in New Orleans, educating ourselves about the culture and the current situation, and most importantly offering our assistance and support through labor.”, as written in the parent letter that is being sent this week to parents of SHYP youth.   The youth are planning this trip and creating their itinerary. They will travel and work in New Orleans during April vacation, possibly leaving on Friday, April 18th.  After the holidays look for our Blog on the church website! (Thanks, Chris!)  You will be able to follow along with our process and plans.

Congratulations 8th Grade O.W.L.

The 8th grade O.W.L. class celebrated their expertise on Sunday, December 9 at the end of the program event! Parents and youth faced each other during the traditional STD Jeopardy Game. Congratulations 8th graders and thank you facilitators Donna Colebrook, Sue Hildreth and Steve McCrory.