On January 1, 2017 we will have one service at 11:15am. This service is going to be a bit different as it will be a Question & Answer session with our Interim Minister, Rev. Dave Johnson. To make this service go smoothly please submit all questions to our worship associate, John Hochella at jhochella@cox.net, no later than Friday, December 23.
9:45 am & 11:15 am
When the Tofu Hits the Turnstile
(Or: The Trials of Job and Ludwig: “Why Me?”)
Rev. David Johnson, Interim Minister
A tragedy strikes without warning -- shaking us to the core. Amidst confusion, rage, or desolation those who suffer loss seek answers: "Why?"; "What now shall I do?". We'll re-visit the trials of Job (from the Hebrew Bible) and Ludwig (van Beethoven), and their relevance for us today. Special choral and piano music will honor Beethoven's birthday (born December 16, 1770).
Our share-the-plate special collection will benefit Greater Williamsburg Outreach Mission
This is the Sunday when we recognize new members who have recently joined our congregation. We will introduce these new members at the 11:15 service
The Social Justice team and GWOM invite you to stay after the 11:15 service for a café conversation to answer questions and talk about GWOM volunteer opportunities.
Monday, December 12
9:30 am, Social Justice Team Meeting, Sanctuary
6:30 pm, Ministerial Search Committee, Parker House
7:00 pm, Buddhist Meditation, Sanctuary
Tuesday, December 13
5:00 pm, Stewardship Team Meeting, Fahs House
5:00 pm, All Together Meeting, Parker House
7:00 pm, Worship Team Meeting, Fahs House
Wednesday, December 14
6:00 pm, DC March Planning Meeting, Fahs House
7:30 pm, Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
Thursday, December 15
7:30 pm, Program Council Meeting, Fahs House
9:45 am & 11:15 am
“You Were Expecting Someone Special?”
Rev. Dave Johnson, Interim Minister
The word “mystery” has two distinct meanings. The familiar meaning of mystery is that it’s a puzzle, or a problem to solve by careful observation, interpretation, and ingenuity. A mystery, in this sense, is a barrier to be overcome. An alternative interpretation is that mystery is the realm of uncertainty, doubt, and ambiguity in which we live. A mystery – in this sense – fosters deeper curiosity, the framing of different questions, and openness to amazement. Christmas is this second sort of mystery. We’ll consider the down-to-earth ordinariness of the Christmas message
The Ministerial Search Committee invites you to join us for a Cafe Conversation following each service on December 18th. Hear about the completion of our Congregational Record and Profile Book as well as next steps. We look forward to answering your questions!
Wednesday, December 14
In Fahs House
At 6:00 PM
Contact austen@wuu.org Planning Meeting
On January 21, 2017 we will unite in Washington, DC for the Women’s March on Washington recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country. This community is here to affirm that each and every person on this planet has inherent worth and dignity. Gather at Williamsburg U.U. early morning Jan. 21. $55 round trip. Bus scholarships available. Contact Austen at austen@wuu.org for information. Please share.
You may also request to join our Facebook Page "The Nasty Knitters" by clicking HERE
On November 13th, we kicked off the Guest At Your Table Project! Everyone received boxes to collect money for UUSC, which is raising money for organizations serving refugees, asylum seekers and other marginalized groups this year. If you need a collection box, please see Austen Petersen or Lindsay Usher on Sunday! Please remember to keep adding to your collection box as often as you are able, every little bit helps! We will be collecting the boxes at the service on Sunday, December 18. Any questions about G.A.Y. T. can be directed to Lindsay Usher (usherle@gmail.com).
Greater Williamsburg Outreach Mission (GWOM) and WUU will be partnering on GWOM’s newest mission, Grace Haven Family Shelter at Parker House.
The GWOM family shelter task force and WUU Alternative Income Committee have crafted a lease agreement, approved by both boards, to allow GWOM to lease Parker House as the home for GWOM’s newest mission, Grace Haven Family Shelter.
GWOM’s vision for Grace Haven Family Shelter is to house families (one or two adults with 2-4 children, self-identified as a family) for 30-90 days while needs assessment of services and search for permanent housing is taking place, in partnership with Williamsburg House of Mercy. Kim Barbarji, WUU congregant, has been hired as Grace Haven Family Shelter director and case manager. Helen Hansen, GWOM secretary and WUU member, will be the WUU/GWOM coordinator. The WUU CIT committee and Housing Partnerships will be working on the Parker House renovation from offices to a home. Volunteers to assist in the renovation will be most welcome.
A café conversation will take place December 11 to give details of the Grace Haven Family Shelter mission. Share the plate on December 11 will be dedicated to the GWOM missions, which includes The Harbor Day Center, located at Williamsburg House of Mercy, 10 Harrison Ave. which provides week day hospitality for our homeless neighbors. Volunteers to staff the kitchen, showers, and hospitality desk are welcome. Please contact Helen Hansen (helenfoxhansen@gmail.com) for more details about GWOM volunteer opportunities.
Thank You!
Many thank you’s to those who helped feed guests at the COFM Homeless Shelter at Life Church this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Thank you for bringing food, serving, and cleaning up to Mary Gross, Ann Luchsinger, Sue and Coe Walkley, Pam Jensen, Charlotte Sorenson, Dean Georgsson, Martha and Raga Elim, Fred Gilbertson, Dave Stanford, Ben and Beth Puckett, Trenna Tankersley, Ivonne Luchs, Nancy Carnegie, Flora Adams, Ann and David Tetrault, Ann Stephens, Corey Butram, Sue and Nora Peterson, Tim Costello, Rachel Delbos, Lee Hougen and Larry Ventis. The guests seemed to enjoy the food—they came back for seconds and thirds! I personally can’t wait until we can host for a whole week back at our own buildings—and using our new kitchen! -Jessica O'Brien
Food For FISH (Our local community food & clothing pantry)
FISH continues to ask for BEEF stew (it seems people really like beef and they don't get much of that) and holiday foods: mashed potatoes, gravy, cornbread stuffing, broth, green beans, yams, cranberries. thank you!
Please make sure packages are sealed and all "use by" dates are current. Thank you all!
Each year during the winter holiday season we ask for you to bring in new packages of socks and underwear (all sizes, ages, genders). These donations are collected in our red "FISH wagon" and placed underneath our Christmas tree. Right after the new year begins we take the much needed donations to FISH to be distributed to those in need. They are very grateful for our unique donation each year. Let's make this our biggest donation year yet!
Peninsula Agency on Agency Giving Tree
WUU and the Peninsula Agency on Aging are working together to make the holidays cheerful for local seniors!
The Peninsula Agency on Aging is a local non-profit that provides resources to senior citizens who have decided to “age in place”. Our services include: case management, transportation, personal care and providing information about resources in our area.
This year, we hope to connect our most economically disadvantaged seniors with members of the WUU congregation who might be able to provide a small gift for the holiday. If you would like to participate, please choose an ornament from the tree. On the ornament, you will find information regarding the recipient. Please make sure to return your wrapped gift and the ornament you selected (so we know who to give it to) by December 17! Gifts will be delivered during the week of December 17. PAA’s clients are always grateful for even the smallest kindness shown to them. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUAL KINDNESS AND COMPASSION!
The Ministerial Search Committee invites you to join us for a Cafe Conversation following each service on December 18th. Hear about the completion of our Congregational Record and Profile Book as well as next steps. We look forward to answering your questions!
Come one, come all to the annual All-Ages Yule Sing, when we enjoy dinner and caroling in the Sanctuary. We’ll sing along with music provided by our own Dave Robbins while we make ornaments and decorate the Christmas tree. There will be some special activities offered for the littlest ones among us. Owing to the building renovation, we have no kitchen or kitchen equipment or even running water in the sanctuary, so instead of “potluck,” dinner will be provided this year. We will offer a variety of sandwiches, raw veggies, chips and cookies, in other words, “finger foods!” If you would like to bring cookies to share, please contact DRE Austen Petersen: austen@wuu.org or call 757-220-6830
Don’t forget—please bring some new socks or underwear for FISH to place under the tree. Come, join us for this festive event, which has been celebrated every December since 1990!
Our book sales program is quite busy. Please bring your used padded envelopes on Sunday so we can save some shipping costs. The box will be near the door.
Tabernacle Band
Tabernacle Band plays December 20. What is Tabernacle Band you ask? It is WUU's intergenerational "no-fault" band. This is the place for musicians young, old and in between who play or have ever played an instrument. So get those instruments out of the closet and join us. There in ONE rehearsal at 10:15 on Sunday before we play at the 11:15 service. Jamie Bartlett makes the magic happen. Music will be available two or three weeks before we play at http://tabband.weebly.com/index.html Click on the instrument(s) you play and print out your music.
A Message from Glen and Melinda Morgan
Glen and Melinda Morgan - We have made a mutual decision to follow our hearts and go our separate ways. Glen is looking forward to going home to his son and family in Williamsport, PA leaving on Saturday, December 10. His phone number will remain the same. Melinda will stay in Williamsburg until the condo sells and will then be moving to Clayton, NC to be near her daughter's family. It is a sad but exciting time for us both and we appreciate the warm friendships we have made at WUU. It has been a life changing experience for us both.
Sunday Morning Teams
We are still looking to fill vacancies in our teams that help to make our Sunday's run smoothly. If you can volunteer to help pass out Orders of Service, help direct folks, or maybe even to help coordinate volunteers please contact Ellyn in the office at 757-220-6830 or office@wuu.org and she will match you up. We can't do it without you!
Building Our Future 2016-Construction
There has been a lot going on here on the WUU Campus. Click Here to see the latest photos.
