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Services take place at 9:30 am on Sundays in the UUS Sanctuary. A Social Hour follows around 10:30.
December 9th: "Unknown and Unknowable," Rev. Diane Dowgiert
Using the Buddhist concept of the “Unknowables,” we’ll consider some of the unknowns that make the holidays a difficult time for many. Why are we born or adopted into our particular family of origin? Why do the people we love have to die? Why do bad things happen to good people? How do we live with the reality of pain and loss in a season devoted to love and joy?
December 16th: "The Miracle of Light ," Rev. Diane Dowgiert
As the approaching winter spreads its blanket of darkness over us, when natural light is in limited supply, we gather as an intergenerational community to weave together stories from Christian, Pagan, and Native American traditions, and our own Unitarian Universalism. Join us as we kindle the holiday lights of faith, hope, and love.
RE and Childcare
Each Sunday, 1st-6th graders will be able to take part in activities directly related to that Sunday’s worship theme and story. We also offer classes for Pre-K/K, Jr. High, and Sr. High youth. For more information about their themes please contact the Director of Lifespan Religious Education.
Our Nursery is open for infant through preschool-aged childcare available starting at 9:20 am.
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The Offering in December Goes to
The Free Lunch Program
Your generosity this month helps pay the expenses of this important community program, which provides a healthy noon meal six days a week. The UUS Free Lunch volunteers are one of our most enthusiastic and energetic groups. Our first lunch was served to a few dozen hungry guests in the basement of the Wesley Foundation on August 8th, 1986 and we have not missed a second Friday since then!
Cash or checks to UUS (Free Dental Clinic on the memo line) can be given on Sundays, online, or mailed to the office. You can also text “GivetoUUSIC Offering $--” to 73256. Thank you!
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From Your Staff & Leadership
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Cycle of Life
Julia Audlehelm is undergoing hip surgery this week. If you would like to sign up to bring her a meal during her recovery, you can find the sign-up page here (or search for the last name Audlehelm on takethemameal.com: the password is "Oakdale).
Mary Kathryn Wallace is undergoing knee surgery this week. If you would like to sign up to bring her a meal during her recovery, you can find the sign-up page here. (or search for the last name Wallace on takethemameal.com: the password is "UUS.")
We hold Steve Vincent in our hearts as we mourn the loss of his partner, Linda Bolton, who passed away from pancreatic cancer on November 30th. You can find the obituary here. A memorial service and reception will be held at UUS at 1 pm this Sunday, December 9th.
 From Your Director of Congregational Life, Peggy Garrigues
No Inquirer Session this Sunday
Because of so many people being involved with the Congregational Meeting, there will not be an Inquirer Session this Sunday. Those who want to learn more about our congregation are welcome to attend the Congregational Meeting as an observer.
On a Spiritual Growth Retreat this Weekend
I will be on a spiritual growth retreat in Wisconsin this weekend, so I will not be at my office hours on Thursday afternoon, or at the service on Sunday.
Quire Concert on Saturday Evening December 15th
Eastern Iowa's LGBT Quire will be having its annual Winter Concert on Saturday December 15th, at 7:30 pm at Zion Lutheran Church, 310 N. Johnson St. in Iowa City. Peggy Garrigues and Dixie Cassady both sing in the Quire. The theme of this concert is "Beautiful Things."
 From Your Congregational Administrator, Emma Barnum
Out of Office Sundays, December 9th and 16th
I will be taking vacation days the next two Sundays and will not be in the office. If you need anything from me, please contact me during my office hours (9 am to 2 pm Monday through Thursday).
 From Your Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Jessica Zimmer
Community Meal, December 5th
Join us for our next Community Meal for all members, friends, and families of UUS tonight, December 5th, at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall. This month we'll be having a baked potato bar (with meat, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options). Don’t miss this monthly chance to get out of the kitchen and get to know each other a little better! There is no set charge, but donations are appreciated.
Last Call for Family Night Out, December 7th
If you are planning on attending Family Night Out this Friday and have yet to register, please do so by Thursday afternoon: bit.ly/UUSFamilyNightOut2018
On Friday, December 7th, from 6 to 9 pm, drop the kids off at UUS for a holiday pajama party while you enjoy an evening out! Put the kids in their favorite PJs and have them bring a pillow and blanket. We’ll provide dinner, a movie, games, snacks, and holiday crafts. This is your chance to do some holiday shopping or just have a quiet night off. This event is open to UUS families—registration is required. Email Jessica Zimmer (education@uusic.org) with any questions.
What Does it Mean to be a People of Mystery?
Each week we will be sharing resources as an opportunity for members to dig deeper into our monthly theme. Here are a few to check out this week!
- Question to consider: What was the first mystery to capture your imagination? How does that still shape you today?
- Wise Words: "On the way to the play we stopped to look at the stars. And as usual I felt in awe. And then I felt even deeper in awe at this capacity we have to be in awe about something. Then I became even more awestruck at the thought that I was, in some small way, a part of that which I was in awe about. And this feeling went on and on. My space chums got a word for it: ‘awe infinitum.’ Cause at the moment you are most in awe of all you don't understand, you're closer to understanding it all then at any other time. And I felt so good inside, my heart felt so full, I decided to set time aside each day to do 'awe-robics'." —Lilly Tomlin as “Trudy the Bag Lady”
- Reading: Coincidences and the Meaning of Life, by Julie Beck (The Atlantic)
- TED Talk Video: The Beauty of What We Will Never Know - Pico Iyer (10 min.)
- Music: Soul Matters Music for December 2018 - Mystery (Spotify Playlist)
All materials resources are from the Soul Matters Sharing Circle December 2018 Small Group Ministry Packet.
© 2018-19 Soul Matters ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Packets are for use only by member congregations of the Soul Matters Sharing Circle. Learn how to join at http://www.soulmatterssharingcircle.com
 From Your Nursery Supervisor, Anna Rode
Donations Requested
Accidents happen, and the nursery is requesting clothes and diapers for when they do!
We would appreciate donations of your kiddo's extra/outgrown clothes, gender neutral a bonus, in sizes 0-3mos all the way up to 5T. We are in need of a full outfit (shirt or onesie and pants, or sleepers/rompers) in each size, plus socks, for summer and winter.
We are also asking for a handful of diapers in each size 0-6. If you have something(s) you'd like to donate, please contact Anna, nursery@uusic.org
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Congregational Meeting, December 9th
A UUS Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, December 9th, after the service and a brief break (around 11 am). The agenda will include a report from the Stewardship Committee, the review and approval of the 2019 budget, a vote on a revision to the bylaws related to the Committee on Congregational Life and Ministry (CCLAM) during a period of Interim Ministry, and a report from the Interim Transition Team. Childcare will be available. Find the meeting agenda and list of Members with voting rights here. Please contact the office if you feel your name has been omitted in error.
Social Justice News
Write to Support Criminal Justice Reform in December
On Sunday, December 9th, come to our "Write Here, Write Now!" table in the Fellowship Hall to write letters to our senators about inequities in the criminal justice system. Fact sheets and supplies will be available. The national organization Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice (UUSJ)'s Capitol Hill Advocacy Corps will hand deliver letters on December 11th in Washington, D.C. For more information, contact sallyahartman@hotmail.com. To learn more about the Advocacy Corps check UUSJ's advocacy page
Holiday Gifts for Immigrant Families
Become involved in our annual gift-giving to our Circle of Friends Immigration families! We have five families we are buying gifts for, including three from Guatemala and two from the Sudan. Cards with gift ideas for the children and adults will be available at the social justice table this Sunday, December 9th. After buying the gift or gift card, return it by Sunday, December 16th. The gifts will be distributed the following week.
Vegetarian Community Food Drive Extended
The UUS Vegetarian Community is extending their “Thanksgiving of Compassion” food drive to benefit the Coralville Food Pantry for one more week! Please place your donations in the container located near the front entrance any time before December 9th. Here are suggested items: Nut butters (peanut, almond, sunflower), canned fruit and 100% juice, canned vegetables, beans (canned and dried), rice, and pasta. Also needed are baby diapers, formula and food, laundry detergent and bathroom tissue. (No glass containers, please.) If providing a financial donation, please place a check designated for the Coralville Food Pantry in the Sunday offertory basket or leave it with the UUS office staff.
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Other Upcoming UUS Events
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UUS House Ensemble, December 6th
The UUS House Ensemble rehearses on Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall ahead of the December holiday season. New members are welcome! Please contact Gloria Corbin at music@uusic.org if you'd like to participate so a music folder can be prepared for your instrument.
UUS Adult Choir Rehearsal, December 6th
The UUS Adult Choir rehearses weekly on Thursday evenings from 7 to 8:30 pm and sings at most Sunday services. New singers are welcome! The choir is open to all singers (high school and beyond). No auditions or experience required. The choir sings in unison, two, three, and four parts (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass). If you haven’t sung for some time or are questioning your skills, don’t worry, we will find your voice placement once rehearsals have started. You will be welcomed with open arms. Questions? Give Gloria Corbin a call or send an email: 338-5012 or music@uusic.org.
Uptown Bill’s Benefit Concert, December 8th
On Saturday, December 8th, at 7 pm in the Sanctuary, UUS and the Extend the Dream Foundation will host a benefit concert for Uptown Bill’s, a local nonprofit that serves those with disabilities. Dave Moore, Pennies on the Rail, and Al Murphy will perform. Attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in Bill’s shakes, cookies, and pop. Suggested donation is $20 at the door. Find more information on Facebook.
Buddhist Sangha, December 10th
The Sangha gathers every Monday evening at 7 pm at Oaknoll for silent meditation and discussion of contemporary Buddhist teachings. We are currently discussing the book " being zen, Bringing Meditation to Life" by Ezra Bayda. To find out more, contact Cindy Spading ( buddhistsangha@uusic.org).
UU Book Discussion Group, December 10th
The next gathering of the UU Book Discussion Group will be on Monday, December 10th, at 7:30 pm in either Meeting Room A or B of the Oaknoll George Street building. There will be a sign indicating the correct room. The December selection is Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. We incorrectly listed The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean as our December book last month—If you already started reading The Orchid Thief you can join us to discuss it in January. Lists of our selections for the rest of the year are available on Realm or at our monthly meetings. If you have questions, contact Mary Lou Welter at 354-1231, bookgroup@uusic.org, or post in the Realm group.
Secular Humanist Solstice Party, December 11th
The UU Secular Humanists will have our Annual Solstice Party and Potluck on Tuesday, December 11th, at 6 pm in the UUS Fellowship Hall. Barbecue pulled pork sandwiches & vegetarian lasagna will be provided, along with table settings. Please bring appetizers, sides, desserts, favorite dishes, or beverages to share. The party will take the place of our normal monthly meeting. All are welcome. Contact Mark Yuskis ( resdoggie@aol.com) with questions.
Social Justice Coordinating Committee, December 11th
The Social Justice Coordinating Committee (SJCC) meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 pm in the Conference Room.Our meetings are informal and fun, and we welcome new faces and ideas. Join us! All are welcome! Contact socialjustice@uusic.org to get more information about the committee.
Historical Records Workday, December 12th
The UUS Historical Records Committee collects, preserves, and organizes historical materials for both traditional and digital archives. We prepare information about UU heritage to be shared through newsletter articles, exhibits, and occasional special events. We will be meeting for a Work Day on Wednesday, December 12th, from 10 am to 1 pm. All are welcome to join us! Contact Diana Miller at history@uusic.org for more information.
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