St. John's Weekly e-News Edition

NOTE FROM INTERN MINISTER
Our minister, the Rev. Mitra Jafarzadeh will be on sabbatical for the rest of the year. If you need to talk to a minister, Alice Diebel, Intern Minister is available for pastoral care by appointment. You can reach her at adiebel@stjohnsuu.org or at (937) 305-4694. We also have a long-standing Caring Circle, chaired by Ann Schuur. Please do not expect responses to emails or phone calls from Rev. Jafarzadeh.

IN MEMORY
It is with sincere regret that we note the passing of long-time St. John's member, Melanie Marsh. Melanie passed away Saturday, November 24th. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family.

EXPLORING ST. JOHN'S
This Sunday from 12:30 till 1:45. Come learn more about St. John’s and Unitarian Universalism. Meet upstairs for a light lunch and conversation with our intern minister and other church leaders. You are welcome if you are brand new or have been attending St. John’s for a long time. The last fifteen minutes will include a tour of the building.

MEN'S GROUP
The December meeting of the St. John's Men's Group will take place in the Kitchen and Krolfifer on Sunday, December 02, 6 to 8:30 PM. Please email John Kachuba if you plan to attend: jkachuba@fuse.net. Agenda for the evening is a year-end "stock-taking" and planning for 2019.

SPLIT THE PLATE NEWS
The November split-plate collection raised $425.25 for Living with Change, an inclusive non-profit organization that provides education, support, resources, and advocacy for the LGBQ+ and Transgender community in the Greater Cincinnati area and beyond.

MATTHEW 25: MINISTRIES
Please join us for our next Second Saturday volunteer shift at Matthew 25: Ministries in Blue Ash:  Saturday, December 15th 9am to 11am. For information about volunteering, see - https://m25m.org/help/volunteering/

If you have any questions, contact Jay (guenther.jay@gmail.com).

NOVEMBER SOUP & BREAD
The November 18th partner church soup & bread luncheon raised $487.00 for our Bread for the Elderly Program at our partner Unitarian congregation in Szentlaszlo. Thank you to everyone who pitched in to bring food and help with set up, serving and clean up. And a thank you too to those of you who stayed for the luncheon. Mark your calendars now; our next luncheon will be Sunday, January 20th.

BLACK LIVES UU ONLINE WORKSHOP
The Black Lives UU Organizing Collective offers online worship, providing an explicitly black sacred space, on the first Thursday and third Sunday of each month. Black UUs and all Black people are encouraged to participate. Visit http://www.blacklivesuu.com/worship/ to sign up.

IHN NEWS
One of our social action partners is IHN (Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cincinnati). IHN provides emergency shelter to families experiencing homelessness. IHN also helps them find permanent housing and get on their feet financially. As St. Johners, we have opportunities to do hands-on work that directly impacts the lives of these families as they shelter for a week at First Unitarian Church. What can you do? How about serving a meal? Playing with kids? Cuddling a baby? Having a conversation parent-to-parent while your kids play together?

Our next hosting week is Dec.16-23. What can you do to share some love and light? Visit the December Volunteer Signup for a brief description of roles: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4dabad2ba6ff2-december1    For more information, stop by the IHN table during coffee hour after the worship service or contact Wanda Crawford (crawford@nku.edu).

IHNGC is hosting a breakfast for unity and faith in action on Wed. Dec. 5. Jim Wallis, social justice activist and founder of Sojourner magazine, is the keynote speaker. Cost for the breakfast/program is $35.00. Click on the link for more information:  http://ihncincinnati.org/events/

READY OR NOT, WINTER IS UPON US!

As a reminder, In case of closing due to weather conditions, information will be posted on our webpage and Channel 12 will be notified. You can access Channel 12 at the following address;
http://www.local12.com/ and look for the school/business closing information.

FLOWER DONATIONS NEEDED FOR UPCOMING MONTHS!
If you would like to donate flowers for an upcoming Sunday please see the sign-up sheet located on the bulletin board just outside the office door or contact the office at 513-961-1938. The cost is $35 and the flowers can be taken home with you after the service.