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Winter Solstice in craft, story, and song
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 This weekend will bring us to both the Winter Solstice and the festival of Hanukkah. The First U family will all celebrate together in our annual all-congregation, interactive service that includes craft making, story telling, and singing. Don't miss this festive and fun day as we explore many aspects of the holiday season.
Young people will join their families in the Meeting House; the Nursery will be open as usual in the Parish House. |
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Here's a last-minute gift idea
 Fair trade, gourmet coffees from Women's Alliance make a perfect stocking stuffer, secret Santa, or hostess gift. Or you could treat yourself and the guests at your house! Both ground and beans in several regular and decaf varieties are available. For $13 you can support many community charities. Visit the Atrium to purchase on Sunday.
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5pm – service with nativity pageant, candlelight, and music by SoulSongs
9pm – candlelight service with special music, readings, carols
10pm – Wassail reception
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A personal invitation to First U families
 We hope this holiday season is a good one for you and yours. We are preparing for spirited and joyful holiday celebrations and want to encourage you and your family to be with us. Again this year, the 5pm Christmas Eve worship service will feature a nativity pageant with lots of participation opportunities for children, youth, and adults - plus some surprise cast members.
SoulSongs will provide some of the music, and there will of course be traditional carols and candlelight. Hopefully you are already planning to attend with extended family and friends. We hope you will also take part; the more we engage, the more we are nourished and connected.
There are non-speaking parts for everyone: angels, shepherds, sheep, other animals, and stars. No need to bring costumes or props -– we have them all! Come join the fun, and enjoy a meaningful night with your First U family.
Love, Liz and Cathy
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Church office to close for 8-day holiday
The church office will be closed from Wednesday, December 25 through Wednesday, January 1. Other than worship on Sunday the 29th and outside groups, there will no activity at the church. Enjoy the holiday week!
The next deadline for First U Times is Tuesday, January 7.
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Worship with Atwater-Donnelly on Dec. 29
 "Winter Grace: Rest, Comfort, and Action in Difficult Times" is the worship service topic on December 29, led by Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly.
Through the beauty, joy, and sorrow of songs and stories, Aubrey and Elwood explore the nature of action and rest in a challenging world, asking in particular: How do we cultivate comfort and respite in our lives to support and inform positive action?
Award-winning musicians Atwater-Donnelley present traditional American folk music with beautiful vocals, instrumentation, and narration that adeptly addresses the human experience. Longtime members of First U, Aubrey and Elwood have been part of several theological, action, and contemplation groups, and have spent many years performing in churches through the United States and beyond.
No small groups for young people on this Sunday, but the Nursery is always open on the second floor of the Parish House.
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Let's decorate the Mitten Tree after worship
 Join us after worship on the 29th for the annual opening of the Mitten Tree. We will gather outside the Meeting House on the sidewalk at the Benevolent Street side.
Brings mittens, scarves, hats, and gloves to hang, or the knitters will provide you with some.
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Global Write-a-Thon on Dec. 29
Join members of the World Affairs Committee, speakers, and officials from around the state for this important annual effort at writing letters to world leaders to address human rights crises across the globe.
Tables will be available for letter-writing 1-5pm. Refreshments will be served. We hope to mail piles of letters to show our concern for prisoners of conscience around the world.
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Make a difference by showing up
Asylum, climate, peace vigil, women's rights, immigration, and more. Check out all the social justice activities and events coming up in “Things You Can Do This Week” from First Unitarian’s Side with Love group. Find out the many ways you can make a difference in Rhode Island and far beyond by clicking here. The list will be updated weekly during the holidays.
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Beth's last week as Sabbatical Music Director
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 This is my last week as Sabbatical Music Director at First U. I will be in charge (with Jay MacCubbin's help) on Christmas Eve, but then Fred will return after a glorious time in Germany.
I want to thank the congregation, the staff, the choir, and other musicians for the support and friendly advice you gave me this fall. It takes two people, at least, to substitute for Fred Jodry, and we had our hands full at that! But when the people you work with are kind and patient and understanding, you find you can give more of yourself than you otherwise would have.
First Unitarian is a large church, full of lovely and fascinating people. They deserve and get lovely and fascinating music when they worship together. My hope is that more and more congregants will find a space to participate in the church music program because doing music with others is even better than listening to music with others. Music should be an active, not a passive, verb in all of our lives. May it be so - and thank you. |
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Meetings, Events This Week
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Sunday, December 22
SoulSongs rehearsal - 9:00 am
Winter Solstice Worship – 10:30 am
Newcomers' Cafe – 11:30 am
Atrium Bookstore – 11:30 am
Women's Alliance Coffee Sales – 11:30 am
History Committee - 12:00 pm
Tuesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve
All-ages worship and pageant - 5:00 pm
Candlelight service with stories and music - 9:00 pm
Wassail reception - 10:00 pm
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January will be busy at First U:
- Women's Alliance meets Monday, Jan. 6th, with speaker John Marion from Common Cause Rhode Island presenting about government reform.
- The Loaves and Fishes Sandwich Brigade and feeding ministry happens Tuesday, Jan. 7. Find out more at their meeting on Jan. 5 after worship.
- Friday, Jan. 10, is the first art reception and potluck of the New Year with a program featuring the kick-off of our 300th anniversary celebration.
- On Jan. 12, UU Men will discuss "No Man is an Island" and talk about friendship, isolation, and other common experiences.
- Join with the Guns to Plowshares movement for the Day of Resolve at the State House on Jan. 15 to encourage our legislators to pass a resolution against gun violence.
- Once again the Coming of Age Youth, Mentors, and Parents will host a Taco Fiesta. Plan to join them January 25 for great food and auction items.
Details of these events will magically appear in your email box over the next week or so. Mark your calendars!
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Every Tuesday at noon
Deadline for submitting materials for each Thursday's First U Times is noon on Tuesday at the latest. Even earlier is better. Submit your article and photo or graphic to Nancy Forsstrom at admin@firstunitarianprov.org.
Please note: Deadline for the first First U Times of the new year is noon Tuesday, January 7 or preferably any date before.
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