Parents regularly ask if UUCPA has a discussion group for parents of children and teens. For many years, there was such a group, called “Parent Journey.” This group was organized and facilitated by parents, and it faded away a couple of years ago when the parents who organized it moved away.

The Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE) Committee and I would like to revive some kind of parent discussion group because we think there’s a need for a forum where parents can come together and talk about issues of mutual concern. And we’re going to start next month.

I’d like to invite all parents of children and teens to join me on Sunday, December 8, from 11 to noon, for a parent discussion group. We’ll start the way most of our small groups at UUCPA start, with a “check-in,” that is, with a time to talk about what’s been going on in your life recently. Then I’ll present a topic and we’ll have time for conversation on that topic. Finally, we’ll spend five minutes at the end talking about how the group could be organized on an ongoing basis.

I’ll mention three things that might make it more attractive for your family:

1. There will be child care available on the playground during the parent group.
2. You can attend Story Time, led by Maricia Scott, with your child from 10:35 to 11:00, just before the parent group meets.
3. You and your family can go to Second Sunday Lunch, an inexpensive, kid-friendly meal, which is served at about 12:15.

I hope you can join me for this parent discussion group. If you have an idea for a topic for the first meeting, please let me know. And think about whether you might want to help organize this group (reserving the room, sending out reminders), or facilitate this group (keep the conversation moving during the meetings).

See you soon,
Dan Harper

What! No boxes?

By Edie Keating on Dec 05, 2019 12:00 pm

Yes, this year we will celebrate the UUSC (UU Service Committee), but we will encourage your awareness and donations all on one day – Sunday, December 15. 

UUSC assists people all over the world to work on justice issues in their communities, including women’s rights, climate change preparation, fairness for immigrants, and many other initiatives to support the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. 

This year, instead of taking home a Guest at Your Table donation box, please visit the Action Council table on Dec 15 to learn more about UUSC, and to enjoy a home-baked (or Eco-Justice class baked…) cookie!  Donations to UUSC by cash check or by credit card online will be encouraged. 

$40 makes you an annual member of UUSC – or donate what you can.  You can donate online here.

Edie Keating, Action Council member.  

From the Associate Minister for Religious Education – Holidays @ UUCPA

By webadmin on Dec 05, 2019 11:00 am

If you’re going to be around during the holidays, there are some fun things happening at UUCPA that you and your kids might enjoy.

The No-Rehearsal Christmas Pageant on Sun., Dec. 22, at 9:30 and 11:00, allows kids to participate (if they want to), as we retell the Christmas story from a Unitarian Universalist perspective. Kids will also be invited to come to the front of the Main Hall at the beginning of the service to help lead the congregation in singing “Deck the Hall” and Jingle Bells” (Red, Yellow, and Green classes have been singing these songs during Sunday school). And there will be Fourth Sunday Brunch between the two services. It’s a fun and relaxing thing to do in the holiday season.

The candlelight service on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, at 6:30 and 8:00 p.m., is also fun for children. Everyone gets to light a candle (younger children will want an adult to help them hold their candle), we sing Christmas-y songs, I’ll tell why we Unitarian Universalists light candles on Christmas Eve, we’ll listen to some traditional readings, Amy will give a short talk about Christmas. And there will be hot chocolate and potluck snacks in the kitchen afterward.

And there are other fun things to do at UUCPA this month — check out all the events in this newsletter!

See you soon,
Dan Harper

No Rehearsal Christmas Pageant Dec. 22

By webadmin on Dec 05, 2019 10:50 am

For many people, this is their favorite intergenerational service of the year. People from the congregation can choose to join a tableau representing the various characters in the Christmas story (don’t worry, no one has to speak). We’ll also act out the Hanukah story, and mark the winter solstice.

Winter Solstice Dec. 22 (evening)

By webadmin on Dec 05, 2019 10:35 am

Led by Edie Keating, a long-time Sunday school teacher, this low-key event will take place in the Main Hall on Sun., Dec. 22, at 7 p.m. The service will have music, readings, and a time to light candles, and there will be food and conversation afterward.

Christmas Eve candlelight services Dec. 24

By webadmin on Dec 05, 2019 09:45 am

The perfect way to have a moment of calmness and beauty on hectic Christmas Eve. Come to the Main Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 23, at either 6:30 or 8:00 p.m. to sing carols, hear the Christmas story (with a UU spin on it), and light candles in the darkness.

Every year, there’s coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and potluck snacks in the kitchen after both services. If you plan to bring potluck snacks to share (cookies always go over well), let Dan Harper know which service you’ll be coming to.

Undie Sunday Dec. 8

By webadmin on Dec 05, 2019 09:00 am

Undie Sunday is the time we ask everyone to bring one new set of underwear and a pair of warm gloves, socks, or hat to give to homeless people.  For them, these things are difficult to obtain and are particularly helpful during the cold months of the year.

Items donated at UUCPA will be distributed by the Opportunity Services Center, of LifeMoves—formerly InVision—serving homeless people in Palo Alto. Our Litsi Indergand, now in Sacramento, was a big supporter of the Center and our donation program.

Their wish list (New Items only, please!):

• Men’s underwear (any type) mostly L, XL
• Men’s socks, wool
• Gloves, wool, large
• Beanies, wool, in dark colors
• Money, to shop for you and buy for specific people. Cash or check made to UUCPA.

Coordinator: Jenny Robertson.

Navigators Bias-Free Scouting Group

By webadmin on Nov 17, 2019 07:02 pm

Navigators, our bias-free scouting group, meets twice a month, September through May. Contact Ed Vail at chapter42leaders@navigatorsusa.org to be put on the email list.  Read more about Navigators at UUCPA here: Navigators

Upcoming events:

Navigators – 12/15/2019 at 11:00 am - 12:15 pm in Room 10
Navigators – 01/05/2020 at 11:00 am - 12:15 pm in Room 10