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In the Interim
Each week, the interim ministry team will share a reflection on the Soul Matters monthly theme, the state of the church, or the state of the world. This week's post is offered by Rev. Terri Burnor.
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At 10:19 pm on Saturday, December 21, we arrive at the Winter Solstice. This occasion of midwinter marks the shortest amount of sunlight in a day — for us in the Twin Cities, 6 hours and 51 minutes shorter than June's Summer Solstice. No matter where one lives, the solstice happens at the same moment for everyone on earth.
But the solstice marks more than an astronomical event. This is a time when we are surrounded by joy even when we may want to weep. This is a time when we are enveloped in shadows even as we may glow with brightness. This is a time of contradictions and complexities within ourselves, our relationships, our lives. >>
Read the rest of Rev. Terri's message, and a special Solstice blessing by Jan Richardson, on UUCM Happenings.
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WORSHIP: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
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Waiting for Ecstasy
10:00 AM
Worship Leader: Rev. Meg Riley
Worship Associate: Paul Thorbeck
Synopsis: Often times we miss the moment we’re in as we focus on a bigger deal coming in a few days, or hours, or miles up the road. How do we find awe in a time of waiting? An all ages service sharing stories of people who used waiting time well.
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Multigenerational Worship Service
Childcare available for children from birth-Kindergarten age
No RE classes this week. Families are invited to stay together through the service. As always, all are welcome and child sounds are accepted with joy. Childcare is available downstairs for children from birth to Kindergarten age. We hope your whole family will join us for worship as is comfortable for you.
After the Service
Feeling shy? Overwhelmed? Can’t hear or stand up easily? New here? If coffee hour is too much for any reason, consider joining the quieter version — come to the front of the sanctuary and chat quietly with a few people!
Red and Teal Cup Greeters
Find the colorful coffee cups after the service each Sunday!
Those holding RED coffee cups are especially available to orient newcomers, answer questions and offer helpful resources. Folks holding TEAL coffee cups know all about social justice work at UUCM and would love to connect with you.
December's Social Generosity Recipient:
Guest At Your Table, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee’s (UUSC's) annual intergenerational program to raise support for and awareness about key human rights issues. This year, the theme is Women Leaders, Strong Communities.
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Note: All cash placed in the Sunday collection, as well as checks to “UUCM” with “Social Generosity” in the memo line, will go towards the Social Generosity cause for the current month. NEW: Donate by PayPal or credit card at bit.ly/uucmsocialgen. You may also use the basket to make other contributions to UUCM. Simply make your check out to "UUCM" with instructions in the memo line.
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WORK OF THE CHURCH: THIS WEEK
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Friday, December 20
6:00 PM – Play Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
Saturday, December 21
9:00 AM – Play Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
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HOLIDAY SERVICE 7:00 PM – Listening to Winter, A Celebration of Solstice (Sanctuary)
Come celebrate the darkness, mystery and delight of the longest night. Our service will include drumming, readings, reflection and an engaging story of animals awaiting the return of the sun. Children ages seven+ are welcome, there will be a short time of silence. Please note, childcare will not be available for this service. Join Gabriel Ross, friends from Creative Spirit and members of UUCM’s worship team in this enchanting evening, followed by a bonfire (weather permitting).
THIS SUNDAY, December 22
2:00 PM – UUCM Annual Holiday Play (Sanctuary)
7:00 PM – UUCM Annual Holiday Play (Sanctuary)
Tuesday, December 24
HOLIDAY SERVICE 4:00 PM – Family Christmas Eve Worship Service (Sanctuary)
All ages are welcome. This service will feature the choir, carol singing in advance, shorter scripture readings, and stories and will culminate with candle lighting and singing Silent Night. Please note: childcare will not be available for this service.
HOLIDAY SERVICE 7:00 PM – Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service (Sanctuary)
All ages are welcome. This service will feature music, scripture and reflection and will culminate with candle lighting and singing Silent Night. Childcare is available for this service.
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Sunday, December 29
10:00 AM – Multigenerational Worship Service: When the Wind Stops, the Awe of What is Next
Worship Leader: Laurie Moser
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Happy New Year!
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Beloved Conversations Opening Retreat
Friday, January 10 from 6 PM to 9 PM and Saturday, January 11 from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Learn more and register here! *Last Chance to Register!*
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*Last Chance!*
Register for Beloved Conversations 2020
Online registration is closing soon for Beloved Conversations—an immersive small-group curriculum for exploring race/ethnicity in our lives and in the life of this congregation. Around 40 UUCM members and friends have already gone through this meaningful experience. The opening retreat will be held Friday evening, January 10, and all day Saturday, January 11. The retreat is followed by eight 2-hour sessions on Sundays from 1-3 pm starting January 19. Visit UUCM Happenings for more details and to register. The cohort is limited to 14 people, and registration closes December 31. If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Terri at revterri@uucmtka.org.
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UUCM Annual Holiday Play: Tickets on Sale this Sunday
Please join us for this year's annual Holiday Play, Kamp Kristmas, written and directed by Jeffrey Hatcher: Melissa Carmichael hates Christmas, and her anti-Holiday spirit is driving everyone nuts. Then Melissa’s car breaks down in Christmaston where she ends up being indoctrinated “the holiday way."
There are two performances at 2PM and 7PM on Sunday, December 22. Adult/Child/Senior, $12/$7/$7. Group of 10+, $5 per person. For a $2 discount, bring canned goods to be donated to Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners.
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NEW Building Door Code Changing Dec. 29
As part of our continual efforts to address the safety and security needs of our building, staff, members, and visitors, UUCM will now be changing the primary building access code (the keypad on the Community Room door) on a designated schedule. With this policy update, the code will change after worship on Sunday, December 29.
If you feel you need a building code, you must submit a request using this online form. Requests will be reviewed on an individual basis and you can expect a response within approximately 48 hours. Please plan accordingly and allow enough time for the review of your code request.
Codes are not to be shared with another person and must be provided through the church office. Further details are available on the form. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Allison at office@uucmtka.org or (952) 473-5900.
NEW Two New Worship Service Recordings Available Online
Including the December 1 Kevin Kling service! Visit uucmtka.org and scroll to the bottom of our Worship page to listen to sermons, guest speakers and musical performances from past UUCM services. New uploads are added regularly - check back often.
Ongoing Ministerial Search: Update from the Board
The UUCM Board has heard that we need to share more information with the congregation about our ongoing ministerial search. Based on the Board Listening Sessions which were held last month, we learned a great deal, and are working hard to formulate the congregational goals for choosing our next minister. These last weeks of December bring a slow down in official activities. But in early January 2020 we will be updating you on the specifics of this unfolding process.
Dec. 22nd and 29th are Multigenerational Services
RE classes resume Jan. 5th. Happy Holidays to our many wonderful RE Teachers!
Parking at UUCM - We Need Your Help!
As UUCM welcomes more and more people, our parking situation can be challenging on Sundays. You can help! Bring one car per household, or carpool with friends. Also, consider using the offsite parking on Wayzata Blvd east of Crosby or in the designated area to the west of the church. For more ideas, please visit the UUCM Happening Page.
Amazon Smile
Did you know your online purchases can make a difference for the church? Amazon Smile donates to UUCM if you do your holiday shopping with Amazon at smile.amazon.com/ch/41-0901806.
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The weekly submission deadline for Friday Update and order of service announcements is Thursday by 5:00 PM. Submissions can be emailed to office@uucmtka.org. Thank you! |
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- MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF UUCM SHARE EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
HAPPENING IN OUR WIDER COMMUNITY -
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NEW Sign the Interfaith Climate Emergency Petition
From Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light: Hundreds of cities around the world have declared Climate Emergencies, and it is time for our local Minnesota officials to do the same. As people of faith and conscience, we have a unique voice in calling for moral leadership from decision-makers. MNIPL invites members of area congregations to sign their interfaith petition urging officials to declare a Climate Emergency.
NEW Meeting with Congressman Dean Phillips
Friday, January 3, 2020 at 5:30 PM
Minnesota's 3rd district representative, Dean Phillips, will bring attendants up to date on what is happening in Congress, answer questions, and listen to concerns. RSVP required, call Jan Geigle at 952-378-1548. The meeting will be held at Applewood Pointe, 12201 Minnetonka Blvd. in Minnetonka.
Laurie Moser Shares a Special Family Memory
Many of you know that my father was a minister. We sadly lost him when he was a very young 64 years old. He loved Christmas. And he wrote poetry, songs and of course sermons.
Because we lost him when he was so young, he only got to meet 2 of his 9 grandchildren. He never met Jared (our 16-year-old son). So, I have been going through my father's writings and finding some gems to share with Jared and his other grandchildren.
This poem I felt really spoke to me and could to many given he uses humor and love for Christmas to create this mashup of the Night Before Christmas and the Christian Christmas Story. It is a bit Christian for the usual UU fair, but I wanted to share it with all of you anyway. I hope you appreciate it for what it is.
Happy Holidays to you all!
Laurie Moser
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In the Community
You are welcome to share events that are important to you and align with our values. If you would like to submit and event, email office@uucmtka.org with a short paragraph outlining the event and where to go for more information. Thank you!
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Church Closure Policy for Inclement Weather
In the very rare event of a need to cancel Sunday services because of inclement weather, you can find out whether church is open by:
- Watching for an email message from UUCM announcing the cancellation/church closure.
- Looking at the UUCM website after 9 AM on Sunday. A special alert will be posted if church is cancelled.
- Calling the main church phone at (952) 473-5900 after 9 AM on Sunday. A special voicemail recording will be available if church is cancelled.
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