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Worship with Atwater-Donnelly
 "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-Donnelly present traditional American folk music with beautiful vocals, instrumentation, and narration that adeptly addresses the human experience. Long-time 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
 Sponsored by the World Affairs Committee, this annual effort allows individuals to voice their support for those who are prisoners of conscience. There will be a guest speaker, from Iraq, whose family is in constant danger due to conditions in their country.
Tables and all materials will be provided and available for letter-writing 1-4pm. Refreshments will be served. We hope to mail piles of letters to show our concern for prisoners of conscience around the world. This event is open to anyone who is interested, so invite family and friends and join the effort.
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Happy New Year
The church office will remain closed for the holiday and re-open on Thursday, January 2. We will see you in the new year!
The next deadline for First U Times is Tuesday, January 7.
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Thank you, Beth Armstrong and Jay MacCubbin
With Fred Jodry on sabbatical this fall, we were fortunate to have two individuals to help fill his role. Beth Armstrong and Jay MacCubbin have done a wonderful job as sabbatical music director and organist.
During our January 5 worship, we will welcome Fred back from his time away and thank Beth and Jay for four months of fabulous music in Fred's absence. Be sure to join us for this first service of the new year.
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Alliance looks at reforming state government
 John Marion, executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island, will be guest speaker at the Women's Alliance's first meeting of the year on Monday, January 6. The program begins at 11am.
A leading good-government group in Rhode Island for more than 50 years, Common Cause promotes reforms to make state government more open, ethical, and accountable. John will share how this mission is reflected in the organization's current work, including proposed reformation of Rhode Island's redistricting process.
In addition to leading Common Cause Rhode Island, John serves as the organization's chief legislative advocate and spokesperson. He holds an undergraduate degree from Binghamton University and a graduate degree from Indiana University.
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Join the sandwich brigade Jan. 7th
 Join the NSJC volunteers on Tuesday, January 7, for the next Loaves and Fishes mission. We gather at First U at 11am to make sandwiches that are then delivered to hungry individuals in the city.
At 5pm, the crew moves to Emmanuel House to make and serve a hot, wholesome dinner to its residents. For more information, click here to contact coordinator Gerry Spremulli.
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300th celebration kick-off potluck on Jan. 10
 The year 2020 brings First Unitarian to its 300th anniversary as a congregation. To kick off the celebration, the Anniversary Committee invites you to a special potluck dinner and program on Friday, January 10.
The program will introduce some of the special events being planned for the celebration. For the potluck, you can bring food either typical of colonial times or dishes from the present day. Recipes are available at a sign-up table in the Atrium.
An art exhibit reception begins at 5pm, followed by a delicious dinner at 6pm and the program at 7:30pm. You can sign up for the potluck after the worship service in the Atrium or online.
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'No man is an island'
 On January 12, UU Men will ponder questions such as friendship vs. isolation, personal outreach, paths to companions lost and found, and the value of selective solitude. The group strives for a facilitated sharing of experiences, with a goal of safe and guilt-free expression. Meeting facilitator is Michael Dumond.
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Day of Resolve at State House on Jan. 15
 Members of the Guns to Plowshares movement will 'storm' the State House with prayer and song to ask our legislators to make good in the New Year and sign a resolution to prevent gun violence with action in 2020.
The gathering begins at 3pm with the speaking and song portion of the event in the State House Rotunda beginning at 3:30. The "Reaching People Thru Music" Voices will perform.
Security checks will be required to get into the State House. Plan to get there early, and dress for warmth in case there is a line.
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Ways to make a difference this week
Check out 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.
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Meetings, Events This Week
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Sunday, December 29
Worship with Atwater-Donnelly – 10:30 am
Mitten Tree Decorating - 11:30 am
Newcomers' Cafe – 11:30 am
Atrium Bookstore – 11:30 am
Women's Alliance Coffee Sales – 11:30 am
History/300th Committee - 12:00 pm
Global Write-a-Thon - 1:00 pm
Monday, December 30 - Wednesday, January 1
Church office closed; no church meetings
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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.
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