Northern Light

The North Unitarian Universalist Congregation Newsletter

December 2009

Page 1

I first toured our church building with our realtor in 2000. A friend who was a Methodist minister had whispered in my ear about how the building had just been put up for sale. When I contemplated the classic white siding with bell tower architecture, and walked through the warm, Civil War era sanctuary, I thought about the church of my country childhood…WAIT! I grew up in the suburbs, and all the UU churches of my past were decidedly modern in architecture. But perhaps nostalgia isn’t such a bad thing, even when it isn’t strictly speaking true. What I was right about on that first look at the building was how this would be the perfect place for a Christmas Eve service in candlelight. I hope you can join us for some fabulous candlelight, music, and message at 7:00 PM. We’ll hear two lovely pieces from the choir, enjoy a special guest classical guitarist (courtesy the MacLaughlin family), sing carols, and, of course, light candles on fire! And for further nostalgia…be sure to see NUUC’s own production of A Christmas Carol. The original novel was written by Unitarian (yes!) Charles Dickens, and this fabulous version has been put together—in all senses of that word—by our own member Barb Lubberger. See Page 2 for more details. The nostalgia comes in for me while watching children, adults, singers, dancers, stage carpenters—all coming together not to reflect on the holiday but to produce it. Oh, and Donna and I will personally be supplying the homemade goodies for after the show (for a donation!). We have been inspired by the Victorian theme to make actual sugar plums (in case you’ve never had some) and authentic gingerbread. And more, of course. Happy Holidays to all! To Life! Rev. Susan Ritchie A Special Wrapped in Wool Warm Happy Holidays from the NUUC Department of Puppet Ministries! Northern Light Newsletter The “Northern Light” is a monthly newsletter produced by North Unitarian Universalist Congregation and is distributed approximately the 1^st of each month. Submissions: The deadline for submissions is generally the week following the monthly Board of Trustees meeting. The submission deadline for January’s issue will be Wednesday, December 23. If possible, submissions should be sent as a Word-compatible document attached to an e-mail to Jeri Dill at nuucjdill@aol.com. Pasting the article into the body of the e-mail is also suggested in case of incompatibility of software. Delivery matters: Delivery by electronic mail (e-mail) is our preferred method in order to save paper and postage; however, paper mailed copies are available upon request. If your postal mail or e-mail address changes or you wish to be added to or removed from either mailing list, please advise Jeri Dill in the office at nuucjdill@aol.com or by calling her at 740-657-8081, ext. 1. Also in this issue Page 2  Events & Activities.  Find out what's happening this Month! Page 3 News from the Board and Committees. Page 4 A Call to Action!  See how you can support your congregation and your world!

Worship Schedule Dec. 6 Holiday Remembrances. Member Bob Keith will lead the service in which several members will share their favorite holiday traditions, personal experiences, and short stories. Dec. 13 Diaspora Wisdom. Hanukah marks one short window of time when Jews could celebrate their faith in the public sphere, without compromise. And yet the holiday has become one that honors the wisdom, pain, and courage of religious exile. Dec. 20 What Scrooge Knew. What, exactly, is the magic with which Christmas transforms? Dec. 24 Our annual Christmas Eve service in carols and tales, 7:00PM. Dec. 27 Hospital Chaplain and NUUC Member Rev. Ken Watts leads the service. (No Children’s RE today; nursery available) Children’s Religious Education Children’s Religious Education classes will be held every Sunday during the worship hour unless otherwise noted (children will be in the main worship for certain intergenerational services such as at Thanksgiving and Christmas). NUUC again offers three classes this year. Our “Chalice Children” class is for ages 3-5 and meets in the main church building, in Fellowship Hall. The “Explorers” class (for ages 6-11), and the “Seekers” youth class (for ages 12 and up) meet in Nielsen House, the religious education “House” across the parking lot from the main church building. The complete and updated 2009-10 Religious Education Prospectus may be viewed at www.nuuc.org, click on “Worship and RE,” then on “Children’s Religious Education Program.” NUUC Youth RE Class Updates The Youth Group is boldly going into unexplored territory.  They are inviting speakers in twice a month with the goal of learning about our church community, and interacting with each other about the speakers' topics.  The second part of this sentence has been the truly challenging part, as both speakers and youth want to interact, but are finding it difficult to do.  In an effort to bridge the gap, the youth have added some activities to foster interaction.  Speakers are also invited to offer their own ideas to encourage the youth to interact with each other on the day’s topic. One week a month will be youth led, following a small group covenant format.  Youth are using prepared covenant topics and materials. And the last Sunday of the month will be devoted to a long term project.  This project is yet to be determined.  (Because the interests of the youth are so varied, there may be room for more than one project.)  If anyone has an interest in leading a once a month youth project, please let Melinda Rosenberg or Lynn Foreman know.  Following are some of the activities scheduled for the month of December: Dec 6 – Youth-led topic today. Dec 13 - Laura Howe will share what is was like for her growing up in the Bahai Faith Dec 20 - Joe Herron will lead the Youth in a Project Day. If you have questions or would like to sign up for the speakers’ schedule (you get to pick the topic or activity, depending on your interests and talents), please contact Melinda (rosenberg21@sbcglobal.net ), Lynn (sbgmacb@hotmail.com or 740-513-4876) or Rev. Susan Ritchie (RevRitchie@aol.com or 740-657-8081, ext. 2). Fall Nursery Schedule Hours to be Observed The NUUC nursery will be staffed to serve younger-than-toddler age children from 8:45am until 11:45am unless otherwise posted. (Note: On Dec. 27 and January 3 the nursery will open at 10:15am.)