UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES FOR DECEMBER
The Practice of Presence (with love at the center)
December 1
Ministries of Presence
10:30 am
Rev. Clare L. Petersberger, Sheila Helgerson, Executive Director of Cornerstone Community Housing Inc., Claudia Sumler, Kara Tyler, Director of Religious Education, and Edgar Allen and the Poe Boys
Henry Miller wrote “the moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.” On this first Sunday of Advent, we celebrate the magnificent worlds we discover when we practice being present to another. We will be joined by Sheila Helgerson, Executive Director of Cornerstone Community Housing, Inc. residents of Earl’s Place, and Tony Bonta (along with the rest of the Edgar Allen and the Poe Boys band.)
December 8
The Gifts of Presence from St. Nicholas to Santa Claus
10:30 am
Rev. Clare L. Petersberger, Bill Wilkinson and Sarah Googe, Kara Tyler, Director of Religious Education, Tracy Hall, Music Director, and the TUUC Choir
Who was St. Nicholas? How did the generosity for which he was known become attributed to the Santa Claus we know today? This morning, Bill Wilkinson will share art depicting this transformation. And we will reflect on the relationship between the gift of presence and presents. After worship, Santa, himself, will pay an early visit to TUUC for parents who would like their children to speak with Santa by the TUUC tree in the Meeting Room.
December 15
When Absence Becomes The Greatest Presence
10:30 am
Rev. Clare L. Petersberger, Kara Tyler, Director of Religious Education, Tracy Hall, Music Director, and the TUUC Choir
Two of the questions in the Soul Matters packet this month is, “Whose absence feels most present to you during the holiday season? If you could say something to them, what would it be?” This morning, we consider the truth of the Unitarian author, May Sarton, “Absence becomes the greatest Presence.”
Rev. Clare L. Petersberger, Kara Tyler, Director of Religious Education, Tracy Hall, Music Director, instrumentalists and vocalists
Yesterday, at 4:20 a.m. in Baltimore, marked the winter solstice. Today, we will celebrate this moment of magic. What presence are you grateful for during the longest nights? What brings you hope when there are less hours of sunlight? You are invited to bring holly sprigs and sweet treats to share this morning.
December 22
Winter Night and Winter Morning
10:30 am
Rev. Clare L. Petersberger, Kara Tyler, Director of Religious Education, Tracy Hall, Music Director, vocalists, and students in Making Faith
Tonight we celebrate Christmas Eve with a visit from three aliens who are curious about the stories we humans tell on this night, from the birth of Jesus who taught about kindness and community to Santa Claus on his sleigh delivering presents to children around the world. These aliens will help us to appreciate the ancient story and our own lives in a new way.
December 24
Away In A Spaceship
Family Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
5:30 pm
Rev. Clare L. Petersberger, Tracy Hall, Music Director, The TUUC Choir and the Hand Chime Choir
In the traditional nativity story, Luke tells us that Mary laid Jesus in a manger; that the shepherds were instructed to find a baby lying in a manger; and that they did so. Matthew tells us that three wise people came to visit Mary and Joseph and the baby. In Love Actually, the Christmas Pageant features not only Mary, Joseph, the babe lying in the manger, shepherds, and sometimes angels, but also a whale, a lobster, an octopus, and even Spiderman. On Christmas Eve, what is present in the manger and in all who come to it?
December 24
Tidings Of Great Joy!
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
7:30 pm
Dominique Hall, Lay Worship Associate
Indulging in escapism is often seen as avoidant of the difficulties found in the present; however, it can also be a meditative, perspective-shifting practice. We will explore how creating and appreciating art can give us a deeper connection to the present moment.
December 29
Escaping to Here
10:30