Sunday Services Schedule for December

December Ministry Theme: Presence

Join us at 9 or 11 AM. The 11 AM Zoom service login and call-in information is shared through the congregational eblasts on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Subscribe to the eblast by sending a message to uuseoffice@uuse.org or call the UUSE office at 860-646-5151.

Sunday, December 1: The Present of Presence. Our December theme is “The Practice of Presence.” We can find profound meaning and comfort in practicing awareness of what is present: here and now. In this service, we encourage awareness of the lessons nature offers about acceptance, coping, and the importance of trust and community. We’ll also reflect on the idea that the greatest present we can give ourselves and those we love is that of our presence. Coordinators: Anne Vogel and Stacey Musulin

Monday, December 2: Evening Vespers Service. In a season busy with ‘bright and merry’, we may also find ourselves sitting with sadness, grief, and pain in body or spirit. Join us as we pause in the quiet to acknowledge and support each other in bearing these burdens. We invite you to bring your chalice from home, where we will light it for the service. Coordinators: Sandy Karosi, Ellen Williams, and Paula Baker

Sunday, December 8: On Being Present in the Dark Season. This morning we continue exploring our December ministry theme, presence. Rev. Josh offers reflections on presence during the dark days of late autumn as the winter solstice approaches. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek

Sunday, December 15: Dona Nobis Pacem. All congregational Holiday Music service.

Through music and song, story and homily, we celebrate the season and articulate our many-

faceted prayer that peace may prevail. Join us! Coordinators: Mary Bopp, Emmy Galbraith, Rev.

Josh Pawelek

Sunday, December 22: “On Being Present as the Sun Returns.” In the midst of many

festivals of light, Rev. Josh shares more thoughts on presence. And we’ll sing all those carols

that never make it into our Christmas Eve service!!! Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek

Tuesday, December 24, 7:00 PM. Silent Night, Holy Night. All congregation Christmas Eve worship. On this sacred eve, we welcome the spirit and magic of Christmas. And we sing! Coordinators: Mary Bopp, Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek.

Sunday, December 29, one service at 10:00 AM: Looking Forward, Looking Back. Coordinators: Micah Baxter, Maureen Flanagan, and Pat Eaton-Robb

Sunday, January 5: On the Road to Positivity. Given the human brain’s capacity to reorganize its synaptic connections—what scientists refer to as neuroplasticity—it should be possible through sustained practice to change our thinking, to transform the tendency toward negative thinking into a much more satisfying, useful and positive encounter with the world. This service was purchased at last year’s goods and services auction by Skip Gatting. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek

#DecemberNewsletter