On Friday, December 5th, a group of UUs gathered and at church and went caroling at the Victorian, a local convalescent hospital.
Back at the church, everyone celebrated with a Christmas party afterwards.
Festivities included a potluck, garland making, cookie decorating and more!
The Settled Minister Search Committee (SMSC) thanks the more than 60 people who participated in the Beyond Categorical Thinking service and workshop. We hope it was a useful and eye opening exercise for all. Among the things we learned are a minister’s race, sexual orientation, or disability, while important, does not define the person and the kind of minister they will be. Also, we cannot expect a minister of color will necessarily help us become more diverse, or a gay, lesbian, or transgender minister will necessarily help us to become even more welcoming. It is up to the entire congregation to help us become the place we want to be. The entire congregation is also responsible for pointing out conscious or unconscious stereotyping should they witness it. It should not always fall on the victim of stereotyping to speak up and confront it.
The committee continues to work on the Congregational Information Packet. Ministers looking for a position will review and use the packet to help them decide whether to consider us as a church they would like to serve. The Congregational Record is a major part of that packet and as such contains information about the character of our greater community, a profile of the minister we seek, a profile of the congregation, congregational history, budgets and more.
The ministers who are searching for a position also put together a personal information packet and the search committee will review probably dozens of these packets when they become available early in the next year. It is certainly our hope that we will find one that seems the best match for us and that the one we select will feel the same about us!
Tender, loving, and interactive care for infants and children under age four is provided by trained, professional caregivers 15 minutes prior to the service, during worship, and during social hour from 9:45-11:45 in our Nursery from 9:45-11:15 and outdoor playground from 11:15-11:45.
This curriculum is fun, friendly, and concise with teachable moments that introduce our faith to young children. Each lesson includes a sharing circle, storybook that teaches our values, an activity, and a closing statement.
The Friendship Sangha of the Heart practices mindfulness meditation in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. We gather every Monday for an evening of meditation which includes silent sitting meditation, silent walking meditation, inspirational readings, music, singing, chanting, and an opportunity to share about our meditation practice. This weekly program is open to anyone who wants to meditate.
To learn more about this practice, you are welcome to attend a monthly Introduction to Meditation on the second Monday of the month. A silent potluck vegetarian meal is held when a fifth Monday occurs in a month, about four times a year. For more information about our Sangha please go to the Sangha website.
Days : Mondays, 7:00 pm Location: Church Sanctuary
Second Monday of the Month: Introduction To Meditation, 6:30pm (For reservations go to the Sangha website.)
Fifth Monday of the Month: Silent Potluck Vegetarian Meal, 6:00pm Sangha Website: https://sites.google.com/site/friendshipsanghaoftheheart
Contact: Neal Ortenberg