Dear Ones,
It’s amazing how the holidays can sneak up on us, even while in the midst of madly planning for them. I am grateful to the gentle soul who mentioned that they really didn’t know what was going on at church for the holidays. Was there some way they could help? Of course, we’re still ‘having Christmas’ in Covid Time, though I realized we need to write it all down in one place and get the word out more fully. We have actually already started the holiday season with services for Advent and Hanukkah.
Here is what is coming next.
Tonight! December 16, 6 pm – Midwinter Contemplative Vespers
I will be joining my clergy colleagues in another cluster collaboration – a gentle service of song, silence, words of wisdom, and candlelight. Join with UUs from Thousand Oaks to Santa Paula to San Luis Obispo to find some moments of respite. Join via Zoom here
Sunday, December 20, 10 am – Seeking the Stillpoint of Solstice
Our next Sunday service will celebrate the longest night of the year and our return to the light. This service will be a bit more interactive, including a holy ‘science demonstration’ with Fidelity Balmer, our RE coordinator. Please be sure to bring a free-standing candle and matches so you can join in. Join via Zoom here.
Thursday, December 24, 5:30 pm – Lessons and Carols
We will have just one service on Christmas Eve, especially for the ‘carol-starved.’ All are invited to sing along with many of our talented musicians and music director Carolyn Bjerke to many old favorite carols. We’ll hear words to bring forth the spirit of this holy day, including a reflection on the lessons Rudolf, rendeer of red-nosed fame, has to teach us. Some of the service is pre-recorded and some will come to you live from our beloved sanctuary. Please be sure to bring a candle for each member of your family, and be ready to turn down the lights and sing Silent Night together. Join via Zoom here
Friday, December 25
Plans are in the works for a church Zoom gathering on Christmas Day. Be on the lookout for more information in the usual places – UUCV This Week, our internal Facebook group.
Sunday, December 27, 10 am – Everything is Holy Now
Tanner Linden, who grew up in the church, will be our guest speaker again.
Sunday, January 3, 10 am – Fire Communion Service
We will be adapting our annual Fire Communion service to the Zoom platform. Be ready to leave 2020 behind (good riddance) and great the New Year.
May your days be merry and bright. May the warm spirit of these holidays find you somehow, even in the midst of our Covid shutdown. May you all be safe and healthy, taking care of yourselves and each other.
With warmest holiday blessings,
Rev. Dana