Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!

Holiday lights sparkle in the dark night skies.  The darker the night the brighter the lights shine.  They are filled with possibility and promise.

Faith swells in the hearts of the many who await the experience of the celebration of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.

This was a time that the family of Jesus would have prepared for Chanukah. This Jewish Festival of Rededication, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day festival from December 21st through December 28th, 2011.

According to tradition as recorded in the Talmud, at the time of the rededication, there was very little oil left that had not been defiled by the Greeks. Oil was needed for the menorah in the Temple, which was supposed to burn throughout the night every night. There was only enough oil to burn for one day, yet miraculously, it burned for eight days, the time needed to prepare a fresh supply of oil for the menorah. An eight day festival was declared to commemorate this miracle of the supply of oil.

While Chanukah is a minor Jewish holiday, it receives a lot of attention because of its proximity to Christmas.  Thus we see the lights of Chanukah and of Christmas.

The importance of this symbol is that darkness is always lost in the light.  This is a Truth Principle.   Light overcomes the darkness.  If we on occasion experience a sense of darkness, or if we forget our divinity, we can call forth the Light.

During this time, we have the opportunity to gather images of the beauty of lights.  The Light is always present.  We can find peace in the midst of life through our faith and by remembering the beauty of this season.

God bless you and fill you with Light,

Rev. Sondra 

DECEMBER:

REJOICE!

To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,  

who is the Messiah, the Lord.

Luke 2:11

There is the potential for joy, wholeness and expansiveness designed into every moment, and the miracle is when we recognize  

the constant presence of these qualities all around us.

from Do Greater Things:  Following in Jesus' Footsteps

by Felicia Blanco Searcy 

Some Other Place's Annual

Christmas "Giving Tree" Program

...has begun, and tags are available after Sunday service December 4th, as well as from the church office (please phone).

As many of you remember, each numbered tag has on it the name of the child and his/her age along with clothes sizes and other individual gift ideas.  We sign up for one or more tags and then go shopping for "our" children.  The presents are to be wrapped with the tag on the outside, and returned to Unity by Sunday, December 11th.

Sunday, December 11th

Congregational Talent Offerings

During Morning Service 

This morning's service will consist of talent offerings from our congregation.  If you have a talent you would like to share or a favorite reading to contribute, please contact Susan Dimaline or Rev. Sondra at by SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4th: unitysetx@yahoo.com           

Our annual SOP Christmas food donations basket  

is in the foyer,

ready to be filled and filled again.  

Here are some useful suggestions:  

 canned pumpkin

canned milk(cond/evap)

canned vegetables

canned cranberry sauce

canned yams

canned chicken broth

stuffing mix

canned fruit

gelatin/pudding mix

1# bags of rice

cornbread or other bread mixes

macaroni & cheese mix

large, gently-used paper bags

Funds donated will used to purchase meat certificates,  

produce, eggs & oleo.

Thank you! 

While visiting www.unitysetx.org
click on "Shop here and bless us"
and see how ...    

... you can buy the things you need, save money with exclusive iGive coupons and deals, and feel good knowing that a portion of each purchase benefits our organization.   

Also, when you link to Amazon products and services via our website, the church receives up to 10% in referral fees.   

Saturday, December 24th, 6:00p.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

In this quiet, reflective service, we prepare ourselves for the celebration of the birth of the Christ Within.  

Sunday, December 25th, 11;00a.m.

Christmas Day Service

Sunday Morning schedule as usual 

Saturday, December 31st, 6:00p.m.

New Year's Eve  

Burning Bowl Ceremony                         

In readying ourselves for the New Year, we mediate upon what we would like to be free of or release.  We write them down and then burn the paper as a symbol of our willingness to let them go.

Sunday, January 1st  

New Year's Day

During Morning Service

The White Stone Ceremony

Saturday, January 8th 

from 10:00 a.m.

Treasure-Mapping Workshop

We are grateful for    

Sunday

9:30 to 9:45 a.m.          Meditation

9:45 to10:30 a.m.         Adult Class

10:30 to 11:00 a.m.      Fellowship 

11:00 a.m. to Noon       Sunday Worship Service & Youth Education

1st  Sunday of Month   

After Morning Service      Community Feast

Monday

7:00 to 8:30 p.m.          Mindfulness Meditation

Last Monday of Month 

7:00 to 10:00 p.m.        Songwriters Group

Wednesday

11:30 to Noon              Silent Unity Prayer & Meditation Service  

5:50 to 6:30 p.m.         "Unity Singers" Practice 

7-8:30 p.m.                  Book Study    

Thursday 

7:00 to 8:30 p.m.         A Course in Miracles Class 

1st Thursday of Month 

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.         Golden Triangle Body Mind Spirit Group

3rd Thursday of Month

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.         L.G.B.T Group

3rd Saturday of Month

10a.m. to 1:00 p.m.     Songwriters Group

Office Hours

Monday through Thursday

10:00 a.m. to 4:30 pm

(schedule varies when required)

In emergencies, call 409-504-5099

Bookstore Hours

During Sunday activities & regular office hours