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In Case of Severe Weather
As winter approaches, there may be unsafe travel conditions around worship service times.
If a Sunday service is to be cancelled due to inclement weather, a message will be put on the church voicemail system.
We will also post a message on our Facebook page, the church's web page, and send a church-wide e-mail.
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The most current information about upcoming events is on our Facebook page - no account needed!
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Sunday Worship - December 13
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Christmas Music Service - 10:30 a.m.
Join us on Sunday as we observe and celebrate the season of love and light. This week, the choir will be joined by a chamber orchestra, as we continue our annual Major Music tradition.
Today we will be presenting C.P.E. Bach's Magnificat, an exuberant setting of the Song of Mary, from the gospel of Luke. Join us at 10:30 for a joyful celebration of the Christmas season!
Homily - Rev. David Bryce
Filled or sent away; which are we?
In the Magnificat, Luke states: "the Mighty One...has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty". Are we among the "hungry" or among the "rich"?
Welcome and Announcements: Betsy George Ushers: Ann Dexter, Ana Hammock, Sara Oaklander, and David Warner The flowers on the Chancel table this Sunday are given by the Hicks family with gratitude for all of the love and support we received from the community during our time of need.
- Music Sunday; one service at 10:30 a.m.; childcare is provided.
- Next Sunday, December 20: Rev. David Bryce
- Sermon archive
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From the Senior Minister,
Rev. David Bryce
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Please remember to bring food items for the December 20 service, items that will be collected during the service and given to the Grow Clinic at Boston Medical Center.
This is the season for candles. I am already "late" in setting out our advent wreath. The Western Christian Advent began this past Sunday (Nov. 29). I have once again failed to make my own Orthodox Advent wreath (this uses seven candles, not four; but then the Orthodox Advent wreath is entirely unofficial). I did purchase a seven candle Arch to act in lieu of an Orthodox wreath, but I have not yet put that up.
And then there is our menorah, our Santa Lucia crown and our solstice candle, all waiting to be unboxed, set out and lit. I love the early darkness that settles on our portion of the world at this time of year, and I love the candle light that breaks into that darkness. I love the warmth of home when stepping in from the outside cold. And so there is that within me that looks forward to winter, that seeks the pleasures of the season, that wants to know and live in the winter time. There is something wonderful about walking on fallen snow that crunches beneath the feet; something wonderful about a chill nip in the air; something wonderful about a dark night with lights in the far distance; something wonderful about the lights of a city in the midst of winter. So let us bring out our candles, polish the holders, decorate the wreaths and be ready for the beauty and joy of this season, welcoming it as a gift.
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The twin themes of our December 20th multigenerational worship service are giving and celebrating the holidays UU-style. We will hear personal sharing from congregants, listen to stories and sing some carols. If you or your children would like to participate as a reader or have a UU family tradition to share, please contact me ASAP. To get you thinking about what makes the holidays special, here is a personal story of my own ... { click here for more }
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Season Ticket Sales Update: Getting Closer on the Matching Funds Challenge Grant! HOORAY!
But time is flying by! We need to sell six more in the next week or so, or it will be January and we lose all the grant money! Buy your ticket now, double your impact, and help this model social action program earn this generous validation of our work and make a one third increase in donations to beneficiaries. Don't hesitate - now is the time! Many many thanks to all!
Send your check for $99 made out to First Church in Belmont (memo line marked Coffeehouse) to First Church in Belmont, 404 Concord Ave, P.O. Box 113, Belmont 02478. Help your First Church friends to bring truly meaningful change to the lives of the grateful clients of our worthy beneficiaries, and enjoy the warm and wonderful music and fellowship of the Coffeehouse shows at a discount. And it's fully deductible!
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The end of the calendar year is almost here. While the church's fiscal 2016 year ends on June 30, 2016, many people like to make their entire contribution in 2015 for tax purposes. We have just sent reminders of the amount you pledged to contribute to First Church in the year ending June 30, 2016, and the amount you have already paid towards that pledge.
Whenever you pay towards your pledge, please mark (on the memo line of the check or in an accompanying note) that this is a FY16 pledge payment. If you have paid in full, you won't receive a letter (and thank you!).
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This Week
- Belmont UU Alliance - Wed., Dec. 16, 12 noon, Upper Hall Lunch and Program - "Lena - My 100 Children"
Ongoing Programs
- Living with Serious Illness - Thursday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m., Library
- Science and Spirituality - Thursday, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m., Conference room
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Ongoing Programs, Events & Announcements
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Ushers wanted for the Holiday Services
The Membership Committee is looking for ushers for all four Christmas Eve services - 2, 4, 6 and 11 p.m. It's now easier than ever to sign up with our online form: goo.gl/v8XjHo.
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"Start the Day Strong" at the Grow Clinic by picking up some hot and cold cereals or vitamins.
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