News & Events
December 6, 2016 
The deadline for newsletter submissions to this enews is noon on the Monday before Tuesday publication.
Advent Series
Thomas Merton:  Welcoming Hope, Humility and Joy into Advent and Christmas  
Led by The Rev. Barbara Merritt  and
The Rev. Sarah Stewart.  

A Brown Bag lunch Advent Series on Fridays, from noon to 1:30pm in the Dining Room, Dec 9, 16 and 23. Please bring your lunch, and attend any or all of our meetings.
 
Advent literally means that something important is arriving, coming into our lives. It is the root of the word "adventure." While a Trappist, Catholic monk may seem like an unusual spiritual guide for free-thinking Unitarian Universalists, we will be discussing some of his writings which address all seekers after truth. We hope you will join us. 
 
The Readings are available here. 
Christmas Day Pancake Breakfast  
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Join your friends at First Unitarian Church on Christmas Day for pancakes and a worship service! We will host a pancake breakfast at 9:30, before an open, family-friendly, and welcoming communion service at 10:30. Help us make sure we make the right number of pancakes by signing up here. Celebrate the season with fellowship and flapjacks on Sunday December 25. A freewill donation will be accepted for breakfast.
New Members Gathering This Sunday
 
Rev. Sarah Stewart
Join Rev. Sarah Stewart and lay leaders of First Unitarian to explore membership in the church. If you're ready to join, please bring a completed new member form and completed pledge card with you. You'll also have the chance to fill these out at the meeting. We'll talk about Unitarian Universalism, the meaning of membership, and have the chance to officially sign the book! A similar new member meeting will be held on every first Sunday of the month at 9 a.m. in the Chapel. New members will be welcomed during the last Sunday service of each month.
Become a Member
 
If you are considering becoming a member of First Unitarian Church, here is the process.  According to our bylaws: you need to meet with the minister, complete a pledge card, sign the membership book, and have your membership affirmed by the Prudential Committee.
 
A good way to begin is to stop by the Welcome Table in the Bancroft Room after worship.  There you will find information on the church and on our denomination.  You can sign up to receive our e-newsletter, get a name tag, and let us know if you are interested in membership. We will then let Rev. Stewart (sstewart@firstunitarian.com) know of your interest and then you will be invited to attend a New Member Meeting usually scheduled for the first Sunday of the month.  Or, you can speak with or send an email to the minister indicating your intention. 
Only a Few Left!
 
If you missed getting a name on Sunday, you can still bring warmth and cheer to a child on Christmas.  There are a few cards on the tree, each with the name of a child in the care of the Department of Children and Families, and each in need of gifts to brighten the season.
 
Before anything else, go to the tree on Sunday and choose one of the last remaining cards.  Gifts need to be returned in gift bags, unwrapped, by noon on Sunday, December 18.
Christmas Mitten Tree

P. S.  Socks, hats and mittens that appear on the tree will be delivered to Abby's House and Jeremiah's in by the Social Justice Committee.  These gifts also need to be on the tree by noon on Dec. 18.  
HELP: Handmade Sundays

On December 18th, children PreK-8th grade meet for a special
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gift/ornament making time. We would love to have any of the following donated items.

Small glass jars (with or without lids);  Washi or other decorative tape; candy canes; strawberries; vanilla frosting; battery-operated tea lights; magazines; newspaper; peppermint hard candies; white or blue card stock.
 
Thank you!
Here's Looking at You

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It was a dark and stormy night...
and then what happens?
I was running late one morning...
My grandfather was...
Nothing is ever lost...
We all have stories.  Pick your brain and jot down some thoughts.  Let them sit for a while and then work them a bit more.  Your story might be enlightening or entertaining to others. 
 
We are a creative congregation and we have much to share.  One way we can do this is by putting together a booklet.  Content will be poems, short stories, reflections, meditations, humorous and learning experiences, prayers, and artwork.  Original submissions from all ages are welcome. 

 
Send submissions to booksubmissions@firstunitarian.com or give them to one of us or leave it in the box on the Welcome Table.
 
For guidelines and other information click here.

Lee Reid, Deborah Levering, Madeline & Rick Silva, Abigail Hannaford-Ricardi & Sten Gustavson
First Night Volunteers Needed
Only a couple hours of your time will make First Night a success at First Unitarian AND let you experience the love and hope of your community.
A
First Night
great way to end 2016!

Sign up now in the Dining Room for a 2 hour (or more if you wish) shift beginning at 4 pm:(4-6, 6-8, 8-10 available) and still have time to dine and dance the night away. Parents,there will fun, peace-focused activities for your children in the Dining Room while you fulfill easy volunteer duties.

Great food and drink offerings will also be available in the Dining Room, thanks to the Islamic Society and our own youth group.
 
Questions?  Talk with Paul Ropp or Gini Johnson, Co-Chairs, First Night Committee. 
"Good Morning, Nice To See You"

These six words have the power to change the day. Put them together
Sunday Greeters First Unitarian Worcester UUA
  with a smile and people feel welcome. The Welcoming Team is recruiting people and families to greet those coming through our church doors on Sunday mornings. The joyful job includes handing out Orders of Service and helping new people. New families can be directed to the Sunday school area to meet with family greeters.  New people can be directed to the Welcome Table for more information.  Please signup  here.    
First Unitarian Sunday Readers Sign Up
Rev. Sarah Stewart is inviting members and friends to sign up to read the scripture passage during the service every Sunday. That same person (with their family, if they want) could light the chalice at the beginning of the service. Sign up to be the reader on an upcoming Sunday here or at the Welcome table in the Bancroft Room after services. (Note: You do not have to register for a SignUpGenius account to sign up to be a Sunday Reader, just skip that question in the sign-up process.)
Early Bird Coffee & Conversation
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Before worship on Sunday morning some friendly folks can be found enjoying coffee and conversation in the dining room.  They gather around 9:30 a.m. or a wee bit later.  That's when the coffee is ready.  So, show up, pull up a chair, join some talkers and help warm the place with enjoyable chatter on range of subjects. In the joyful rush for coffee and treats after worship, the busy atmosphere can inhibit opportunities to get to know others more deeply.  Early bird coffee is one way to engage with friendly people.  Church school teachers, those on church committees or in leadership roles are encouraged to show up periodically and converse with those  gathered.   
Community News and Events
 
UU Mass Action Newsletter November 28 Update here
   
Important First U Links -
Calendar of Events
Facebook Page 
Faith Development Ministry News
Kundalini Yoga For All
Music At First Unitarian
Our Church Family Online Directory
Pledge online
Sermons
Stewardship News 
UU Sisterhood News and Events
Worship This Week
First Unitarian Church | Ph 508.757.2708 |F 508.753.9332
office@firstunitarian.com  |  www.firstunitarian.com
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