|
|
December's Worship Theme is GIFTS
December 15:
"The 12 Days of Christmas"
Rev. Anthony Makar
December 22:
"Blue Christmas"
Rev. Anthony Makar
December 24:
Christmas Eve Services
5:30 pm: Christmas Pageant
7:30 pm: Lesson in Carols
December 29:
SINGLE SERVICE @ 10AM
"Walking In Loud Shoes"
Rev. Jane Thickstun
|
|
|
Listen to Last Week's Sermon
| |
|
|
Adult Religious Exploration Course Proposals -
Due Dec. 16
|
The deadline for course proposals is Dec. 16, and winter session classes begin in late January 2014. The team is seeking course proposals that explore four key areas : UU Identity and Theology; Spiritual Practice; Life Skills; and Leadership and Service. Prospective instructors are encouraged to offer short sessions of four to six weeks. For more information on types of courses that will be considered, how to propose a course, and more, visit
|
|
Who Are You Missing?
|
Are you concerned about a UUCA member that you have missed seeing at Sunday Services or Wonderful Wednesday? We have several lay ministers who would be happy to contact these missing congregants to see if we can be of assistance or offer support when it is needed. Please send your requests to Lay Minister Ginny Sjoquist at
or call her at 404-876-0455. Alternatively, contact Rev. Jane Thickstun at the UUCA office or Lay Minister Charlene Hurt via email at uucachar.hurt7@gmail.com.
|
|
Give Away the Plate
|
Dec 8: UUSC/UUA
Philippines Typhoon Relief Fund - $4160
Dec 15: UUCA
Dec 22: UUCA
To nominate a non-profit for UUCA's Give Away the Plate program, please visit
|
|
When the Spirit Says Cook
|
The UUCA cookbook, When the Spirit Says Cook, is here! Packed with over 280 recipes from more than 100 UUCA members, staff, and friends, When the Spirit Says Cook has the answer to the question, "What's for dinner?" The cookbook is available for purchase for $20 cash or check in the UUCA Social Hall on Sundays (until they're sold out). Those who pre-ordered a copy should please stop by the table for pick up. Or, purchase online with a credit card at
|
|
Seeking Members for Social Justice Coordinating Team
|
Have a passion for Social Justice? UUCA is forming a diverse Social Justice Coordinating Team, and applications are due by Dec. 31. For details on the planned work of the team and how to apply, visit
uuca.org/faith-in-action or contact Rev. Jane Thickstun at 404-634-5134 or jthickstun@uuca.org.
|
|
|
Moravian Love Feast - Tonight!
Our annual Moravian Love Feast, a joyous holiday service of spectacular music, readings and sharing of fellowship, food and drink, takes place this evening, Dec. 13, at 7:30 pm. This has been a UUCA tradition for more than 50 years. This year's special music will feature, as always, a very special Brass ensemble, along with our Phoenix Choir singing the beloved "O Holy Night." Tickets can be purchased at the door -- $10 for adults, $7 for senior adults, $5 for children under 18, and $25 maximum per family.
|
|
Congregational Meeting - This Sunday
UUCA's Congregational Meeting will be held in the Sanctuary on Dec. 15 at 12:45 pm. This yearly gathering provides the opportunity to invest in the communal decisions that help further the mission and goals of the congregation. In addition to a review of the results of the 2014 Stewardship Campaign and a report from Rev. Makar on the 2013/2014 program year, members will be asked to vote on the Operating Budget for 2014. All relevant meeting documents can be found at uuca.org/congregationalmeeting.
|
Celebrate Rev. Tessie Mandeville - This Sunday
As Rev. Makar wrote about in the December Newsletter, the Pastoral Care Coordinator position in which Rev. Tessie Mandeville has so skillfully served for over a year has regrettably been eliminated. Read more about this decision here. Please join us during services on Dec. 15 at 9:30 and 11:15 am as we say farewell to Rev. Mandeville and celebrate her ministry among us.
|
|
Last Day for IRC Giving Tree - This Sunday
UUCA will host the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Giving Tree again this holiday season for refugee families who have fled persecution and resettled in the Atlanta area in the past year. Congregants will be able to select individuals or families for whom to purchase useful gifts for home and school. There are two ways to participate. Come by the tree in the Social Hall on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings through Dec. 15. Or, got to http://uuca-irc-givingtree.jit.su to choose individuals or families online. Contact Erin Stanfill at estanfill@uuca.org for details. |
|
Humanist Fellowship - This Sunday
All this month, the Humanist Fellowship at UUCA is exploring the topic of Justice in America. Come join the conversation! The Humanist Fellowship gathers Sundays from 11:15 am - 12:30 pm, and participants are encouraged to bring a donation for the food barrel.
|
|
Seeking Participants for Christmas Eve Pageant - Rehearsal is Dec 22
This year, UUCA's inter generational Christmas Eve pageant will be "Would You Like to Hold the Baby?" by Joyce Poley. It is full of beautiful songs and has many parts for children, youth and adults. Children can sign up to be shepherds, angels, or friendly beasts. Designed for minimal rehearsal time, there will be one group rehearsal on Dec. 22, after the second service, and lead parts will have a blocking rehearsal on Dec. 18 at 6 pm. Sign up at the Family Welcome Center or email Sonya Tinsley Hook at sonyasing@aol.com or Linda Kirkland at lskirkland@comcast.net.
|
Men's Fellowship - Dec 17
The Men's Fellowship meets every third Tuesday at UUCA from 7 to 9 pm, this month on Dec. 17. After check-in, a prepared topic is introduced by one of the UUCA men, followed by personal and group exploration, sharing, reflection, and discussion. Contact Sven Lovegren at solovegren@yahoo.com for more information. All are welcome.
|
|
Wonderful Wednesday - Dec 18
Join UUCAers every Wednesday, now through May 14, for the variety of programs known as Wonderful Wednesday. The centerpiece of each week is a community dinner held at 6:15 pm. Dinners are served by UUCA groups or local non-profits, and proceeds go to UUCA programs and other good causes. Join us at 6 pm on Dec. 18, for the second annual WW Chili Cookoff! The congregation seeks its best chili cookers and lots of chili eaters to participate in this fun event. There are still spots available for competitors. Email Kelly Schwartz at kschwartz@uuca.org today to sign up. Cookers will need to prepare 10-12 servings of chili each, and bring their chili in its own crock pot or warming dish. All types and varieties of chili are welcomed and encouraged. For chili eaters, regular Wonderful Wednesday dinner pricing applies, and attendees will be able to sample each chili, then go back for a bowl of their favorite. Please note that this is the last WW of the year. WW will be on break Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, and will resume on Jan. 8.
|
Third Thursday Cinema - Dec 19
Sponsored by UUCA's Peace Network, the monthly Third Thursday Cinema will be held Dec. 19 at 7 pm in Room 210. This month's film is Heist: Who Stole the American Dream? In 1971, a secret memo was written by future Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell that outlined a plan to make government more corporate friendly. Believing that business had lost ground during preceding decades, Powell called for a takeover by gaining corporate control of media, academia, the pulpit, the arts, and the judiciary, while at the same time, working to destroy organized labor and consumer protections. Now this has been realized, but what has happened to everyone else? Heist illustrates this greatest of all wealth transfers, and provides a path to restoring democracy. A $3 donation is suggested for the evening, which includes refreshments and a moderated discussion.
|
|
YRUU Alum Cookie Swap - Dec 22
During youth group on Dec. 22 from 11:15 am - 12:30 pm, YRUU alums are invited to join in for a cookie swap in the youth room. Bring cookies to share, or just yourself, and rekindle YRUU friendships in fine and festive fellowship. Come kick off the holiday season in a delicious fashion; all former youth group participants who have graduated in the last five years are welcome and warmly encouraged to attend!
|
|
Christmas Eve Services at UUCA - Dec 24
Come celebrate Christmas Eve with us! Our 5:30 pm service will feature UU musician and composer Joyce Poley's beautiful pageant, "Would You Like To Hold the Baby?" This is an intergenerational service with parts for all ages and a special multigenerational holiday choir. Our 7:30 pm service, "A Lesson in Carols," is a wonderful evening of Christmas carols, readings, and beautiful candlelight. Feel inspired and uplifted this holiday season!
|
|
UUCA Office Closing - Dec 25 thru Jan 1
In observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays, the UUCA office will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 25, through Wednesday, Jan. 1. The office will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2. Happy Holidays!
|
Underground Theatre Auditions- Jan 6 & 9
The Underground Theatre announces its final show, the beloved Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy Harvey by Mary Chase. Starring Bob Winstead, this comedy about a lovable eccentric and his invisible rabbit friend will play Mar. 20-29 in UUCA's cozy downstairs theatre. Auditions for Harvey will be held from 7-9 pm on Monday, Jan. 6, and Thursday, Jan. 9. Please go to uuca.org/ut for more information about the show and the auditions. And, save the date for a big celebration of director Dante Santacroce and his theatre to be held on Apr. 11.
|
The Sandwich Generation - Jan 9
Trying to balance caring for an elderly parent, your family, your career, yourself? Wondering what you can do for your parents from 1,000 miles away? Come join a conversation on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 7 pm in Room 216 at UUCA, where we'll have a chance to vent and problem solve with others in similar situations. For more information, contact Ardene Whittlesey at a_whittlesey@yahoo.com.
|
|
Our Caring Community
For pastoral care concerns, contact Rev. Jane Thickstun at jthickstun@uuca.org or by phone at 404-634-5134 xt. 215.
UUCA members Diane Loupe and Nia Schooler have been named "Hometown Heroes" by the City of Decatur. Defined by the City as "that person who works hard, often behind the scenes, to make our community a better place to live and work," Diane was recognized for her volunteer work at many events and as a leader in the Decatur High community garden, and Nia was honored for her efforts at improving the arts in schools and the community. Congratulations!
We are holding Jon and Chris Carlsten and family in our thoughts and prayers. Jon and Chris are in Italy for the birth of their grandchild but sadly there were unforeseen circumstances and the baby girl, Allessandra, died at birth on Nov. 30. Jon and Chris ask for our loving energy for all of them as the family is understandably exhausted and overwhelmed. Allessandra is survived by her mother and father, Jenny and Miko, four-year old sister, Anneke, aunts, uncles and grandparents. Emails and cards of support and condolence are welcomed.
Marilyn Ellen, a beloved friend to many at UUCA, moved to Florida this year and was to start rehab after a recent fall. After not feeling well recently, exploratory surgery was performed and unfortunately a mass was found on Marilyn's pancreas. After a brief stay in hospice, Marilyn passed away Dec. 4. A memorial service is being planned for January, with Rev. Makar officiating. Let's keep Marilyn's daughter, Jennifer, and her family in our thoughts and prayers.
|
|
|
|
|
