December 21 Service at 6:30 PM

Religious Services–Solstice Sub-Committee

This quiet service will honor the natural cycles of the earth. Beginning with the burning of the Yule log on the patio, we will proceed with candles into the sanctuary to sit in a circle as we join together with music, poetry, and personal reflections, honoring both Mother Earth and our own faith in her steadfastness. This service is appropriate for adults and children who can settle in the dark quietude.

We will have a Sunday service on December 23rd and our annual Christmas Eve service on December 24th.

Music Service presented by Music Ministry

Rev. Julie Lombard, Minister

As the holiday season begins to consume our lives, some of us feel stuck in a sense of hopelessness. We know we are supposed to feel the joy of the season, but we don’t, and our internal flame deep within is not as bright as we might want. We struggle to connect with the spirit of the season and we seek what will help us to go beyond hum-bug. Nothing can help us to believe in life more than a child dedication within our community of caring. Join us as we celebrate this honor in a brief ceremony during our Time for All Ages.

Local musicians and friends of NSUU Dominic Priolo and Larry Plitt will bring their talents this morning. Cathy Sullivan-Bradley will offer a special song of blessing for our child dedication.

Bob Vincent

Thanksgiving Day began with modest roots. Originally a celebration of gratitude for the blessings of the harvest and all the good that came with the preceding year, it evolved from its religious and cultural traditions into one of our major secular holidays. But it is not universally celebrated. To many of our Native American neighbors, Thanksgiving Day represents four centuries of racism, genocide and government attempts to destroy their culture. Today’s service speaks to both sides of the issue. In the process, it brings to light how one prestigious prep school trains its very privileged students to express gratitude for their favorable social and economic circumstances by learning simple yet effective ways of bringing comfort to the disadvantaged.

We finish out the month with more beautiful piano music by Judy Putnam.

Rev. Julie Lombard, Minister

All are invited to our Thanksgiving Multigenerational Service. As each family prepares to gather at their own Thanksgiving table, where ever it may be, let us raise our hearts in gratitude as we continue the honored tradition of a Corn Bread and Cider Communion. Let us lift our voices to sing familiar hymns and open our hearts as we revisit the story of the slave that gave us Thanksgiving. Please join us for worship to share in this outpouring of love for this blessed church community.

The Singing Group joins in the celebration of the spirit of gratitude evoked by the Thanksgiving holiday.

Rev. Julie Lombard, Minister

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 2018 people worldwide will mark the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day. Folks will pause to recognize those who sacrificed their lives in the Great War, the war that was supposed to end all wars. We know it didn’t end all wars; we also know the importance of taking this moment to honor all those who have served or have yet to make the sacrifice in the defense of freedom and democracy. In a month where gratitude is our worship theme, we come together with praise and thanks for those who serve. Please join us for a special kind of celebration that will honor them.

The Singing Group will provide seasonal music to accompany the message of the morning.