This Sunday 12/4/22 –
- The Practice of Wonder(ing) – with Rev. Karen Armina and Rev. Ian Riddell in person. We will also be honoring music director Heather Yonker with a ceremony of release. Learn more here.
- Special coffee hour celebration of Heather Yonker after the service
- Children and Youth – “Fellowship for Families.” There will be classes for our children and youth after worship. Jean Skinner will work with our younger children (through grade 5) in the multipurpose room, and Rev. Karen will meet with our youth in the youth room.
- Donate to The Share the Plate As part of our work to begin reparations to the Ho-Chunk people, the original residents of this land, our Share the Plate will be the Ho-Chunk Housing and Community Development Agency. The nonprofit provides members with quality, affordable housing, and offers programs to meet the Ho-Chunk Nation’s social, cultural, and community needs.
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Worship & Music News
Blue Holiday Vespers, Wednesday Dec. 7th at 5:30
The winter holidays are usually framed around peace and joy and hope, and if you’re not feeling those themes right now, you’re not alone. You’re invited to this evening service, where we’ll share and ritualize the losses, fears, regrets, and sorrows we’re feeling this holiday season, in the space we make sacred together. This service will be streamed via Zoom, and in-person participants will be asked to sign in at the door.
Winter Solstice Celebration on Saturday, December 17 at 5:00 pm
The JRUUC Sacred Breath Choir and Rev. Karen are delighted to offer this event in person for the first time since 2019! The evening is a deep ritual and celebration of the light that shines within and between us, with songs, reflections, silence, and candlelight. Please contact Rev. Karen if you’re interested in or curious about being a reader for this special evening. The service will also be streamed via Zoom.
Carols and Coffee on Sunday, December 25 at 10:00 am
Instead of our regular Sunday worship, we’ll have a shortened service and sing a few traditional Christmas songs together. Please bring a sweet treat to share for a festive coffee hour.
Click here for news about upcoming music and choir rehearsals – Choir meets this Thursday, Dec. 1st at 7pm (not at 6:15 as in previous announcements).
This Wednesday & Sunday – Quarterly Listening Circles:
Talk with Rev. Karen and your Board of Trustees
Please join Board representatives and Rev. Karen to talk together about our congregation. We’ll be asking you to share what’s going well for you and what concerns you have, as well as any questions you have for us. There are two options coming up:
1. Virtual Option: Wed 30-Nov-22 from 7:15-8:15
2. In person Option: Sun 04-Dec-22 after coffee hour (11:30 ish-12:30 ish)
If you are not able to attend either meeting, please feel free to send your thoughts the board.
We would like to hear your thoughts on how things are going for you at JRUCC. We are planning to have listening circles quarterly going forward, so if you are not able to attend, please watch for a future announcement.
Occupy Madison Village Holiday Sale:
December 3 & 4, 10:00 am – 2:00 p.m.
Our neighbors down the street (304 N. Third St.) are providing an opportunity to shop locally for handcrafted gifts created by OM residents and volunteers, along with refreshments and tours of their tiny homes. Be part of a homegrown solution to homelessness by shopping the Holiday Sale. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, contact OM Village, or see your weekly email for contact information.
Music in Our Community – 12/2 and 12/4 – Perfect Harmony Chorus
Celebrate 25 years of Perfect Harmony Chorus as we continue to “sing to make a better world.” Our silver anniversary concert includes PHC Artistic Directors and Pianists emeritus, alumni singers, and features our sibling chorus, Our Voice Milwaukee. “Shining in Silver” takes us on a musical journey to the past as we look forward to our future! General Admission Tickets: $30, only available pre-sale online at www.PerfectHarmonyChorus.org
F.O.S.T.E.R. and Nehemiah December’s Essentials Pantry
Volunteer or donate Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 9am-noon at The Fountain of Life Covenant Church. Basic toiletry and laundry items are needed. See your e-news for contact information to sign up.
Deck the Halls! Friday, December 9 at 6:30 pm
We get to decorate our building for the holiday season this year! We’ll put up our tree and hang garland and lights. Please bring a sweet treat to share, if you can. All are welcome! Hosted by Rev. Karen.
Many Hands Work Day Saturday, Dec. 10
Mark your calendar and come help work on our shared building. Join us anytime from 9 am to noon. We’ll have tasks for all ages and abilities as well as coffee, tea and snacks.
A Gathering of Greeters: Sunday, December 11 after Service
If you are currently on our Greeter List, or have a desire to be, please join us in the multi-purpose room at 11:30 on Sunday, December 11. We’ll spend a little time getting to know one another, provide an orientation (or re-orientation) on our greeting protocols, and for those who are comfortable, we’ll share a simple lunch of soup and salad prepared by the Membership Team in gratitude for your service. If you are uncomfortable sharing a meal at this time, you’re welcome to some “soup-to-go”! Direct questions or RSVP to Peggy Haack.
Holiday Craft and Bake Sale Sunday Dec. 18th
Dec. 18th before and after service you can shop for treasures and treats at our tables in the lobby. We will have hand made items including dishcloths, recycled t-shirt bags and bibs, and fabric bookmarks. We will also have a variety of cookies, candies and other baked goods. We would welcome your handmade items and/or baked goods. Remember to bring extra cash. You will want to satisfy your sweet tooth and do some last minute shopping. Contact Cindy Rudd if you have questions.
Porchlight Holiday Wish List & Just Dane Winter Clothing Drive – Through 12/18
For over a decade, JRUUC members supported Porchlight, a non-profit organization that provides services and shelter to Madison’s homeless population, by preparing a monthly meal. COVID changed things and churches could no longer provide safe shelter or meals. But we can still help!
Let’s fill a laundry basket or two with much needed items on the Porchlight Holiday Wish List. These are items you regularly shop for: cleaning supplies, household supplies, and typical hygiene items. Pick up a list from the foyer (or check the list here online) and add something to your shopping list. Drop off by Dec. 21st or earlier.
In addition, we will be helping Just Dane to collect warm hats, gloves, socks and long underwear for adults and children. These will be taken to the Just Dane office in time for the annual Longest Night Homeless Persons Memorial Service on Dec. 21.
And if you’re looking for gifts to give, check out PorchlightProducts at porchlightinc.org .
Deliver to Reeb by Dec. 18th
Click here for a .pdf of the Porchlight & Just Dane wish lists.
Snow Lottery Season!
Here is the link to sign up for our “Snow Lottery” – Sign up for a week at a time and if it snows, clear our sidewalks. You “win” the lottery when it snows, if you like shoveling, or when it doesn’t snow, if you would prefer not to shovel. Either way, we are grateful for your willingness to serve.
Small Group Ministry – See your weekly newsletter for Zoom links
- Wednesday – Meditation Group 6:30-7 on zoom
- Thursday – Sacred Breath Choir – meet 12/1 at 7:00 – note change from last week’s info!
- Sunday – Octavia’s Parables Discussion Group 1-2 (on zoom) – Next meeting is 12/11/22
- Monday – Journaling Group – every other Monday, 7-8 on zoom or in person. Next meeting is 12/5
Click here for group descriptions
JRUUC Is Hiring…
We’re accepting applications for these part-time positions. Please share with your networks!
- Office Administrator
- Cleaner
Click here for job descriptions and to learn more…
Minister’s Availability
Events Calendar (click for complete calendar)
Snow Lottery (Removal) Sign-up
Inspiration
Our December Theme: The Path of Wonder – Our December theme invites us to notice the things within, between, and around us that inspire a sense of wonder, and to make meaning out of it. In this space, you’ll find a new invitation into reflection on our monthly theme every week.
Check-in question: What was your first experience of wonder?
People go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering. — St. Augustine
Minister’s Musings – I’m thinking about how beautifully the Soul Matters themes are in sync with the cycle of the year; having December be the month we explore “the path of wonder” is brilliant! Not only are the skies clear enough this time of year to experience some of the wonder of the expanse of stars around us… Read more
NOTE: Deadline for Announcements is Tuesday at 10 p.m. Submit announcements for the website any time. Please send your announcement to office@jruuc.org and specify where you would like it listed by writing Sunday Announcement and/or Weekly and/or Website in the subject line of your email.
Religious Education and Family Ministry Update – click for our monthly schedule, and information about how you can help as we transition to a new Director of Religious Education
Welcome New Members!
We added three new members at our November 20 service: Kevin McAllister, Rhonda McAllister, and Michael Nunley. Welcome!
Social Justice Update – click for details all in one place about the events below and more
- Porchlight Wish List & Clothing Drive for Just Dane
- OM Village Holiday sale Dec. 3 & 4
- Longest Night 12/21
- JRUUC Works for Justice! – Signup for emails and zoom links – next meeting is in November
Looking For People To Be Buddies With New Members
We would like to match new members each with an existing member. The ‘buddies’ would act as a contact person and personal connection for the new members. The buddy would be expected to reach out to their new buddy on a regular basis, perhaps monthly at first. If you are interested in being a buddy, please contact Kelly Kearns
Membership Gatherings – click for details, invitation for new greeters
What’s Happening in Unitarian Universalism – Click Here for More About…
- 8th Principle Work – Seeking Feedback
- UU the Vote
- Side With Love – social action
- UUA News