Special Holiday Services

Upcoming Special Holiday Services: Lots of special gatherings coming up this month! Please check next week’s email for Zoom links

Festival of Lights, Sunday, December 20 at 10:00 am – This service is a collaboration between the youth in several UU congregations throughout the US.  These young people come together via Zoom on Wednesday evenings, expanding their circles during this time of COVID.  This presented a unique opportunity to share with each other how they mark the holidays with their loved ones.  During the youth-led service, these young folks will share their memories and feelings about Hanukkah, Solstice, Yule, and several other traditions. 

Winter Solstice Celebration with the JRUUC Sacred Breath Choir, Heather Yonker, and Rev. Karen
Monday, December 21 at 5:00 pm – This is an abbreviated virtual version of our annual tradition.  Members of the JRUUC Sacred Breath choir, along with Music Director Heather Yonker, have recorded some of their favorite Solstice music, around which Rev. Karen has woven reflections and meditations.  Check your email for information about how to participate in a candle-lighting virtual ritual by recording yourself and emailing it to Rev. Karen by December 17.

“Blue Holidays” Vespers with Rev. KarenWednesday, December 23 at 6:00 pm – 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.

Christmas Eve Services with Rev. Karen, Kelly Crocker, and Roger Bertschausen, Thursday, December 24 at 4:30 pm and 7:00 pm – These services were created collaboratively by JRUUC and FUS ministers and musicians.  The early service is a family-oriented blend of carols, all ages stories, and music, including the singing of “Silent Night” by candlelight.  The later service is a vigil with the Gospel Christmas story plus carols, candles, meditation and reflections, and the Transylvanian Unitarian communion ritual.