Holidays at First UU Church
We are glad to gather throughout this season to celebrate many traditions and rituals. We hope you can join us to find ways to nourish your spirit with the gifts of connection, peace, and joy for the holidays.
Order a Holiday Poinsettia NOW!
Each year we display multiple poinsettias in the church from December 1-31. This year we are asking members and friends to donate money to purchase a poinsettia that they can then take home after the holidays. You can purchase a poinsettia in honor or in memory of someone, for yourself, or just because. Order yours today HERE for $15.
Services:
Thanksgiving Sunday Service
Sunday, December 1 ~ 10am
One Service Only
Solstice Service
Wednesday, December 18
An annual marking of the longest night of the year, with music poetry, and stories, ending with a fire in the courtyard. Join us at 5:30 pm for our weekly supper before the service.
5:30-6:00 pm ~ Supper
6:00-7:00 pm ~ Mask Making
Choir
Community Conversations
7:00-8:00 pm ~ Solstice Service and Fire
Winter Children’s Program
Sunday, December 22
9am & 11am service
A festive telling of winter holiday stories, led by several children and youth, including music from the Chalice Choir.
Christmas Eve Services
Tuesday, December 24 ~ 4pm (in person & live streamed) and 6pm (in person only)
Traditional services with readings, reflections and carols, including music from the choir, ending in candlelight and singing Silent Night. Offertory plate will go to our Human Needs Fund.
Christmas Eve Cookie and Bar Reception
Tuesday, December 24 ~ 5pm
Commons
Bring your favorite cookie and/or bar to share. Label any that contain nuts.
Ritual of Change and Growth
Sunday, December 29, at 10:00 am (One Service only)
An annual service with music, readings, and a fire ritual to mark the threshold between the old and the new year. Each year, we bring to this service things to let go of and intentions to set.
Giving:
Guest At Your Table
The Guest at Your Table program has introduced generations of Unitarian Universalists to our grassroots partners working for justice around the world with your support. This church year, we are celebrating Guest at Your Table’s 50th anniversary with the theme “Expanding the Welcome Table.” Click on the button below to donate directly or return a red envelope with your donation enclosed by 12/24.
Family Promise
Family Promise: Our Social Justice partner for the month of December
Family Promise Rochester provides families with meals, a furnished bedroom, education and case management for up to 120 days. Family Promise currently has a wait list of 44 families wanting to enter our shelter program and we are SO excited to be moving into our new facility in November and in-taking families early January of 2025. The new facility will be able to house 6-10 families at a time and will have more volunteer opportunities.
Donate each Sunday as the plate passes or directly to Family Promise HERE.
Holiday Giving Mitten Tree
For our annual holiday giving tree this year, we are supporting the “Miracle on 1st Street” through Family Promise of Rochester. For this program, our congregation will specifically support a family of five, with several items to gift. Monetary and item donations are welcome. Find more at the Giving Tree in the lobby!
Events:
Feast With Friends ~ Click HERE to Sign Up to bring something
Thursday (Thanksgiving), November 28
11:30am Social Hour
12:30pm Feast
Commons
Join your UU Friends for a Thanksgiving Feast. We ask that you bring TWO dishes to share for our celebration, and if you could help set up or clean up, we’d appreciate it! We are THANKFUL for you all!
Pajama and Pancake Party
Saturday, December 7 ~ 5:30-7:30pm
Commons
The Pajama and Pancake Party is back! From 5pm-7:30pm on December 7, children (6 months – 12 years) may be dropped off at the church for an evening of activities and a pancake dinner with the Youth Group. This is a fundraiser for the youth group. Suggested donation is $20 per child.
Holiday Cookie & Treat Exchange
Sunday, December 15 ~ 10:15 am
Peabody Room
Join us to exchange homemade holiday treats! We will gather around the table, with everyone choosing at the same time. Make as many treats as you’d like to exchange, and please bring tongs for selecting!