AtholUU E-Newsletter – December 7, 2016

WORSHIP SCHEDULE
   All worship services begin at 10:00 AM.

Dec. 11  “The Magic of Love – Christmas 2016”    Rev. Marilyn Richards
                     followed by Mission Statement Meeting

About the sermon:
Acknowledging the anxiety and fear that the future holds for many, it is good to remember that our religion holds an old fashioned, well trodden path threw the troubles. Love.

Dec. 18   Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols
                 Edith Watson, Organist.
                 Rev. Marilyn Richards
                     followed by Christmas Party!

Winter break runs from December 25th through March 19th.
Although the church building is closed, the minister is available.  Please do not hesitate to call 978-249-5951.

Winter Break Potluck will be held on Feb. 5th.  See below

EVENTS

Mission Statement Meeting — after church on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016
Chris Coyle and Rev. Marilyn will present their hard work, consisting of short Mission Statements for consideration and critique.  The results of meeting may be used to write grants this winter.

Christmas Party, Dec. 18th after our Christmas Worship Service
Holiday Card Exchange  — list of attendees names next to Orders of Service or
       ask me to email you a copy.
*  Minister’s Christmas Tea
Decorated Sweater competition — has been canceled due to Donna’s work schedule.

Board of Management Meeting is Sunday, January 8, 2017 at Edith’s house.

Winter Vacation Potluck
at “Edith’s Fireplace” (Edith & Donna’s home)
Date:  Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017
Time:  noon. 12:00 PM.

We come back together for regular worship services:
Ingathering Worship Service
Sunday, March 19, 2017

IN CLOSING

Holiday message from our Unitarian Universalist Association’s President, Rev. Peter Morales

“The winter holidays are rich with stories that touch our hearts because they resonate with our life experience. This holiday season, I’m reflecting on the theme of journeys. I’m thinking especially of the Christmas stories, of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, of the three wise men crossing the desert in pursuit of the star, and of Jesus and his family fleeing later to Egypt to escape King Herod.

These are stories of difficult journeys motivated by hope. Stories of journeys have a special appeal, because life is a journey, a journey in time that is driven by hope. As I reflect on my life’s journey, I recall once again, the hopes that have powered me and the people who’ve helped me through the perils along the way. We too live in a time of unrest.

None of us makes it through life alone. The love and support of family and friends shapes who we are. This holiday season, take time to recall both the hope that has inspired you, and the special people in your life. Give thanks for their many gifts. And if you can, reconnect with people with whom you’ve lost contact.  Life is a journey we cannot make alone.  May this be a time rich in blessings. “

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Rev. Marilyn Richards