Upcoming Services and Sermons

December 2024

Sunday, December 1, 10 a.m., “The Land of Awes,” UUSD member, Don Peterson: As we enter the season of awe, we will explore what it means to be “in awe.” When does it happen? What does the emotion feel like? What impact can it make in our lives? To be in awe is to be in a state of wonder. We are surrounded by opportunities to experience this profound emotion. 

Sunday, December 8, 10 a.m., “The Season of Invitation,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr: In these tumultuous times, we might more mindfully consider each outreach and invitation we extend. Who are you inviting into your home, into your life, this season? What ideas, spiritual teachings, and wisdom are you inviting into your soul-life? In this time of winter, of turning inward into furnace-warmed and fire-lit gatherings, we will investigate the idea of invitation. Who are we each inviting into our lives, and who are we inviting ourselves to be in the world? Our Fall New Member Ceremony will occur during the service today. Join us in celebrating our newest Members!

Sunday, December 15, 10 a.m., “Being a Religious Humanist in December,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr: Have you seen the big, often brightly-lit signs that pop up around this time of year that say, often in huge or cursive letters: B E L I E V E ! Over the years, I’ve had a variety of reactions to these signs. At this point I’ve been doing this ministry, life, and Unitarian Universalist thing long enough to have some thoughts and also to have learned some ways of just settling down and enjoying the season. Join me!

Friday, December 20, 6 to 7:30 p.m., “Winter Solstice Celebration,” Rev. Sue Greer, UUSD Member and Ordained Spiritual Life Minister: Come! Call back the light! Winter Solstice is the marking of the earth’s pause before turning once again from darkness towards the light. On this, the longest night of the year, we will invite new beginnings into our lives and pause to listen to the renewal of our life’s direction. We will begin our ceremony indoors. Weather permitting, we may have an outdoor fire to celebrate the coming of the light. As part of the ceremony, we will release our worries and concerns into the fire, either indoors or out. In our celebration we will drum, so bring a drum if you have one or share the drums we have to offer. Come renew your Fire and Light!

Sunday, December 22, 10 a.m., “Jesus the Protester,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr: Inspired by Jewish Studies scholar, Amy-Jill Levine, among others, we’ll contemplate what wisdom the historical Jesus has to offer us for these times and in our current context. Alternatively, this service could be titled: “What Would Jesus Say About This Mess We’re In?”

Tuesday, December 24, 4:30 p.m., “Lean Into the Mystery,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr: Join us for our Annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. We will celebrate this time of the longest nights by singing carols, lifting up some good stories, enjoying one another’s good company, and supporting Members and Friends of this congregation and our larger community through contributions to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. All are welcome on this sparkly and festive evening.

Sunday, December 29, 10 a.m., “A Service of Remembrance,” Lay Leaders Mac and Susan Goekler, Peter Schott, Lori Rocheleau, and Micah Junger: We take time at this time of year to celebrate the lives of people who affected our lives directly or indirectly and to remember those who died this past year. During this service we acknowledge their contributions, which help make us who we are today. We will celebrate through words, images, and music. This is a celebration of life. Those that are remembered are with us.

To view past services, go to Past Services.