December 22, 2024: “Beauty of the Darkness”
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
Sarah Montgomery, Worship Associate
The midwinter solstice reminds us of the gifts that times of quiet, darkness and winter can bring. In this service, we invite time for quiet reflection, tend to heartbreak, and also remember the promise of the returning light.
Child Dedications
Child Dedications will be offered on Sunday, December 22 and both Christmas Eve services.
To join this service over the internet, please see our live stream page.
Ringing of the World Bell
Congregational Prelude
#225 “O Come O Come Emmanuel”
Welcome & Announcements
Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator
Land Acknowledgement
Lighting the Chalice Flame
Sarah Montgomery, Worship Associate
Devin McGuire
Opening Words
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
Time for All Ages
“Why the Solstice?”
Dr. Stephanie Kimball, Director of Religious Education
Interlude
“The Holly and the Ivy” traditional
Ray Fellman, piano
Pastoral Prayer
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
Meditative Hymn
#55 “Dark of Winter”
Offertory
“Peace” by George Winston
Ray Fellman, piano
During the Offertory, you are invited to silently light a candle to represent a joy or sorrow in your life.
You are invited to participate in this morning’s offering by through this link uucb.churchcenter.com/giving - with the drop down option titled “Sunday Plate.” You may make a non-pledge gift or a contribution towards your annual pledge, or both, at that site. This fiscal year, 25% of our non-pledge Sunday offerings will be donated to Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County to fund the installation of solar panels and energy monitoring systems and mandated radon testing in Habitat homes. The non-profit organization and its volunteers work to make more affordable, energy-efficient, and safe housing available locally. See monroecountyhabitat.org for more information.
If you pay your pledge through the Sunday offering, please write “pledge” on your check, on an envelope with your contribution, or by donating at uucb.churchcenter.com/giving.
Reading
Sarah Montgomery
Gift of Music
“Solstice Song” by Alouette Iselin, arr. Peter Amidon
UUCB Choir
Susan Swaney, Director of Music
Sermon
“Beauty of the Darkness”
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
Closing Hymn
#235 “Deck the Hall with Boughs of Holly”
Benediction
Choral Benediction
“There is a Love” words by Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker, music by Elizabeth Norton
Welcome Guests!
Welcome to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington!
We are so glad you are here. To learn more, visit uubloomington.org.
Guest Card: tinyurl.com/UUCBwelcome
To receive our email newsletters or connect with a member of our staff, please complete our Guest Card online or at the Welcome table in the lobby.
Looking for more ways to get involved? Complete this form to help us connect with you: tinyurl.com/UUCBgetinvolved
Hearing assistive devices are available at the AV Tech booth in the rear of the Meeting Room for use during Sunday worship services.
Childcare is available from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Room 108.
- Join us for Community Hour at 11:15 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
- Indigenous Studies Resources Working Group will be meeting at 11:30 a.m. in the Meeting Room.
- The Library is open until 12 p.m.
- The UU Freethinkers meet today at 11:40 a.m. in Room 208.
View our full calendar of upcoming events: uucb.churchcenter.com/calendar
To make a donation online, visit: uucb.churchcenter.com/giving
UU Church Staff:
Reverend Susan Frederick-Gray, Lead Minister
Dr. Stephanie Kimball, Director of Lifespan Religious Education
Dr. Susan Swaney, Music Director
Amanda Waye, Director of Administration
Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator
Hans Kelson, Technology Coordinator
Jo Bowman, Communications Coordinator
Dylan Marks, Sexton
