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December, 2014 The Chanticleer Page 1

The

December, 2014

The Newsletter of the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee A Unitarian Universalist Congregation ∙ Est. 1842

New!

DECEMBER SERVICES

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2014 TWO SERVICES & RELIGIOUS EDUCATION — 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.

“Going Dormant” The Rev. Dena McPhetres, speaking Alissa Rhode, Lead Music Director

The fields lie fallow at this time of year, seeds go dormant, frogs go into torpor and some of the animals hibernate. Yet humans ramp up our activity level to meet the impossible expectations of the winter holidays! What would it be like for us to go dormant this month – unplug and power down, rest and wait, not push ourselves to produce someone else’s happiness? What if we stopped meas-uring ourselves by our activity level?


“‘ Tis The Season“ The Rev. Elaine Beth Peresluha

Alissa Rhode, Lead Music Director Family Sunday • Mitten Tree

This is the third Sunday of Advent. Hanukah starts next week. Somethings com-ing. The tangle web of customs, stories and expectations can be a source of joy, or anxiety and disappointment. Today we sift though the tinsel to find the truths and beauty available to those who seek. Believe!

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2014 7:00 p.m.

Blue Christmas Vespers Elaine Beth Peresluha

Join us in the Sanctuary for a quiet, contemplative retreat from the holiday hustle and bustle of the holidays. This is an evening for those who feel left out of the joy this year, which are alone, who grieves, or who simply need a quiet moment to renew. Join us for candle light, stories and a bit of peace.

(Continued on page 15)

1342 North Astor Street ∙ Milwaukee, WI 53202 Telephone: 414 273-5257 ∙ Fax: 414 273-5254 ∙ E-Mail: [email protected] ∙ Website: www.uumilwaukee.org

CHRISTMAS EVE

CANDLE LIGHT

SERVICES

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

3:30, 5:00, & 6:30 p.m.

The Reverend Elaine Peresluha,

The Rev Dena McPhetres, and Director of Religious Education Beryl Aschenberg

Seasonal Carols, Music, Readings and a Story, Candles for all old enough to handle them

Intergenerational Services, Child Care at 3:30 & 5:00

Join us and bring your family as we celebrate one of the simplest, yet most beautiful ser-vices of the year. Children are welcome at all three services, but child care will be available for the youngest, if desired, only during the first two services.

Elaine will introduce us to a traditional Unitari-an Universalist Candle Lighting service, the origins of which date to the early 1900’s in New England — see insert for more infor-mation. As always, there will be special holi-day music and carols. A holiday reception will follow each service, provided the requisite volunteers step forward, so please consider contributing some of your holiday cookies, and perhaps even lending a hand!

3:30 and 5:00 p.m.: Alissa Rhode, Lead Music Director

6:30 p.m.: Tristan Strelitzer, Choral Director,

& the Chancel Choir and Jack Forbes Wilson, Artist in Residence


Share Your Thoughts on Our

“UU Question of the Month”

December Question:

“What is your favorite winter holiday memory?” People of all ages are invited to contribute their thoughtful responses to a monthly question posted on our bulletin board in the main church hallway. Add your voice, and read what others have to contribute!

Dena's Digressions

If I’m careful, I can feed both the introvert and extrovert sides of my personality during the winter holidays. My introvert side is fed by sitting quietly in the dark, with the advent candles lit one by one, reading a contemplative poem or two in the evenings at home. My extrovert side loves coming to church, especially for the intergenerational services where people of all ages open their hearts to mu-sic and stories, contributing to and receiving traditions old and cherished and ever new.

In The Middle

Welcome Yule!

One of my most cherished holiday traditions is to attend a performance of "Revels" in Cambridge, Massachusetts with my family. Inside the historic Sanders Theater in Har-vard Yard, Revels is not easy to describe. There is a lot of music, dancing, and most importantly, magic and story telling. For me, Revels symbolizes the continuity of human hope, the celebration of a birth in the night, and the possibility of new beginnings at the darkest time of the year. So, in the spirit of Revelers everywhere, I wish us all good cheer for the holidays and blessings for the coming year with this poem written for the closing of every Revels performance. Welcome Yule!

— Elaine

So the shortest day came,

And the year died

And everywhere down the centuries

Of the snow-white world

Came people singing, dancing

To drive the dark away.

They lighted candles in the winder trees;

They hung their homes with evergreens;

They burned beseeching fires all night long

To keep the year alive.

And when the new year's sunshine

blazed awake

They shouted, reveling,

Through all the frosty ages

you can hear them

Echoing behind us— Listen!

All the long echoes sing the same delight:

This shortest day.

As promise wakens in the sleeping land,

They carol, feast, give thanks

And hope for peace

And so do we, here, now...

Welcome Yule!

One thing I like best about the holi-days is the end of the year, when individu-als from each decade of life speak from our pulpit about what they have learned in their decade of life and what their hopes are for the future. This year, our inter-generational “Speaking From the Decades” service will be at 10:00 a.m. only on Sunday, December 28. If you’ve been waiting to be a Dec-ades Speaker, please let me know by Monday, December 15 that you are interested and which decade of life

you are in. I will put your name in the hat and let you know by the end of that week wheth-er this year is your year! You can reach me at de-

[email protected]. Whatever happens this month, I en-courage us to be open to the gifts of the season: small and ordinary, won-drous and magical.

Yours, Dena

One thing I like best about the

holidays is the end of the year,

when individuals from each decade

of life speak from our pulpit about

what they have learned in their

decade of life and what their hopes

are for the future.


Share the Plate From Sarah Fowles

Divine Intervention (“DI”) is the Share the Plate recipient for De-cember. As another winter’s cold de-scends, some souls in

our community are homeless, without a warm place to sleep. Help reinforce their inherent worth and dignity by contributing through Share the Plate to DI. DI provides emergency overnight safe sanctuary from December through March to its overnight guests who oth-erwise might bed down on cold nights outside, under a bridge or in a tent. In the four years since it first began, DI has expanded its shelter services to help secure housing and treatment for its guests, providing them with a renewed sense of purpose.

DI is a project of the Tippecanoe Presbyterian Church and is supported by over 35 local con-gregations. DI operates on a financial “shoestring”; nearly all of the money it raises comes from local congregations and goes di-rectly to providing services to its guests. Please be generous.

All cash in the collection plate not designated as a pledge payment will be split 50-50 be-tween DI and our congregation. If you wish to donate only to DI, please write a check directly to DI and the church will forward it for you. Parents and guardians, please talk with your children about how even a small donation can help another person find a safe and warm place to sleep on a cold night.

Feast for Funds by Jo Ann Bishop, chair

November not only ended our annual auction but also began a season of feasting among First Church UUs. Lucky winners feasted at the International Fu-sion dinner, lingered at the “I Closed Coffee Hour” bumper sticker brunch, were entertained at a Cribbage Tournament and had lovely flowers grace their Thanks-giving table.

Over the past four years, Feast for Funds has grown to be a meaningful part of our church experience. At a Feast I attended last night, the hosts shared that they had gotten together several times beforehand to do the planning for the event. They cajoled about how much fun the planning process was. This group of hosts did not know each other before coming together to host but now endearing relationships have been formed and our church community is stronger for it. The funds earned for our church are a byproduct of the con-nections and deepened relationships made.

I’d like to share a few amazing testaments as to how much we UUs like Feast for Funds: the Sunday after bidding Sun-day, a member came up to me to offer his condo in northern Wisconsin for next year’s auc-tion. Also, a long-time sup-porter of the auction could not attend either of the bid-ding Sundays and still made a sizeable donation because she loves the idea of what Feast for Funds does for our com-munity and wants to see it flourish.

Thank you for your generous support and contributing over $26,000 to First Church. And endless thanks to a great com-mittee who helped organize this auction: Judy Fons, Ellen Kreuger, Sally Heuer, Charlie Persch, Jane Peterson, Laurie Peterson, Kathy Porter, Tom Radoszewski, and Valynda Wells.

Memorial Gifts Received

The church has gratefully received Memorial Gifts from the following people in memory of Jane Croke:

Al & Betty Siemsen

Memorial Gifts made to the church are usually in lieu of flowers being sent to a bereaved fam-ily or to a funeral home. It is a meaningful and tasteful way of acknowledging someone’s death. The church acknowledges each contrib-utor with an appropriate note both to the con-tributor and to the family of the deceased. The names of all contributors (but no amounts), along with the memorialized person’s name, are recorded in our permanent Church Record Book.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK! First Church is on Facebook. Just type “First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee” into your Facebook page search box. When you see our Facebook page, just click on “Like.” It’s a quick, easy way to get the occasional reminder or last-minute update on sermons and other church events. Our friends already num-ber almost 1200 and that number is growing daily. If you’re a friend of First Church, why not declare it on Facebook?


Splinters from the Board By Sarah Stehly

Members of the Board of Trustees welcome your feedback at any time. Our pictures are posted in the central corridor and we wear yellow name tags. Our contact information is listed in the front of the member directory.

The October 28 meeting began with a presen-tation from Mike Radtke, Chairman of the Fi-nance Committee. Mike provided the Trustees with an overview of our current financial sta-tus. Our balance sheet remains strong. He pointed out a few areas that require continued monitoring: the apartment vacancy rate and a slight increase in expenses; this was primarily due to overlapping minister salaries.

The Trustees reviewed the Board’s goals. Dur-ing the goal review the Trustees learned more about the Transition Committee’s role in the selection process for the Senior Ministerial Search Committee. The Transition Committee will present a few options for forming the search committee to the Board for considera-tion. The Board will review the options, select one and publish the process to the congrega-tion.

Elaine provided the Board with options for updating the mission statement. The Trustees decided to move forward with the recommen-dation to complete the mission statement up-date during the interim period. Elaine gave examples of what a robust process would look like, including opportunities for input and par-ticipation by the congregation. The meeting concluded with a discussion and review of De-na’s goals, as well as a brief report by Elaine.

The next Board of Trustees meeting is at 6:00 p.m. on December 16. Board of Trustee meeting minutes are posted on the First Church bulletin board in the central corridor.

Honor Our Past, Shape Our Future Mark Richards, Co-Chair, Stewardship Committee

My Dad died two years ago this November. Hard to believe the time has passed so quickly. One of the things he left me was a small hardcover book, 60-pages in length. There is no copyright date printed but the $1.50 price on the inside cover, the yellow pages, and the all too distinct smell of mildew and cigarette smoke make its age unmistakable. The book itself carries little significance. But as I read through it I couldn’t help but find the unspoken wisdom that he desired to pass on. “He who cherishes a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his heart, will one day realize it. Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals; cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts, for out of them will grow all delightful condi-tions, all heavenly environment; of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will be at last built.” These words caused me to pause and reflect on the role my father played in bringing me to where I am today – regardless of how challenging that journey was. I feel a certain responsibility to honor his memory with the legacy I cre-ate in this life going forward. And, thus, to invest with talent, time, and treas-ure in the things that enrich it. This year’s pledge drive will focus on two elements; first, to Honor Our Past and the legacy it has created along with the people who have left an indelible imprint on our lives. Second, we have a chance to Shape Our Future – to en-hance our ability to attract an exceptional senior minister to join us. As we look to the future, please mark your calendars for the evening of March 15, 2015 for the annual Fellowship Dinner at the Italian Community Center.

Plan Ahead for GA 2015! From Janet Nortrom

“Rank by Rank We Stand,” this song took me back to the Gen-eral Assembly in Phoenix — I would like to invite all of you to consider going to GA, 2015 in Portland Oregon, June 24-28,

2015. This holiday season is when you want to start saving money, time, and start planning to be there and sing this song and so many more that reach your heart and belly. Combined with worships, workshops, outstanding top-ics, a daily plenary to bring us together to work the democratic process while doing our faith’s work. Last year, I could not attend so I registered on-line, had an interactive experience, could listen and could vote when necessary as a delegate and never left home. But I love to be there so save now and come June 24-28, 2015. Check out our UUA/GA website today. “Through the Eyes of

Our Children and Youth” Art Display

in Common Room

Children who attended First Sunday activity in November worked together to create collages and poetry depicting the theme “Being Rich: What We Have.” Check out their work through December in the Common Room.


RELIGIOUS EDUCATION For Children and Youth

From Beryl Aschenberg, Director of Religious Education

RE-Flections By Beryl Aschenberg, Director of Religious Education

If only for the season, let us banish cynicism and welcome wonder... —Edward Searle

Memories have a way of seeping into our make-up, and creating the stories of our lives. In my nuclear family, we still get a laugh each time we recall my one and only attempt to roast a turkey. (Yes, I now know that it was supposed to be eighteen CLOVES of garlic, not BULBS). Sledding dates, volunteering together at the soup kitchen, cribbage parties and wreath-making gatherings, watching the light reflect in my children’s eyes as they kindle the menorah on the first night of Chanukah, or smile at me from the front row on Christ-mas Eve with their hands cradling the candle in its paper bobeche while softly sing-ing Silent Night… These are the just some of the memories that sustain me; they remind me of who I am and who I want to be. Making good memories together… Isn’t that rich? Memories are what remain long after the electronics have died, the clothing outgrown or worn out, the fads outdat-ed. What good memories will you make for the people you love this year? What good memories will you open yourself up to? Our lives are enriched by our ties to other people, past or present. This holiday sea-son, I invite you to share in the magic of human connection, to build the traditions and memories that will enrich lives. Be intentional about it; make the time. And please… join us here at First Church as we create good memories together.

With love, in faith Beryl

P.S. Thank you for your congratulatory wishes on the birth of my first grandson, Lo-gan James Daniel, born November 3 to my daughter Chelsea and her husband Dar-ren Krafka. All are happy and thriving. I wonder what wonderful memories will be made with this darling boy in the years ahead?

First Sundays in R.E.!

December Theme:

“A Gift of Giving”

Holiday Gifts for LGBTQ Youth and Young Adults served by Pathfinders

Sunday, December 7 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. First-Eighth Graders

We’ll combine a joyful celebration of the season with hands-on efforts to brighten the holidays and provide much needed resources for some of our less fortunate neighbors. Julie Bock will be speaking to the children about the work of Pathfind-ers, empowering LGBT Youth and Young Adults confronted with crisis and trauma with the tools needed for a fresh start. Afterwards, the children will be wrapping gifts from our annual giving tree to pre-sent to the Pathfinders organization for holiday distribution. Jen Twente, Diane Gulbronson, and Beryl Aschenberg will coordinate this event, which will begin, as always, with Chil-dren’s Chapel. Check out our webpage for more infor-mation about the First Sunday program and past events.

A Healthy Church Is A Happy Church!

Cold & flu season is here. If your child is feeling sick on a given Sunday, we respectfully ask that you not bring your child to church that day. Stay home, and get well soon! To help prevent illness, hand sanitizers are provided in each of the classrooms and are strategically placed so the kids can find them.

Child Care Available Christmas Eve

In order to help support our parents with younger children, we will be offer-ing Child Care for little ones ages five and under during the first two Christmas Eve Services (at 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.) again this year.


All About Youth … By Deb Solis, Youth Program Coordinator

If you want something done, ask a busy person. — Benjamin Franklin

I decided to do something a bit different this month and posed a few questions to one of our senior YRUU members, Tony Stano, who acted as our head chef for the YRUU Fancy Freakin’ Five Course Dinner which was a fundraiser for our 2015 Mis-sion Trip to Battle Creek, MI. My three specific questions to Tony were: (1) Who inspired your interest in cooking/food preparation? (2) When did you begin this interest? And (3) Where do you see cooking in your future? His answers are be-low… My dad has always done the cooking in my house, and he always likes when I help him, so I learned lots of the technical stuff from him, but a lot of cooking is just thinking of what might taste good, which I just learned on my own. I like cooking because it’s so free-form and creative. Cooking also has quite a bit to do with quality ingredients, and making as much stuff fresh as possible. That being said, you need a veritable army to do so much stuff from scratch. I’d especially like to thank my sous chefs Kasey DePoy, Mary Ann Aiken and An-nalise Lozier for spending so much time in the kitchen dealing with my cryptic instructions for the Fancy Feast Dinner. In eighth grade, my mom and I went to this party at a CSA farm where a master canner made salsa. My mom says that the only thing I could say for the next week was, “People think that canning is so difficult, but it’s not that hard at all. I could do this all the time.” I then picked the subpar apples off the neighbor’s tree and made apple butter, and I’ve been canning ever since. I really enjoy large quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables and canning allows me to use them. I don’t really cook very much, but when I do, it tends to turn out very well. I do quite a lot of baking, and I just give my creations to my friends. I plan to go to college for engineering. My experiences on my first robotics team have been very positive, and engineering interests me; I have a good mind for math and science. However, or-ganizing and cooking the Fancy Feast was really fun and rewarding, and made me realize new talents, in cooking, organizing, and keeping lots of things straight in my mind. Maybe I should go into cooking. It has always been a half-baked dream of mine to open a bakery/cannery/restaurant, but it seems to be a very risky financial move before I have a decent chunk of money in the bank. I’ll wait and see what life throws at me.

Children/ Youth

Still Needed

For Twelve Days of Christmas

Performance on December 21

at both 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.!

Great non-speaking roles!

Please contact Beryl by December 1 at beryl@uumilwaukee. org to sign up your child. Roles will be as-signed in person on Sunday, December 7 at 10:15-10:45 a.m. in the Young Room. Must be available for both services.

One brief rehearsal on Saturday, December 20 at 12:00 p.m.

...to all supporters of the Young Religious Unitarian Universalist (YRUU) Fancy Freakin’ Feast held on Saturday, November 8. $1,368 was raised at the dinner and auction to support our Youth’s partici-pation in the 2015 summer Mission Trip to Battle Creek, MI to put their faith into action building homes for Habitat for Humanity.

Tony Stano

Heartfe

lt

Thanks


FINDING YOUR INTERIM SENIOR MINISTER

Elaine’s regular office hours are:

Tuesdays 9:00 to 5:00 p.m. Wednesdays 9:00 to 5:00 p.m. Thursdays 9:00 to 5:00 p.m.

She also makes appointments to see peo-ple at other times.

You may reach her at:

Office phone: 414-273-5257 Ext 201

Email: [email protected]

Cell phone 207-271-0204

This month, Elaine will be out of town skiing with her family December 7-13, and December 25-January 3.

DECEMBER ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Full Adult RE class information is available on the church website. Register for Adult RE classes at the Religious Education Table on Sundays, or by downloading a registra-tion form from the church website, and mailing it in with a check for the total fees to: First Unitarian Society, Attn: Christina, 1342 N. Astor, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Meditation 101 Tuesday, December 2

6:30— 8:00 p.m. Presenter: Micah Hoffman

$5 members/$10 non members

What is meditation or mind-fulness? What is its value? How do we do this? What are some of the different approaches? Join Micah

Hoffman as we explore this topic, experi-ence meditation, discuss our experiences and consider how we might integrate this into our lives. Micah began studying at Naropa University in 2003. Trained in the Buddhist Dharma Ocean lineage, he be-came authorized as an instructor in 2006 and has subsequently led classes and meditation retreat program. Professional-ly he is a Montessori teacher in our school system. Micah has a wonderful ability to make challenging thoughts accessible. Dress in comfortable clothing.

Severe Weather Closing Policy for Sundays

We will be open and hold services whenever possible, however church services may be cancelled during weather emergencies. In the event of such an emer-gency, if the Senior Minister (or the Associate Minister in his/her absence) and the President or other officer (Vice President or Secretary) deem it appropriate to cancel church services, the church will list its cancellation on the church phone answering system, the church website(s), and Facebook page. We will also send an email to our e-nnouncements list.

In some instances, even if we do hold services, Religious Education classes may be cancelled. If RE classes are cancelled, we will endeavor to have a group activ-ity for K-seventh grade.

CONNECTIONS From Kathy Porter, Director of Membership and Development

Feast for Funds Success!

The fabulous Feast for Funds events have begun! This year’s auction raised over $26,000 for First Church. A big thank you goes to all of the hosts and bidders who will enjoy gathering in community throughout the year. I also want to give special thanks to the hard working and playing Feast for Funds committee: Jo Ann Bishop – chair, Judy Fons, Sally Miles Heuer, Ellen Krueger, Charlie Persch, Laurie Petersen, Jane Peterson, Tom Radoszewski, and Valynda Wells,

Pledge Payments

It’s hard to believe this is the December Chanticleer, but here we are! Some members like to pay the entire balance of their First Church pledge by the end of December for tax purposes. If you are interested in paying your operating pledge with stocks, please contact me for the procedures to ensure a smooth transac-tion. Likewise, if you would like your pledge payment to be automatically with-drawn from your checking account each month, please contact me for an au-thorization form.

I hope to see you at some of our wonderful holiday services and programs!

Warm regards, Kathy

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Samaritan Sunday December 21, 2014

The Social Justice Council has designated the third Sunday of every month “Samaritan Sunday,” a day for renewing and strengthening our commitment to Milwaukee’s hungry and homeless. As always, dona-tions of non-perishable (and never opened) food will be collected for the Interchange Food Pantry.

Also welcomed are sample sizes of soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, feminine products and cash donations (make checks payable to “Interchange Food Pantry” and place them in the offering).

SOCIAL JUSTICE NEWS Common Ground

MKErising By Sharon DePue

Did you know that Common Ground has, for the past several years, been acquiring foreclosed boarded-up homes in Sherman Park from banks and the City of Milwau-kee which we then rehab and sell to peo-ple living in the community? The process starts with 28 CG volunteers from CG member organizations like First Church who go out monthly to evaluate (keep an eye on) nearly 200 homes which have been foreclosed. If the house looks like it has been broken into, or the lawn needs mowing, or the snow shoveled, we notify the City. This work is coordinated by our own Mary Ann Fisher, Dave McIntosh and Nancy Pajewski, who work with CG MKErising Staff Organizer Allie Gardner. Thirteen of the 28 ”Home Evaluators” are from First Church. They are Susan Borri, Camille Johnson, Cecile and Russ Langford, Cathy Startt and her granddaughter Emmy, Al Jaberg, Melinda Vernon, Patricia Witt and Sue Weinlein. The next time you see any of them, be sure to thank them for the work they do to help bring our community back from the foreclosure crisis we have experienced in Milwaukee. If you would like to see a finished product or know someone looking for a beautiful home in Sherman Park, visit http://www.milwaukeerising.org/ourhouses

1010THTH ANNUAL ANNUAL

FAIR TRADE FAIR TRADE Holiday Bazaar!

Sunday, November 30 after both services

NEW VENDOR this year: Fair Trade for All

The recipient of our First Church share this year will be Dry Hootch veteran's coffee shop

Awesome Committee Opportunity! From Nancy Spransy

Are you looking for a low-key but inspirational First Church committee experi-ence? Consider joining the Share the Plate Committee. A vibrant link between the First Unitarian Society and our community, the Share the Plate program donates a portion of the funds collected from the church plate on Sundays to nonprofit organ-izations doing transformational work in our community. We meet 3 or 4 times per year to select recipients of the Share the Plate program and we provide opportuni-ties for First Church members and guests to meet repre-sentatives of Share the Plate recipient organizations. Our next meeting is tentatively planned for January 14 at 7:00 p.m. Please contact Nancy Spransy at [email protected] if you are interested in joining the com-mittee. We look forward to hearing from you!


Dreaming of a Green “Eco-Friendly” Holiday Season?

From Mark Gill

“Can you all please not buy me any more x-mas or birthday presents? Please?!” Hissing and moaning was the response from my family to my annual gift stopping plea. You would have thought I was the love child of the Scrooge and Grinch from their tortured re-plies. And so I learned some good green gifting strategies that I used on my family, that I can share with y’all. Gifting is a tradition in many families that refuses to go away unless you’re very tenacious. So here are some of my best tips to maintain your “eco-friendly gold status” and at the same time, stay in your parents good graces. One of the most treasured gifts any more senior family member can receive from a more junior one is the gift of time. Take them to a play, comedy club, basketball game or an event that they will remember forever. Heck you can just offer to play cribbage some night or bring over “take out” and a movie – you’ll be loved! Another approach is to give someone a night out, (babysitting for a young couple is nearly always a winner) or an oil change, home cooked meal… (You get the idea.) These are often inexpensive, super eco-friendly and build your relations! What could be better?! Sharing skills or knowledge is also a total winner. Assisting the start of a garden, offering instruction in learning to play an instrument, trying out a new lan-guage or tackling an organization issue can be daunting for some but with the right support – No Problem! Also remember that the holiday season is the second leading time for energy usage, so if you can use LED decorative lights, or put your massive neighborhood display on a timer, that would help. I won’t get into the “live tree” vs. fake tree debate but remember, millions of trees give their lives to brighten up our houses and then are tossed rudely into the gutter. (I might have to start calling myself an Arboratarian.) Here are some big ticket items for the family member you absolutely have to buy. Start thinking “out of the box” like composting toilet, PV Panels or Pellet Stove. Another way to go is to gift to someone else in your loved ones name. I think the best gift I ever received was an orchard for a family that would sustain them for many years. Whatever your choice, best wishes on channeling the spirit and love available in this hectic, consumeristic time. Happy Holidays!

Economic Inequality Action Group Forming

By Nancy Pajewski and Bruce Wiggins

If the growing economic inequality in our society troubles you, join with other church members and friends to develop a program of study, reflection, and ac-tion. In a recent sermon, our interim minister, Elaine Peresluha, urged us to stand by our faith, openly linking our UU beliefs with our actions as citizens. Escalating inequality was chosen as our denomination’s newest Congregational Study/Action Issue. It was adopted at our national General Assembly in June. The resolution states, “Chal-lenging extreme inequality has now be-come a moral imperative, just as prior generations have led movements from abolition to civil rights and marriage equality.” See here for the whole state-ment: http://www.uua.org/economic/escalatinginequality/index.shtml Our group at First Church will be work-ing to have forums, films, adult RE dis-cussion groups, speakers, and work-shops. We welcome your ideas and par-ticipation. To express your interest and ideas, contact Bruce Wiggins, Denomi-national Affairs Coordinator, at [email protected] or Nancy Pajewski, Economic Justice Co-chair, at [email protected].

Our Action Group might suggest work-shops not only for our congregation, but for all UU congregations at General As-sembly (next year, it’s in Portland, OR in June.) We can also have input into a draft and final Statement of Conscience to be debated and adopted at General Assembly. See Bruce if you want to know more about this social witness and social justice process. Also, see here: http://www.uua.org/statements/process/index.shtml.

CHRISTMAS EVE

CANDLE LIGHT SERVICES

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

3:30, 5:00, & 6:30 p.m.

Intergenerational Services, Child Care at 3:30 & 5:00

Join us and bring your family as we celebrate one of the simplest, yet most beauti-ful services of the year. Children are welcome at all three services, but child care will be available for the youngest, if desired, only during the first two services.


Book Discussion Group Second Sundays of the month

1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Next meeting is December 14

We gather once a month to discuss a cho-sen book. This month we read Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier (historical fic-tion). Set in 19th century America, this is the story of one man’s journey, his endur-ing love and his effort to preserve the Cher-okee’s homeland and culture. We wel-come all readers.

Buddhist Study Group First and Third Wednesdays of the month


We have interesting and friendly explora-tions of Buddhist teachings and ideas, then a period of meditation. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m., followed by tea, cookies and fellowship. We are reading Pema Chodron’s No Time to Lose (available for purchase at our church book tower). All are welcome!

Chancel Choir Rehearsals on Thursday evenings

7:15 – 9:00 p.m.

All singers are invited to join our weekly choir rehearsals.

The Chronologically Gifted Third Sunday Potluck

December 21 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The Chronologically Gift-ed Christmas Potluck will be held on Sun-

day December 21, the third Sunday of the month, from 12:15 to 2:00 p.m. All those “sixtyish” and over are invited to share food and Christmas holiday fun. Look for surprises!

The Forties and Fifties UU Network (FFUUN)

FFUUN is a group of First Church mem-bers who are ‘40 to 50-somethings’ seeking social connections with others.

Pagan Celebrations Group

Do you have a love of nature? Pagan rituals honor the natural cycle of the earth and celebrate the seasons. The Pagan Celebrations will be having a gathering for Yule the weekend of De-cember 20 — more information will come in the regular announcements.

Poetry Group Second Saturdays of the month

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Next meeting is December 13

Each month we explore poetry on a certain theme or by a certain author. Bring paper and a pencil to try your own hand at poetry! Group is facilitated by published poet Barbara Collignon.

S.W.A.N.S. Group (Seasoned Women Alone

or Newly Single)

Join us once a month for lunch after church and other social events for single women “of a certain age.” Newcomers are always welcome!

UU Parenting Group Second Sundays of the month


Please join us on December 14 for holi-day crafts and games for the whole fam-ily! We are a support and social group for parents of children ages 0-18. We discuss the challenges of raising UU

From the Reverend Dena McPhetres, Associate Minister Come visit our Affinity Groups! Stop in, meet new people and make new friends! If you have an idea for starting a new group, contact Dena at 414 273-5257, ext. 202 or [email protected].

GETTING

TOGETHER

children focusing on different topics each month, share helpful parenting resources, and do fun family activities. Participate as often as you’d like in per-son or online in our message group.

WomanSpirit

WomanSpirit meets to empower women and join in spiritual quest through social justice, music, ritual and friendships. Call and register now for our CMD Womanspirit Conference at Lake Country UU Church — some schol-arships provided. Call Janet Nortrom with questions.

2015 WomanSpirit: “Healing Words:

Called to Consciousness” with Mary Pierce Brosmer Friday, February 6, 2015 to Sunday, February 8

At Lake Country UU Church

Mary is a poet and social entrepreneur who dreamed, and then created Women Writing for (a) Change, a movement which supports the lives of women and girls who are working to commit life to language, in the belief that the truth of the feminine Is a resource for healing and renewal of culture and nature. Mary encourages women and girls to use the material of our lives to support the truth telling necessary for healing, inspi-ration and personal empowerment. From this form of personal soul transfor-mation, life sustaining and life giving leadership in organizations, communi-ties, workplaces and homes, can be born.

Y.A.N.K.S. (Young Adults in Need of Kindred Spir-

its) Third Sundays of the month

(Continued on page 11)


Leadership in Action

Jerry Fredrickson

Personal: Jerry has been a First Church member since 1989. While volunteering for United Way that year he met volunteer Jill Erickson. Coincidentally, a few years later, she joined First Church where they partnered in making soul food for the Guest House. It turned out to be such a smashing success that they decided to get married in 1995 with Drew officiating. On a local level Jerry cares to be involved in initiatives that have the potential to reduce poverty and segregation in Mil-waukee, and on a state/national level, the reform of our campaign finance system that Russ Feingold has called “legalized bribery.”

Leadership/volunteer experience: Through the years, Jerry has served as Board of Trustees President, Co-Chair of Social Concerns Committee, Chair of Forum Com-mittee, Volunteer with MICAH, Co-Chair of First Church Common Ground, RE Com-mittee Treasurer, Social Justice Council member, Stewardship volunteer.

Most fulfilling activities: Jerry finds participating in various social justice initiatives where you can see them making a positive difference in people's lives very fulfilling. He also enjoys meeting new people and visitors who stop by the Social Justice Table.

Most surprising thing learned while volunteering at First Church: Being somewhat reserved, Jerry was at first hesitant to schedule one-to-one relational meetings with church members he didn't know well. Once he started doing them though, he found these meetings to be very worthwhile and fun.

Advice to future leaders of First Church: Get to know members, especially the new-er ones, to find out what they really care about.

If you had three wishes for First Church, what would they be?

continually expand our social justice outreach into the community,

growth in new members and engaging them

development of new leaders.

Meet for lunch after the last service

If you are a young adult, or a young adult at heart, we hope you will join us! Events include the monthly lunch, coffee & con-versation gatherings, and sometimes a monthly field trip or outing! For more information, contact firstchurchyanks@ gmail.com.

Getting Together (Continued from page 10)

Jerry Fredrickson

2014 Holiday Schedule

Deck the Halls! Church Decorating Party Wednesday, December 3, 5:00 p.m.

Mitten Tree Collection Begins Sunday, December 14 at 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.

Intergenerational Solstice Services SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21

9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Wednesday, December 24

3:30, 5:00 and 6:30 p.m.


SUNDAY MORNING

FORUMS 10:10 a.m. in Max Otto Hall

December 7 “Increase Lapham: Milwaukee’s Renais-

sance Pioneer” Martha Bergland & Paul G. Hayes

After writing an article on Increase Lap-ham for Milwaukee Magazine, Martha Bergland spent five years studying his life further. She taught English at Milwau-kee Area Technical College and lives in Glendale.

A member of First Church, Paul G. Hayes was science reporter for the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel. His articles often re-ferred to Wisconsin’s first scientist, In-crease Lapham. Their shared interest led to the co-authorship of a biography, Studying Wisconsin: The Life of Increase Lapham. They will read short selections from their book and answer questions on the life of Increase Lapham.

December 14 “The Role of the Arts in Healthy Psycho-

logical Development” Anthony Meyer, MD

Dr. Meyer will present a forum on the importance of the arts in people’s healthy development from early child-hood into old age. He will read excerpts from literature to demonstrate the cen-tral importance of love in every stage of life and psychological development. If you enjoy listening to “Chapter A Day” you won’t want to miss this Forum.

Dr. Meyer serves as Medical Director of the Milwaukee Psychiatric Hospital. His professional study and certifications fo-cus on child/adolescent and general psy-chiatry. He is affiliated with Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and consults with school districts throughout the Milwau-kee metropolitan area.

About the Traditional Unitarian Universalist Candle Lighting Service

From Elaine Peresluha

The origins of this traditional Unitarian Universalist candle lighting service can be traced to the early 1900’s in New England and to much earlier antecedents in Europe. Dana Greeley, former president of the UUA, brought this service to First Parish in Concord during the 1970’s. Jim Robinson, Dana’s ministerial intern, brought it from Concord to First Parish in Brewster, MA, where Elaine was Jim’s ministerial intern. She has carried the tradition to each congregation she has served since 1991. Our chalice, “The light of the Ages,” represents divine light, The Spirit of Love, which animates all of life and the universe and is an understanding foundational to our Universalist heritage. The light of Love shone brightly in the life of Jesus, inspiring people everywhere to allow this same light to shine brightly in their lives. The understanding of Jesus as a human being who demonstrated the full-ness of human potential, is at the heart of our Unitarian heritage. The light from the chalice is passed to the first candle representing the baby Jesus, traditionally lit by the youngest child in the congregation. From the Jesus candle, the light is passed to a row of candles representing his disciples and followers. Usually minis-ters and individuals studying for the ministry light these candles. The light is then passed to a row of candles representing teachers and parents who continue to pass the light of wisdom and compassion to succeeding generation. Volunteers and staff in the Religious Education programs traditionally light these candles. The Light is then passed to a row of can-dles representing the children of the world, our hope for the future. Youth carry the Light to the four corners of the congre-gation where it is spread candle by candle, hand by hand, and heart by heart through-out the sanctuary. When the entire sanctu-ary is filled with Light, the candles are raised illuminating the sanctuary with The Light of Love.

WINTERTIME PARKING Challenges & Solutions for Sundays

Check out the Jewish Family Services 60-car lot on Van Buren & Knapp. Just three blocks west. Buses — #10 & #30 bus stops are right on our corner, and the #15 & Green Line routes stop nearby. Park at least a few blocks away from church if you can so that people with mobility issues may park closer to church A brief walk through our lovely neighborhood can become a new spiritual practice for you.


Interim Transition Team

Update

YOUR STORY, MY STORY OUR STORY:

LEAVE YOUR MARK!

Food, fun and frolic brought the history of the First Unitarian So-ciety of Milwaukee alive recently. Be sure to go into Max Otto Hall to read the stories, view the timeline and add your own sto-ry, event, national or global remembrance to the timeline. Art materials and the timeline will be up in Max Otto for our ad-ditions to the story until January 3. The Board of Trustees, Elaine and the Transition Team thank you all for a wonderful spirited Breaking Bread, Building Community moment.

We Want to Hear from YOU!

If you have questions for Elaine or the Transition Team, please ask! If you have comments or concerns, let us know. Feel free to talk to Elaine, a member of the Board of Trustees, or any member of the Transition Team. Or, use the form at www.uumilwaukee.org/content/interim-senior-minister-transition-feedback to send us your feedback. Don't be shy! We want to know what you think and we want to answer your questions!

First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee

Board of Trustees Charge to the

Interim Transition Team

Under the authority of the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee Board of Trustees, the Interim Transition Team (ITT) is charged with the responsibility of work-ing with the Interim Senior Minster and staff to complete the following five inter-im developmental tasks:

COMING TO TERMS WITH HISTORY

DISCOVERING A NEW IDENTITY

ALLOWING NEEDED LEADERSHIP TO EMERGE

RENEWING DENOMINATIONAL LINKAGES

COMMITTING TO NEW DIRECTIONS IN MINISTRY

Reporting of the ITT’s progress and

activities will be included in the Interim Senior Minister’s monthly reports

to the Board of Trustees unless otherwise requested.

The Interim Transition Team:

Patricia Witt Stacy Koenen

Gordie Mueller Kirsten Anglea Maria Dorsey Christina Plum Sam Mueller The Parlor, c. 1895


Giving Tree

Reminder

Did you pick up a gift tag? Your unwrapped gifts for teens and young adults served by Pathfinders are due at the RE Table by Sun-day, November 30.

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

The church office will be closed December 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 and January 1. While some staff may be in the office some days, please call or email before stopping by!

Pastoral Care at First Church

We seek to support each other as we journey together through life’s mountains and valleys, through our personal and common sorrows and struggles. When you need a listening ear, because of: a recent illness a coming surgery divorce life transitions job loss death of a loved one... A Pastoral Care Associate is ready to be helpful, if you choose. When you need a helping hand, if:

you have a new baby and need a meal (or two or three)

you break your leg and need a ride

you lose a family member and need help at the reception

your child is in the hospital and you need help with other children at home, A Pastoral Care Provider is ready to be helpful, if you choose.

New This Year!

A Blue Christmas

Vespers

This evening we will offer a quiet, contemplative, holiday alternative to the more joyous holiday traditions. For many, holiday decorations, the family em-phasis of festive gatherings, and the joyous expectations of children highlights loneliness and loss. For those who are less than joyous this holiday season, come, breath, gather your thoughts and cares in the quiet beauty of can-dles, music, and understanding. Though Christmas is not always merry, it can always be holy.

Child Care Available

on Christmas Eve

In order to help support our parents with younger children, we will be offering child care for little ones ag-es five and under during both the 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Services again this year.

http://www.uumilwaukee-events.org/event/a-blue-christmas-vespers/

http://www.uumilwaukee-events.org/event/a-blue-christmas-vespers/


Upcoming Deadlines

Next Chanticleer: 9:00 a.m. on Monday, December 15 to cover January.

Sunday Announcements, E-nnouncements and items for the website:

9:00 a.m. on THURSDAY

How To Reach Us

TELEPHONE: (414) 273-5257 FAX: (414) 273-5254

E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.uumilwaukee.org

1342 N. Astor St., Milwaukee, WI 53202

Administrative offices are staffed Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., but individual staff members have varying hours. Please contact them directly to set up an appointment, as staff members are rarely available for

drop-in appointments.

INTERIM SENIOR MINISTER The Rev. Elaine Peresluha

[email protected], ext. 201

ASSOCIATE MINISTER The Rev. Dena McPhetres

[email protected], ext. 202

MINISTER EMERITUS The Rev. Andrew C. Kennedy, D.Min.

STAFF

DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION Jean Johnson [email protected], ext. 203 DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Beryl Aschenberg [email protected], ext. 204 DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP Kathy Porter & DEVELOPMENT [email protected], ext. 205 CHURCH SECRETARY Sharon Murphy [email protected], ext. 208 R.E. ADMIN. ASSISTANT Christina Nichols [email protected], ext. 210 OFFICE ASSISTANT Bonnie Poquette [email protected], ext. 207 YOUTH COORDINATOR Deb Solis [email protected], ext. 209 FACILITIES MANAGER Ed McGraw [email protected], ext. 206 SENIOR FACILITIES ASSISTANT Matt Bell FACILITIES ASSISTANTS Jim Spice & Paula Polman LEAD MUSIC DIRECTOR Alissa Rhode [email protected] CHORAL DIRECTOR Tristan Strelitzer [email protected] ARTIST-IN RESIDENCE Jack Forbes Wilson [email protected]

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Officers:

President: Joe Schuller Vice President: Alexis Fielek Secretary: Dale Skaggs Treasurer: Tom Briscoe

Members: Michelle Boehm Mary Ann Fisher Scot Henry

Sally Lewis Sarah Stehly Don Weimer


"To Drive the Cold Winter Away" Intergenerational Solstice Service

Beryl Aschenberg and a multitude of First Church Members, speaking Jack Forbes Wilson, Artist-in-Residence,

The Holiday Choir and Tristan Strelitzer, Choral Director CHILD CARE AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 AND UNDER

Good fortune attend each merry man's friend That does but the best that he may, Forgetting old wrongs with carols and songs To drive the cold winter away. — Traditional, English Carol

The ancients knew that the winter solstice was the longest night of the year. As the sun begins its long journey back towards the earth, we will celebrate both darkness and light through stories, songs, and puppetry meant to drive the cold winter away. This is a joyful service that individuals and families of all ages will enjoy together… Come one, come all!

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2014 3:30, 5:00, & 6:30 p.m.

Traditional Unitarian Universalist Christmas Eve Candlelight Service The Reverend Elaine Peresluha, The Rev Dena McPhetres,

and Director of Religious Education Beryl Aschenberg Seasonal Carols, Music, Readings and a Story,

Candles for all old enough to handle them Intergenerational Services, Child Care at 3:30 & 5:00

Music: 3:30 & 5:00 - Alissa Rhode; 6:30 - Jack Forbes Wilson with Tristan Strelitzer and the Holiday Choir

Come celebrate the season of light with family, friends, Elaine, Dena, and Beryl at one of the three candlelight services. See the full description and times else-where in the newsletter.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 “Speaking From the Decades”

ONE SERVICE ONLY AT 10:00 a.m. Intergenerational Service

The Rev. Dena McPhetres and members of the congregation, speaking Alissa Rhode, Lead Music Director

We continue the tradition of hearing from members of the congregation in each decade of life – from the tens to the eighties – as they reflect upon and answer these questions: What are the gifts and challenges in your current decade of life? What are your hopes for the future?

COMING ON SUNDAY (Continued from page 1)


FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY 1342 N. ASTOR ST. MILWAUKEE, WI 53202 Address Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID MILWAUKEE, WI

PERMIT NO. 4627

WHAT’S INSIDE: How to Reach Us: Page 15

Adult Education 7

All in the Family 6

Blue Christmas Vespers 14

Connections 7

Chronologically Gifted Potluck 10

Dena’s Digressions 2

Fair Trade Bazaar 10

Feast for Funds 3

Forums 12

Getting Together 10

Holiday Schedule, Events Insert

Interim Transition Team 13

Leadership in Action 11

Pastoral Care 14

Religious Education for Children, Teens 5

Share the Plate 3

Social Justice News 9

Splinters from the Board 4

Traditional UU Candle Lighting 12

WomanSpirit 10

Youth News 6


Deck the Halls! Church Decorating Party Wednesday, December 3, 5:00 p.m.



9:00 and 11:00 a.m.


3:30, 5:00 and 6:30 p.m.


Christmas Eve

Candlelight

Services

Wednesday, December 24

3:30, 5:00, & 6:30 p.m.

Seasonal Carols, Readings and a Story Candles for all old enough

to handle them Intergenerational Services;

Child care available at 3:30 & 5:00 p.m.

J oin us and bring your family as we cel-ebrate one of the simplest, yet most

beautiful services of the year. Elaine will introduce us to a traditional UU Candle Lighting Service. Children are welcome at all three services, but child care will be available for the youngest, if desired, during the first two services only. A fes-tive holiday reception will be held after each service, so please consider contrib-uting some of your holiday cookies, and perhaps even lending a hand!

Holiday Collection

for Guest House

By Nancy Pajewski

The Guest House men’s shelter has re-quested $5 and $10 gift cards from Wal-greens and Walmart as welcome holiday gifts for the residents. The guests use the gift cards for prescription co-pays, food, hygiene items, or sometimes to re-gift to their children. Help all residents of Mil-waukee feel hope and peace this holiday season. Drop off your donations in the gift bag at the Social Justice Table through De-cember 21.

The Holidays at First Church!


Deck the Halls! Church Decorating Party

Wednesday, December 3, 5:00 p.m.

“Gift of Giving” Event Grab a tag on Sundays, November 9-23,

return gifts by November 30



9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Intergenerational Service


3:30, 5:00 and 6:30 p.m.

1342 North Astor Street ∙ Milwaukee, WI 53202

Telephone: 414 273-5257 ∙ Fax: 414 273-5254 ∙ E-Mail: [email protected] ∙ Website: www.uumilwaukee.org

“Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens…”

Mitten Tree Collection Begins!

Collecting mittens and other winter apparel in ALL sizes From Jen Twente and Diane Gulbronson

of the Children’s Religious Education Committee

Warm the hearts and hands of children, teens, and adults in the Mil-waukee area with your donation of new and gently used mittens and other winter apparel (hats, scarves, gloves, snow pants, and jackets) for our annual Mitten Tree. We’ll begin decorating the tree in the Leenhouts Common Room on December 14 at both services for delivery the following week, but you can bring your donations at any time before December 28. A second delivery will be made in early January. Mittens and other donations will be delivered to Pathfinders, a past Share the Plate recipient, and Sojourner Family Peace Center in time for the cold weather. We appreciate your holiday spirit!


Child Care Available on Christmas Eve

In order to help support our parents with younger children, we will be offering child care for little ones ages five and under during both the 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Services again this year.

Have Fun Helping

to Deck the Halls

from Jean Johnson, Church Administrator

The time is approaching to decorate our Sanctuary & Com-mon Room for the holiday season. To help you get in the holiday spirit, please join us Wednesday, December 3, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for some great fun working together as well as sharing in a little holiday cheer. We’ll be hanging green garlands, red bows, and white lights, and setting up the Christmas tree and the Mitten Tree in the Common Room, as well as partaking in snacks.

Please note: we need some folks who can climb ladders to hang garlands up high. We also need some folks with strong backs to lift the tree from the sanctuary floor, over the pulpit rail & onto its stand behind the pulpit rail.

Please contact me at [email protected] or call me at church to let me know if you’d like to help out. It’s going to be great fun! Holiday Choir

Forming

Tristan Strelitzer and the Choir

The holiday season is approaching and the First Unitarian Society Chancel Choir will continue the practice of opening our ranks to First Church members and friends who wish to sing with us for the Winter Holiday Services on December 21 (9 and 11 a.m.) and Christmas Eve at the 6:30 p.m. service.

This is a great opportunity for those of you who enjoy singing choral music but can’t make a commitment to a full year schedule of choir or if you are a new member, this is a fun way to meet people and become more in-volved in church life. You must be able to commit to three Thursday rehears-als, December 4, 11, and 18 from 7:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Max Otto Hall on December 4 and the Sanctuary on De-cember 11 and 18.

If you are interested in singing, please contact Tristan Strelitzer at [email protected] so we can have a folder and music ready for you. We’d love to have you join us!

Elves Needed on Christmas Eve

Every year there is a wonderful holiday reception after each of our three Christmas Eve services. We need you to help spread the holiday cheer as you take part in this tradition in one of these three ways:

Bake or buy, and bring your sweet or savory contribution . Deliver it to the kitchen BEFORE services on Christmas Eve, OR, if you will not join us on Christmas Eve, consider bringing your food contribution early, storing it in the freezer or refrigerator clearly marked for the reception. No need to sign-up.

Volunteer for an hour or two! Sign up at the Member Services Table to help set-up or host a reception. If you are new to the church, this is a wonderful way to be involved and get to know others.

Money contributions toward the purchase of re-freshments. You can send contributions to Jean Johnson in the church office or the Member Ser-vices Table on Sundays. Thanks to all who have been so helpful in the past, and in advance to all who will help this year.

Blue Christmas

Vespers

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2014 7:00 p.m.

Join us in the Sanctuary for a quiet, contemplative retreat from the holi-day hustle and bustle of the holidays. This is an evening for those who feel left out of the joy this year, which are alone, who grieves, or who simply need a quiet moment to renew. Join us for candle light, stories and a bit of peace.

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