December’s theme is Presence and all services will relate to that idea in some way. Some services may differ slightly from these descriptions as details of the main presentation aren’t finalized until a day or two before each service.
Sunday, December 1st – Your Presence is the Present: Attention as an Act of Compassion Chris Bolster
UConn Ph.D. (English) candidate Chris Bolster explores the power of presence as a radical act of compassion in our busy, distracted world. We will reflect on the gift of attentive listening, the comfort found in silent support, and the simple yet profound impact of truly being there for others. Through stories and shared moments of mindfulness, we will discover how offering our full presence can be a meaningful spiritual practice that connects us more deeply to ourselves and to those we love. UU Danbury’s Holiday Party will follow this service.
Sunday, December 8th – The Repair of Patriarchy Rev. Tony Lorenzen
Rev. Tony reflects on religion’s treatment of gender, UU history on the inclusion of women, and the false information that’s perpetuated about biological and cultural gender. This is part of our Transgender Inclusion in the Congregation series.
Our Share the Plate offering will go to Renewal House. Renewal House provides transitional housing, case management, counseling and life skills enhancement to older men and women who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless so they may be empowered to restore their lives.
Sunday, December 15th – Pageant Sunday Rev. Sierra-Marie Gerfao
This year’s multigenerational pageant Sunday will feature a visit from our friend JETPIG who will bring another symbol for our chancel table. Our no-rehearsal pageant will be participatory and fun! Turn yourself over to some holiday magic as we sing carols and re-enact the Christmas story as told in Luke and Matthew in the Christian Bible. Come a little early if you are willing to take part in the story.
Sunday, December 22nd – Winter is Coming Rev. Tony Lorenzen
Rev. Tony leads a Winter Solstice celebration exploring how solstice themes prepare us for living through dark times in any season.
December 24th at 4 pm UU Lessons and Carols
Join Revs. Tony Lorenzen and Sierra-Marie Gerfao as they lead a multigenerational service of short readings, stories, and songs, with highlights of Unitarians and Universalists in Christmas traditions.
Sunday, December 29th – Presence Rev. Sierra-Marie Gerfao
Rev. Sierra-Marie wraps up our month on the theme of presence.