December 1: Caring for Community

The purpose of the UCF Pastoral Care Team is to extend care to the congregation through one-to-one caring and helping activities by lay members of the congregation to those who are in special need. Activities vary depending on the needs of the individual. Learn how you may benefit from this effort.

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December 8: The Child in All of Us

Join Rev Leslie and Sarah Grenier, our Religious Education coordinator, in a special ceremony of child dedication. As a congregation centered on love we support the spiritual growth of our youngest ones. What does it mean to you to support a child’s spiritual journey? What skills and beliefs do you have that will enrich their lives?

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December 15: Spiritual Tradition Reflections from Three Unitarian Universalists

In this service, three UCF congregants will share Spiritual Traditions they enjoy and honor this time of the year. Our lay-led services give us an opportunity to learn more about each other.

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December 18: Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a Yule Sabbat

On Dec 18 and at 6pm – 7:30 in the UCF Sanctuary there will be a Yule Sabbat celebration! Together, we will honor the Winter Solstice, a time to reflect on the year past, embrace the present moment, and set intentions for the year ahead. This kid-friendly event will include the lighting of a traditional Yule log, guided meditations, and opportunities to connect with the themes of renewal, gratitude, and community.

Decorated with local winter flora, our altar will symbolize the enduring promise of life and light in the darkest days of the year. Whether you are familiar with Pagan traditions or simply wish to experience the beauty of the solstice season, all are welcome in this inclusive and sacred space.

Please feel free to bring a small natural item (such as a pinecone or evergreen sprig) to add to the altar or a seasonal treat to share afterward. Let’s kindle the flame of hope and joy together!

For more details, contact Jason Pesch or Rev Leslie Runnels at UCF.

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December 22: Nativity: An Intergenerational Participatory Re-living

Join us and come play with us as we tell the story of Jesus’s birth in a no-rehearsal pagent – the Christmas season thrives on family gatherings, so come join this family story. There will be costumes, audience participation, young thespians, old thespians, and a miracle or two.

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December 24: Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols 5pm

Come sing a song with us … your favorite carols are accompanied with Bible verse and modern reflection. How the story of Jesus’ birth impacts our daily lives. We will end holding candles and singing Silent Night to each other.

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December 29: Out with the Old, In with the New

Spiritual practice requires letting go to make space to welcome in the new. We will have a paper and water ritual for each of us to let go of that which doesn’t serve us for the new year.

Optional gathering at Fort Macon after service to take papers to the ocean for a big release. (Rest assured: we are using 100% plant-based and eco-friendly paper is safe for pets, fish, and wildlife)

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January 5: Being the Light in Chaotic Times

An exploration of how we can be like a lighthouse in chaotic times: maintaining a firm foundation, clear boundaries, and keeping our light shining.

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January 12: With Open Hands and Open Hearts

Join our joy as we welcome in new members to our growing congregation with a ritual of belonging, and our story of membership broadens and deepens.

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January 19: Connecting the Story of Love with the Story of Power

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called us to understand the connection between our power and our need for justice. Join us as we deepen into the story and meaning of his quote: “Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic.”

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January 26: The Songs that Bind Our Stories Together

Each piece of music tells us a story and adds depth to the story of our own lives. We will explore some of our popular songs, along with a special guest! Will there be an interactive art project? Of course there will be!

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