This Week at UUP: December 13-19, 2007

The Unitarian Universalists of Petaluma
An Oasis for Heart and Mind Every Sunday in Downtown Petaluma


ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

UUP Welcomes New Members this Sunday, December 16
We'll be welcoming new members into our congregation on Sunday during the service. If you have been considering becoming a member, and would like to join on Sunday, or if you have any questions about membership in UUP, please email or call David Dodd, for the UUP Membership Committee.

Questions about Unitarian Universalism or UUP?
On the third Sunday of each month, informal conversations are held after the service (11:45-12:15) about Unitarian Universalism and liberal religion. If you've been wondering about Unitarian Universalism or the UUP congregation, here's your chance to find out! This month's conversation will be held this Sunday, December 16.

Santa Lucia Pageant
All children and youth are invited to be part of the Santa Lucia procession at this Sunday's service. Children/youth who want to participate should wear a plain white shirt or blouse. Boys should wear dark colored pants. All other costuming will be provided. Please arrive at UUP by 10:15 to get into costumes for the procession. The service is intergenerational, so children and youth will remain and be part of the Drum Circle. The Drum Circle is a wonderful experience for all ages, and great fun for the kids. ~ Marlene Abel, Dtr. of Religious Education

Adult Forum
The Adult Forum meeting scheduled for Sunday, December 16 is canceled. The next Conversation Cafe session is scheduled for January 6, with "Islam and Us" as the topic.

Religious Education Teacher needed for 3- to 6-year-old Sunday morning class
This teacher would work cooperatively with the Director of Religious Education Marlene Abel, the Religious Education committee, and volunteers from the congregation to enrich our program and engage our curious UUP kids. This individual would also help plan and staff special events. Applicant should have experience in working with young children and references. This is a paid staff position. 10 am- noon Sunday mornings. UU curriculum and supplies are provided. For more information, contact Marlene.

UUSC, GAYT and YOU
The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee is the humanitarian arm of our church that reaches out here at home and across the world to put into practice the UU value of service to others.
Guest At Your Table is the annual event that helps to fund the programs sponsored by UUSC.
Your generosity is what makes it possible.
As we continue our focus on GAYT this month, Janette Morrow and her sons, Barrett, Jack and Wil, will share their family's experience with GAYT. Please Join us.
- Jan Crosby, for UUSC.

UPCOMING SUNDAY SERVICES
(Social time with refreshments begins at 10:00 am , at the Petaluma Woman's Club, 518 B Street. Worship service begins at 10:30 am. )

Sunday, December 16th: "Solstice Drumming Celebration"
Worship Associate: Tony Blake
Greeters: Lara Abel, Leslie Balestreri, Beatrice Pool
Many western religious observances are rooted in ancient earth-centered recognitions of seasonal events often marked with celebrations. Ancient cultures, especially those from Northern latitudes, were acutely attuned to seasonal changes related to the longest or shortest days of the year. Winter solstice is the shortest day of the year and has been recognized for thousands of years through ceremonies that typically involve welcoming the light back into our existence. Long, ago, the Vikings of Sweden held festivals to mark the first day of winter, the exact middle of winter, and the last day of winter. This ceremony later became known as Santa Lucia. Come join us just prior to the Winter Solstice in a participatory intergenerational service full of song, ceremony, and a UUP community drum circle to celebrate the light coming back into our lives.

Sunday, December 23: "Christmas Service"
Minister: Rev. Ben Kocs-Meyers
Greeters: Phil Boyle, Jodi Boyle, Nancy Blake, Jean Conrad, Ellen Beeler and Bruce Eriksen

REGULARLY SCHEDULED GATHERINGS
The Membership Committee will meet Sun., Dec 16 right after service at Peet's Coffee downtown.

UUP Women's Group will meet Monday, Dec 17 at 7:30 pm at Jean Conrad's house. The topic for this month's discussion is "What are we leaving behind in 2007?" facilitated by Linda Elliot.

Have an announcement to include in the UUP "This Week at UUP" email? Send notice of any and all UUP-related activities, announcements and events to Jennifer Newman, UUP Administrative Assistant, at uupetaluma at gmail.com by Tuesday for inclusion in that week's "This Week at UUP" email.

For complete and up-to-date info on the Unitarian Universalists of Petaluma, visit www.uupetaluma.org.

If you have changed your email address or would like to be added to or removed from the UUP list, please email us at uupetaluma at gmail.com.