This Week at UUP

The Unitarian Universalists of Petaluma
Nurture Your Spirit. Help Heal Our World.


ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Nominations For the UUP Board
The Nominating Committee for UUP, comprising Lara Abel, Tony Blake, and David Dodd, is seeking nominees for vacant positions on the UUP Board of Trustees, to be elected by congregational vote at the December 7th Congregational Meeting. The Board is our governing body, responsible for all the business decisions and policies of the congregation. Board members attend monthly meetings, and also serve as liaisons to UUP's committees. We are filling three three-year positions, and may also choose to fill up to two other three-year seats if we find candidates who are qualified to serve.
To be considered for nomination by the Nominating Committee or if you have questions about the job description for UUP Board members, please contact any of the members of the committee named below. Self-nomination is encouraged.
--Lara Abel, Tony Blake, David Dodd.

"Dinners for Eight" or more on Christmas Eve
Would you like to share Christmas Eve with your church family? Then join us as we gather in each other's homes to share dinner after the service on December 24th.
Here is how it works: Some people agree to host, and they provide the gathering location and usually a main dish. Others sign up to participate and bring other contributions to the meal. Then all gather on Christmas Eve for a community meal and good fellowship.
There will be a sign-up sheet at the back of the church during the next few weeks.

Religious Education Discussion Group prior to Sunday Service
Marlene will host a discussion group in the fireside room during children's choir practice the next three Sunday mornings, 9:30 to 10:15. Anyone is welcome to join on a drop-in basis. Come to one, two or all three discussions. The topics will concern parenting and spirituality with a new topic each week. Coffee and munchies provided.
11/30 - Spirit of Life: exploring spirituality for UUs
12/7 - Sing in My Heart: celebrations and rituals
12/14 - The Stirrings of Compassion: caring for one another

Children and Youth to perform at UUP Christmas Eve Service
All children and youth are invited to participate in singing carols at the Christmas Eve service--5 pm on December 24. No prior singing experience required. Three rehearsals on 11/30, 12/7, and 12/15 with an early arrival on 12/24. Rehearsals led by Elizabeth Nielson. Please contact Leslie Harrison for more information.

Holiday Fundraiser for our high-school-age youth
UUP high school youth are selling holiday cards at UUP after the services each Sunday. If you're thinking about buying cards this year, please consider buying from our youth. Our youth are also planning to create gift bags and gift tags, for sale in December. Proceeds from the sales will help pay for their Coming of Age Program, a series of retreats and UUP youth activities.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CORNER Service is our Prayer
Will there be a guest at your table this Thanksgiving? As we celebrate with family and friends this week and remember all we have to be thankful for, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee asks us to share our blessings with others through the Guest At Your Table tradition. At each meal from now until Christmas, insert coins or bills into your GAYT box as if sharing with your guests. Your generosity will support the work of UUSC in the struggle for social justice and human rights both here and around the world. If your gift totals $100 or more, it will be matched dollar for dollar through a matching grant from the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, NY. Don't have your box yet? Please pick one up Sunday at the Social Responsibility Table and join other UU families for this annual tradition. Boxes will be returned at the Christmas Eve service.
SRC thought for the week: "You have two hands. One to help yourself, the second to help others." - G. Coghlan

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.)

This Sunday, November 30, 2008: "Values and Visions: Justice, Equity and Compassion"
Worship Leader: Elisabeth Hathaway
Join us as we explore another in our new series educating and challenging us to look at what we believe and seek, and how we practice these visions and values in our daily lives. Today, the second of our series, we look at the second Principle of Unitarian Universalism: the presence of Justice, Equity and Compassion in our human relationships. How do these touch you? How do they slip just out of reach? We will hear about what they might mean or look like, and share with one another.

REGULARLY SCHEDULED GATHERINGS
The UUP Men's Group will meet Friday, Dec. 5, 7 pm at Dick Allen's house. Contact Dick for more info.
Larking About, the UUP choir, meets Wednesdays at 8 pm at David Dodd and Diana Spaulding's house.

www.uupetaluma.org