Dear friends,
We want to invite you to join us this holiday season. Whether you are looking forward to the joys of the season with music, pageantry, and presents or you are struggling with the weight of the expectations, we have an offering for you. Join us for special services and events all December long! We hope to see you soon!
Las Posadas: December 3, 10:30 a.m. (Multiplatform)
In many Latin American countries we celebrate Las Posadas, a pre-Christmas tradition recreating the arduous journey of Mary and Joseph fleeing from violence and seeking refuge. In the United States, many churches incorporate this tradition as an expression of solidarity with all immigrants and refugees. We are reminded that we are a living sanctuary and a welcoming congregation. To join online use Zoom Meeting ID 989 3107 9078, passcode: chalice.
Cookies & Carols: December 3, 12:00 p.m. (In Person)
We will be putting up and decorating the sanctuary Christmas tree and singing carols. Bring your favorite cookies to share (homemade or store-bought) for this new version of Cookies and Carols and Ornaments! Coffee and tea will be available.
Annual Holiday Music Sunday: December 10, 10:30 a.m. (Multiplatform)
This lively event will feature the East Shore Mighty Choir, numerous guest performers, and several talented performers who are East Shore members. We will sing a number of favorite carols, as well as some new additions as we usher in this season with bright holiday spirits. To join online use Zoom Meeting ID 989 3107 9078, passcode: chalice.
Winter Pageant: December 17, 10:30 a.m. (Multiplatform)
We’re pleased to present to you all a fun-filled morning reflecting on the various wisdom traditions who celebrate year after year since time immemorial during the dark of the year. You will work alongside the amazing UU children of the East Shore RE program. To join online use Zoom Meeting ID 989 3107 9078, passcode: chalice.
Blue Christmas: Tuesday, December 19, 7:00 p.m. (Multiplatform)
For many of us, the Holiday season is filled with wonder, a spirit of generosity, and joyful anticipation of gathering with friends and family. And for many of us the Holidays can also be filled with sadness, stress, anxiety, and/or “the blues,” especially if you are grieving the recent loss of a loved one, or suffering being estranged from family, dealing with difficult health issues, or feeling disconnected and lonely. Perhaps the very pressure of having to make holiday preparations is making you feel overwhelmed. For people who are grieving and who are suffering, this forced joyfulness during the Holidays can be painful. Many of us just need a break, a contemplative space where we can slow down, connect with community, accept where we are, and honor our emotional needs. Whatever the reason for feeling blue or overwhelmed, we invite you to join us in creating a peaceful virtual spiritual oasis. Wear your favorite ugly Xmas sweater or your comfy PJ’s, as we offer ourselves the gift of self-compassion. We’ll create an informal and cozy atmosphere where we can share inspirational readings, joys & sorrows, and brief guided meditations. Everyone is welcome! Join Zoom 830 9411 4312, Passcode: XMAS
Winter Solstice: Thursday, December 21, 7:00 p.m. (Multiplatform)
Please join us for this wonderful gathering to celebrate the return of the sun on the longest night of the year. With worship, ritual, music, stories, and a circle dance, followed by a soup and bread potluck. Please join and bring soup, bread, cookies, or juice to share. An East Shore tradition not to be missed. Join us in person or via Zoom 891 4558 0311, Passcode: Yule.
Christmas Eve Services: Sunday December 24, 4:00 & 7:00 p.m. (Multiplatform)
At 4:00, enjoy the unique and comforting peace of Christmas Eve in this service crafted for all ages. We will end the service with the traditional candle lighting, enjoying hot cocoa and a story walk about nativity scenes from around the world.
At 7:00, join us for a lovely candlelight service with carols and readings that convey the spirit of Christmas. To join online for either service, use Zoom Meeting ID 989 3107 9078, passcode: chalice.