Eric’s First Holiday Concert!: Sunday, December 3, 10:00 a.m.
Today is our annual holiday music extravaganza. Come to be inspired and entranced by our musicians.
Cookies & Carols: Friday, December 8, 6:30 p.m.
Eric Lane Barnes will lead us in Caroling during the evening! Bring your favorite cookies to share and we will eat and sing.
The Magic and Power of Light Worship Service: Sunday, December 10, 10:00 a.m.
Hanukkah 2017 begins at sunset on Tuesday, December 12, and ends at sundown on Wednesday, December 20. Today we tell the story of the oil, and honor the courage and faith of the Maccabees as they confronted the persecution and forced assimilation of the Hebrew people.
Blue Vespers: Wednesday, December 13, 7:00 p.m.
For many, the holidays are not merry. Joy is seen through a window that keeps some on the outside looking in. This evening we will hold a quiet reflective service in the sanctuary. For all those who still grieve the departure of Revs Joan and Peter, for those who have anniversaries of loss this time of year, or who are experience sorrow, or loss for any reason at this time of year. If you are lonely, sad, or just need a quiet retreat from the tinsel that surrounds us. Come.
Pageant “A Holiday for Everyone”: Sunday, December 17, 10:00 a.m.
Our young people have been busy preparing a theatrical wonder for us. This year they will delve into the question, what if Christmas was a holiday for ALL religions? Come to enjoy the talent and creativity of our youngest members.
Winter Solstice Celebration: Thursday, December 21, 7:00 p.m.
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 that is not to be missed.
Intergenerational Welcome to Christmas Worship Service: Sunday, December 24, 10:00 a.m.
Join Rev. Elaine Beth Peresluha as she welcomes in Christmas Eve in this morning service.
Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service: December 24, 4:00 & 7:00 p.m.
The origins of this traditional Unitarian Universalist candle lighting service can be traced to the early 1900s in New England and to much earlier antecedents in Europe. Dana Greeley, former president of the UUA, brought this service to First Parish in Concord during the 1970s. Jim Robinson, Dana’s ministerial intern, brought it from Concord to First Parish in Brewster, MA where Elaine was Jim’s ministerial intern. She has carried the tradition to each congregation she has served since 1991.
Our chalice, “The light of the Ages,” represents divine light, The Spirit of Love, which animates all of life and the universe, is an understanding foundational to our Universalist heritage. The Light of Love shone brightly in the life of Jesus, inspiring people everywhere to allow this same light to shine brightly in their lives. The understanding of Jesus as a human being who demonstrated the fullness of human potential, is at the heart of our Unitarian heritage.
The light from the chalice is passed to the first candle representing the baby Jesus, traditionally lit by the youngest child in the congregation.
From the Jesus candle, the light is passed to a row of candles representing his disciples and followers. Usually ministers and individuals studying for the ministry light these candles. The light is then passed to a row of candles representing teachers and parents who continue to pass the light of wisdom and compassion to succeeding generation; volunteers and staff in the Religious Education programs traditionally light these candles.
The light is then passed to a row of candles representing the children of the world, our hope for the future. Youth carry the Light to the four corners of the congregation where it is spread candle by candle, hand by hand, and heart by heart throughout the sanctuary. When the entire sanctuary is filled with light, the candles are raised illuminating the sanctuary with The Light of Love.
Water Ceremony Worship Service: Sunday, December 31, 10:00 a.m. (In Spring Hall)
The Water Ceremony is a traditional Unitarian Service. It explores the idea that the same stream that runs through each of our veins night and day also runs through the world. It is the same that nourishes the grass, the same that flows through the oceans. We invite you to bring a small sample of water that has special meaning to you. This water reminds you of a special time or a moment of importance. You will have time to tell a short story regarding the water you bring. Your water will be blended with all the other waters brought. At the end of our service, you are welcome to take home some of the blended waters. This service will be led by Rev. Susan Morrisson and LeAnne Struble.
PLEASE NOTE: East Shore Unitarian Church will be closed December 25-January 1.