Another holiday season over. I hope that we added to you joy with the Friday Frolic and the carolling and cookies on the 22nd. Thank you Imran and Jen and the children of RE. We had some great sharing after the holiday service of ways to avoid some of the craziness of the season. We talked about what common themes we see across the winter holidays…..bringing light into the darkness of winter, gatherings with friends, gratitude and generosity being a few. I sincerely hope that you all had some joy in these rituals. We know that some of you had profound sorrows this year and the holidays can really accentuate times of sadness.
This month the theme is vision and my service this month will focus on vision boards for the New Year. What are the benefits? How do we make one for ourselves? What is important to include?
I have one more course (biblical Greek yuck) and I will have completed my course requirements for my Masters in Divinity by May and will graduate at Spring Convocation. It has been a real challenge with personal issues throughout, but I can’t say enough good things about Northeastern Seminary. They have been unbelievably inclusive and kind with their first Unitarian Universalist seminarian.
Thanks to Reverend Wooden for his inspiring sermon writing workshop. We had 12 in attendance. This next year we have some amazing sermons lined up both from outside and inside the fellowship.
The worship committee will be revamping the greeter protocols so if you would like to join up please stand by for a sign up sheet coming soon.
Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns at 519 859 1640 or lorisotte@gmail.com.
Happy New Year!
UFLers have asked the question “What can I do to help?” Here are some suggestions, if you are able:
When in doubt- ask Bob Harrington, Bill Ratcliffe, Imran, Jen Sadler, Raghul, and/or Bev Ball (bdball_99@yahoo.com)
The Caring Team is in need of several new volunteers to replace the three team members who are in their fourth year of service. Christine Kelsey is leaving the team at the end of January; Kat Proctor is leaving the team at the end of February; and Linda Lincoln is leaving the team at the end of March. Alice Wehlau is scheduled to leave the team after the ACM in June 2025. Only UFL members can serve on the Caring Team, for the usual term of three years, but friends of the UFL can do volunteer drives. Please speak to a member of the team during coffee time on a Sunday if you are interested in learning more about the services we offer to our community.
Worship Leader: Alison Konrad
This first Sunday in January will introduce the month’s worship theme, which is Vision. As of December 25, 2021, humankind got a sharper vision into the cosmos with the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope. What can we learn from this new level of vision about the universe and about ourselves?
Worship Leader: Suzanah Sarafin
It is common among people that experienced long term trauma to become locked into the present and past making it hard to see beyond right now. How can we change this? Can it even be changed? Where do you start? I know it can and where I started.
Worship Leader: Lori Turner-Otte
Why make one? Studies on benefits. How to construct one. Interactive Service. You won't make a board but will be planning and jotting down ideas. Paper and pen provided. Zoom participants please ensure you have writing materials.
Worship Leader: Marlene Koehler
We finish this month's worship theme of Vision with a pre-recorded reflection by UU Ministerial Candidate Reilly Yeo, M.Div. (U of T). In exploring its spiritual dimensions, Reilly suggests that the climate crisis calls us not just to change our world, but to transform it. In doing so, we will need to transform ourselves. Reilly is the co-founder of My Climate Plan and former Director of Communications and Public Engagement at the David Suzuki Foundation. This service is part of the "Meaning Making" series, Roots of Resilience, which we share with 14 other Canadian UU congregations.
Join us on the second Monday of the month at Edgar and Joe’s at the Goodwill downtown at 255 Horton St. Don't worry about arriving late; just come in and join our table.(Note: Goodwill offers senior discounts in their store this day.)
