In part two of our series on “The Practice of Presence” we explore what it means to “bear witness.”
To attend by Zoom, click on this link: uuberks.org/zoom-worship. (If this is the first time you’re using zoom, you may be prompted to download a launcher app).To connect by phone (audio only): 1) Dial the phone number: 1-646-558-8656 2) When prompted for the “Meeting ID”, enter: 921 4271 5512# 3) When prompted for the “Participant ID”, enter: #Please plan to arrive or log on by 10:20-10:25 am to establish a connection before worship is scheduled begins. Zoom participant mics are muted throughout the service.
REMINDER – To all our reader’s theater players – We will be doing read throughs and part assignments at 9am in the sanctuary. Please join us for a UU Christmas Carol.
This Month’s Theme is Presence –
This month’s bedtime story is Life in the Present: A Joyful Collection of Comics About Living in the Moment by Liz Climo. Dive into the humor and warm-hearted wisdom from adorable bears, otters, bunny rabbits, and hamsters (among others) who help us all to see the beauty in life’s least significant occasions.
This week we will continue exploring Capital Punishment/Corporal Punishment
email Ginny Chudgar for more info (see directory for address)
9:30 Lower Elementary
Meeting in the kidspace cozy spot
This week’s lesson is Bluey’s Sleepytime – exploring curiosity and questions
9:30 Upper Elementary
We will be meeting in Gerber room and heading to kidspace
This week’s lesson will be exploring the stories of the Christmas season
For our classroom activities this week we will be creating “Hot Cocoa Cones” to sell alongside our Youth Groups cookie sale at our coffee hour.
10:30 Youth Group
Saturday 12/14 9am-1pm Cookie Making and Bake sale prep
Meeting in the YG room of Chalice house
Continuing last meetings discussion
Prep work continues for Cookie baking event and fundraiser
Our OWL program begins again starting in January 2025 – OWL will be geared to kids in grades 4-6. Covering a range of topics, including sexual health, gender identity, and relationships. The program is based on the principles of inclusivity, justice, responsibility, sexual health, and self-worth.
If you are interested in learning more please sign up!
The Youth Group is holding a Holiday Cookie Sale as a Church Fundraiser and are requesting cookie donations. We need 12 dozen undecorated sugar cookies for the youth to decorate. We are also in need of many, many more dozens of cookies to sell of all types and varieties.
All cookie donations are due at the church from 9-10:00 am on Saturday, December 14 so the youth can decorate, sort, and tag the cookies for sale. Or they can be dropped off at the church in the week leading up to the sale. The sale will be held after church on Sunday, December 15.
For Cookie Lovers, come to church on Sunday, December 15 and bring your checkbook or cash. We will be selling the congregation’s homemade delights just in time for you to bring to holiday gatherings or to share with family and friends. For questions or to schedule an alternate cookie drop-off, contact Lynn O’Brien at 484-219-5966. All proceeds will go to the Church.
It is that time of year again! Christmas is almost here and once again, We Need Cookies! Please sign up to donate a plate of cookies for our Christmas eve coffee hour. We also need some elves to help set up and clean up.
Did you know that we have a private website for members only at https://member-info.uuberks.org ? It is basically an electronic version of a bulletin board. On the website you can also find links to important documents (like the Budget, Bylaws, Church Directory,…), important email addresses ( like Staff, Committees, … email addresses), and a host of “how to” docs (like Google Forms Have 2 Links, Email Account vs. Email Alias, Google Workspace Guide for New Users,…
If you have any questions, send them to Frank @ frank.wilder@uuberks.org. Here are a few common questions and answers:
Why do I have to login to access this site? This site is private and the information on it is for members only. By having a login, we can restrict access to those individuals that are FUUBC members.
I attend services all the time but I am not a member. How do I become a member? We have a page on our public website with all of the details. See https://uuberks.org/connect/become-a-member/
I have a Google account, but I don’t remember my password. (1) Go to the Google login page at accounts.google.com, (2) enter your email address, (3) click on the “next” button and (4) click on the “Forgot password” link.
Does UUBerks have an email list for open communications between members on any topic. Yes, it is called the Friends of UUBerksemail list. Contact Frank W. to be added to the email list.
In addition to our Christmas Cookie sale on Dec. 15, we will also be selling Equal Exchange products after church on DEC. 1 and DEC. 15. Equal Exchange makes the wonderful coffee which we enjoy every Sunday. We will have coffee, tea, chocolate, even dried fruit and nuts for sale! All are Fair Trade products, so Third World growers are paid a better price for their labor. Items start at $5! You can pay by cash, check, or Venmo! And funds will help FUUBC
From This Month’s Board of Directors Meeting: This month the Board prepped for congregational meeting & Rev. John’s installation
Game Day
Do you enjoy board and card games? Join us after coffee hour on Sunday, January 12th. We hope to start at 12:30 and finish up by 5PM. The plan is to have multiple tables set up with a different game at each table. Please bring a few of your favorite games and a snack to share, I plan to bring popcorn and the game Catan. Feel free to invite friends who enjoy board games as well.
I hope to see you there
Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way…
Do you enjoy singing during the holiday season? Justin B. reached out to me about organizing a caroling event. He’s created 20 caroling books and is looking for interested participants.
Is anyone interested in joining? Contact Frank W.
Building Maintenance Goes Digital!
The Building Keepers are excited to announce a new, streamlined way to submit maintenance requests! Now, you can easily report any issues using a convenient Google Form accessible from your smartphone or laptop. This digital system will help us track and resolve projects more efficiently.
Here’s how to submit a request:
Look for QR Codes: Scan the QR codes posted around the building using your smartphone’s camera app.
Direct Link: Alternatively, you can access the form directly by visiting this link on your laptop or phone’s browser: https://uuberks.org/bk-ticket
We appreciate your cooperation in using this new system. It will allow us to better serve you and maintain our facilities effectively.
FUUBC is part of the Giant charitable grocery scrip program that gives 10% of all gift cards sold back to our church. You can purchase cards as needed or sign up for a monthly gift card order that will be sent directly to your home the first week of each month.
When you receive your order you will also receive a return envelope to mail your check to the church. Checks can also be dropped in the Gerber room drop box or in the plate collection. Checks should be made out to FUUBC with giant card in the memo line.
If you would like to purchase Giant cards please return the form below to Melissa at office@uuberks.org. One time cards can also be purchased from Melissa at coffee hour twice a month.
Giant cards are available in $50 and $100 increments.
As I write this, Jess and I are twelve days out from bringing our AirBnB adventures in Berks County to a close. On December 2nd, we’ll take possession of our new home, and then get right to work on the most important first step of settling — figuring out where the Christmas tree goes.
It’s a big task. We’re creating a new tradition in a new home, and tree placement sets the tone for the holidays. Then comes the rest of the holiday preparations, at home and at church, coupled with getting the new house settled. This December is shaping up to be a very full one. And I’ll confess, I can skew towards Grinchiness most years. All this coupled with the barrage of holiday commercialization means that this year, I’m paying special attention that my heart doesn’t wind up two sizes too small.
This is the big reason why this minister, at least, is grateful for Advent. For me, it’s the antidote for Grinch – an intentional, mindful moment to step out of the mad freeway rush toward December 25th and regain some focus and perspective on the deeper meaning of the season. One candle each for peace, hope, joy, and love. One candle a week to cast out the shadows and sear these ideals in my heart.
I’m glad to hear Advent is nothing new for this congregation. This month, we’ll take a moment in each service to light our Advent candles with a brief meditation on its themes. I hope you can find a place for yourself in that moment – a welcome into a pause and a moment for mindful reflection.
See you in church!
The Gift of Presence
Happy Thanksgiving! And welcome to the beginning of advent. How did that happen so quickly? As we move into December we enter a state of heightened activity. While the earth prepares to sleep, we humans prepare for our holiday season. Prepping for the holiday can cause a panic for some. Is it all done? Did you find that special item you put out every year to welcome winter? What are your holiday plans, and how do you feel the presence of spirit through the season? How do you not get trapped in the hustle and bustle? Our culture pushes us to consume. Eat more cookies, buy more gifts, find more joy. What can we do to feel the real presence of spirit in this time? I urge you to STOP. Stop it all. Wrap up in your favorite warm coat, take the hand of your most loved and take a walk. Breathe, and search for the presence.
Christmas and mid winter holidays for thousands of years give people the opportunity to embrace the light in the coldest and darkest of days. A time to observe all we have done through the year and find warmth and light in our families and love.
What is your favorite tradition for Christmas? When do you feel the presence of December and mid winter? For me I wander the woods at sunset. If it is snowing even better. The cold air and tiny flakes reflecting in the moonlight. The gentle song of wind though branches. Cold, Alone, Quiet, Perfect. That crunch of dry leaves under my feet and the bite of wind on my face, brings me to a place of pure presence. I am here. I breathe. I look for the light and sparkle of nature in the woods. I revel in the warmth of that glow of nature along the tree line as the sun sets. I look for the lights. Take a few moments as you read this. Close your eyes and remember your favorite presence of the holiday. Welcome to advent everyone. A blessed holiday to all.
Miss Erin
practice presents
by nadine j. smet-weiss spiritual director
follow your breath into awareness of subtle sensation barely perceptible vibration that is beingness alive in you
