December 3
Sermon: Rev. Nina Grey

Spiritual Hospitality

Today we reflect on the challenges, arts and practices of spiritual hospitality. One emphasis will be on how our spiritual lives equip us to welcome the stranger. Another will be on the challenges and blessings of spiritual pluralism while fostering unity. We will light the first candle of the Advent wreath.

Rev. Nina Grey is a Doctor of Ministry student at McCormick Theological School. Her thesis is "The One and the Many: Embracing Spiritual Pluralism in Congregational Life".
After the Social Hour, the First Forum will continue the topic as members of the Spiritual Pluralism Project at First Unitarian Church engage in sharing with one another and with others in the congregation.

December 10
Director of Music: Michael Thorn
Homily: Rev. Nina D. Grey

Prepare the Way:
Songs for the Advent Season

Rev. Nina Grey will offer a homily "Prepare the Way" and the First Unitarian Choir will sing familiar, diverse and original songs for the Advent season, including the premier of Michael Thorn's new jazz arrangement of O Come, O Come Emmauel. We will light the second candle of the Advent wreath. Join us for this joyful celebration of word and song.

December 17
Worship Leaders: Danielle Gerrior &
Rev. Nina Grey

A Christmas Pageant
On RE Holiday Sunday

We retell the story of Christmas in pageant and song. Join our young folk as they dramatize this familiar story of the birth of Jesus. Participate in the congregational singing that accompanies this story of hope and possibility, love and joy. We will light the third candle of the Advent wreath.

December 24, 10 am
Sermon: Rev. Nina Grey

Festivals of Light?

How do different faiths embrace the symbol of light? Three days after the Solstice, we gather in Hull Chapel for music, meditation, homily and story, as we honor the Solstice, Chanukah and Christmas, and celebrate the wonder of light. If you have a favorite poem, brief story, or experience about the miracle of light that you would like read or have told on this day, call or email Rev. Nina Grey. Bring a favorite holiday snack to share. This morning we will worship in Hull Chapel and we will light the fourth candle of the Advent wreath.

December 24, 6 pm
Sermon: Rev. Nina Grey
The Chicago Children's Choir

O Holy Night:
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Families light candles and women, men and children witness to the enduring values of light and joy, faith and love. Members, friends, extended families, visitors, neighbors, we all join together and raise our voices high in shared aspirations for peace and love.

The Chicago Children's Choir graces our celebration with music from many lands, as we once again gather for celebration of the birth of the baby Jesus and the birth of every child. In our candlelight ceremony shines the mystery of light's persistence, underlining hope in the face of darkness and despair. This is a service for all ages. This is a service of hope.

December 31
The Congregatioin

A Kwanzaa Service

We reflect on the meaning of Kwanzaa, and the symbols of this important African American cultural affirmation that lasts for eight days, from the day after Christmas until the New Year. We light the candles of the Kinara, and ponder the meanings of the seven principles and artifacts of Kwanzaa. If you wish to help create this service, please contact Polly McCoo, or Rev. Nina Grey.

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