December 2
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Nina D. Grey

Journeys Then and Now

On December 2, we will reflect on the journey that Joseph and Mary took from Nazareth to Bethlehem and the journeys that men and women and sometimes also children take across the U.S. southern border. We'll think about the impact of globalization, as it erases boundaries of one kind at the same time as it creates and changes boundaries of another kind. We'll think about the impact of these journeys on our own.

December 9
The Choir
Michael Thorn, Director of Music
Rev. Dr. Nina D. Grey

Let the Earth Be Glad

Psalm 97 includes the words "Let the earth be glad, let the distant shores rejoice" for the works of God, the works of creativity and love. In other psalms, the psalmist calls for dancing, singing and the joyful playing of instruments, harps and lyres, all for the purpose of praise. We can respond with our own joyful sounds of praise for the gifts of life, love, and renewal in this holiday season. Our Choir will sing carols from around the world, and we will reflect on how our expressions of praise can help the earth to be glad.

December 16
The Religious Education Community
Erica Ward, Director of Religious Education
Rev. Dr. Nina D. Grey

Winter Holy Days
An Open-Hearted Holiday Celebration!

In the spirit of our World Religions focus, this year's December pageant warmly embraces a variety of winter holy days! Come join in this creative celebration of the hope and love this season represents. Through story, readings, ritual and song we lift up a rich variety of sacred winter celebrations. All the children and youth of our community are warmly invited to participate in the pageant.

December 21, Friday Evening
The Earth-Based Spiritual Group
of the Spiritual Pluralism Project
Rev. Dr. Nina D. Grey

A Winter Solstice/Yule Celebration

Join us as the Earth-Based Spirituality Group leads us in a celebration of the Winter Solstice with ritual, readings and music. The Earth-Based Spirituality Group honors the changing seasons and the wisdom of earth-centered traditions for the living of our lives. More information about ways you can contribute to it will be offered in Sunday order of service announcements.

December 23
Rev. Dr. Nina D. Grey

Festival of Light: A Celebration of Seasons of Light

All are warmly invited to this multigenerational Festival of Light, as we honor the season's holy days of Chanukah, Solstice and Christmas with rituals, readings, song, story and homily. You are encouraged to suggest songs, readings and ritual and to volunteer to participate in the service. Offer your ideas to Rev. Grey by December 16, and bring finger food for all to share during Social Hour. This multigenerational service and social hour will take place in Hull Chapel.

December 24, 6 p.m.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Rev. Nina D. Grey
The Chicago Children's Choir

Candles for Peace and Love

Individuals and families light candles, as we 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 30, In Hull Chapel
A Kwanzaa Service

Festival of Light: A Celebration of Seasons of Light

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 Vivian Burns, or Rev. Nina Grey.

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