Religious Education News: Sun Dec 2

The Thanksgiving holiday, now a memory, was for many a time replete with food, family, and relaxation. Our sense of community, thankfulness, and gratitude remains, however, as we enter the season of goodwill and peace. Last Sunday was an Arts & Craft Day for children and youth, led by Sabrina Cleary and Janice Silverberg. It was a marvelous experience as all ages enjoyed one another’s company and proudly demonstrated their creative talents by making beautiful ornaments and decorations. Janice had no difficulty holding everyone’s attention as she read The Grinch Who Stole Christmas to the sounds of munched cookies and other treats. It was a testament to our children and their interest and love of RE to see the diversity of ages coalesce into an animated group project. This Sunday, during Deck the Halls after service, the children and will have the opportunity to hang their works of art in the sanctuary for the entire congregation to admire. To prepare for our winter holidays, the “hanging of the greens” in the sanctuary has already been done. Craig Hunt and I were hoping to do this project together but logistics of my travel weren’t very conducive to a mutual time. My sincere thanks go out to him and his family who came in and did all the hanging despite Craig’s knee injury. Craig, your dedication was most appreciated - thank you for a job well done! Another exciting Sunday is underway on Dec 2. We will have Music For All Ages, a Wonder Box Story, classes, and then, last but not least, Deck the Halls at 11:30. Teachers, congregation, and family are welcome to decorate alongside the students. Looking forward to seeing you all!

Michele Rinaldi
Religious Education Coordinator

A Look at What’s Coming Up…

Opportunity for Young Voices to Sing with the Choir
Does your kid love to sing? Children and youth have an opportunity to join the CUUC Choir for a piece in their Winter Choral Concert on Sun Dec 16, at 12:30pm. The kids may rehearse with the choir on Sun Dec 2 and Sun Dec 9 from 9:30-10:00am. Choir director Lisa Meyer needs to finalize musical selections, so please RSVP to cuucre@gmail.com by Fri Nov 30.

RE This Sun Dec 2
Grades K-7th start in the sanctuary for Music For All Ages and Wonder Box Story. Grades 8th-12th start in classrooms.

Deck the Halls this Sun Dec 2, after RE
Join us in the sanctuary after RE to hang the decorations we created last week. Fun for all ages and something families can do together!

Wreaths for Sale this Sun Dec 2
As part of a Scout project, Doyle and Callie Zisson will be selling wreaths outside the main doors at CUUC after the service this Sunday.

Holiday Giving Opportunities

Gently Used Children's Books and Toys Drive for the Ecumenical Food Pantry, through Sun Dec 9
Bring in gently used kids' books and toys for our collection to benefit clients of the Ecumenical Food Pantry. We are also collecting stuffed animals (must be new or like new). Contact: Mary Cavallero (marycava4@gmail.com) for information or to volunteer to distribute.

Gift Cards for Coachman Family Center, Sign Up Sun Dec 2 & Sun Dec 9; Bring In Wrapped and Tagged Gift Cards Sun Dec 16
Help a family at the Coachman shelter by signing up to purchase a $25 gift card for their school-age children. On Sun Dec 2 and Sun Dec 9, we will have lists available with the age and gender of the children, and the type of card they prefer. Please box and wrap the gift cards, tag with the child's name and room number, and bring to CUUC by Sun Dec 16. Contact: Ray Messing (raymessing@gmail.com).

Personal Items for Shelter Residents, Sun Dec 2 - Sun Dec 30
New socks, men's underwear (L & XL), women’s underwear, and toiletries will be collected throughout December for residents of local shelters. Posters from our Religious Education students help spread the word! Contact: Ray Messing (raymessing@gmail.com).

The Mitten Tree is Coming!
We will decorate the tree with your donations of mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves for all ages and sizes. Share the gift of warmth! We will be collecting throughout December. Items will be given to the men, women, and children of local shelters: The Coachman Family Center, Open Arms, and Samaritan House. Contact: Ray Messing (raymessing@gmail.com).

Faith Development Friday, Fri Dec 7, Fireside Area & Classrooms
Our evening of learning, spiritual growth, and community. 6:15pm Pizza & Salad Community Dinner; 7:00pm Programs; 8:30pm Coffee. Programs include Adult RE and Family Journey Group. Adults may also just come for a slice and unstructured social time together. All are welcome to stay after the programs to share coffee and a chat. RSVP to CUUCevents@gmail.com by 12:00 noon on Friday.