The Church Year

In-Gathering: Water Communion (first Sunday after Labour Day)
September 11, 2022
As we return from our summer travels, we mark the beginning of the church year with our in-gathering celebration. Bringing water collected during our wanderings (or symbolic water from the backyard pond or kitchen sink) we pour it into a common bowl, symbolizing our coming together again as a community. The service is followed by special treats at our Fellowship Hour.

Stewardship Sunday (November)
Historically, Unitarian Universalists were part of the “free church” movement of religious traditions who were not state supported. These groups were supported by the free-will offerings of their congregants. Today, we do not “tithe” in the biblical sense, but we do support our principles and the work of this congregation with our time, talent, and treasure. Each fall, members and friends of the congregation are encouraged to pledge all three of these resources for the health of our community.

Halloween Costume Parade
Sunday October 30, 2022
Everyone is invited to join in our annual costume parade through the sanctuary this Sunday!

Dream Auction
Saturday November 19, 2022
Our annual fundraiser serves multiple purposes. Putting the FUN back in FUNdraiser, it is a celebration and an opportunity to deepen relationships. Among the festivities is the silent auction, which always includes dinner engagements, craft lessons, wine tastings, and other small group events. The competition for a space at these events is quite lively! More information and a listing of dreams to purchase will be available on this website: www.uudreamauction.org

Christmas Party Service
Sunday December 11, 2022 (10:30 AM)
This Sunday pays tribute to the season with festive intent. In past years we have created our own interactive “Twelve Days of Christmas,” decorated the tree, and shared stories of holiday memories.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Tuesday December 24, 2022 (7:00 PM)
We meet on Christmas Eve to consider the story of Jesus' birth from a Unitarian Universalist perspective and to enjoy singing songs of the season.

Fire Communion Sharing Service
Sunday January 1, 2023 (10:30 AM)
For this annual observance of the New Year is a participatory service, everyone is invited to share a reading, a poem, or an anecdote relating to what we want to let go of from the past year, and what our hopes are for the coming year.

Annual General Meeting
Sunday February 26, 2023 (after service)
In keeping with our Principles, we engage in the democratic process each year. During this meeting, we elect members to the Board of Trustees, vote on the yearly budget, and make decisions on other matters affecting the congregation.

Fair Trade Coffee House
March (TBD)
Fabulous musicians, entertaining conversation, and the opportunity to purchase fairly traded coffee, local cheeses, and other items make this annual event a big hit. All proceeds from donations gathered at the door are given to the Unitarian Service Committee, a Canadian charitable organization whose mission is to promote vibrant family farms, strong rural communities, and healthy ecosystems around the world.

Flower Communion and Outdoor Fun
Sunday June 25, 2023
We end the congregational year with a distinctly Unitarian practice—the flower communion, a celebration of diversity which reminds us of the gifts we bring to our community and those we take from it.  Afterwards, we gather in our own backyard for multigenerational games and treats.