Services are Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in-person in Channing Hall and on Zoom and YouTube.

December, 2024 Worship Services

Dec. 1, Gracenotes, Rev. Bill Neely

“Grace” has many definitions and connotations. It can mean elegance or poise. It can be an unearned sacred gift. It can be a brief expression of gratitude before a meal. Indeed, grace has many notes, but appreciation sounds through them all. In this service we will explore and express graceful appreciation.  

Dec. 8, Life as a Prayer, Rev. Jane Bennett Smith

This Sunday, we learn to listen to the great mystery that resides among us, leaning into a practice of communing with the sacred. Together we ask, how is this listening a practice of prayer to those of our faith, residing alongside a wealth of sacred practices? How might we create a way of living that does not only include sporadic prayer, but is instead itself a prayer?

Rev. Jane Bennett Smith has served as the minister of Channing Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist since 2019.  She began her journey into Unitarian Universalism ten years ago at the UU Congregation of Princeton, a period she remembers with great joy.  Rev. Jane lives in Catonsville, Maryland with her beloved husband Eric.

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m. Honoring Loss at this Season: A Vesper Service

Joyful festivities abound this time of year. For those of us missing loved ones, the shiny brightness may bring up mixed emotions as we grieve and mourn. Join the Pastoral Associates, Music Ministry, and Revs. Jennifer and Bill for a reflective service that honors love, memory, and loss.

Dec. 15, The Hanging of the Greens

Join us for our annual, all-ages, fun and festive Hanging of the Greens service! There’ll be songs, a skit, and plenty of merriment as we adorn Channing Hall for the season. Bring your friends and family!

Dec. 22, Turning Toward the Light, Rev. Bill Neely

This winter solstice weekend is one in which the days start gradually get longer and the nights start slowly get shorter. What can this seasonal flow teach us about rest and wakefulness? About preparation and action? About balance and rhythm?

Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Services: 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

5 p.m. – An All-Age Christmas Eve Pageant, Revs Jennifer Kelleher and Bill Neely

Bring the family and join your friends for our Christmas Eve Pageant. All are welcome in this very multi-generational service as we look toward Christmas with joy and wonder. 

7 p.m. – Christmas Eve Carols and Candles, Revs. Bill Neely and Jennifer Kelleher

Gather to hear again the traditional Christmas story with candles, music, silence, and words. In peace, hope, and with one another, let us embrace the meanings and miracles of this season.

Dec. 29, Greeting the New Year, Pauline E. Nijander, Seminarian

A new beginning happens with every ending. A new year, then, is no different from an opportunity at a new beginning for us. But what does this new beginning mean for us, especially as we move toward a time of uncertainty and anxiety?