Blue Christmas Vespers

Thursday, Dec. 4, 6:30pm

Sanctuary and on Zoom at https://bit.ly/3sxzsci

   The holiday season is not merry and bright for all of us. Share a quiet space with kindred spirits as we acknowledge the wide range of feelings and experiences of this time.

Join us to recognize the achievements of LGBTQ+ and allied students and to raise money for future awards. We have reserved a table. Tickets are $47.50/each. Email office@peoriauuchurch.org to purchase.

Deck the Halls

Saturday, December 6, 2-4pm

Fellowship Hall & Sanctuary

   Our annual ornament-making afternoon is sure to be a good time! We’ll craft ornaments for the Sanctuary tree, enjoy a yummy hot chocolate bar, and sing carols. Supplies and instructions are provided, and everyone is invited to join in! Help is needed to set up, clean up, and lead crafts. Email Jesi at DLRE@PeoriaUUChurch.org to volunteer.

Holiday Fair Trade Shopping

Sunday, December 7, Fellowship Hall

10:30am for kids & youth to shop w/o caregivers

After service for everyone

   Kids can shop during the service with an elf helper (UUCP Senior Youth), and everyone is welcome to shop during coffee hour. Ten Thousand Villages, a fair trade store, will host the sale, and there will be a variety of items at all price points, starting at $5 with many around $15 and more above that. Sales tax will be added. 

   Kids may also craft gifts at no charge for their loved ones and wrap the gifts they made or bought. If you want your child to shop, please check your kiddo in to RE before worship to complete the shopping list with budget, payment (cash or card), and permission. 

   Extra adults to assist with holiday crafting and gift wrapping are always needed. Email Jesi at DLRE@PeoriaUUChurch.org to volunteer.

Advent Reflection

Thursday, December 11, 6:30pm

Sanctuary or Zoom at https://bit.ly/3sxzsci

   As the darkness deepens, we will share a time to pause, reflect, and wrestle with the question of hope. All are welcome for an hour of candles, readings, reflection, and silent meditation.

Parents’ Night Out

Friday, December 12

5:30 Pizza, 6:00 Movie, 8:00 Pick-Up

Drop off available for kids & youth

SIGN UP BY 12/10 REQUIRED

   Families are invited for some light-hearted holiday time together or to use this as a drop-and-shop opportunity. We’ll have pizza, crafts, popcorn & a movie in the RE commons. Christmas jammies & snuggly friends welcome! Sign up here https://uuchurch.flocknote.com/signup/236230by 12/10 and RE registration on file required. Questions? Email Jesi Laughlin at DLRE@PeoriaUUChurch.org.

Help with the Winter Solstice Pageant ~ Kids and Adults Needed!

Sunday, December 14, rehearsal during religious education time

Sunday, December 21, 9:30am rehearsal before the pageant

Winter Solstice Pageant: The Snow Tree

   Celebrate the season with the children and youth of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria as they present a playful adaptation of The Snow Tree by Caroline Repchuck! In this heartwarming tale, the woodland animals gather their treasured gifts to create a magical symbol of the Christmas season—offering a timeless
reminder of friendship, sharing, and wonder.

   This year’s pageant invites everyone to join the fun! There will be opportunities for audience  participation as we tell this story together in a spirit of play, imagination, and goodwill. We’ll also lift our voices in familiar winter carols, making this a joyful celebration for all ages.

   For children & youth who would like to participate, we will rehearse at the times listed above. If your young person would like a speaking role and cannot attend on Dec. 14, email Jesi Laughlin at DLRE@PeoriaUUChurch.org.

   Adult help is needed to lead or sing carols, prepare simple costumes, collect props, and assist with stage management. Contact Jesi Laughlin to take a role in making this year’s pageant a success.  Come share in the magic of the Solstice—community, creativity, and winter sparkle included!

Christmas Caroling

Sunday, December 14

1pm carpool from church or 1:30pm meet at Lutheran Hillside Village

   Come join the fun! We’ll don funny hats and go to retirement homes. Can’t read music? That’s ok! We’ll sing carols you know, and Kathy McNeil will play piano and make it easy to follow along. Can’t hit the right notes? That’s ok, too! We’re out to spread holiday cheer! For more info or to RSVP, call or text Kathy McNeil at 309- 687-9739 or Bernie Humphrey at 309-360-4199.

Rev. Jennifer

Young & Emerging Adults Movie Night

Friday, December 19, 5:30pm

Fellowship Hall

   Our new Young & Emerging Adults (YEA!) group is launching with a holiday-themed movie night. YEA! welcomes friends and members between the ages 18-35 to come celebrate the season with some holiday faves--popcorn, cocoa, and cookies! Film TBD (see our poll at https://uuchurch.flocknote.com/YoungAdults/note/34268186). For more info, email Erin Roberson at embregan@gmail.com.

Yule: Into the Longest Night

Saturday, December 20, Fellowship Hall

Doors open at 5pm; Ritual begins at 5:30pm

   Solstice Night is upon us, and winter is here once again. In the dark chill of Yuletide, we call out for the sun to return. Will it answer the call? Keepers of the Great Grove, the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans chapter at UUCP, invites you to join us in our observance of Yule. There will be a time for bardic tales, ritual, and a small fire (weather permitting). Bring a dish to pass and stay for the potluck.

Winter Solstice Pageant: The Snow Tree

   Celebrate the season with the children and youth of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria as they present a playful adaptation of The Snow Tree by Caroline Repchuck! In this heartwarming tale, the woodland animals gather their treasured gifts to create a magical symbol of the Christmas season—offering a timeless reminder of friendship, sharing, and wonder.

Our Whole Lives (OWL) Lifespan Sexuality Education K-1 Mandatory Parent Meeting

Sunday, December 21, Noon, Conference Room (Zoom available upon request)

   Our Whole Lives (OWL) for kindergarten and first grade is a sexuality education program for children ages five to seven that covers topics like bodies, families, and safety through songs, stories, and activities. It builds a foundation for lifelong learning about identity, relationships, health, and safety in a developmentally appropriate and age-specific way, always centering parents as every child’s primary sexuality educator. At least one parent is required to attend this orientation, and all legal guardians or custodial parents must sign the parent permission form. Sign up in the foyer or go to https://uuchurch.flocknote.com/signup/236233

   During the parent orientation, you will have the chance to become familiar with the Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education K-1 curriculum, develop a sense of partnership with the Our Whole Lives facilitators, begin to build group trust and support, develop participation guidelines, increase your comfort using sexual terminology, strengthen your commitment to sexuality education, and understand how sexuality education and Unitarian Universalist faith values can be integrated.

Tuesday, December 24, 7:00pm

“Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve: A Light of Hope ”

   For Christmas Eve, we share the message of Jesus’ birth through ancient and modern texts and beautiful music. This service will feature violin music from EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks and piano and organ from Sherry Seckler. Members, friends, family, and visitors are invited.