01 Dec

Posted at 13:44h in Upcoming Events

Sunday worship at 10:00am in the Sanctuary

Services are live streamed on the CHANNING YOU TUBE CHANNEL and available for viewing afterwards.

Sunday, December 3: When Our Cultural Identity and Spiritual Values Collide…

Rev. Jeannette Bessinger  & Samuel Hollister

Historically, having a strong cultural identity is associated with human thriving. But when elements of that collective identity clash with our individual spiritual or ethical values, where can we find rootedness in “who we are”? Through the dual lenses of Scorsese’s movie of Grann’s novel Killers of the Flower Moon and the ongoing fighting in Gaza, we’ll explore, with language and music, some ways we can navigate the grey zone between “us and them”, “good guys and bad guys”.

Rev Jeannette Bessinger: Jeannette is an ordained interfaith chaplain, certified Spiritual Companion, and Board Certified Health Coach, bringing a holistic perspective to her 20-year health ministry. As the current Director of Spiritual Development for Westminster Unitarian Church, she is enjoying working deeply with a UU community across the full span of chronological ages.

Sunday, December 10: There Be Miracles, even in a UU World

Rev. Bill Zelazny  

According to tradition, during the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean revolt, there was only enough oil to light the Temple’s menorah for one day, but somehow miraculously burned for eight days. The festival of Hanukkah commemorates this event. This Sunday, with the assistance of Irene Glasser and the Channing Choir, we will mark this ancient Jewish festival but then expand our look at the idea of miracles. Yes, there are miracles even in the UU world view.  

The 2nd Sunday of the month is our nonperishable foods collection for local food banks.

Sunday, December 17:  Science and Mystery Walk Hand in Hand

Rev. Bill Zelazny

Some people think Science is the only guide to living and some hold that Mystery is what guides life.  Our UU Sources says both give UUism form. Ursula Goodenough calls this the Covenant with Mystery – a both/and approach. 

Sunday, December 24 

Christmas Eve 

10:00 AM — No morning service. Sleep in, spend time with the family, have a quiet cup of coffee, finish wrapping Christmas presents. 

5:00 PM — Christmas Eve at Channing Church          

Rev. Bill Zelazny & Friends

The sanctuary will be decorated, candles lit, traditional and new readings presented, anthems performed by the choir, carols sung, a short homily presented and “Silent Night” holding candles sung in the darkened sanctuary. All the elements needed for a beautiful traditional Channing Church Christmas Eve for adults and children.  A perfect way to start the Christmas celebration.  Come, bring family and friends to share this Christmas Eve with you.

Parking is available in the Elk’s parking lot, Please place the bright orange parking permit on your dashboard where it is clearly visible. Permits are located on the table to the right as you enter the church.  

Sunday, December 31:  Say Adieu, Say Hello

Rev. Bill Zelazny  

In a few hours 2023 will leave us and 2024 will arrive.  Rev. Bill is inviting the congregation to a New Year’s brunch (no formal service) in the Parish Hall to say “Adieu” 2023 and “Welcome” 2024.  Rev. Bill will make breakfast casseroles and quiche but breakfast pastries would be a welcome addition.  Please email Michele in the office: office@channingchurch.org to let Rev. Bill know if you plan to come to the brunch.  Bring a poem or short new year theme reading to share.