Throughout December we dwell and invite the theme of “Mystery” into our midst. We will invite the unseen, unknown, hidden, and holy into our lives. Christmas and Hannukah both center a great mystery in their stories, and winter solstice arrives marking the midwinter turn towards longer days. We celebrate the creative presence of darkness and light and notice the mystery of the seasons that hold us, keep us, and nourish us as earthly beings.
Many years ago, I went on a pilgrimage to celebrate the life and death of Rumi Mevlana in Konya, Turkey. Rumi’s death is marked annually between December 7-17 and travelers from around the world to gather in Konya for a week of sacred celebrations. That journey changed me. I encountered the great mystery of the divine in a celebration of beauty, nature, love, life, God, and death. It was the first time that I found myself consumed with awe and wonder in the presence of an ancient mystical tradition.
This memory reminds me of the miracles lurking in the stories from many faith traditions that mark this time of year as special. The season sparkles, shines, and lures me back to delight, wonder, awe, and gratitude. Each year, I am changed, much like that first journey through a winter night to Konya. Only now I encounter the mysteries of my own heart and in the presence of beloved Unitarian Universalist community.
December invites all of us a time to pause, reflect, and welcome the mysteries of our lives, to connect in community and celebrate each other, and to notice the beauty that surround us. Perhaps there are lessons and life-affirming reminders waiting to be discovered!
I hope you will join us this December to dwell in mystery and to celebrate our beloved community. All our services will be in person at the church and livestreamed for our family and friends joining us online.
In faith, Rev. Jamie
Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 10:30am
“Dwelling in the Mysteries of Winter”
Led by Rev. Jamie Boyce and Service Leader Audrey Johnman
Join us for a service that will welcome the December theme of “Mystery” into our midst and invite each of us to dwell in the beauty and lessons of wintertime.
Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 10:30am
“The Mystery of Christmas”
Led by Rev. Jamie Boyce and Religious Educator Tim Versteeg.
Our annual multigenerational holiday service that will celebrate “The Mystery of Christmas”. It is also our annual CYRE holiday service we will be collecting gift cards for the Eva Rothwell Centre to distribute at Christmastime. Eva has asked for cards for the following stores: SHOPPERS DRUG MART, TIM HORTONS, SUBWAY, METRO, MCDONALDS, WALMART and WENDY’S. In addition, following NEW items will be accepted: men’s, women’s and children’s socks, long john’s, slippers, and warm gloves.
Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 10:30am
“Blue Holidays” – Led by Rev. Jamie Boyce and Service Leader Irene Kaye
This service will acknowledge and hold space for the complicated feelings of the season and the many losses and griefs among us. It is a time of holding the comforts of community close. We will also lift up the Winter Solstice and offer gratitude and blessings for the turning of the Earth. Led by Rev. Jamie Boyce
Saturday, December 24th Christmas Eve Services
5:00pm Family Christmas Service – Led by Religious Educator Tim Versteeg
8:00pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Led by Rev. Jamie Boyce and Service Leaders Sue Stewart-Greene and John Greene
Sunday, December 25th at 10:30am Christmas Day
“Christmas Morning Cheer!”
Join for readings and carols to spark joy and delight as we gather for a Christmas morning celebration. Led by Rev. Jamie Boyce and Service Leader Gail Rappolt.