ARE YOU OPEN TO EXPLORING
WHAT GOD MEANS?

As we move from November into December we’re shifting our monthly theme from Covenant to God.  This month I’d like to call attention to the third Unitarian Universalist principle in which we covenant  

Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.

As Unitarian Universalists, we don’t make a definitive statement as a religion about the nature of God; we are open to a broad range of theological thoughts, however, this doesn’t mean we should avoid using “God language” or stop working to develop our understanding and relationship with God. 

Some of us grew up being taught about a concept of God as a heavenly father sitting in the clouds watching everything we do, others had a concept of God in nature, and some of us grew up not being taught anything about God but simply picking up ideas in bits and pieces. No matter where we started from and how we’ve changed over the years, it’s important for us as individuals as well as a religious community to continue to expand and deepen our thinking about and experiences of who/what/where God is.

Whether or not God is a word/concept that resonates for you, it does having meaning to millions of people around the world. If we are to truly live up to our faith’s callings we need to continue to engage in the deep work of theological discernment. I encourage you to find as many ways as you can of exploring what God means to you, those around you, and our community as a whole throughout this month.

Krista Weber

Intern Minister &
Acting Director of Religious Education

THIS SUNDAY'S 
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING 

Budget Presentation and Audit Committee Report

 The Fall Financial Review, as called for in the PUC bylaws, will be held after the service on Sunday, December 7th.  In addition, the Audit Committee will present its report.  Come with your questions and comments.

 At this meeting, the Board of Trustees will share their vision for the current year.  See the PUC website for copies of the budget, or contact any Trustee: Clay Bosler, Carolyn Waters, Randy Ripley, Janet Kissner, Dave Kane, John Einhorn, Trish Botsko, Bruce Lewis, Judy Shaffer.

Please plan to attend!

HOLIDAY DROP-IN GRIEF SUPPORT
Various Locations on PUC's Campus

For those who want to share support with others who are experiencing a loss and facing the holidays. This peer group is run in a flexible format with facilitation. We will share our stories and discuss ways to prepare and engage in active self-care over the holiday season. A diversity of  ages, beliefs, practices and values are welcome.

There are no fees, and no preregistration is required.  The location for the day will be posted on the door of the Director of Congregational Advancement, next to the kitchen.

• Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. December 9 & 16
• Wednesday at noon December 17
• Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. December 10 & 17

Kim Gosney, M.Div. serves as facilitator. Kim is a member of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association. She is a trained hospice volunteer, has training in death midwifery and home funeral facilitation with Beth Knox of Crossings and, as founder of Alive and Mortal, presents workshops and lectures focused on the deep work of "evolving bonds™", rituals and impermanence.

Harbor Interfaith Collects Food
for the Holidays  

The Holidays are here and food is a part of the festivities. For years PUC has helped make this a reality for families in need by helping to stock the San Pedro’s Harbor Interfaith food pantry.  Holiday food will be collected from now until after Christmas.  Basic staples are needed:  canned vegetables, canned fruit, canned yams & canned cranberries sauce, plus all types of mixes in a box, basic staples like sugar, flour, coffee & tea, condiments like catchup, mayo & mustard, and jello & pudding mixes.

Why not add a few items to your grocery cart on each trip to the store between now and the holidays?  It’s a wonderful learning experience for your children and grandchildren.  Making your donations couldn’t be easier.  Drop them off at the  donation basket is by the door as you enter the Sanctuary.

One Voice LA 
Thursday, December 18  7:30 p.m.

Imagine hundreds and hundreds of psyched volunteers packing food baskets in an airplane hanger.  Wow.  Now imagine yourself there.  Join us for our annual food packing event to serve the Los Angeles families in need of food.  There will be car pools leaving from PUC to take us to this family-friendly event.  For more information check out the One Voice LA website here.

Participating in GUEST AT YOUR TABLE

Guest at Your Table is an annual fundraiser and education program that supports UUSC's human rights work.  This year's Guest at Your Table theme is food sustainability.  We invite everyone to take part during the holidays: families, small groups, congregation, and community organizations.

Share a meal in the name of food sustainability.  Bring your friends and family together for a great cause and help raise awareness about human rights work happening all over the world.

It's a very simple request.  Please keep your box on your dining table throughout the holidays.  It will represent the " guest at your table".  Pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, a dollar bill placed in our boxes will remind us of hunger issues around the world and what can,and is being done with the help of UUSC. 

• To read about the individuals UUSC is honoring this year go here and scroll down to Stories of Hope.
• To get a Guest at Your Table box, or if you have questions, contact PUC's Sandy McNeil, UUSC Ministry.

Writing as a Spiritual Activity 
December 8 and December 22
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.-ish
Library

Drop in any 2nd or 4th Monday evening at PUC to share writing time.   We write for 30 minutes on whatever is on our mind or in our hearts, followed by the opportunity to share our writing and allow others to respond.  Some food for thought will be available to get our pens moving.   Drop-in.   $2 donations accepted.

 Bring paper or journal and pen!

Facilitator: Janet Steinberg

SMALL GROUP FACILITATOR TRAINING
JANUARY 2015

The purpose of the SGFT program is to cultivate trusted members of the congregation to grow in small group facilitation skills, teaching specific methods for building community through CONNECT small groups. We are seeking people with a heart for others to join us in this important training and work. Contact Kim Gosney to be on the mailing list. Our groups will always leave an empty chair in the circle, to indicate that we know there are people out there who are seeking what we have found, and to remind ourselves that those seekers are always welcome among us

Gentle Yoga Class for All
Wednesdays
11:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m.
Henrickson Hall

A Class designed for all levels, shapes, and ages.  We will focus on a gentle practice through movement:

To help unblock your flow of energy Increase your mental and physical flexibility while releasing stress and enhancing body awareness

Poses and exercises to build strength, relieve pain and stress, and improve balance

Suggested Donation: $15/class.  Taught by Debi Robinson

Questions: Debi@omhappy.com