The UCH Reporter, Vol. 53, No. 6 December 2017 Page 1

REPORTER: News and Views for all UUs December 2017 The Unitarian Church of Harrisburg: Building Bridges, Celebrating Community

From the Minister Rev. Lyn Cox is serving as Interim Minister 2017-18.

Dear Ones,

Hope is the fourth in the series of this year’s themes, adding up to “a year of spiritual risks.” Each month, we consider a practice that draws us just a bit out of our comfort zone, toward emotional and

spiritual growth that will connect UCH as a community with a shared sense of mission and purpose. In December, we take the risk of hope.

Hope does seem counter-intuitive. News outlets make their money on spreading stories that cause us to worry and despair. The struggles in our own lives and those of our loved ones are very much with us. There is evidence for hope, but it takes some effort to look past the bad news to see that people of courage have been quietly doing the work of Love all along, and to find our place working alongside them.

We worship together this month with plenty of hope. On December 3, we’ll talk about the hope that sustains us through waiting, with special attention to the powerful women of the Nativity narrative. Stick around after the service on December 3 to energize your hope with a little tinsel at our Deck the Halls event. In “The Shepherd’s Prayer” on December 10, we’ll connect with hope through practices of bold and truthful love. Guest speaker and home-grown seminarian Robin Stillwater will share hope on December 17, reminding us of the Hanukkah story and the possibility of success against unlikely odds. Both morning and evening services on December 24 will convey hope through the sounds and symbols of Christmas; I look forward to seeing you at 10am at Market Street and at 7pm at Clover Lane. Finally, on December 31, Julie Brown will lead a service about the hopes we have for ourselves, shaping aspirations into resolutions.

Hope is something to actively participate in, not just something to passively observe. Hope is easier to come by when we are cooperating with the forces that create and uphold life. Joining with others to make a small difference reveals possibilities and evidence for larger changes. There are many ways to be in league with hope: direct community service, legislative advocacy, public witness, care for those who are most impacted, creating art, and sustaining communities of meaning and purpose are just a few. Your gifts have a place somewhere in the network that is bringing hope out into the open.

Some of our neighbors who do this every day are at Shalom House, our Share the Plate partners for December. I had a chance to meet Denise Britton, Director of Shalom House, at a recent gathering of faith leaders responding to homelessness in and around Allison Hill. I was impressed with the Shalom House vision of empowerment and transformation. Encouraging and equipping people to grow in self-determination, supporting without controlling, is what hope looks like in action.

As we move toward the Winter Solstice and the sun’s return, may hope be reborn in your life, and may you be a midwife to hope for those around you. The holiday season can be hard for many. Let’s support and encourage one another as we grow together in faith. Take care and be well.

Blessings, Rev. Lyn

Worship Services Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Market Street, 11:30 a.m. Clover Lane

Dec 3 Waiting Rev. Lyn Cox The Nativity Story gives us several different approaches to hope for transformation that is coming but is not yet obvious. Waiting can be an active practice. We might be waiting for truth to be fulfilled, or for the right opportunity in history, or for something or someone to grow in their own time. Dec 10 The Shepherd’s Prayer Rev. Cox In the Book of Luke and in many storytelling and religious traditions, shepherds are teachers of sincerity. Our spiritual practices may help us to connect with hope if we follow the characters’ example of truth, boldness, and love. Dec 17 And the Faith Lasted For 8 Days Robin Stillwater In the Hanukkah season, abundance and faith are palpable. This service will remind us what it is like having enough. Just as one day's worth of oil lasted 8 days, a little bit of faith and trust can go a long way. Dec 24 10:00 a.m. Hope and Joy! (Market Only) Rev. Cox Join us for ONE SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE at 10:00am at Market Street, and make a joyful noise! (Please note the time. The Clover Service is in the evening.) We will celebrate as an all-ages community with singable Christmas carols, movement meditation, and hanging our hopes on the boughs of the tree. Dec 24 7:00 p.m. Candlelight Service (Clover Only) Rev. Cox All people of all ages are welcome to the Christmas Eve candlelight service at Clover Lane. This UU lessons and carols worship service will include modern inspirational poetry as well as traditional scripture readings; familiar carols as well as transcendent choir music; ancient stories and a current homily. An offering will be taken to support the Minister’s Discretionary Fund, which supplies one-time emergency assistance to members and friends of UCH. We’ll end the service by candlelight as we sing “Silent Night.” Dec 31 The Hopes We Have for Ourselves Julie Brown UCH member Julie Brown leads our year-end service, focused on our own hopes for ourselves.

The UCH Reporter, Vol. 53, No. 6 December 2017 Page 2

Notes from the Office

Minister’s Discretionary Fund Accepts Gifts at the Candlelight Service The Minister’s Discretionary Fund is used for grants to members and friends within the congregation for one-time emergency needs such as maintaining housing, meeting unexpected funeral expenses, keeping the heat on, and paying hospital bills. When you give a gift to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund, you can be sure that your generosity will make a difference to a family in the community in their time of need. Gifts to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund are accepted year-round, and are especially requested during the Offertory at the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. If you expect to be out of town during the Candlelight Service, please consider mailing an annual gift to support the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. Like all donations to UCH for which you do not receive goods or services in return, gifts to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund are tax deductible.

As you consider your gift, you might like to know more about how the fund is managed to ensure the maximum impact. Under the current practice, grants are limited in most cases to $300, one per family per year. Grants are paid directly to creditors such as mortgage and utility companies in order to protect confidentiality and to document charitable use of the fund. Applications for grants from this fund are made to the Senior Minister. The fund is audited by the Executive Team of the Board at least once a year. These practices may be amended under the next settled minister, but the main purpose of the fund, charitable grants for emergency assistance, will remain the same.

Your generosity can make the difference for a member family trying to stay in their home, receive medical care, or find closure when a loved one has died. Please consider a gift to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund this holiday season.

Christmas Eve Schedule Celebrate the season in both morning and evening worship services on Sunday, December 24! The 10:00 a.m. service at Market Street will be joyful and informal, incorporating movement and ritual as we find hope in each other. The 7:00 p.m. service at Clover Lane will be captivating in beauty and ceremony, with carols and candlelight. People of all ages are welcome at both services. Please note the change in schedule and the location of each service. Happy holidays!

Advance Copy of Sunday Liturgies Available for Accessibility Purposes Do you have difficulty hearing or processing the service in a way that assistive listening devices can’t completely mitigate? Interim Minister Rev. Lyn Cox will email a link to the Google Doc of the script for the services she leads to those who need them for accessibility purposes. Last minute changes in wording and plans occur frequently, so those who are looking for the text to refer to later should still check the “Sermons” tab on the website a day or two later to read or listen to the sermons. Please email Rev. Lyn at RevLyn@HarrisburgUU.org if you would like to be added to the script accessibility email list.

Join the Gift Card Program Family!! If you shop at Giant, Weis, or Karns, you can also support the church by buying their gift cards through UCH. There is no surcharge or markup. Giant pays 10% of the face value to the church; Weis and Karns pay 5%. The $500 a month you spend at Giant would mean $50 to UCH, an annual contribution of $600! The grocery gift card forms are available online or on the hallway bulletin board (near the restrooms) in the Common Room at Clover Lane and in the Fellowship Hall at Market Street.

Gift Card Sales at UCH: Gift Cards are also available for direct purchase after services, on the last Sunday of the month at Clover Lane and the first Sunday of the month at Market Street. If you have any questions about the gift card program, please email Tavia Flanagan or call the church office. Thank you for your support!

Year-End Giving

The end of the calendar year is almost upon us once again. It seems time passes so quickly, and we still have so much left to do! At this time of year, you may want to lower your tax burden for 2017. Therefore, I encourage each of you to think about taking steps that will both help you and your church. Contributions made to the church through the end of the calendar year may be eligible as charitable contributions on your 2017 itemized tax return.

This action on your part serves to support the programs and services offered by our church and helps to strengthen our caring community. You can feel good about your contribution in support of this goal. It demonstrates a commitment to our seven principles and living them in our everyday lives. Please join in supporting this cause in support of the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg. −Submitted by Ed Sykes, Treasurer

The UCH Reporter, Vol. 53, No. 6 December 2017 Page 3

Message from the President

By Laura Edinger, President

Greetings to you, UCH family! As we enter into this holiday season, I am offering up wishes for hope, peace, and love to all of you. I know this time of year has the capacity to hold both great joy and great sorrow. I hope that when you come to church for any reason, you will find a soft place to

land. Your church family is here for you, ready to walk with you in celebration and in grief and the many phases in between. Hope lives here at UCH.

At UCH, we have reason to be hopeful. Your church Board has been working hard to pave the way for a prosperous future. In order to do this, one of the many tasks the Board has taken on this church year is discussing potential amendments to some of our bylaws. Amending bylaws helps improve how we operate at UCH and has the capacity to enhance inclusivity, development, and participation in church processes. Everything we are discussing or working on amending is being handled with great care and sensitivity with the ultimate goal to serve the greater good for UCH.

To provide a brief summary, proposed bylaw amendments may include reducing the size of the Board, changing the structure and duties of the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee, and offering the opportunity to congregants, who are physically unable to be present at the congregational meeting when we vote, to submit an absentee ballot for the vote to call a new settled minister. All of these amendments are in the drafting phase and will be sent to you for your consideration. Once drafts are shared with you, we will hold town hall meetings to discuss the proposed amendments before voting on them at a special

congregational meeting in late February. More detailed information will be provided in a letter from me on behalf of the Board in the coming weeks. Please keep an eye on your email for more information – including dates and times of town hall meetings and the special congregational meeting. Please keep in mind that these are proposed amendments intended to serve the greater good, and your input is invaluable to this process. We all share in this beloved community.

In the spirit of hope and in the spirit of gratitude, I want to let you know how proud I am of this church community. I am proud of the things we can accomplish and have accomplished together. I am happy to call you my chosen church family and will continue to do my very best to serve this community with everything I have. UCH is important to the larger Harrisburg community just as Unitarian Universalism is of great importance and needed in the world today. More than ever, we need to truly be the change we seek in this world. Working together to make necessary changes to serve our vision and goals will allow us to accomplish that over time. We have tremendous potential when we work together toward a common ideal. I am glad to be walking this proverbial path with you. All UCH members and friends give me hope.

With gratitude and in faithful service,

Laura Edinger, Board President

News on Market Street Facility Last year, the congregation voted in favor of using underused rooms at Market Street as rental space, and the Market Street Implementation Team, together with Congregational Administrator Kel Kyle and numerous volunteers, has been slowly but surely preparing for rentals.

When our project began, we anticipated specific work, such as adding internet capacity and telephone lines, painting walls, as well as moving and “re-homing” furniture, but some unexpected events have delayed rentals. Roof leaks, water damage to plaster, peeling paint, mold in closets, and difficulty in removing wallpaper have been thorny problems. Nevertheless, the former minister’s office (“Suite 200”) is now ready for rental, and the former Williams Room (“Suite 201”) is nearly ready, needing only some paint. We anticipate keeping the Harper Room (the former nursery) for church use, and renting out Eaton Room (the former youth room), the former church office (“Suite 100”) and the former Jordan Room (“Suite 101”) as soon as repairs and painting are complete.

We will advertise for a part-time building manager as soon as we secure our first tenant. We anticipate a two-day-per-week position at first, gradually increasing the time as tenants increase in number. We also hope that church volunteers will be able to assist the building manager as much as possible.

Further reports will be made as the church year progresses. If you would like to help out on small or large projects, you can join the Market Street Implementation Team by getting in touch with Kel Kyle at the church office.

– Submitted by Laura Shemick

SUNDAY TRUSTEE ASSIGNMENTS

DATE MARKET STREET CLOVER LANE

Dec 3 Guy Dannelley Dennis Hursh

Dec 10 Rima Cameron Laura Shemick

Dec 17 Guy Dannelley Ed Sykes

Dec 24 Debbie Reihart Patti Hazell

Dec 31 Marilyn McHenry Laura Edinger

The UCH Reporter, Vol. 53, No. 6 December 2017 Page 4

UCH News

Search Committee Report Your Ministerial Search Committee has completed the draft of our web site and information packet for minister candidates. We are going through an editing process in association with the ministerial settlement representative. When the editing is complete, our site will be available for candidates and the congregation to see. This site and packet contains your ideas gleaned from the survey and from the cottage meetings. Interviews with church members, board members, and staff add more information. The candidates should understand from these sources what kind of community we are, what our plans and expectations are, and what we are looking for in a settled minister. We also share knowledge about the Harrisburg area to help candidates know the kind of larger community they will be joining.

In December, when the candidates are looking at our site, we will provide instructions so that UCH members can access the site as well via the Search Committee link on the church website. In the meantime, we appreciate your contacting us with any ideas or concerns that will help us make our choice.

−Submitted by Dorothy Brown

Volunteer Fair Feb. 4 and Feb. 11 Did you know that through UCH you can help keep a neighboring highway clean, practice yoga or meditation, talk about some excellent fiction or non-fiction books, participate in charity walks, work with our children on Sunday mornings, beautify the church grounds, and many other diverse activities.

Your chance to learn more about these opportunities and many others comes on Sunday, February 4, at Market Street, and Sunday, February 11, at Clover Lane, during the Volunteer Fair. We will be hosting many lay-led ministries and other organizations that are looking for new people to join their ranks.

The Fair will be held in the Common Room at each campus following worship. Each participating group will have a display explaining its purpose and work, handout materials, and a sign-up sheet for new members. Someone from each organization will be at the display to discuss the group’s activities, the time commitment involved, and the need for new members. Each group also will provide some snacks to go with your coffee!!

We also would like to help UCH members and friends recognize service to the church as an integral part of one’s spiritual journey. In working together on a variety of projects through our church, we help build the beloved community that we seek.

At the Discovery of Gifts booth at the Fair, we will have Discovery of Gifts forms to be filled out by those who have not yet done so. The answers on the form help us match people with particular skills and interests with those church activities in need of their help. The final decision always rests with the individual on whether the request is something you want to do or have the time for.

By working together in a variety of ways, we can do great things at both of our church locations, building a stronger bridge between the suburbs and the city. The Fair is a fun way to find out what all is going on and how you can be a bigger part of the action. Please join us on February 4 and/or 11 to Share our Service and Strengthen our Spirit. –Submitted by Guy Dannelly

The UCH Reporter, Vol. 53, No. 6 December 2017 Page 5

UCH News

March on Harrisburg 2.0 March on Harrisburg is a bipartisan group supporting the passage of three bills that will create a more fair democracy in our state. The “March on Harrisburg 2.0” was 36 miles, from Lancaster to Harrisburg. UCH’s lay-led ministry, We March. We Act., hosted the group at our Market Street campus Nov 12-14 as the group rallied in the Capitol.

Five protestors were arrested for civil disobedience. You can still support the March by calling your state senators and representatives to show your support of these bills.

—Submitted by John Abbot

Auction Success! Thank you all who came to the "HATS OFF TO YOUU! A Celebration of Diversity" auction Saturday, November 4, 2017. Your support of the church is essential and appreciated. Our goal was to raise $10,000 and the preliminary total is $ 13,624. Yay, we exceeded our goal!

Special thanks go out to our leader Patti Hazell, auctioneer Bart Carpenter, auction book creator Kathy Malarich, Debbie and the Goofballs for entertainment, and the rest of the auction committee: Dave Forster, Randa Todd, Ann Stillwater, Donna Hoover, Mike McCullough, Nathalie Hoke, Sandy Hamstra, Marsha Dulaney, Hannah Belser, Jesse McCauslin, Jessica Lybarger, as well as all who donated food, time, or items.

Hundreds of hours were spent helping UCH celebrate diversity...Hats off to UU! As you enjoy the fruits of this year's auction, please keep your thinking cap on for events and services that you can offer next year. And if you have feedback for how to improve the auction or want to help plan next year's, please contact Patti Hazell.

—Submitted by Patti Hazel

The UCH Reporter, Vol. 53, No. 6 December 2017 Page 6

UCH News

GTS Report Gather the Spirit for Justice (GTS) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that brings together Allison Hill residents, area organizations, businesses and churches to address issues of social justice and economic equity. Among other things, it operates Common Ground Community Center three mornings a week and the Common Ground Café (CGC) on the last Saturday of the month. It operates from the UCH’s Market Street campus.

Jan. 14: Gather the Bands

Gather the Spirit is pleased to announce a family-friendly community fund-raising event at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 14,2018, at Appalachian Brewing Company. The musical event features Ethan Mentzer, a Los Angeles-based composer and recording artist, with Arcona Reel Band opening. Ethan is the son of “our own” Anita and John Mentzer.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door, available from GTS at 717-232-0877 or by contacting Jacquie Rucker. Community sponsorships for residents of Allison Hill are welcome.

October Report

We served 362 meals at the breakfast on Saturday, October 28. In addition, another 850 meals were served during the weekday Common Ground hours in October. During those days we also distributed clothing, personal care items and 23 state IDs.

At the October 28 breakfast, several Hershey Med students staffed the LionCare mobile unit. They provided blood pressure testing and free flu shots. The student nurses also come monthly for community hours. Plans are afoot to have Dauphin County Extension office provide nutritional counseling.

GTS remains a separate entity from the UCH, but we do rely on UCH members volunteering and helping financially. Please feel free to donate via the GTS website and attend our next breakfast.

— Submitted by John Hargreaves, UCH liaison to GTS

UUPLAN The Unitarian Universalist Pennsylvania Legislative Advocacy Network (UUPLAN) educates and communicates with UU congregations and partners across the Commonwealth to inspire action. Its mission is to promote UU values to policy makers to advance just legislation and to advocate for fairness and transparency in the democratic process. It serves 6,000 UUs in 40 congregations across Pennsylvania.

New Director

Richard Williams has been selected as the new director of UUPLAN. Williams, an architect, is a graduate of Cornell University and has recently served two terms as a Lucerne County Councilman. He is a life-long UU and a founding member of the UU Congregation of Wyoming Valley, PA, located north of Wilkes-Barre. He replaces outgoing director Anita Mentzer, who is retiring. Anita will continue to serve as UCH’s liaison to UUPLAN. People interested in meeting the new director may attend one of the December conference calls by connecting to ZOOM from a PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android; using the iPhone one-tap; or dialing in. Instructions appear under the schedule of calls, below.

Monthly Conference Calls

UUPLAN currently has seven justice teams with monthly calls:

Anti-Mass Incarceration - Last Monday - 8:00 pm Economic Justice - 3rd Thursday - 7:00 pm Environmental Justice - 2nd Thursday - 7:30 pm Good Government - 4th Wednesday - 7:00 pm

Gun Violence Prevention - 3rd Tuesday - 7:00 pm Immigration Justice - 3rd Monday - Noon Reproductive Justice - 3rd Wednesday - 7:00 pm

To attend a conference call: From a PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android click this link: https://zoom.us/j/7132347624 From iPhone one-tap (US Toll): +14086380968,7132347624# or +16465588656,7132347624# From a telephone: Dial: +1 408 638 0968 (US Toll) or +1 646 558 8656 (US Toll), Meeting ID: 713 234 7624 – Submitted by Anita Mentzer

The UCH Reporter, Vol. 53, No. 6 December 2017 Page 7

Membership News We celebrate, and we mourn.

Unistriders Final Report The UCH Unistriders raised a total of $1,115 for the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk. Honorary co-captains were “our own” Kate Carpenter and Yvonne Hursh. —Submitted by Nej Meflah Salinkas and Jim Cavenaugh

New Members In November, we welcomed three transfer members. Please look for them and welcome them to our community!

Suzanne von Leuschner

Suzanne von Leuschner was born in Harrisburg and returned after a 30-year career in architectural engineering in the Chicago area. She is a transfer member from Unity Temple UU Congregation in Oak Park, IL.

Suzanne was the elected Green Party Committeeman of Proviso Township, IL, for 8 years. She was active in the Community Renewal Society promoting affordable housing; high-quality education; jobs that pay a living wage (Fight for $15); a fair criminal justice system; safe, vibrant neighborhoods; and access to employment after paying one's debt to society.

Her Connection Coach is Sandy Hamstra.

Charles & Carol Bird

Charles and Carol Bird were members of the UU Fellowship of Chico, CA. Before retiring, Charles was an Environmental Health Specialist and Carol an Elementary Education teacher. In downsizing, they relocated to Pennsylvania, where Carol grew up and attended Steelton High School, and where she still has numerous relatives.

Their Connection Coach is Patti Hazell.

Natalie Gehosky (1943-2017) Natalie Gehosky, wife of UCH member Lou Gehosky, died Oct. 28, 2017, at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She was 74. Natalie was active in a number of social justice ministries that intersected with UCH. A memorial service will be celebrated at 11:00 am Dec. 2 at the Susquehanna Club, Building 79, Mifflin Avenue on the New Cumberland Army Depot Installation, the Rev. Lyn Cox officiating. Please use the Ross Avenue entrance into the Depot.

In addition to Lou, she is survived by four children, two sisters, and five granddaughters.

Donald Beaver (1937-2017) Donald B. Beaver, a life member of UCH, died Nov. 6, 2017, at Broadmountain Health Center in Frackville, PA, after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Sally (Crobaugh) Beaver, four siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews. Don and Sally joined the UCH in 1974 and became life members in 1996; they subsequently became members at the UUs of the Cumberland Valley (UUCV) congregation in Boiling Springs. During their time at UCH, Don served as Treasurer, sang bass in the church choir, and occasionally played tuba during services. Sally served as choir director.

A memorial service will be scheduled in the spring at UUs of the Cumberland Valley (UUCV), Boiling Springs.

The UCH Reporter, Vol. 53, No. 6 December 2017 Page 8

Detail Calendar December 2017 Date Time Group Location

Sun 3 10:00 Sunday Morning Forum Clover Lane

The lay-led forum meets each Sunday at Clover Lane, normally at 10:00 a.m. Facilitated by Barb Pearce, the group meets for an hour of discussion about an important societal topic. Topics change every week and are led by different individuals.

The December schedule of topics is: Dec. 3 – Gerrymandering; Dec. 10 – End of Life Issues; and Dec. 17 – Environmental Concerns. Repeats weekly at 10:00 a.m. No Forum on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.

Mon 4 6:30 Amrit Yoga (Weekly) Clover Lane

Amrit yoga is a form of hatha yoga developed by Yogi Amrit Desai. The entire process moves and stretches every part of your body for an energetic workout and includes a calming, meditative relaxation at the end. No experience necessary!

Repeats every Monday. No yoga on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Contact Ed Sykes.

Tue 5 6:45 Mindfulness Meditation Group (Weekly) Clover Lane

Mindfulness is an acquired skill, practiced while meditating but vital in our everyday lives. Mindfulness is helpful in reducing stress, managing pain, focusing attention, and overcoming habitual negative behavior. Mindfulness can also point the way to spiritual practice, calming the mind and developing awareness and insight.

The ability to be mindful is strengthened through consistent practice. Mindfulness Meditation Group provides a space for us to practice together in support of one another. Contact Chuck Daley. Repeats every Tuesday.

Tue 5 7:00 First Tuesday Journey to Justice (Monthly) Clover Lane

UU Pennsylvania Legislative Advocacy Network (UUPLAN) offers a recurring Journey to Justice discussion series, held at Clover Lane on the first Tuesday of each month. This month, our speaker is George Higgins, UUPLAN’s Co-Chair of the Justice Team for Gun Violence Prevention. He is a member of WellSprings UU Congregation in Chester Springs, PA. He helped plan the Delaware Coalition Against Gun Violence and serves as its Executive Director Emeritus. Having lost two members of their family to gun homicide, George and his wife, Kathleen, are extremely committed to all aspects of preventing.

Our January discussion will feature solar energy, led by local energy consultant Ken Berry.

Please contact Rachel Mark or Anita Mentzer. Repeats monthly on first Tuesday. January’s forum will be on Tuesday, Jan. 9.

Wed 6 6:00 Queen Spirit (Monthly) Clover Lane

Queen Spirit is a co‐created women’s spirituality circle that meets on the first Wednesday of the month. This month, we will be putting the final touches on our 2017 Winter Solstice Celebration. Please bring a favorite dish, dessert or beverage to share. Bring your place setting and serving spoons and plates. Potluck dinner at 6:00 p.m. Circle from 7:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m. Contact Randa Todd for further information.

Sun 10 6:30 Philosophy and Literature Group (Monthly) Clover Lane

The Philosophy & Literature Group normally meets on the second Sunday of each month, usually at Clover Lane, normally at 7:00 p.m.. This month, we meet at 6:30 for a potluck, then the group will decide on selections for 2018.

All are welcome. Please contact Don Brown for information.

Mon 11 7:00 We March. We Act. Market Street

December 11, 7-8:30 pm; Clover Lane campus

Mindfulness

Meditation

Amrit Yoga

Sunday Morning

Forum

We March.

We Act.

Journey to JusticePreventing Gun Violence

QueenSpiritWinter Solstice Planning

Philosophy

& Literature

The UCH Reporter, Vol. 53, No. 6 December 2017 Page 9

Detail Calendar December 2017 Date Time Group Location

Tue 12 6:30 Women’s Night Out (Monthly) Off-site

Women’s Night Out is a lay-led ministry that focuses on the friendship and support of its members and giving back to our local community. We normally meet on the second Tuesday of the month at a local restaurant, alternating locations between the East and West Shores. Each month at dinner, participants take a collection. Proceeds are divided between the Ecumenical Food Pantry and UCH. Our group meets Tuesday, December 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Millworks, 340 Verbeke St. At the December dinner, the group has a raffle where each person puts in some money and the winner gets to choose a charity to donate the pot to. Please RSVP to Ann Sitrin (717-766-4767 or 717-439-6090) by the Sunday beforehand.

Thu 14 6:00 QueenSpirit Solstice Planning Clover Lane

QueenSpirit is finishing planning for the Winter Solstice Celebration. Our theme is “Comfort, Light, and Joy," which is needed in the darkest of times. Please bring your ideas, energy, and enthusiasm. Join us in creating a meaningful Winter Solstice celebration for UCH and the greater Harrisburg community! Everyone welcome. Solstice celebration is Saturday, December 16. Please Contact Randa Todd for further information.

Fri 15 7:30 Clover Lane Coffee House Clover Lane

Clover Lane Coffee House occurs monthly from September to April, normally on the third Friday. This month, we are pleased to host a Christmas Cèilidh.

UCH member Bill Brown plays Irish bouzouki, banjo, tin whistle, bagpipes, acoustic guitar, and bass; for tonight’s concert he will be joined by colleagues from The Killmaine Saints and other local Celtic musicians. Admission $10 donation, $25 max per family. All are welcome. Please contact Bart Carpenter.

Looking ahead: January 19 we welcome the jazz trio of Jay Umble (guitar), Steve Meashey (bass), and Theo Umble (drums). Among other things, Jay is an adjunct music faculty member at Bucknell University, Susquehanna University and Messiah College; leader of several local bands; and the author of nine publications on jazz and blues guitar.

Jay has four solo CDs and another one with long-time collaborator Bill Druck.

Sat 16 5:00 Winter Solstice Clover Lane

Celebrate the turning of the seasons with a Chinese twist! The Winter Solstice Celebration will focus on comfort, light and joy, which are needed in these darkest of times. Enjoy singing, readings and a chance to reflect on the previous year. One story has a Chinese theme; Asian (or any culture) dress is welcome.

Please bring cookies (from any culture) to share afterwards, if you desire.

Tue 19 10:00 CroneSpirit (Monthly) Clover Lane

The lay-led ministry CroneSpirit meets from 10 a.m. - noon in Fuller Chapel at the Clover Lane campus. Our topic this month is "Exploring the Phenomenon of Gift Giving During Holidays.” We are:

A discussion group for women over 65, both UCH members and non-members Honoring a crone tradition of conscious female aging and self-power For personal enrichment, such as through intellect, knowledge, comfort or

companionship, anticipating a maximum of 10 women Sharing, listening and learning, without gossip to or about each other

We look forward to seeing you. For information, please contact Joan Hellmann.

Winter SolsticeComfort, Light and Joy

Saturday, Dec. 16

Winter SolsticeComfort, Light and Joy

Women’s Night Out

Millworks

CroneSpirit

The UCH Reporter, Vol. 53, No. 6 December 2017 Page 10

Detail Calendar December 2017 Date Time Group Location

Wed 20 10:30 Minister’s Monthly Discussion Group Market Street

All are welcome to this drop-in discussion group with Rev. Lyn Cox. This month's opening question is, “Who or what brings you hope?” The discussion may range far and wide from the starting point. Members, friends, Common Ground Community Hours guests, and neighbors are invited to this group. We meet in or around the Community Room at Market Street and may move to the Latimer Room if we need space.

Wed 20 6:30 Clover Grove (Monthly) Clover Lane

Clover Grove is a group of earth-centered and pagan spiritualists that meets on the third Wednesday. This month, Clover Grove is celebrating Yule!! Bring something yummy to share for eating and bring a small gift for exchanging. Whoever brings a gift, will share in the Exchange. We will have a short Candle Lighting Ceremony to celebrate the Sabbat. Happy Yule!!

We meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Common Room at Clover Lane. All are welcome. Please contact Wayne Minich for further information.

Sat 30 9:00 Common Ground Café (Monthly) Market

Common Ground Café now occurs on the last Saturday of the month at our Market Street campus, hosted by Gather the Spirit for Justice (GTS). The café opens at 9:00 a.m., and you can be a part of the action! No experience necessary, and drop-ins are always welcome. Yes, there is a breakfast on Dec. 30

Please contact John Abbott to volunteer.

Other Events

Dec. 9: Lancaster against Pipelines Demonstration

Join the Justice Bus Rally & Tour to demonstrate against the Atlantic Sunrise export pipeline! The group meets at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 9 at Trinity Reformed UCC Church in Mountville for a brief rally, board the busses and view the destruction occurring to farms, woods and sacred sites at the hands of Williams Partners, which has used “public utility” status to acquire property and build an export pipeline. This is a daylong family friendly event, hosted by Lancaster against Pipelines. Bring bag lunch.

9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Trinity UCC, Mountville Free admission; bring a bag lunch

Dec. 10: Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus What happens when the guys are visited by three spirits just before Christmas? Join the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus for an evening of impeccable musicianship and masterful storytelling as they present their take on the venerable classic.

“A Dickens Christmas” promises to tame even the biggest Scrooge by presenting past holiday favorites, present hits, and even a couple of songs that look to the future. This concert promises to tame even the biggest Scrooge by presenting past holiday favorites, present hits, and even a couple of songs that look to the future.

4:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at Clover Lane Free Admission, donations accepted

Common Ground Café

Minister’s Monthly

Discussion GroupWho or what brings you hope?

Clover Grove

Yuletide Celebration