Throughout December we are exploring the theme of HOPE from different perspectives. What does it mean to hope in the midst of great challenges? How can new people or experiences in life bring us hope? What is the difference between faith, hope and optimism? How is hope reflected in Hanukkah, Christmas and the turning of the New Year? Join us for our varied services on hope, filled with beautiful music, joyful singing, meaningful rituals and words of inspiration.

What if Thanksgiving was more than a time of gathering and feasting and instead truly focused on gratitude? What if we used this holiday to honestly count our blessings and give thanks for our lives? This service will focus on offering gratitude and thanksgiving through music, story and ritual; ways that help us enrich this special holiday. To help us celebrate this occasion, we will partake in a special corn bread ritual.

Stories are powerful. As Stewardship Consultant Kay Crider visits our congregation this weekend, we explore what it means to be shaped by our stories. As we look into the future and make decisions based on how and where we are now, what stories do we tell? What do we pay attention to and what stories do we wish to create? Join us as we begin our exploration of the theme of story. What stories are we telling as a congregation and as individuals?

Survivors of life threatening illnesses or circumstances are given the opportunity at a second chance. Our healing, our renewed life is a gift that allows us to look at existence with fresh eyes. How does healing impact our lives, so we can take the lessons and grow? What does survival teach us about living? During the first service, we conducted our Child Dedication, where we celebrated the gift of new life in our beautiful CVUUF children.

After the horrific shooting in Las Vegas this week and the many tragic events happening around the country and in our own lives, we look at how we might find comfort and healing amidst all the heartbreak. Where do we find solace amidst life’s great brokenness? Join us to gather for a service focused on healing and loving kindness.

Forgiveness can be the path to profound personal and collective transformation, but it must be considered carefully and done with intention. Honoring the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we look at the transformative practice of asking for and offering forgiveness.

CVUUF is an extraordinary congregation filled with gifts of member’s time, treasure and talent. This Sunday we explore what transforming our world together might look like through our commitment to the Fellowship and the community beyond. What difference can we make as thoughtful, progressive, radically welcoming Unitarian Universalists both within and beyond our walls?

As we all come back together for our Ingathering and the new church year, we also welcome back Reverend Dr. Betty Stapleford, our Minister Emerita, into our community as a member. How does being in community transform us? Can we allow the crucible of community to teach us how to be wiser human beings in our relationships with one another? Join us for this celebratory service honoring our community and the possibilities for transformation that lay within.

For many, poetry is their sacred scripture. Whether we think of Rumi, Hafiz, the Psalms or Mary Oliver, poetry has the ability to move, instruct and transform us. For others, writing poetry is their spiritual practice – a way to express their deepest thoughts and questions. Join Rev Nica and poets from our congregation to explore the use of poetry as spiritual practice and sacred art.