Unitarian Universalist
Fellowship of Lafayette
Greetings fellow UUs and supporters!
We are meeting IN PERSON
and on Zoom until further notice.
Our theme for December is Joy.
‘Chris Meadows writes that joy is related to a sense of harmony within and with other people; an increase in vitality that makes us feel more alive; an experience of transcendence in which we move beyond personal ego boundaries; and, finally, a sense of physical freedom, as well as freedom of thought….Our task is not to cultivate joy, but to cultivate life in such a way that joy abounds. Perhaps this is the answer to Mary Oliver’s haunting question: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do / with your one wild and precious life?”’ (Source: Touchstones Journal)
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Sunday, December 18th Service:
To James Goebel, happiness is pleasant feelings, but Joy is about meaningfulness. The courage required to run a marathon or give birth can provide meaning in our lives and result in experiencing joy. When we take on projects that are bigger than we are used to and achieve something bigger than ourselves, there is a joy of accomplishment. Why do we set aside our immediate happiness, and our personal satisfaction in order to serve others? Because it brings joy and meaning into our lives. Just the act of being inconvenienced can change the energy in a gathering -- encouraging building social connection and collaboration. Education can be more effective by linking the needed skills to something that the student is interested in. A child reading a book under their covers with a flashlight when they should be sleeping is inconvenient, yet joyful. Recognize joy when it's happening -- even if it is inconvenient -- then offer to help. Joy comes in different packages. In passions, in meaning, in people truly connecting with each other doing something meaningful both at at home and in your community. Learn to recognize it. Learn to look for it. Learn to help it. Because your actions can encourage it or squash it.
Service Outline (coming soon!)
Service Slides Sermon Video Facebook Event
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Please visit our Sunday service either in person at 1119 Johnston St. or on Zoom via:
or the link at uulala.org
We now have Religious Education for pre-teen children. We visit with coffee and snacks from 10:30-11 am. The service runs from 11 am until 12 noon. After the service we will go out to a restaurant for lunch. We will pay for your meal if you wish -- just grab a coupon on the chalice table and give it to Bruce. Everyone is invited!
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Last Sunday's Service Recap:
In this recorded sermon, Rev. Dr. John Morehouse recalls the New Years tradition in Southern Italy of singing and dancing after midnight and throwing out items that symbolize letting go of the past. He tells of childhood hardships author C. S. Lewis' endured yet he had a thrill of being alive. Lewis went on to write 'The Chronicles of Narnia' -- a story of rebirth or resurrection of life. After his wife's death he wondered where the joy in life can be found, then concluded that it is 'about to be' -- a promise and an expectation. It is *the* spiritual quality that is never fully realized by is always promised. Joy takes the darkness and finds meaning from it. We sing and dance to feel the divinity that connects us all and to accept the promise of joy in our lives.
Service outline Service slides
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Useful Links:
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Announcements:
Winter Solstice Bonfire and Potluck
YOU ARE INVITED!
What: WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
When: Wednesday, December 21, 2022, 6PM
Where: Bob and Linda Schaller’s Home 3075 Highway 754, Sunset, LA 70584
Contact #: 337-351-6585
Please bring your children and join us in celebrating the Solstice. Please bring a dish to share and bring your own drinks. There will be lots of good food, singing, guitar, playing bells led by Mary, great conversations, and a huge bonfire. Bring chairs to sit outside. Call Linda and we will come up with some words to share about Solstice. Be prepared to come and pass a good time.
Directions: Our best advice is to use your GPS if you can. From Lafayette on I-49, exit at the Sunset/Grand Coteau (Exit 11), and turn left towards Sunset. At the first stop sign, turn right onto Highway 182. Continue for approximately 2 miles, you will pass through a caution light and over a small bridge. The next left after the bridge is Highway 754, turn left onto Hwy 754. Our driveway is approximately 2/10 miles on the right and is immediately after the first curve. Please call me if you need more directions.
We look so forward to seeing you and sharing this celebration
Linda and Bob
If you need a ride or have an extra seat in your car to pick up a church member, please contact Scott scottfromscott@gmail.com so he can connect the riders with their closest driver.
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Mitten and Hat Tree:
RE instructor Phyllis Richard and our RE students will be sponsoring a Mitten and Hat tree for the homeless in our area. As the weather turns colder many are in need of socks, hats, and gloves, scarves, or mittens – both child and adult sizes. Please bring one or more items to our December Sunday services to put on our new tree!
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Calendar:
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Touchstones Journal for December:
PC users click the image above.
Phone users click here:
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Have a great week!
Scott Ferguson, Services
Web: uulala.org
Email: uulalafellowship@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/uufol
You Tube: youtube.com/@uufol
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