Choir Performs Finzi's "Magnificat" December 20th

On December 20, 2009, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana-Champaign's Adult Choir, accompanied by organist Kent Conrad, will present Gerald Finzi's "Magnificat". Finzi composed this setting of the Canticle of Mary for the choirs of Smith and Amherst Colleges, where it was first performed during a candle-lit Christmas Vespers concert in 1952. Finzi was interested to compose a non-liturgical setting of this text, hence the placement of an "Amen" where typically a "Gloria Patri" would have concluded the work. Composed under server time constraints, Finzi's son, Christopher, recalls how his father composed the "Amen" that concludes the piece on the way to the post office, on the back of the completed score. The work captures in unique and striking fashion the joy, wonder, and depth of purpose evident both in the creative impulse of Finzi's musicianship and the record of Mary's reflections on her place in the New Testament story. Please join us for this remarkable performance.

Mitten Tree a Resounding Success!

Thanks to all who donated mittens, hats, gloves and scarves for the mitten tree. Your generous donations were delivered to the Warm A Kid program, and will be appreciated throughout the cold-weather season. Also thanks to those who contributed to the collection of items for the homeless in our community. Your warm hearts will help keep many others warm in the coming months.

Christmas Eve Services

Please join us for special Christmas Eve Services at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana-Champaign. These Intergenerational Services, titled "A Christmas Eve Candlelight Celebration" will be held at 5:00 and 7:00 pm. Help us fill the sanctuary with music and the light of many candles as we join together to celebrate this special time of year.

Create Fond Memories for the Holidays

Save the date, Saturday morning, December 5th, from 9:30 to 12:30, for holiday craft making and baking, together with your UU friends. We will bake some goodies, make some beautiful things, and enjoy our time together. Bring the kids, grandparents, and your friends next door. We will all have a merry time together.

Mitten Tree Collection During the Service 12/6/09

The collection of mittens, hats and scarves is an annual tradition in the Unitarian Universalist Church. They are collected during a service in early December and distributed through local schools and to the Partner Church in Romania. One of the many ways the Church supports the community and those in need across the globe.

Partner Church Dinner a Success

Thanks to everybody who attended the Indian Dinner. We are sending the proceeds to our partner church and consequently are funding very much needed projects in those congregations. It feels good to help our partners around the world and it is the best foreign aid we can give, because we know how and where it is used. The last money transfer to India is paying for a new roof at their church. The old tin roof was very leaky. Now they can put new pews into the church, which our congregation helped pay for.

A big "Thank you" from the Partner Church Comittee: Brigitte Pieke, Peggy Steele, Anne Sharpe, Charlotte Brady, Libby Tyler, Holly Jordan, Jason Brechin and Lalita Kalita.

WEBSITE GOING LIVE TODAY!

Welcome to the new UUCUC web site! The dust is still settling, but please look around and tell us what you think! Thanks to all who volunteered time and effort to help make this happen.

Fall UU Coffeehouse a success!

Thanks to all who made the October 10 UU Coffeehouse a lot of fun: the many and varied performers, our enthusiastic audience members, those who contributed desserts, and those who assisted with set up and clean up. Thanks to Emil Cobb (husband of Beth Cobb, our Assistant for Services), who kindly took and posted photos of each UU Coffeehouse act on his Web site for all to view and download. No password is needed. Go to: http://gallery.me.com/emil52/100381

Curries Without Worries

Indian Dinner Saturday, October 24th
If you like Indian food, don't miss this opportunity!
Cooks are busy preparing menus and presentations; buy your tickets
now during the church coffee hour between services.
All Proceeds go to the Partner Church fund.

Fall UU Coffeehouse: Saturday, October 10, 2009 7:00 – 10:00 pm

Mark your calendar for the next UU Coffeehouse to take place in our Fellowship Hall. The UU Coffeehouses provide an opportunity for UU members and friends to deepen our fellowship through the performing arts—music, dance and the spoken word. If you would like to be included on the list of performers OR if you can bring a dessert or assist with set up or clean up, contact the office at 384-8862.

Second Sunday Potlucks

Service aUUction a huge success!

The Service aUUction on Saturday, April 18, was a huge success. In spite of the economic situation, we raised ~$19,000 -- a new record!!