Friday, December 11, 2009

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.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

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.