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Katie Scott, President, Board of Trustees Becky Edmiston-Lange, Senior Minister Katy Carpman, Director of Religious Education Adrian Rodriguez, Music Director Hui Shan Chin, Keyboard Artist

Deck the Hall!

Rev. Becky Edmiston-Lange & Katy Carpman 8, 2019

Our beloved community of faith, reason, and affection welcomes all to grow in mind and spirit as we build a better world.

A Welcoming Congregation CELEBRATION OF SUNDAY WORSHIP December 8, 2019

Prelude This is special music while we gather together. Some people will come forward to light a candle. Our pianist Shan will play Swan Lake by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaokovsky. We find a place to sit and we listen quietly.

Welcome and Announcements—-Board trustee Dori Wolfe welcomes us here.

Opening Carol - Come, Sing Carols with Me (a variation on #346) Come, sing carols with me, come, sing carols with me, Come, sing carols with me, that I might know your mind. And I’ll bring you hope, when hope is hard to find, And I’ll bring a song of love, and a rose in the winter time.

2: Come, share stories with me… 3: Come, deck the halls with me...

Call to Worship—our minister Becky shares words of hope from Kathleen McTigue.

Chalice Lighting (say the words in italics)

In this small flame dwell: the beacon light of lanterns guiding travelers home; the warmth of hearth fires tended through the generations; the transforming energy of furnaces and the power and life of our sun. May these blessings -- warmth and light and life-giving energy -- be kindled in each of us. -Jean L. Wahlstrom

Greeting One Another We take a couple of minutes to meet the people around us.

Story 1: Greenery Our minister Becky tells a story. We sit quietly and listen. Anthem A special piece of music from our choir. Today’s piece is “Let it Snow.” We sit quietly and listen.

Story 2: The Legend of the from Tomie DePaola Our director of religious education Katy shares a story. We sit quietly and listen.

Carol Deck the Hall Sing or hum along—and if you like, come forward to help us put out the and ! Deck the hall with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la, la la la la. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la la la, la la la la, Troll the ancient Yuletide carol, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

See the blazing before us, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Strike the harp and join the chorus, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Follow me in merry measure, Fa la la la la, la la la la, While I tell of Yuletide treasure, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Sing we joyous all together, Fa la la la la, la la la la, Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Story 3: and the Rev. Becky tells a story. We sit quietly and listen.

Offering—We pass a basket to raise money for those in need. Shan will play Le Cygna by Camile Saint-Saens.

Story 4: Ornaments Katy tells a story. We sit quietly and listen. Carol O Christmas Tree Sing or hum along—and if you like, come forward to help us decorate the tree! O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, A tree most fair and lovely. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, A tree most fair and lovely. The sight of you at spreads hope and gladness far and wide. O Christmas tree, O Christmas Tree, A tree most fair and lovely.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, You bear a wondrous message! O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, You bear a wondrous message! You do proclaim the Savior’s birth, Good will to men and peace on earth. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, You bear a wondrous message!

Taking it Home— Christmas Comes Whether You Are Ready or Not by Cynthia Frado. We sit quietly and listen.

Closing Carol We Wish You A Merry Christmas

We rise and sing—hum if you need to!

We wish you a merry Christmas, (3x) And a happy !

Refrain: Glad tidings we bring to you and your kin, Glad tidings for Christmas and a happy New Year!

Please bring us some figgy pudding, (3x) And bring it right here!

Refrain

We won’t go until we get some, (3x) Please bring it right here!

Refrain Benediction—We’re sent out into the world with a blessing.

Postlude—Our pianist Shan will play The Christmas Song. We listen, then exit to The Gathering Place.

Thank you to our greeters: Betsy Gelb, Shelley Gottschalk; to our ushers: Shelley Gottschalk, Patrick Grealy, Judy Williams, Dori Wolfe; and to our AV team: Kevin Crotty. Next week—December 15, 2019 “We Need a ” Holiday Pops Spectacular Adrian Rodriguez and Rev. Becky Edmiston-Lange As we approach winter, come join the Emerson Music Department and Rev. Becky Edmiston-Lange in a Christmas pops performance!

Today!—Children/Youth Religious Education This Sunday all ages take part in worship as we share stories and carols and decorate our Sanctuary together! Children should see the ushers for supplementary materials. Learn more: http://emersonhouston.org/sundayclasses. Want to get a weekly text about Sunday School? Sign up online at www.remind.com/

Next Sunday!—Adult Religious Education December 15 – The Nicomachean Ethics – Applying Aristotle to Social Jus- tice in the 21st century, presented by Mike Condit

December Share-the-Plate Collections—Benevolence Fund Members and friends sustain the operating expenses of the church with their pledges enabling us to donate our entire offering to organizations approved by our Outreach Committee. Administered by the Senior Minister, the Fund provides immediate financial assistance to members of the congregation or the community who are ex- periencing a financial emergency. People who receive assistance are also encouraged to take advantage of the network of social support organiza- tions, but sometimes there is no substitute for an immediate small monetary and - “no questions asked”. It can mean the difference between someone making it through a difficult stretch or slipping further behind. Please give generously so that Emerson can continue to have a positive impact on peo- ple’s immediate well-being. If paying by check, please indicate “Share the Plate” on the memo line of your check. If paying your pledge, please write “Pledge” on the memo line of your check. This Week Around Emerson Mondays—Beginners’ Meditation We welcome people from all backgrounds and spiritual prac- tices. 7-8:15 PM, Room 208.

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays—ELL (English Language Learning) Classes Tuesday/Thursday evening classes from 6:30-8:30 PM and Saturdays from 1-4 PM. Interested in volunteering? E-mail the program director for more informa- tion at [email protected].

Wednesdays—Stitchers in The Gathering Place Stop by for stitching and/or conversation from 11 AM - 3 PM. Wednesdays—Choir Rehearsals For all who are interested in sharing music with our beloved community, please attend the laid-back rehearsals on Wednesday evenings from 7-9 PM. No audi- tion needed. Contact Adrian Rodriguez, [email protected], with any ques- tions and to get involved!

Next Week!

Emerson’s ELL Program Holiday Bake Sale! Emerson’s celebration of the season continues next week with our Holiday Bake Sale Sunday, December 15, benefiting our English Language Learners Program. Not only will some of the best bakers of Emerson be offering their treats and sweets but many of our students (who come from over 33 different countries) have volunteered to bring specialties from their homelands as well! The Bake Sale begins at 10AM and will offer treats for Sunday morning snacking as well as your holiday celebrations. So plan to load up your holiday table with , croissant bread pudding, empanadas and more! And plan to donate generously to assure the success of our English Language Learners Program as it prepares for its January 2020 Semester.

NOTE: If you plan to contribute food items (and we hope you will), please consider dropping them by the Church Saturday, December 14 between 1 -4 PM. Otherwise, volunteers will be available to accept your contributions beginning at 9am Sunday, December 15.

Congregational Meeting Congregational Meeting on Budget Sunday, December 15, in the Sanctuary at 12:30 PM. Childcare is provided so parents can attend this meeting. Holidays at Emerson! Holidays at Emerson!

Deck the Halls Worship Service 11 AM Deck the Halls Worship Service 11 AM 12/8 All ages collaborate to decorate our Sanctuary while exploring the signs and wonder of the 12/8 All ages collaborate to decorate our Sanctuary while exploring the signs and wonder of the holiday season. Let’s all wear comfortable clothes (holiday sweaters optional.) holiday season. Let’s all wear comfortable clothes (holiday sweaters optional.)

Shop Local Craft Fair 12:15 PM Shop Local Craft Fair 12:15 PM Emerson will hold its Fourth Shop Local Craft Fair after the service. Come see all the won- Emerson will hold its Fourth Shop Local Craft Fair after the service. Come see all the won- derful items! Crafters and artists: If you would like to reserve space at the fair, please con- derful items! Crafters and artists: If you would like to reserve space at the fair, please con- tact Beth Hammer or Robin McElfresh. tact Beth Hammer or Robin McElfresh.

“We Need a Little Christmas” Holiday Pops Spectacular 11 AM “We Need a Little Christmas” Holiday Pops Spectacular 11 AM 12/15 As we approach winter, come join the Emerson Music Department and Rev. Becky Edmiston- 12/15 As we approach winter, come join the Emerson Music Department and Rev. Becky Edmiston- Lange in a Christmas pops performance! Lange in a Christmas pops performance!

Winter Solstice Service 7:30 PM Winter Solstice Service 7:30 PM 12/21 A service of readings, contemplation, and song celebrating the changing season. A reception 12/21 A service of readings, contemplation, and song celebrating the changing season. A reception with seasonal foods follows. To arrange childcare for younger children, please call the with seasonal foods follows. To arrange childcare for younger children, please call the church office at (713) 782-8250 by the 18th. church office at (713) 782-8250 by the 18th.

‘Tis the Season with Rev. Becky Edmiston-Lange and Katy Carpman 11 AM ‘Tis the Season with Rev. Becky Edmiston-Lange and Katy Carpman 11 AM 12/22 ‘Tis the season of signs and wonders, legends and stories, that bring us hope and joy as dark- 12/22 ‘Tis the season of signs and wonders, legends and stories, that bring us hope and joy as dark- ness approaches. The ancients searched the skies for portents and omens that told them ness approaches. The ancients searched the skies for portents and omens that told them light would come again. In this service for all ages we will sing carols and share stories. What light would come again. In this service for all ages we will sing carols and share stories. What sign or wonder tells you that it is time for the holidays? How do you know when the holi- sign or wonder tells you that it is time for the holidays? How do you know when the holi- days have arrived? Bring a personal story to share. days have arrived? Bring a personal story to share.

Christmas Eve Service with Rev. Becky Edmiston-Lange and Adrian Rodriguez 5:30 PM Service with Rev. Becky Edmiston-Lange and Adrian Rodriguez 5:30 PM 12/24 12/24 Fill your night with candles and carols, and bask in the soft, sweet things of the season. Fill your night with candles and carols, and bask in the soft, sweet things of the season.

One Precious Life: On the Threshold, Again? with Guest Minister Rev. Dan King 11 AM One Precious Life: On the Threshold, Again? with Guest Minister Rev. Dan King 11 AM 12/29 In this service, our Guest Minister, Rev. Dr. Dan King shares reflections on how the turning of 12/29 In this service, our Guest Minister, Rev. Dr. Dan King shares reflections on how the turning of the calendar calls us to reconsider our priorities for use of our precious time and other re- the calendar calls us to reconsider our priorities for use of our precious time and other re- sources between career, family, and community. sources between career, family, and community.

Turnings with Rev. Becky Edmiston-Lange 11 AM Turnings with Rev. Becky Edmiston-Lange 11 AM 1/5 1/5 Join us for this annual service, which marks the births, deaths, and other significant Join us for this annual service, which marks the births, deaths, and other significant “turnings” in the lives of the Emerson community during the year past. “turnings” in the lives of the Emerson community during the year past. Today after the service! Today after the service!

Why I Love Emerson” Photo Contest Why I Love Emerson” Photo Contest Share photos depicting the reasons you love Emerson or how you became connected Share photos depicting the reasons you love Emerson or how you became connected to our community. Submit your photo, with a brief caption, to to our community. Submit your photo, with a brief caption, to [email protected]. Remember to send in your photos today! Photos [email protected]. Remember to send in your photos today! Photos will be shared through Emerson's social media channels and throughout the church. will be shared through Emerson's social media channels and throughout the church. Selected photos will be framed and displayed throughout Delaney Hall. Selected photos will be framed and displayed throughout Delaney Hall.

Emerson’s Shop Local Craft Fair Emerson’s Shop Local Craft Fair Emerson will hold its Fourth Shop Local Craft Fair TODAY after the service. This is Emerson will hold its Fourth Shop Local Craft Fair TODAY after the service. This is the perfect opportunity to support Emersonians and find unique items for gift the perfect opportunity to support Emersonians and find unique items for gift giving! giving!

A percentage of the vendor's sales will be A percentage of the vendor's sales will be donated to The Minister's Benevolence donated to The Minister's Benevolence Fund. Fund.

Our Mitten Tree Our Mitten Tree Make the winter a little warmer for a homeless teen. Make the winter a little warmer for a homeless teen. Bring in new or gently used: Bring in new or gently used:  Gloves/mittens  Gloves/mittens  Hats/Scarves  Hats/Scarves  Jackets  Jackets  Sleeping Bags  Sleeping Bags All donations go to Montrose Grace Place, a Houston-based All donations go to Montrose Grace Place, a Houston-based organization providing twice-weekly dinners plus organization providing twice-weekly dinners plus toiletries, clean clothes, and community resources to toiletries, clean clothes, and community resources to homeless youth. https://www.montrosegraceplace.org/ homeless youth. https://www.montrosegraceplace.org/

Do you prefer to give a monetary gift? Talk to Katy! Do you prefer to give a monetary gift? Talk to Katy! Welcome! Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church Founded in 1960, Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church is named after American essayist, reformer, and Unitarian minister, Ralph Waldo Emerson.

We are a Welcoming Congregation. A Welcoming Congregation is a UU community that, through education and dis- cernment, makes explicit its welcome to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons.

As Unitarian Universalists, we covenant to affirm and promote:  The inherent worth and dignity of every person.  Justice, equity and compassion in human relations.  Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.  A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.  The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.  The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.  Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The living tradition we share draws from many sources:  Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the Forces which create and uphold life.  Words and deeds of prophetic people which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love.  Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life.  Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves.  Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.  Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

1900 Bering Drive | Houston, Texas 77057 Phone (713) 782-8250 www.emersonhouston.org Facebook: /emersonhouston Twitter: @emersonhouston Meetup: /EmersonSeekers