Dec. 1. “The World Has Need of You” – Richard Terrill and Larry McDonough
Through readings and musical interludes, essayist Richard and pianist Larry will explore the ways that our dependence on each other, and with elements of the physical world, defines our experience. The presentation explores three varieties of interdependence: between two people, between a person and the physical world, and among people in concert. Readings will be drawn from the anthology, The World Has Need of You: Poems for Connection. Featured Music: “As Time Goes By,” “La Marseilles,” You Must Believe in Spring,” and more.
Larry McDonough is a St. Paul jazz pianist, singer and composer. His most recent CDs are Intermodulating Undercurrents: The Music of Bill Evans and Jim Hall, with guitarist Joel Shapira; and Kind of Bill: Marking 40 Years Since the Death of Bill
Evans with the Larry McDonough Quartet. He has performed solo for UU congregations in Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Paris. www.larrymcdonoughjazz.homestead.com.
Essayist, poet, and jazz saxophonist Richard Terrill’s most recent books are Essentially: Essays and What Falls Away Is Always: Poems and Conversations, Holy Cow! Press in Duluth. He is a past winner of a Minnesota Book Award and is Professor Emeritus at Minnesota State, Mankato, where he was a Distinguished Faculty Scholar. www.richardterrill.com.
Poetry Group meets after the service.
Dec. 8 “The Star of Bethlehem” and Seasonal Music – Eileen Korenic and Rachel Knipfer
Eileen is a professor of physics at UWRF who has a particular passion for astronomy. Her talk will explore the possible astronomical explanations for whether there was a real Star of Bethlehem using some Gospel reference as guides to dates. Some possibilities include a comet, nova, planet, and other sky phenomena.
Rachel is a cellist and longtime member of UUSRF. She will fill our souls with some lovely music.
Book Club meeting at noon
Dec. 15 “The Art of Being Present” – Alison Page The art of being present is a practice of mindfulness that involves being aware of the present moment, both mentally and emotionally. It can be developed through a variety of activities. Why should we develop our ability to be present? People who practice “presence” are actually happier and more productive in their lives.
Poetry Group meets after the service.
Dec. 21 Tie Down the Sun Event – 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. (PENDING VOLUNTEER SUPPORT) – Nancy Miller is no longer able to head up this event because a death in her family requires her to be out of town that day. Can you help? Nancy will be available to support the organizer(s) with the details of the event before the 21st. “Tie Down the Sun” is an old Norwegian ritual performed on the winter solstice to call for the return of light on the longest night of the year. Attendees meet at the fireside behind the building for a 45 minute outdoor ceremony. Dress for the weather and bring a ball (not a skein) of natural-fiber yarn, songs, poems, or readings to fit the season. The kitchen will be open for a potluck afterwards. Bring food to share and a friend! RSVP to UUSRFon65@gmail.com with “Solstice” in the subject line.
Dec. 22 “Presence is Love, Love is Presence” by Katharine Grant and Keith Rodli – Come sing Winter Solstice songs inviting us into the Presence of silence, darkness, and our inner selves. Together we can welcome the darkness as a time of rest and loving rejuvenation even as we turn towards the growing light. Keith will offer some words in the middle of the service and Katharine Grant will bring solstice songs to sing.
Dec. 29 New Year’s Resolutions