Next Sunday, Dec. 15– Music Sunday – Jera Cox directs the choir, who will be performing a service entitled “From the Heart,” which will include anthems and musical numbers they consider their favorites. Among the favorites you will hear are “Seal Lullaby,” by Eric Whitacre; “The Ground,” by Ola Gjeilo; “Fuente de Amor” (Spirit of Life in Spanish) and “Hallelujah,” by Leonard Cohen, performed by a double men’s quartet. There will also be an opportunity to choose some of your favorites from the hymnals. I hope you will support the First Unitarian Singers by attending this very heartfelt Music Sunday.

The Flowers this morning in memory of Sue Koehler.

Sunday Morning Volunteer Program (MVP) Team Two is handling the duties of greeting, ushering, providing coffee service and clean-up today. Team Two is led by Katie Campbell. She is joined by Ray Sinclair, Bruce Bowdon, Joe Rohling, Ellen Wathan, Jean Rohling, Jane Hopson, Lisa Davis Roberts, Brett Davis Roberts and Becky Algenio.

Sound Technician: Sallie Barringer

Assistive Listening Devices for people needing hearing enhancement are available at the rear of the sanctuary.

All are invited to write their Joys and Sorrows in the book at the back of the sanctuary.

First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati

536 Linton Street * Cincinnati, Ohio 45219 (513) 281-1564 * www.firstuu.com

Rev. Connie Simon, Minister revconnie@firstuu.com

Large Print Orders of Service are available. Please see an usher.

First Unitarian Church

of Cincinnati

December 8, 2019

Rev. Connie Simon Jera Cox, Director of Music

Meredith Plummer, Director of Lifespan Faith Development

Generosity Warms the Heart December 8, 2019

Rev. Connie Simon, Minister Jera Cox, Director of Music

Meredith Plummer, Director of Lifespan Faith Development Worship Associate: Dan Schneider

The Membership Committee

Welcome and Announcements Prelude Prelude in Classic Style

Gordon Young Chalice Lighting Vision Song

We are a liberal religious haven, welcoming wonder, and spiritually free. We’re sustained by a loving tradition, moved and inspired by the future we see. Boldly seeking and working for justice, gently transforming lives through deeds great and small. Young and old, sharing meaning and mission, we joyfully offer our vision to all!

Shelley Jackson Denham

Greeting One Another Story for All Ages Mitten Tree Singing the Children Out #413 “Go Now in Peace”

Reading “We Can Change the World”

Dorothy Day

Hymn #1027 Cuando el Pobre (When the Poor Ones)

Sharing of Joys and Sorrows

Concerns of the Larger Community Ritual Meditation Meditation Response Hymn #1013 Open My Heart Board Moment Offering Offertory The Gift of Love (The Water is Wide)

Arr. by Howard Helvey

Reading Why is Church So Important? Shaun Smith, adapted

New Member Ceremony Responsive Reading #728 Blessed are Those Homily Generosity Warms the Heart Hymn #1021 Lean on Me Extinguishing the Chalice

We extinguish this flame, but not the light of truth, the warmth of community or the fire of commitment. These we carry in our hearts until we are together again.

Elizabeth Selle Jones

Benediction Postlude Simple Gifts

Arr. Mark Hayes

Responsive Reading #728 – Blessed Are Those by John Buehrens Congregation: Blessed are those who yearn for deepening more than escape; who are not afraid to grow in spirit.

New Members: Blessed are those who take seriously the bonds of community; who regularly join in celebration and learning; who come as much to minister as to be ministered unto.

Congregation: Blessed are those who bring their children; who invite their friends to come along, to join in fellowship, service, learning and growth.

New Members: Blessed are those who support the church and its work by their regular, sustained and generous giving; and who give of themselves no less than their money.

Congregation: Blessed are those who know that the church is often imperfect, yet rather than harbor feelings of anger or disappointment, bring their concerns and needs to the attention of the church leaders.

New Members: Blessed are those who wen asked to serve, do it gladly; who realize that change is brought about through human meeting, who do the work of committees, and stay till the end.

Congregation: Blessed are those who speak their minds in meetings, who can take and give criticism; who keep alive their sense of humor.

New Members: Blessed are those who know that the work of the church is the transformation of society; who have a vision of Beloved Community transcending the present, and who do not shrink from controversy, sacrifice or change.

All: Blessed are they indeed.

New Member Micro Biographies

Nov & Dec 2019 DEBBIE DAVIDSON (12/8) Debbie Davidson grew up in Reading, Ohio. After raising a son and daughter, she moved to Washington, D.C. where worked for the Holocaust Museum. She returned to Cincinnati when her mother’s health declined. Today Debbie works as a lifeguard for the Cincinnati YMCA. She reads when she can, works out when she must, and vacations as often as time permits. She’s been attending First Church for about a year can’t wait to become involved as a member. Welcome, Debbie! DOUG GERRARD (12/8) New member Doug Gerrard was born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and spent 30 years at Highlands High School, in Ft. Thomas, KY teaching biology, anatomy & physiology. After retiring in 2011, Doug started teaching anatomy & physiology part-time at N.K.U. Doug and his wife Janet live in Highland Heights, KY, not too far from their son Chris who lives here in Cincinnati. Doug and Janet enjoy active travel, hiking and biking. Doug has been attending First Church since this past summer. He is attracted to the progressive congregation here and has enjoyed meeting our welcoming members. BECKY JOHNSON (12/8) Becky Johnson was born in New York but grew up in Cincinnati. She has a complex family, including one dad and five moms (First Church members Jan Smith and Carol Wolfe are two of them!). Becky lives with spouse Cole in Kennedy Heights with two cats where she loves baking and playing board games. Becky teaches science at Ursuline Academy in Blue Ash. Becky joined her first UU congregation at 16 years old on her own after researching religions at the library. She is proud to be a part of this ever-deepening faith tradition and looks forward to growing in community with First Church.

CLANCY AVILA LEWIS (Nov 24) Clancy Avila Lewis lives in Burlington, KY, with her husband Daniel, and stepdaughters Kelsey and Raeghan. She works as a Business Intelligence Analyst at United Way of Greater Cincinnati. In her free time, Clancy enjoys reading and photography. She first noticed First Church during her lunch-hour walks. She eventually started to attend Sunday services and became a member on November 24. She’s a wonderful addition to the congregation - we’re so glad to have her as part of our community! PAM LOVATT (12/8) Pam Lovatt returns to First Church after a 2 ½-year hiatus that left her no time for church and church activities. Pam came to First Church after the mass shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston and immediately got involved with the Linton Writer’s group, tutoring at South Avondale School, and helping with our IHN hosting. She operates a dog sitting business from her home and has a booth at the Riverside Centre Antique Mall. Though still short on time, she is anxious to get back into a church life that includes ways to reciprocate for her good fortune. JUDY REAGAN (12/8) Judy Reagan is a medical social worker with a passion for taking care of people. She loves the outdoors, music, arts and travel. Judy has been attending First Church for about a year and enjoys our welcoming and acceptance of everyone. She is looking forward to being a part of our community.

ESPECIALLY FOR VISITORS

Welcome! We’re happy you’re here today. Stop by the Welcome Counter as you entered the building for a pre-stamped info card to complete at home and mail back– or fill out a card if you have time this morning. We’ll send you our newsletter and information on what’s happening at First Church.

Interested in learning more about First Church and Unitarian Universalism? Join Rev. Connie and our Welcoming Team for an informal discussion about our active community. Find out how you can get involved in our Social Justice, Faith Development, Music and other programs or become a member of First Church January 19 after service in the Fisher Room. Childcare will be provided.

TODAY

Today in Sunday School, your child in preschool through fifth grade will have another opportunity to create, make and take gifts for First Church members and loved ones. Upstairs, you junior high youth will finish watching their documentary on the dangers of fast fashion, while your senior high youth will explore the Abrahamic roots of Christianity.

Today’s Family Faith Development Volunteers: VIP, TBD; TBD, Infants/Toddlers; Beth McDaniel, Ginny Casey-Leininger, Coco Dean, Faith Maynard and Gaut Ragsdale will be the Holiday Workshop Elves; Ann Bowers will be with the junior high and Patty Kelly and Amy Bottomley will be with the Senior High. Today – Mitten Tree will take place during the service. No registration is required for Mitten Tree – if you brought winter wear (hats, gloves, scarves, mittens, coats, etc.) keep them in hand for further instructions. All donations will go to the children at South Avondale Elementary.

December Holiday Cheer

December is chock full of opportunities to contemplate, celebrate and enjoy each other’s company. Mark your calendars: Adult Christmas Party – Saturday, Dec. 14, 7 to 10 p.m. Again this year, Barbara and Richard Homlar are graciously hosting this holiday gathering at their home, 11 Weebetook Lane, off Grandin Road in Hyde Park (45208). For those with accessibility considerations, the Homlars have two low steps from their front walk into the house. They also have an elevator accessible from the driveway that goes directly to the first floor of the house. They will keep the driveway open for cars carrying people who plan to use the elevator. Please bring an appetizer or sweet treat to share and $5 to cover the cost of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Winter Solstice – Saturday, Dec. 21, 5:30 to 8 p.m. This popular First Church tradition will feature a worship service at 6:30 p.m. led by Rev. Connie. A simple supper provided by Community Builders will begin at 5:30 - before the service. Please bring $5 to defray costs. Christmas Eve – Tuesday, Dec. 24, beginning at 4 p.m. All are welcome to enjoy a Children’s Service at 4 p.m. (you won’t want to miss the Ugly Sweaters), followed by cookies and holiday punch at approximately 5 p.m., and a candlelight service – “Within the Shining of a Star” – led by Rev. Connie at 6 p.m. Janet Walsh for Community Builders, 513.831.4577, janetlynettewalsh@gmail.com

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mon, Dec. 16 (and every Monday), 11:30 a.m. – Meditation in the Sanctuary led by Fran Turner. Bring a brown bag (or your choice of container) and join the group afterwards in lunch and conversation. Fri., Dec. 13 – 6:15 – 9:45 p.m. - Downstairs in the Sunday School Area – Parent’s Night Out - Parents and caregivers of children birth to 18 years of age, this is your chance to snag a night out. Registration is required, and registration deadline is Wed., Dec. 11. (https://tinyurl.com/y24t64ue). Sun., Dec. 22 – One Room Schoolhouse – Preschool through 12th graders will explore the concept of “Sparkle” (the worship theme of the day) by holding a talent show! Children and youth come ready to shine, but don’t worry, no child or youth will be forced to participate if they don’t want to!

Mark your calendars now for our annual Heart and Hand Auction at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 8. Enjoy an evening of fun that includes both silent and live auctions, a restaurant raffle, and much more! We are looking for donations from businesses. If you have a suggestion, contact Janet Schneider at 513.371.0335 or janetpschneider@yahoo.com. We are also looking for First Church crafters to add items for our new craft booth. Contact Beth Whelan at ewhelan@cinci.rr.com or 513.545.6660.

Generosity Warms the Heart

Service Notes December 8, 2019

Prelude: Prelude in Classic Style by Gordon Young Gordon E. Young (1919-1998) was born in McPherson, Kansas. He attended Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, and was a scholarship pupil at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. In 1964, he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Sacred Music from Southwestern for his outstanding contributions to American church music. A superb organist and choral director, he served churches in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, before becoming the Organist/Choirmaster at First Presbyterian Church, Detroit, Michigan, where he served for many years. https://www.hopepublishing.com/148/ Singing the Children Out: Hymn #413 – Go Now in Peace Natalie Sleeth (1930-1992) was a United Methodist composer of choral music and sacred and inspirational verses. She wrote this piece after attending an Orff instruments workshop. The text is based on Luke 2:29. Between the Lines, Skinner House Books, 1995. Reading: We Can Change the World by Dorothy Day Dorothy Day (1897-1980) was an activist who worked for such social causes as pacifism and women's suffrage through the prism of the Catholic Church. Known for protesting war, supporting labor strikes and living voluntarily in poverty as she cared for the needy, Day founded the Catholic Worker movement. She was a consistent voice not just for helping the poor on an individual level, but for the structural economic reforms that she believed were necessary to create a fairer system. https://www.uua.org/offices/people/dorothy-day Hymn: #1027 – Cuando el Pobre (When the Poor Ones) This is a Roman Catholic hymn, inspired by the mid-20th century Liberation theology that sustained both people and clergy in Latin America but alarmed popes and religious conservatives in Rome. This hymn comes from a culture that has blended Christian liturgy with indigenous spirituality. In the Andean region of South America, the supreme creator is Viracocha. The legend of the Indians is that Viracocha disguised himself as a beggar and wandered the earth,

weeping at the plight of his creatures. It is believed that he would return in time of trouble as stated in the song, "We see God, here by our side, walking our way." The English translation is by the Rev. Martin A. Seltz, a Lutheran (ELCA-the U.S. non-fundamentalist Lutheran body) minister/musician in Minneapolis, MN, who made the translation for Renewing Worship Songbook, the 2003 hymn/worship supplement published by Augsburg Fortress, the publishing house of the ELCA. Seltz is also one the editors at Augsburg Fortress. https://www.uua.org/worship/music/hymnals/journey/songinformation Meditation Response Hymn: #1013 Open My Heart by Henry S. Flurry. This prayerful round was written by UU composer Henry Flurry (1964 - ). Offertory: The Gift of Love (The Water is Wide), arranged by Howard Helvey. In writing The Gift of Love, composer Hal H. Hopson used the tune from the 17th century Scottish folk song The Water is Wide. Arranger Howard Helvey (b. 1968) resides in Cincinnati, where he is active as a composer, arranger and pianist, and serves as organist and choirmaster of historic Calvary Episcopal Church. He is also co-founder (2013) and conductor of the Cincinnati Fusion Ensemble, a professional chamber choir. Nationally and internationally Mr. Helvey is in frequent demand as a composer, conductor, and speaker. Reading: Why is Church So Important? This reading was adapted from a blog post of the same name by Shaun Smith posted on TheLife.com, a digital strategy of The Life Project, a ministry of Power to Change Ministries Canada. https://thelife.com/why-is-church-so-important Responsive Reading: #728 – Blessed Are Those Adapted by John Buehrens (1947 - ), sixth president of the Unitarian Universalist Association. This reading for New Member Recognition services was first included as “Beatitudes for Church Members” in Our Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism, 1990, by Buehrens and F. Forrester Church. The original source(s) of this text is unknown. Between the Lines, Skinner House Books, 1995.

Hymn: #1021 – Lean on Me by Bill Withers. This well-known hit song was written and performed by Bill Withers on his 1972 album Still Bill. Fifteen years later, this song gained a second round of popularity when the reggae group, Club Nouveau, recorded it and took it to number one on the Billboard charts. Withers' difficult childhood in the coal mining town of Slab Folk, WV, was the inspiration for the "Lean on Me." It was written after he had moved to Los Angeles and found himself missing the strong community ethic of his hometown. The original version of the song has become a popular, inspirational anthem. It was Withers’ first (and only) Billboard Hot 100 number one single. https://www.uua.org/worship/music/hymnals/journey/songinformation Postlude: Simple Gifts, arranged by Mark Hayes. Simple Gifts is a Shaker song written and composed in 1848, generally attributed to Elder Joseph Brackett from the Alfred Shaker Village in Maine. Arranger Mark Hayes is an award-winning concert pianist, composer, arranger and conductor. His personal catalog, totaling over 1,200 published works, includes work for solo voice, solo piano, multiple pianos, orchestra, jazz combo, small instrumental ensembles, and choruses of all kinds. https://markhayes.com/about-mark.html