First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco

December 18, 2016 11:00 AM

PRIVATE ARCHITECTURE TOUR OF THE NEW SF MOMASunday, January 8, 20171PM to 4PM

Join Rev. Buehrens for a private architecture tour at SF MOMA on Sunday, January 8th. The group will depart the church around 12:30 to the SF MOMA. Registrants are encouraged to take public transit to the event.

The Tour guides visitors through the Snøhetta-designed expansion of the new SFMOMA building— from inspiration to construction—and the challenges faced in designing what is now the largest museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art in the United States. Groups will explore the three-year transformation of SFMOMA through its expanded gallery spaces, multiple outdoor terraces, and environmentally conscious design. Highlights of this tour include Helen and Charles Schwab Hall on Floor 2, the living wall on Floor 3, and unique views of San Francisco from our Sculpture Terrace on Floor 7. The tour will focus on the design of the new building as well as visits to galleries.

Space is available for 25 registrants. Cost per person is $25.00. Scholarships are available. Pre-Registration is required. Got to http://www.uusf.org/adult-classes-and-programs

ORIGINS OF UNIVERSALISM AND UNITARIANISM IN AMERICAWednesday evenings, 7 to 8:30 pm in the Murdock Room

January 4, 11, 25, February 1, 8, 15 and 22

Leader: Rev. John Buehrens

Rev. John Buehrens is the author of "Universalists and Unitarians in America: A People’s History" [2011]. Copies will be available for purchase for $15. A donation of $5 per session is requested, not required.

It’s such a rich history! Learn more about the development of our liberal faith – in Europe, America, and here in San Francisco. You need not come to all sessions to benefit from the course.

Share Your Personal Joys and SorrowsBefore the service begins we invite you to write a brief note in the Book of Personal Joys and Sorrows that rests on a table in the entryway to the sanctuary. Some of these may be noted in the minister's prayer in a direct way--unless you indicate that they shouldn't--or indirectly as a broader issue that may touch others in the congregation.

New HymnalsWe have ordered 25 new copies of "Singing the Living Tradition" Hymnals! If you would like to place a "dedication to" or "in honor of" on the inside cover the cost is $30. Please contact Nathan Gandrud at ngandrud@uusf.org if interested.

"Christmas Day"Sunday, December 25, 11 AM, Sanctuary

OPENING GIFTSRev. John Buehrens, Senior Minister, Preaching Wonders Still

The World Shall Witness

The Rev. John Haynes Holmes, 1879-1964Minister of the Unitarian Church of the Messiah, New York City, 1907-1918

Minister of the Community Church of New York, 1918-1949Co-founder of the NAACP and of the ACLU

Recipient of the Gandhi Peace Award

WELCOME TO OUR VISITORS!TAKE A SEAT!For people with chemical sensitivities, there is a scent-free zone, at the front of the right aisle, for people with service animals, please find marked area on left aisle.Hearing impaired? Just ask an usher for an assistance device.

CANDLES at the front of the sanctuary may be lit at any time in a silent sign of thanks or of prayerful concern.

FILL OUT A YELLOW VISITOR CARDLet us know who you are, by filling out a yellow visitor card. We’ll send you our weekly e-mail, The Flame, and our monthly newsletter, FirstNews.

STAY FOR COFFEE HOURconversation following the service in the Thomas Starr King Room.

TAKE A BRIEF TOURof our historic church. Meet your guide in the front of the pulpit immediately after service.

BOOKWAGONis open on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month following the service.

CHILDREN AND YOUTHFor information about our programs for all ages, including adults and seniors, contact Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister, ajacks@uusf.org, or see the Welcome Desk.

YOUNG ADULTS, UUSF has a thriving twenties and thirties community. We invite you to meet us at the TNT Table outside Starr King after service.

UU Public Issues Forum (MLK Room) and Minister’s Seminar (Fireside Room)

9:30 AM on most Sundays September to June.

Newcomer Orientation First Sunday of each month at 12:30 PM.

Invitation to Membership2nd Sunday of alternate months: Sept, Nov, Jan, Mar, May.

A d u l t R e l i g i o u s E d u c a t i o n

THE SOCIETY FOR COMMUNITY WORK invites you to a festive holiday party on Tuesday, December 20, at church. Traditional Christmas carols will be sung by The Merrie Olde Christmas Carolers accompanied by the merry sounds of sleigh bells, finger cymbals, tambourines and kazoos. Tuesday, December 20. Lunch at 12:00 noon and speaker presentation 1PM - 2PM.

Membership Business Meeting 11:15

Mixer 11:30

Lunch 12:00

Program 1:00

Please make luncheon and program reservations by Sunday, December 18, at 7:00 p.m. Notify Leslie Bader at lesliebader1899@gmail.com or call her at 415-821-1307.

1187 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 415-776-4580 / info@uusf.org

www.uusf.org / #fuussf

A F T E R T H E S E R V I C E TO D AY“I am only one. But still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can.”

-Rev. Edward Everett Hale, Unitarian minister, 1822-1909CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - 12:15 PM, TSK Room (TODAY)Please plan to come to a special congregational meeting in the King Rooms after the worship service today.  It is very important that everyone attends, as we will be discussing our developmental ministry and capital campaign. There will be no votes taken, but many important ideas and views shared. See you there!

Postlude In Thee Is Gladness, BWV 615 Johann Sebastian Bach

Order of ServiceDecember 18, 201611:00 AM to 12:15 PM

*Hymn The Voice of God is Calling MEIRONYDD

Anthem With Wondering Awe arr. Neil Harmon

* Please rise if you are able.

Offertory What Child Is This Ralph Vaughan Williams

Benediction

*Hymn 228 Once in Royal David’s City IRBY

Ancient Reading from Matthew 11:1-18

Prayer and Moments of Silent Meditation Rev. Buehrens

Message For All Ages The Rabbi’s Gift Rev. JD Benson

Unison Opening Words 474

*Hymn 51 Lady of the Seasons’ Laughter JULION

Prelude Variations on a French Noel Louis-Claude D'aquin

Lighting The Chalice and The Fourth Advent Candle

Keshab Chandra Sen, arranged by John Haynes Holmes

DeFrom

allto

thatdos

-dwellba

bejo

-lowel

- thegran

skies;sol;

letsur

-songsja,_es

ofpe

-hoperan

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5

faithfé,

aa

rise;mor;

--

Letver

peace,dad,

-goody_be

llewill

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-earthcan

betan

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- dethrough

8

evca

eryda

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tongue.voz.

A

men.

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allto

thatdos

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bejo

-lowel

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skies;sol;

letsur

-songsja,_es

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5

faithfé,

aa

rise;mor;

--

Letver

peace,dad,

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llewill

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evca

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men.

-

*Covenant Love is the spirit of this church, and service is its prayer. This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace, to seek the truth in freedom, and to help one another.

*Doxology TALLIS' CANON

The children and teachers depart for classes on the second stanza. If you want your child to attend Sunday School, meet in the gallery following the children's recessional, or ask for assistance in the church office.

Rev. Jacks (ajacks@uusf.org) can answer questions or address special needs.

Welcome and Announcements Kathleen Quenneville, Moderator

*Greeting One Another

Regathering

Reflection Susan Anthony, Worship Associate

(words by the Rev. Kendyl Gibbons, b.1955)

adapted by and from Scott Peck

Anthem Gesu Bambino Pietro Yon

Modern Reading from God Braided Eve’s Hair, 1976 Danny Siegel

(words by the Rev. John Haynes Holmes, 1914)

1 The voice of God is calling to women and to men; the voice once heard in Zion, resounds on earth again: whom shall I send to succor my people in their need? Whom shall I send to loosen the bonds of shame and greed?

2 I hear my people crying in slum and mine and mill; no field or mart is silent, no city street is still. I see my people falling in darkness and despair. Whom shall I send to shatter the fetters which they bear?

3 We heed, O God, your summons, and answer: Here are we! Send us upon your errand, let us your servants be. Our strength is dust and ashes, our years a passing hour, But you can use our weakness to magnify your power.

4 From ease and plenty save us; from pride of place absolve; purge us of low desire; lift us to high resolve; take us, and make us holy; teach us your will and way. Speak, and behold! we answer;command, and we obey!

Sermon Wonders Still The World Shall Witness Rev. John Buehrens

Offertory Sentence

ARTISTS' RECEPTION - 1:30 PM, King Rooms (TODAY)Maria Solis and Elaine Pratt will be showing their art work through the holidays and you are invited to their reception today at 1:30 PM. Maria Solis: I paint silks under the name of 'SILKREATIONS by Miriam.' I am submerged in all the Arts. Elaine Pratt: from an early age I have been a creator; painting, drawing, sculpting, designing all sorts of things, dancing, singing and acting, dreaming of being an artist of one sort or another.

UUSF SUNDAY BOOK WAGON - TSK Room after church (TODAY)1st and 3rd Sundays of the month @ Coffee Hour. Check out our large selection of books, CDs and much much more! Also a new addition to the book wagon, "Book Trader" see Louise and Theda at the book wagon for details.

C H R I S T M A S E V E AT U U S F

CHRISTMAS EVE POINSETTIA DEDICATIONS - by 5PM Tonight!Each year we thrill to an abundance of red poinsettias dedicated in honor or in memory of special loved ones. If you would like to contribute to this celebration, please send a check for $25 made out to UUSF for each dedication to the church office with POINSETTIAS in the memo line or email your dedication text to Jonathan Silk at jsilk@uusf.org. Your name and dedication will appear in the order of service on Dec. 24.

Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24,4:45 pm Candlelight Intergenerational ServiceTHE WONDER OF CHRISTMASThe Ministers, the Choir and Bell Choir, Trumpet and Soloists

The church will be crowded with members, friends and visitors, so you are invited to come early for some carol singing even before we begin the traditional pageant, music, and candle lighting.

8:00 pm Candlelight ServiceIN THE BLEAK MIDWINTERRev. Dr. John Buehrens, preaching

The hymn from which the sermon title is taken includes the words: “Once more child and mother weave their magic spell,/ Touching hearts with wonder words can never tell./ In the bleak mid-winter, in this world of pain,/ Where our hearts are open, love is born again.” Kat Liu will serve as Worship Associate and offer a reflection. Trumpeter Tom Dambly and soprano Kate Offer will lead our music in this more contemplative Christmas Eve service with sermon.