Please note: If you will be having your mail held or forwarded by the Post Office please contact Venessa in the church office. The post office will not hold or forward bulk mail (The Oracle). They will send it back to the church, first class postage due. Please make sure that Venessa knows that your Oracle needs to be held until you return or what address it needs to be sent to and for how long at that address. Thank you.

    In this season of giving, the best gift we can share, and the hardest to give, is the heart of the ear. Listening takes an active presence and the willingness to be changed, but it can be a profound gift to someone else. The choir is singing and the annual congregational meeting will follow the service.

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    This fall a group of curious, brave and funny UUs learned how to speak about their faith as Unitarian Universalists. Articulating our UU faith can be a powerful tool in a world of interfaith conversation.

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Sacred stories and music to celebrate the mid-winter holidays. The informal service will be held in the parlor of the parish house.

    Thunk, thunk, thunk. I jumped up from my chair and ran for the noise on the staircase. Dobie was straddling the bottom of the stairs, having fallen down the first three steps. "Don’t look at me like that," he snapped, "Just give me a hand, will ya?"

    I placed my hand under his chest and pulled him up so he could regain his footing. He stood there for a moment looking at the living room carpet and then again up the staircase. I stood behind him ready in case he decided to try again for the stairs. He looked up at me with his soft brown eyes. "I can do it, I just tripped is all."

    He ambled over to the living room carpet and plopped down in front of the fire place. I knelt down next to him, giving his ear a rub. "I know you can do it big guy, but you aren’t as young anymore," I said, trying to be soothing. "Maybe you should limit your trips up and down the stairs."

    "I’m fine! Not as young! Geesh, why don’t you just dig my grave out in the back yard! I’m fine." Dobie got up and walked back to the stair case. He looked up hesitating. I knew Mark was upstairs in the family room with some pizza, which was surely motivating Dobie.

    "Dobie, you can’t keep following your nose anymore. You’re going to hurt yourself," I warned. He looked over at me, with another snort said, "I told you, I’m fine. I’m just trying to decide my strategy is all." "Dobie, denial is not going to help you get up those stairs," I said. "You have a bad leg, remember?"

    He plunged up the stairs, stumbling and tripping his way up. He forged ahead; having gained momentum, he couldn’t pause. He made it this time. But the next time? How long would denial help him? For some of us, years.

    There is nothing like denial to forge the human spirit against all obstacles.

    Thanks to all who helped with the Guest At Your Table brunch especially our master cook, Mark Wickenheiser, and the RE Committee: Laurie Parendes, Alice Deckert, Jane Anderson, Amy Miller, and David Burkey. Thanks to all of our children and RE teachers who helped set up, decorate the tables, and prepare the food. And, finally, thanks to all of you for your generous donations for the brunch and the UUSC!

    Join us for a night of HARRY POTTER at The Movies. A party room has been reserved for the UUs of Meadville on Friday evening December 2 at 7:10 p.m. There will be a cost of $10.00/person which includes a medium drink, medium popcorn, and, of course, the movie! There is a sign-up sheet at the front desk in the Parish House. If anyone needs a ride from the church to The Movies, Lee Ann Wester will be at the church at 6:30 p.m. and will provide transportation to and from the theater.

    Women's Services Inc. is need of help this holiday season. The children from the Women’s Shelter need Christmas gifts, and the Unitarian Universalist Church in cooperation with Stone Methodist and Grace United Methodist want to help! There will be specific gift requests available in early December. Please remember these children as you are out shopping for family and friends this holiday season. More information will follow.

    During the month of December children are invited to participate in several arts and crafts activities. We will meet in the Arthur room during coffee hour and create decorations for the Christmas tree in the Parish House.

    Bill Miller of the Public Relations Committee described the committee’s work in selecting a replacement for the copier. They took a two-machine approach: a duplicator for making many copies, such as the Oracle, and an inexpensive copier for making fewer than 30 copies. A duplicator’s cost per page is much less, it will last longer, and it doesn’t use high-quality paper. We would save $1400/year for 3 years; it would cost us $1600/year for 3 years. They are thinking to finance the machines through our endowment. The duplicator will be bought from Schwab in Erie and the copier will be bought on line. Discussion. Sarah moved that we buy two machines as just recommended by Bill; seconded, passed.

Minister’s Report.

    Conducted three services, approx. 16 pastoral visits, arranged for finance workshop with Bill Smith Nov. 5. Custodian Nathan Temple resigned; looking at a janitorial service, which costs more per hour but uses less time and they provide their own supplies. Facilitated 5-week course on articulating UU faith. Working on Small Group Ministry, to be launched in January; scheduled an Intro to UU class Dec. 11 and 18. Preaching the sermon at the Annual Community Thanksgiving service Nov. 23 at Stone Church, sponsored by the ministerial association. Attended Installation Service for Rev. Dave McFarland in Pittsburgh; preached sermon at Rev. Aschmann’s Installation Service in Erie. Attending minister’s study group meeting in Dayton Nov. 14-17. (Routine activities omitted to save space.)

    November income is high because we got October rents in November. Mailing costs are low. The grand total of expenses at the end of December might be below budget so that we wouldn’t be drawing from the endowment. The warm weather helps with the heating bill. We are continuing to have low water bills.

    Mike McGrath reported that all positions are filled except for Vice-President.

New Business.

    Dave asked for items for the Annual Meeting Agenda. Jerry said people have asked about electronic transfer of funds to make their church payments. He would like that possibility on the Agenda, to see whether it is feasible.

    A rental party for a Christmas Day wedding asked us to waive the alcohol ban. Kate recommended that if we waive, we should raise the security deposit. Mike moved we waive and raise; passed.

    After a meeting of the Committee on Congregational Ministry, Dave reported receiving a letter from them to the Board, asking that approval of the Mission Statement be put to a vote at the Annual Meeting. Kate read the mission statement to us and discussed some feedback she has received about it – mostly favorable. The CCM’s letter suggested the addition of the word "service" in the third sentence. Approval of the Statement will be an agenda item for the Annual Meeting.

    Also in their letter, the CCM wrote that it would like the Board to appoint three new members, to be able to perform its functions, which would include "communicating about and assessing our congregational ministry in light of the goals of our new Mission Statement, as well as conducting the Annual Review of Rev. Walker."

Pledge Drive.

    Mike McGrath reported that so far, $90,419 has been received. He thinks an increase to $92,000 will be possible. He remarked that this is the largest amount we’ve ever had pledged.

Old Business.

Someone stated that our grant application for upkeep of the sanctuary was turned down, which was news to several people.

There was no news about the Capital Campaign.

Committee reports were received from the Fellowship, Membership, and Worship chairs.

    Carlin reported the successful Annual Gathering and Circle Suppers and the Open House event scheduled for Dec. 4 following the Annual Meeting. Coffee Hour assignments are coming up. A Circle Supper evening is scheduled for Jan. 14.

    Carolyn’s group discussed the money issue connected with membership and the result is to downplay the financial commitment part of "Membership" that is being drafted for the Parish House Times. They are looking at the effect of pledges on membership.

Worship Committee.

    Services are in place through January. Plans are underway for Christmas Eve.

Budget.

    It was noted that we had a small surplus of money in 2005’s budget. Mike McGrath therefore moved that we direct the Properties Committee to purchase this year any materials needed for next year’s improvements. Seconded and passed. The proposed budget for 2006 was $9,562 over budget. Each line of the budget was thoroughly scrutinized by the Board and, with a lot of pain, the numbers where possible were whittled down. The biggest loser was the OMD/UUA dues, scheduled for $6,000, reduced to this year’s level of $4,000. At the end, we were able to cut out $9,738; unfortunately, some of that figure was salary increases. Mike McGrath moved to present the budget with changes as noted to the Annual Meeting. Seconded and approved.

    The next meeting is a New Board/Old Board meeting Friday, Dec. 9, 7:00, at the home of the Andersons.

    Our mission is to offer a welcoming and safe community that reaches out to and receives spiritual seekers. We provide a voice for religious diversity and encourage personal transformation as we strive toward a better world.

    Our covenant is to be a loving, joyful community that nurtures spiritual growth and promotes compassion, social responsibility, and service in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

    This date is important for 2 reasons. The first is that following the 10:30 worship service the Annual Meeting of the Congregation will be held. The second is that following the Annual Meeting there will be a lovely Open House Event. There will be two homes hosting this event – the home of David and Stephanie Gallogly at 19700 Cyrus Lane in Meadville; and the home of Miriam Bowman at 375 Jackson Park Drive in Meadville. All members and friends of the Meadville UU Church are invited to share in this early Holiday Celebration of the Season. All are urged to visit both homes that day to greet your fellow UUs and friends and enjoy a comfortable setting to ring in this holiday season with delicious food and drink. The event will begin immediately following the Annual Meeting and end mid-afternoon.

    Note: Maps to each home will be available after the service on Sunday .

    The Fellowship Committee will be meeting soon to set next year’s schedule for coffee hour hosting. Committee chairs are urged to make early plans for any fund-raising events that would take place during coffee hour so that we can get them on our schedule.

    Also, any members and friends who would like to choose a specific date or time of year for coffee hour duty are urged to contact the Fellowship Committee prior to December 5 so that those requests can be honored when we meet to draft next year’s coffee hour hosting schedule. We understand that it is difficult to impossible to know as much as a year ahead of time what your personal schedule will be, but any guidance you can give us as to the most convenient times for your hosting would be appreciated.

    From time to time, the Fellowship Committee will be putting out a basket for donations during coffee hour. Any donations received will be used by the Fellowship Committee to purchase supplies for the kitchen and for coffee hour use. Although most coffee hour hosts do not require help with the costs involved in the hosting duties, occasionally the Fellowship Committee will provide, upon request from the hosts, items such as coffee, tea, and other supplies. Please consider placing a dollar or two in our basket when you see it on the table. This will help the coffee hour tradition continue to run smoothly. Thank you for your understanding and help.

    Anyone wishing to honor or remember someone at the Christmas Eve Service, please send a check noted for flowers to the Church and please note the person to be remembered. Cut-off for this will be December 21. Thank you.

    We had a wonderful turnout for our Nov. 18 – Volunteer Day. Ten UUers showed up to help prepare and serve leftover turkey in gravy over mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. Plenty of desserts were available also. The guests were enthusiastic and appreciative of the good meal.

    58 people were served with many "seconds".

    Thanks to all of you who came to help – nothing is more fun than working alongside our UU brothers and sisters.

Our helpers were:

Our next date will be Fri. Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. at Stone UM Church. Volunteers always welcomed and needed. Call 425-3397 [Stewarts] for information.

    Tracy Smock and I want to thank everyone who donated clothing to the Clothes with Character booth at the Bazaar. We found just the quality we sought, and, on the whole, everything was clean and fresh. Jerry tells us we outdid our sales of the last Bazaar, thanks to all of you.

    Wynette also thanks Tracy Smock for her time and originality setting up and decorating the display and for selling on Friday and cleanup on Sunday, along with Janet Hutchinson. Thanks to Kim Lethco for privacy to try on the clothing and to Miriam Bowman for lighting it. To Jerry and Carlin Almes for bringing in a beautiful pier mirror and stalwartly helping me at Monday's clean-up. To Jack Sedam, for muscle power and ingenuity on set-up day and helping on Friday. And to Sue Mallick and Jennifer Schneider for hosting the booth, and especially Jennifer for being on hand for all of Saturday’s cleanup. Thanks also to all purchasers – you know you got some great bargains!

    I can tell you within a half hour when winter arrived. The wind woke the dogs at 4:30 and she begged to go out. When she got to the door, the wind scared her and she changed her mind. When I opened the door, it felt like I was walking into a hot, wet towel. I checked the thermometer, and it read 62. At 5:30, Gumball decided to try again. Since her requests come in the form of a slobbery facial that lasts till she gets when she wants, I quickly gave in. Again, she refused to go out, but the temperature had dropped to 42. At the earliest official going out time – 6:15, the dogs both went out, even though it was now below 30. I grabbed a pile of blankets, and we all climbed back into bed till noon.

    With the arrival of the first stick-to-the-ground snow, I know the chores still to be done in the yard will have to wait. I got the sumac and the Mexican bamboo cut back and uncovered the fairy garden hidden beneath them. The hydrangea from Easter two years ago is still healthy, and the sweet woodruff, thyme and marjoram now cover about a quarter of the yard. I cleaned out the raised "lasagna" bed and added more layers – newspapers to keep down the weeds, then compost and top soil. In the spring, my annual flowers and herbs will live there.

    The rock garden next to the house needs serious help, but on warmer days, the sun shining on the front of the house will add a bit of comfort. The piles of Queen Anne’s lace, chicory, bedstraw/cleavers, and goldenrod I cut down are still waiting in piles to head to the compost heap. Carrying them will be a good cold-weather chore. Soon the ground will be too hard to plant bulbs.

    Bird songs in the morning are different now, as the summer birds leave and the winter birds arrive. The only noticeable hanger-on is the one that sits on a branch of the pine tree outside my bedroom window and sounds just like my cell phone. Browns and grays have replaced the colors of my last column, and the darkness creeps in earlier each evening. The scent of the first days of furnace heat adds to the smells of hot cocoa, mulled cider and gingerbread, as the furbabies and I climb under the blankets for a warm winter cuddle and a good read. Happy winter,

    The annual Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held at Christ Episcopal Church on Sunday, December 11 at 4 p.m. Each of the traditional Bible lessons will be read, followed by a familiar hymn or carol for everyone to wing. The Choir will also sing several carol settings. We hope that you will attend this service. It is our Christmas gift to the community.

    Do you dream of inexpensive vacation travel to interesting destinations where you can stay in the homes of friendly people who share your ideals and are happy to provide directions and advice for their area?

    The UU bed and breakfast directory UU’re Home (formerly Home-comings) can fulfill your dream. For 27 years, we've provided a network of hosts in the United States (and a few abroad) who enjoy meeting new friends and who are happy to open their home to like-minded people.

    Check out our website at www.UUreHome.com, where entries are updated whenever changes are made or new hosts are added and you can charge a membership to your credit card. The 2006 edition of the annual paper directory will be available in April and can be ordered by sending a check for $18 (or $23, along with your e-mail address, for both the directory and a year’s access to the website) to UU’re Home, 43 Vermont Court, Asheville, NC 28806.

    You can also become a host and be listed in the directory. Contact us at 828-281-3253 or at info@uurehome.com, and we will gladly send you information about listing your accommodations.

    Next deadline for submitting items for the newsletter is Friday, December 9, 2005, at 4:30 p.m.