Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church

Give the Gift of Kiva

What do you give someone who has everything?

What about a gift that changes lives? With as little as $25 you can honor someone by making a donation in their name to the Northwoods Kiva Fund. Kiva’s mission is “to expand financial access to help underserved communities thrive.” Northwoods has supported this mission by making 35 loans across 15 countries. Become part of the team and help make a difference.

Make a donation on our website using the Kiva designation. To read more about Kiva and the impact of microloans, click here. 

Stockings for Seniors

We are once again collecting items for Stocking for Seniors through Dec. 12.

Last year with the help of our whole congregation, we were able to donate 38 gift bags/stockings. Meals on Wheels is currently serving more than 800 seniors. Please open your hearts to help us bring some holiday cheer to these special seniors. 

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 

Creativity is encouraged, from decorating gift bags to including a personalized card. Please note, all gifts must be new, prepackaged, and nondenominational. The following items have been requested by seniors: Shampoo and conditioner, Soap, washcloths, and lotion, Toothbrush, toothpaste, and chapstick, Hand towels and air freshener, Fuzzy socks and a blanket, 2022 Calendar with greeting cards, pens, and stamps, Coffee mug with hot cocoa packets or tea bags, Puzzle and notepad, Mini flashlight and batteries, 

DONATION DROP OFF 

You may purchase items and bring the completed stockings/gift bags to Northwoods, or order through our Amazon.

Dropping Off: Please drop completed gifts to Northwoods in the RE office between December 5th-12th. 

Amazon Shopping: To make shopping easier you can also purchase through Amazon and have the items sent directly to us for packaging. If ordering through Amazon, please ensure that delivery will take place before December 12. Use this Seniors Wish list as a shopping guide.

Hanging of the Greens

Following the Festivals of Light service, enjoy a cup of coffee and help us decorate the Northwoods holiday tree and hang garland. If you missed this tradition last year when we could not gather (I know I did!) then mark your calendars for this Sunday! (Service starts at 10:30, Hanging of the Greens begins immediately after service).

Families are encouraged to attend worship to kick-off our holiday season. The worship service will focus on the lights celebrated by many religions around the world. Families will have the opportunity to learn a holiday game as well as make ornaments to decorate both the Northwoods and your own Christmas trees. Ornament stations will be in both the sanctuary and in the Garden room to allow for more social distancing. The service will be live-streamed into the Garden room for those who wish to participate in that setting. After service, we will open the boxes, put up the Christmas tree, and hang the lights around the sanctuary. 

Holiday Pageant

Join the children and families of Northwoods for a no-rehearsal retelling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Everyone is invited to dress in their best Whoville couture (and hairstyles, if you are feeling adventurous) and join in the fun. Service starts at 10:30.

Winter Solstice with Peter Mayer

This Sunday, we will worship with UU musician Peter Mayer, who’ll be joining us from his home for another celebration of the turning of the year. “This year in flight together has been fun; what say we make one more circle around the sun.”

Love the Guest on the Way

Christmas Eve at Northwoods: Join us for a traditional observance of Christmas Eve and celebrate the joy and wonder found in the Christian Nativity story. Service begins at 5:00 p.m.

Annual Pajama Potluck

This is a new twist on a Northwoods tradition. After all of the worshipping from home we’ve experienced, wearing your PJs to worship isn’t exactly new ground—but wearing them to Northwoods in person is! Wear your favorite snuggly PJs—and bring a new pair to share with a local charity as well. We’ll have some holiday fun even after Christmas is done. (Yes, there will be Mad Libs.)

Annual Burning Bowl

Kick off your new year with our annual burning bowl ritual, and take home some inspiration for 2022.