​Have you ever managed a contractor to do work at your work or home? Have you ever gone through the process of getting multiple bids for something, at work or at home, and then worked through the selection of the right contractor?  UUCY needs project managers to do just that sort of thing for the various OFOF things that need to be done. They're broken into standalone projects for manageability, and we have people already in place to provide technical background. If you think this fits your skills and aptitudes, contact Jake Miller or Lisa Paulos to find out more.

Some folks have expressed interest in hiking one of the trails at the Wizard Ranch Nature Preserve on Accomac Rd, Hallam. The Preserve’s website has all the info you’ll need, including the GPS directions to get you there. Even if you’ve previously visited, the Lancaster Conservancy has been hard at work making improvements, and there are more trails to explore. 

​For those who might be interested and available, Joan Fulton will lead a walk there Sunday, November 16 following our vote to call Rev. Christin. We can carpool from church provided the weather cooperates. I plan to do about a mile and a half over rolling terrain. There’s a stream to cross, so hiking boots are a good idea. No need to RSVP, just show up at UUCY Sunday morning. It just might be a good opportunity to celebrate!

Be Part of The Giveaway! Join this year’s UU holiday celebration — The Giveaway — a joyful, Earth-centered story told through music, movement, and storytelling.

We’re seeking participants of all ages and abilities! Every role has an adult/child counterpart, and all speaking parts are simple. Come dress up, make noise, and have fun! Some parts are already chosen, but many remain! 
🕯️ Rehearsals: Wed, Dec. 17 (5–6 PM) & Sat, Dec. 20 (10 AM–12 PM)
🎭Performance: Sunday, December 21st at 10 AM

Interested? Contact [email protected] or check out the RE Bulletin Board! 

The Safety committee encourages all interested congregants to register for a "Faith-Based Pre-Holiday Virtual Workshop" offered by the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday, November 13th. The safety committee is fortunate to have access to research-based approaches to church safety and preparedness via a long relationship with the South Central PA Small Business Task Force that includes working with houses of worship across the region.

The Department of Homeland Security is offering an upcoming free, online training opportunity designed to support faith-based organizations in strengthening safety, preparedness, and resilience within their communities.
We are pleased to announce the Faith-Based Pre-Holiday Virtual Workshop, scheduled for Thursday, November 13, with two available sessions:

• Morning Session: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Click here to Register)
• Evening Session: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Click here to Register)

This free virtual event will provide valuable information and practical strategies for faith leaders, administrators, and members of the faith community who are committed to maintaining safe, welcoming environments.
Workshop topics will include:

• Overview of Current Threats to Houses of Worship:
  A comprehensive briefing addressing physical attacks, property crimes, and cyber risks, along with prevention strategies tailored for Pennsylvania faith communities. The session will highlight national and state trends, relevant case studies, and key frameworks such as CISA’s OHNO model and the “See Something, Say Something” campaign. Emphasis will be placed on collaboration with law enforcement, community preparedness, and practical measures that enhance security without compromising a spirit of welcome.
• Legal Considerations for Churches Regarding Firearms:
  A presentation examining applicable laws, church liability, and the authority to restrict the carrying of weapons on church property, particularly when a school is on-site. This session will clarify distinctions between disturbances and credible threats and explain the legal standards governing the use of force in defense of oneself or others.
• Countering Active Threat Training (CATT):
  Instruction in the Run, Hide, Fight principles, emphasizing situational awareness, planning, preparedness, and target hardening to improve readiness and response during critical incidents.
• Peace as Protection – Rethinking Security as People of Faith (Common Ground USA):
  A thoughtful discussion exploring the concept of peace as a proactive and preventative form of protection. Participants will consider how faith-based institutions can integrate peacebuilding and community connection as essential components of long-term security and resilience.

November’s theme is Nurturing Gratitude. The leaves have turned, and the air is crisp.  November is the perfect time to notice all the little things that make life special. In Unitarian Universalism, we believe that gratitude and noticing all the good around us helps us grow kinder hearts and stronger connections with each other.

In PreK through Grades 3, we’ll consider how gratitude nurtures or relationships with our ancestors, builds connection to the ordinary blessings around us, and more deeply roots us in kindness. Our lessons are:

• How Gratitude Helps Us Remember
• How Gratitude Helps Us Notice the Small Things
• How Gratitude Asks Us to Respond

 
In Grades 4 through 7, Crossing Paths will explore Catholicism culminating with a visit to a Catholic service on November 15th.
 
Please join us for this very important month in RE🍂

​As part of their learning about our neighboring faiths, the 4th-7th grade RE class visited Temple Beth Israel on Oct 17th. We sang and recited from the prayer book in both English and Hebrew (phonetically translated!), touched the Torah on its trip around the congregation, helped to "dress" the Torah back into its everyday wear (rich purple velvet) from the white coverings it donned during the recent holy days. We ended by eating some of the challah bread and drinking the "wine." Rabbi Melody and the congregation were very welcoming.