Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York
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The Lighthouse

Go Deeper Into the Source
Find all the details from the highlights in the Beacon.

Update on Merry & Bob

12/10/2025

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​​Merry and Bob Barnas remain in the ICU following injuries sustained in a car accident on Dec 3. As of this morning, Bob is back in surgery to repair fractures and Merry is awaiting scans and further treatment. Their three daughters are taking shifts at the hospital as they are able. Care is being coordinated day by day, moment by moment. 
Visitation Update: Practicing Patience
While visits from the community were approved by the family on Sunday, Merry and Bob's condition is still in flux and being actively managed. Patience and flexibility is part of loving care of the family and medical staff. If you do go to visit and are asked to wait, there is a waiting room which can accommodate visitors to sit with each other. Leaving a note and making a plan to come back at another time is a small way we choose Hope and practice patience. 

Can't Visit? Send a Digital Greeting Card!
Click here to write a message of love and support. Staff at the hospital will print it out and deliver it for you to Merry or Bob! 

Support for the Family
Rev. Christin is in regular contact with Merry and Bob's three daughters and could use your help to show these dear ones that they are, by extension of our love for Merry and Bob, our kin as well. If you feel called to offer support to Barnas' family, please reach out to Rev. Christin at [email protected]. 

Support for the Medical Team
Support is being mobilized for the 41 nurses in rotation on that ICU wing and the dozens of medical staff tending to our beloveds. If you feel called to show appreciation in this way, please reach out to Rev. Christin at [email protected]. 

Support for You and UUCY
Rev. Christin remains available via email, phone, zoom, or in-person to provide space and time for you to share and process whatever might be coming up for you in this time of uncertainty. The best way to make contact or make an appointment to meet with Rev. Christin is via email at [email protected]. Nothing is too small or too large to be held by the Love that surrounds and guides this community of faith. 

Stay Tuned for Updates
An online page is in development to include a signup sheet for visitors, other ways to show support, and as a place to receive regular updates about Merry and Bob's recovery. Until that is ready, here is some info about visiting York Hospital:

YORK HOSPITAL INFO 
  • Main Hospital Entrance: 1001 S. George Street, York, PA
  • Parking is free
  • Visitors must provide a photo ID upon check in. 
  • The Surgical ICU is on the 3rd floor (use the South Elevators). 

VISITATION INFO
  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 5 AM - 8 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 7 AM – 8 PM
  • Visitation is limited to 2 visitors per room. 
  • There is a Surgical ICU waiting room with space for more than 2. 
  • Merry and Bob are currently in separate rooms. 
  • Conditions change by the moment; practice patience and flexibility as acts of love.

WHAT TO BRING 
  • Cards, flowers, and gifts are welcome. 
  • Smiles, songs, and good vibes are encouraged! 
  • Always remember to thank the hosts! Nurses + medical staff also deserve our love and light!
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Many Paths, One Promise: Envisioning the Coming Year at UUCY

12/3/2025

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I am very excited about the new program year at UUCY beginning in September! This coming year, we will be reminded that we are all in this together by sharing common language and themes, largely provided by the Soul Matters Sharing Circle. These threads will weave together all our ministries that happen “upstairs,” “downstairs,” and “all over & all week!”
​↗️UPSTAIRS↗️
during Sunday morning worship services

↙️DOWNSTAIRS↙️
during weekly Sunday RE classes for children and youth

🔁ALL OVER & ALL WEEK🔁
​within small group opportunities for all ages
Many Paths, One Promise
Throughout this year, we will also be revisiting one overarching message: our paths are many, but our promise is one – to journey together in love. Seekers of all ages will be invited to engage with our shared value of Pluralism by gaining insight into the world’s many religions during Sunday worship services, Time for All Ages, RE classes for children and youth, and in small group gatherings for all ages. Come as you are to embark on a journey of Many Paths, One Promise!
Religious Education
Pathway to Membership
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Ritual Dedication of Children & Youth Sun. Dec. 21 During Worship

12/3/2025

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Dear Congregation,

On Sunday, December 21, all ages will gather in Worship on the Winter Solstice to witness (in pageant form) the Indigenous-inspired story of generosity, compassion, and hope entitled “The Give Away” by Ray Buckley.

Following our pageant in Worship, we will engage as a whole congregation in a ritual Dedication of Children & Youth. They say it takes a village to raise a child and UUCY is a mighty village of loving, supportive, wise, can-do people!

If your family, child, or youth feels called to participate in this ritual Dedication of Children & Youth on Sunday, December 21, please fill out this form so we may prepare for your presence in our Worship service.

What is a UU Dedication of Children & Youth?
A UU Dedication of Children & Youth is unique from the Christian rituals of Baptism or Christening which center around a public statement of common belief (either by the family on behalf of their child or by the child themselves). Unitarian Universalism is a non-creedal, non-doctrinal faith – meaning we affirm and promote many paths with our covenant (or promise) to journey together in Love.

Baptisms and Christenings also traditionally include a “washing away” or cleansing of Sin and entrance into “new life” of faith. UU’s do not share a common belief of Original Sin (the idea that we were born sinful and must be redeemed by belief), but we do often consider the idea of Original Blessing (the idea that we were born blessed and must be supported and loved along life’s journey). UUs turn toward ritual Dedications of Children & Youth to celebrate life, community, and human potential.

​We practice a ritual of Dedication of Children & Youth at UUCY to recognize, welcome, bless, and make covenantal promises to support and love families, children, and youth who come in front of our congregation. For some who make this decision, it feels like both claiming one’s faith AND being claimed by one’s faith community.

All families, children, and youth are warmly invited to join in this ritual Dedication of Children & Youth on Sunday, December 21! Please fill out this form if you wish to participate so we may prepare for your presence in our Worship service.

If you have questions or curiosities about this ritual, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email at [email protected] or by phone at 717-845-8212.

Good vibes,
​Rev. Christin
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Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York

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925 South George Street
York, PA 17403
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​717-845-8212
[email protected]
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  • Join Us
    • First Time Visitors
    • Plan Your Visit
    • What Makes Us Different
    • Become a Member
  • About Us
    • Our Beliefs >
      • The Seven UU Principles
    • Covenant, Mission & Vision
    • Our Minister >
      • Our Staff
    • The Lighthouse >
      • Beacon Newsletter
    • More About Us >
      • Governance
      • Committees
      • Affinity Groups
      • Our Labyrinth
      • History of UUCY
      • Photo Gallery
  • Worship & Events
    • Upcoming Services >
      • Matters of the Heart
    • Past Services
    • Events >
      • Community Events
      • Rent This Space
    • Music
    • Volunteerism at UUCY
  • Religious Education
    • Faith Development
    • Our Whole Lives
  • Social Justice
    • Overview
    • LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation
    • Share The Plate
    • Community Collection Projects
  • Giving
    • General Donation
    • Make a Pledge >
      • UUA Fair Share Contribution Guide
    • Giant and Weis Gift Cards
    • Auction
    • Endowment