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DECEMBER 2024 WUUC NEWSLETTER
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A Chalice Challenge: Find the chalice hidden in one of these newsletter articles. Click on it, record your name on the resulting Google doc, and you will be entered to win a special little gift from Rev. Dan Lillie.
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Photo by Kaique Rocha from Pexels
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Building and Grounds (BAG) Update
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Endowment Fund – End of Year Giving
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Justice & Service Monthly Collection
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Post-Potluck All-Ages Drum Circle
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Monday Morning Sister Circle
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Cookie Exchange & Neighbors in Need Gifting Project
Newsletter Deadline
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Continuing Zoom & Hybrid Events
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Online Feedback & Suggestion Form
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Got comments on or questions about this newsletter? Please email office@wuuc.org
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December 2024 Soul Matters Theme: Presence
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Passage from Soul Matters December 2024 Theme: Presence
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Welcome to the Practice of Presence
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The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.
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Spiritually, presence can mean two quite different things. On the one hand, contemplatives talk of…
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Building and Grounds (BAG) Update
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Your BAG committee has been using your reserve account to good use this summer and fall. Come in the back door and you’ll see a new concrete walkway. No more repairs and staining the worn cedar there. To your left, atop Portable 1 is a new one piece rubber roof. Turns out the slope of the roof lets conventional shingles leak. P2 is steeper, no new roof needed. Lastly check out the windows at the second level of Ditzler Hall. A number of windows that leaked water vapor between the dual panes have been replaced and well as May’s window in the office. Next up, replacing the electric lights control panel. A reminder, our building will be 25 years old this coming year.
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New Member Bios: Ben Lu, Marilyn Schmitt & Toren Koppenol
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The November newsletter contained bios of Tracye Hirasawa and Karrie Meyer and Jonathan Koppennel.
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On Sunday, October 13 we welcomed new members Tracye Hirasawa (with Hanna), Karrie Meyer & Jonathan Koppenol (with Livia & Theo), Ben Lu, Toren Koppenol, and Marilyn Schmitt to our congregation. Over the November and December newsletters we will be inputting Bio’s for each of our new members. We hope you will read these new member bios and welcome them!
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Fred Meyer Community Rewards Program
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If you shop at Fred Meyer, you can support donations to WUUC through their Community Rewards Program. To participate in the program, you need to register your Fred Meyer loyalty card and designate WUUC as your non-profit of choice. You must re-designate WUUC as your community rewards partner every June to keep participating. Fred Meyer doesn’t donate a particular percentage of what you spend. Instead, the company has set aside a set amount per quarter, to be divided amongst…
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Endowment Fund – End Of Year Giving
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Did you know that WUUC has an Endowment fund? If you are looking to make a charitable donation for 2024 before the end of December, please consider making a contribution. The fund is an investment in the long-term health of WUUC and can serve many significant purposes: a source for short-term funding of an activity WUUC would not be able to fund otherwise, or a means to take advantage of unusual major opportunities for growth or service, or even as a source of financial backup in case of major emergency. Consider contributing as part of your end-of-year giving plan. Learn more at wuuc.org/endow.
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Justice & Service Monthly Collection
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December monthly service collection goes to Woodinville Storehouse Food Bank.
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Our monthly special collections take place during services on the third Sunday of every month (December 15). Instructions for giving are posted during the service, and you can also donate anytime at onrealm.org/wuuc/-/give/now, or by sending a check to WUUC at P.O. Box 111, Woodinville, WA 98072. Please make checks out to WUUC and write “ASJ Monthly Collection” in the notes.
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2024 Holiday Happenings at WUUC
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2024 December Holiday Happenings at WUUC at Sanctuary/Ditzler Hall include Decorating the Giving Tree, Crafting and Children’s Gift Shopping, Cookie Exchange and Neighbors in Need Gifting Project, Solstice Labyrinth Walk, All Community Brunch, Carol Singings, Christmas Eve Service for All Ages, and Burning Bowl Service. Click the pictures to find out about individual events and click the blue “Read more” button where it lists every upcoming event where you can enjoy the holiday fun at WUUC!
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Decorating Giving Tree – Sunday December 1
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Decorating the Giving Tree and Ditzler Hall, Potluck Sunday, December 1 at 11:30 a.m. Our Giving Tree will be set up and ready for decorating. Gift tags from Friends of Youth will be available. This year WUUC is sponsoring holiday gifts for Friends of Youth. They partner with youth and families to provide the relationships, resources, and skills they need to …
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Post-Service Potluck – Sunday December 1
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A potluck in the sanctuary post Thanksgiving after Sunday service. For those with limited transportation, a potluck just after service is much easier to manage than a special trip to someone’s home like with our circle suppers and lunches. Please send me thoughts and questions to Tevina Flood: tevina.flood@gmail.com.
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Post-Potluck All-Ages Drum Circle
– Sunday December 1
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Come at 12:30 or drift over from the potluck and get into the flow of some seriously joyful rhythm-making at the far side of the Sanctuary. This will be the last Drum Circle of 2024! (no drumming after the December 29 potluck) A variety of hand drums will be provided, but you are beyond welcome to bring your own. There will also be small percussion provided—shakers, tambourines, even a cowbell. You needn’t have drummed before!
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Super Seniors Potluck
– Wednesday December 4
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Super Seniors is a group for WUUCs age 77 and above. We meet every first Wednesday of the month for a potluck at 12:00 p.m. at the church. If you meet the age criteria we would love for you to join us for good food and good chatting. Questions? Contact Dottie Simpson at dottie9212@gmail.com
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Music Circle – Saturday, December 7
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Music Circle will be held on the first Saturday of every month at 1:00 p.m. in Ditzler Hall. You are invited to bring your voice, your drums, your guitars or whatever instruments you want for impromptu music making. Bring music if you want, or just jump in any way you can and have some fun with music-minded WUUC folk.
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Circle Supper – Saturday, December 7 & 14
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Sign up now for Circle Suppers to be hosted by Chuck Bean on Saturdays, December 7 & 14 at 6:00 p.m. Circle Supper’s are potlucks held at a different community member’s house each month. Find the link to the signup sheet sent out via the announce email list or email tevina.flood@gmail.com. Anyone who wants to attend can put their name down along with their dietary preferences and what they are bringing. If you’ve never been before keep reading…
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Crafting and Children’s Gift Shopping
– Sunday, December 8
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After the service on Sunday, December 8 We are offering simple holiday crafting and art activities will be available for the enjoyment of children and adults alike. We will also offer the children an opportunity to choose small gifts to wrap and give to their family members and friends. After they are done, it is open to the rest of the congregation to “shop”. Gift items are all free. Please …
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Monday Morning Sister Circle – December 9
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– Dottie Simpson
Monday Morning Sister Circle is a WUUC group which has met every second Monday from 10:00 – 12:00 p.m. We are a group of women who meet in the WUUC Library to discuss a person of interest or an essay every month. We have recently discussed women philosophers, women of action, NPR essays, spiritual essays, etc. The group is open to any woman at WUUC and we would love to have any interested woman join us. If you have any questions/would like to join Contact Dottie at <dottie9212@gmail.com>.
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Cookie Exchange and Neighbors in Need Gifting Project – Sunday, December 15
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Please bring 1-2 dozen of your favorite holiday cookies for a exchange on Sunday, December 15 after the service. Include a list of main ingredients with your cookies to accommodate a variety of dietary choices and for allergy awareness.
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Gather with others in our community to assemble care kits/packages for neighbors in need in our geographic area. Watch your email for a list of things that we’ll be asking people to bring to put in the kits. Cards with holiday wishes can be written as well during this activity.
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Newsletter Deadline
– Wednesday, December 18
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It’s time again to submit your articles, events, ministry accomplishments, and royalty-free photos for the January 2025 WUUC Newsletter. Please send your contributions to the office administrator at office@wuuc.org. Deadline will be early due to end of the year holidays. Send items by the end of the day on Wednesday, December 18 if you wish to be included.
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Golden Girls Lunch – Thursday, December 19
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– Stephana Ditzler
All ladies are cordially invited to join the Golden Girls Thursday, December 19 at 11:00 a.m. for lunch and fine conversion at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse. The address is 7211 – 166th Ave NE, Redmond. We will be eating together at a table in their back room busily getting to know each other better. An RSVP request will be sent out closer to the date. Looking forward to seeing you all! Questions? Contact Stephana Ditzler, ditzlers@gmail.com
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Solstice Labyrinth – Saturday, December 21
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On December 21st, the longest night of the year, we are warmed by the certain knowledge that tomorrow will welcome more light than today. To celebrate the winter solstice, a beautiful labyrinth made with candle luminarias will be set up in Ditzler Hall. Come walk the labyrinth in a celebration of the great miracles of light and life, in the magic light of many flickering candles. We will be there to welcome you with smiles and cookies from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 21st, the solstice. The labyrinth …
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All Community Brunch – Sunday, December 22
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After an all-music Sunday worship service, enjoy a delicious pancake/eggs/sausage/fruit brunch on Sunday, December 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with others in the community. Vegan options will be available. Coordinators: Jan Radoslovich & Tevina Flood
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Caroling for All Ages – Tuesday, December 24
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Enjoy singing familiar holiday carols with Johnna Ebanks and Terry Levitt leading and accompanying the singing. Before the Christmas Eve service starts on Tuesday, December 24 from 3:30 – 4:14 p.m. Cookies and hot cider available. Coordinators: Johnna Ebanks and Terry Levitt
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Office Closed – Wednesday, December 25 2024 – Tuesday, January 7 2025
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The WUUC office will be closed from Wednesday, December 25, 2024 to Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Building use and Weekly events will continue unless canceled by the group leader. If you are planning an event during this timeframe please plan ahead to coordinate with staff.
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Men’s Breakfast – Saturday, December 28
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– Brad Hull
Men of all ages gather to converse and eat breakfast on the fourth Saturday, at 8:30 a.m. at the Hagen’s Supermarket in Woodinville. Eat breakfast, drink coffee, talk about guy stuff. It’s the most fun you can have on a cold, wet Saturday morning.
Information/RSVP: Brad Hull, bkhull@gmail.com
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Post-Service Potluck – Sunday, December 29
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A potluck in the sanctuary after the service the last Sunday of the month.
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For those with limited transportation, a potluck just after service is much easier to manage than a special trip to someone’s home like with our circle suppers and lunches.
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Flash Stance – Sunday, December 29
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East Shore Unitarian Church’s Black Lives Matter Flash Stance is held every Sunday at rotating locations on the eastside. Every 5th Sunday of the month), it will be held in downtown Woodinville, on the corner of 175th and Garden in front of Jamba Juice. Show your support by joining them! Bring a sign and wear a mask. Safety Protocols: Everyone …
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Continuing Zoom & Hybrid Events
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Dear WUUC, The pandemic has been hard on all of us. Engaging with our shared community is more important than ever. To that end, we encourage all folks who plan, develop, or coordinate WUUC events to carefully consider including people who may not be able to participate in person by offering hybrid or online options whenever possible. Training and/or help with setting up virtual/hybrid events is available. Please contact May Killorin, Office Administrator, for assistance.
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WUUC Online Feedback & Suggestion Form
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Dear Community, WUUC is committed to providing the best experience possible for all our congregation members, friends, and visitors. We encourage you to participate in our continuous improvement by submitting constructive suggestions regarding our church, our services, or even our website. Tell us your questions, comments, or concerns. Your feedback is a valuable part of our program. What can we do to grow and become a stronger and more welcoming faith community? Appreciation and positive feedback are also very valuable … What’s working well for you? What do you like about WUUC? Your suggestion will be reviewed promptly and considered for possible further action. You may use this link to submit your suggestion online. Anonymous feedback is permitted.
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Alternatively, you may send your suggestion in an email directly to the Board at board@wuuc.org. Thank you for your input.
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Seeking connections?
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WUUC offers numerous opportunities to get to know one another, delve more deeply into spiritual topics or just gather for song or conversation. If you’re seeking connections, the first place to try is here.
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Numerous Zoom & in person meetings are held each week, including opportunities to grow our spirits and opportunities to connect for fun and entertainment. Please check the calendar link above for the schedule. Contact office@wuuc.org or your facilitator if you need the Zoom link to a meeting.
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DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS!
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We get the list Birthdays from the realm database. Please make sure your birthday is updated on the database so we don’t miss you. If you don’t want to display your birthday let May know by emailing office@wuuc.org.
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Elisa Schmitt Richards – December 1
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Natalie Mietzner – December 4
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Lindsay Rogers – December 4
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Ezra Gamble – December 10
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Henry Goss-Grubbs – December 10
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Camlin Vespaziani – December 28
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Dawn Blomberg – December 29
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12/1 – Anticipation
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Advent, which means “to come”, is a time of anticipation, of looking forward, of waiting. In the Christian tradition, Advent is the beginning of the church year. And Christianity is not alone in celebrating light at this time of year: Hanukkah, Solstice, Diwali, and Kwanzaa all involve candles, fire, and lights as part of their celebrations.
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Meeting ID: 940 3686 1969
For audio only, call: 253-215-8782
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12/8 – What Makes a Gift
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This season brings plenty of expectations about gifts and gift-giving. But what makes something — anything — a gift?
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Meeting ID: 940 3686 1969
For audio only, call: 253-215-8782
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12/15 – Presence
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By Johnna Ebanks, Winny Schnitzler, Holly Beck, Jane Mathewson, Marian Johnson, Charlotte Benson
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Living in the present moment. If you can’t be present, it’s not possible to learn.
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Meeting ID: 940 3686 1969
For audio only, call: 253-215-8782
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12/22 – Recordings and Songs
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Meeting ID: 940 3686 1969
For audio only, call: 253-215-8782
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12/24 – Christmas Eve 4:30 p.m. Service for All Ages
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Our Christmas Eve service will be filled with music, story, time for reflection, and our traditional lighting of candles at the end of the service.
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Meeting ID: 940 3686 1969
For audio only, call: 253-215-8782
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Burning Bowl
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The beginning of the calendar year is an opportunity to let go of the old and set one’s intentions for the new year. There will be four altars set for that purpose: a burning bowl to burn away the old, water to symbolically cleanse one’s self, oil to anoint oneself with intention, and candles to light to give the hopes light and the fire of commitment. Come and “cleanse the chambers of the heart,” to make room for the new.
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Bring a potluck offering to share with the Community in our post-service potluck.
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Meeting ID: 940 3686 1969
For audio only, call: 253-215-8782
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WUUC Facebook and SoundCloud Accounts
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![Post-Service Potluck [s]](https://wuuc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/potluck.jpg)
![Circle Supper [os]](https://wuuc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Circle-Supper-.png)
![Morning Sister Circle [L,Z]](https://wuuc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/morning-sister-circle.png)
![Men's Breakfast [of]](https://wuuc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/mens-breakfast-e1485549605842.jpg)
![Flash Stance [os]](https://wuuc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/flashstance.png)
