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DECEMBER 2025 WUUC NEWSLETTER
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A Chalice Challenge: Find the chalice hidden inside one of the linked articles in this newsletter. 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 Nicole Michalou from Pexels
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Policy Reminder of the Month
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Volunteers Needed for Senior Youth Programming
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Consider an Endowment Pledge
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Totes to Go – December 2025
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Justice & Service Monthly Collection
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Annual Holiday Giving Tree Drive
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All-Ages Drum Circle for January
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Crafting & Children Gift Shopping
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Monday Morning Sister Circle
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Cookie Exchange & Neighbors in Need Gifting Project
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Cookies, Cocoa and Christmas Stories
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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 2025 Soul Matters Theme: Choosing Hope
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Passage from December 2025 Soul Matters Theme: Choosing Hope
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Welcome to Choosing Hope Faith, wherever it develops into hope, causes not rest but unrest, not patience but impatience. It does not calm the unquiet heart, but is itself this unquiet heart in [all of us]. Those who hope… can no longer put up with reality as it is, but begin to suffer under it, to contradict it. [It] means …
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The January Newsletter will feature bios from Quentin, Marie and Ezri Quiñones-Rezin, Eli Taylor and Lily Jones, Christine Deppe, and Kristina Gray.
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We welcomed multiple new members to our church recently. The December and January newsletters will both feature bios from our new members so our community can read and welcome these wonderful people to our community at WUUC. The bios in this newsletter will be Barbara and Skip Tripp, Tony and Marie Porter, Kristina Schmidt, and Howard Voland.
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Policy Reminder of the Month
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Minister’s Discretionary Fund, also called the Helping Hands Fund. The offering is traditionally given and received during the Christmas Eve Service. Recognizing the need for confidentiality around pastoral care, the minister will keep a record of all disbursements from the Fund which will be annually reviewed by the Treasurer.
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Anyone seeking assistance from the Fund may make their request by contacting the
minister in person or in writing. The minister will decide how much assistance (if any)
will be given from the Fund.
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The Treasurer of the Board will conduct an annual review of all expenditures to assure
that they furthered WUUC’s mission and were consistent with WUUC’s tax exempt
purposes.
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Volunteers Needed for Senior Youth Programming
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Beginning in January, we will have a senior youth group that meets once a month from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the church. We are planning to serve dinner and have social time with games and casual activities. CYF is looking for a few volunteers who are interested in working with our senior high youth in this capacity. Please reach out to KatieCYF@wuuc.org if you’re interested!
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Consider and Endowment Pledge
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Did you know that WUUC has an Endowment fund? If you are looking to make a charitable donation for 2025 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.
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Learn more at wuuc.org/endow. – In community, WUUC Endowment Committee
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Totes to Go – December 2025 Update
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Our Totes to Go program for Maywood Hills elementary in Bothell is has been going well for the 25-26 school year. Many thanks to John Hartman, who stepped in to organize everything and make deliveries when my hip was broken. (That’s why we have co-coordinators, right?) Thanks also to everyone who has supported Totes so far!
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We’re now collecting items to be delivered at the first of the new year. With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, please don’t forget the kids who depend on us for weekend meals. We can help them get a good start to this “second half” of the school year. As you do your holiday shopping, remember to pick up extra items for Totes. Watch for messages about what is especially needed.
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Questions about what the Totes to Go program is about or what we are collecting? Contact John Hartman or Grace Simons, co-coordinators.
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Justice & Service Monthly Collection
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The Na’ah Illahee Fund is an Indigenous-led intermediary that advances climate justice, food sovereignty, and self-determination for Indigenous communities of the Pacific Northwest and the kinship routes that connect them. Rooted in ancestral knowledge and guided by Indigenous futures, we move resources to grassroots leaders and organizations through regranting, while also providing advocacy and capacity-building support. Together, we strengthen Indigenous economies, protect land and water, and sustain cultural traditions for generations to come.
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The ASJ Committee thanks WUUC members and friends for their generous support of our monthly special collections, which take place during services on the third Sunday of every month (December 21st). 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 Special Collection” in the notes. Visit wuuc.org/collection.
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Annual Holiday Giving Tree Drive
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This year, we have two opportunities for Giving Tree donations. WUUC will sponsor gifts for Friends of Youth (FOY) families through our annual Giving Tree. FOY services accompany youth and young families as they achieve and surpass their goals—while facing circumstances of homelessness, foster care and behavioral health challenges. Gift tags (20) will be available on the tree in the sanctuary. Gifts will need to be dropped off at the church (unwrapped with the tag) by Sunday, December 14th.
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If you prefer to make a monetary donation of any amount (or are unable to pick up a gift tag), WUUC will also be sponsoring donations to the Pink Haven Coalition with funds passing through the JUUstice Washington State Action Network. Pink Haven Coalition is a collective of organizations and individuals working to create networks of safety and direct support for transgender persons and their families who need to relocate, access healthcare across state lines, or stay as safe as possible where they are. Monetary donation QR tags will be available on the Giving Tree and donations can be made through the month of December.
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Questions? Contact: Leslie Morton or Jan Radoslovich
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All-Ages Drum Circle Next Event
– Sunday, January 18
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Drum Circle typically meets on the 3rd Sunday of the month but do to the holiday events we will be skipping December. Then next Drum Circle will be back on our regular schedule of 3rd Sundays on January 18.
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Super Seniors Potluck
– Wednesday, December 3
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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 6
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There will not be a music circle in January 2026. After December 6, the next music circle will be Saturday, February 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.
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You are invited to bring your voice, your drums, your guitars or whatever instruments you want for impromptu music making.
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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 6 & 13
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December Circle Suppers will be hosted by Chuck Bean on Saturday, December 3 & 13 at 6:00 p.m. Circle Supper’s are potlucks held at a different community member’s house each month.
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Anyone who wants to attend can put their name down along with their dietary preferences and what they are bringing.
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![Circle Supper [os]](https://wuuc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Circle-Supper-.png)
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If you’ve never been before keep reading…
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Crafting & Children’s Gift Shopping
– Sunday, December 7
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Join us after the service on Sunday, December 7 for holiday crafting and kids’ gift shopping. There will be several crafts that kids can make to give as gifts as well as the holiday shop. Children will have a chance to “shop” for small gifts to give to family and friends. After the kids are done, the shop will open to the rest of the congregation.
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We are continuing to accept donations of gently used items such as books, toys, and knick knacks you have been wanting to get rid of. There is a box in the lobby for you to place your donated items.
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Monday Morning Sister Circle – December 8
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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 & Neighbors in Need Gifting Project – Sunday, December 14
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Come gather with us on Sunday, December 14 at 11:30 a.m. (after the service) for a Cookie Exchange and Neighbors in Need gifting project. Bring 1 or 2 dozen of your favorite holiday cookies for exchange, along with a list of main ingredients to help accommodate dietary needs. We’ll also box up toiletries to deliver to the Food Pantry in Duvall for neighbors in need in our local community. Watch your email for a list of requested items.
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Euchre (Card Game) – Monday, December 15
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Euchre night at WUUC. The third Monday of the month on Monday, December 15 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in Ditzler Hall.
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Starting January 2026 we will switch to the third Friday of every month 6:00 – 9:00 in Ditzler Hall.
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Newbies are welcome! It’s an easy card game to learn and we’re here to help. Lead by John Hartman
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Golden Girls Lunch – Thursday, December 18
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– Stephana Ditzler
All ladies are cordially invited to join the Golden Girls Thursday, December 18th, the THIRD Thursday of the month (earlier with holidays), for lunch and fine conversation at the Olive Garden. The address is 11325 NE 124th St., Kirkland. The time is 11:30. We will be eating together in a private room busily getting to know each other better. Watch for the RSVP request closer to the date. Looking forward to seeing you all! Questions? Contact Stephana Ditzler, ditzlers@gmail.com
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All Community Solstice Brunch
– Sunday, December 21
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After the Sunday service, stay for a delicious pancake-and-eggs brunch sponsored by the Men’s Group.
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Vegan options available. Enjoy warm company as we celebrate the turning of the season. After brunch, volunteers will be needed to help clear tables and chairs to prepare for the Solstice Labyrinth Walk the following evening.
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Solstice Labyrinth Walk
– Monday, December 22
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On Sunday, December 21st, the longest night of the year. The day after the solstice on December 22 we will 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 Monday, December 22.
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Cookies, Cocoa, and Christmas Stories
– Wednesday December 24
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Families, be sure to join us on Christmas Eve for a special event for Children, Youth, and Families. We will have a social time with cookies and cocoa beginning at 2:30 p.m. followed by a special reading in the sanctuary by Rev. Dan of a beloved Christmas story.
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After, be sure to stay for Caroling and the Candlelight service.
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Caroling for All Ages
– Wednesday December 24
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Lift your voice in joyful song! Join our choir director Matt Smith accompanied by Terry Levitt as they lead us in familiar holiday carols for all ages.
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This will be followed by our yearly Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.
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Office Closed – Wednesday, December 24 through Tuesday, January 6
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The WUUC office will be closed from December 24 through January 6.
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Building use and Weekly events will continue unless canceled by the group leader.
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If you are planning an event during this time, please plan ahead to coordinate with staff.
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Men’s Breakfast – Saturday, December 27
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Men of all ages gather to converse and eat breakfast on the fourth Saturday of each month at 8:30 a.m. at the Hagen’s Supermarket in Woodinville. Eat breakfast, drink coffee, talk about whatever comes up. 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 28
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A potluck in the sanctuary on the 4th Sunday of each month after Sunday service.
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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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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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Noor Swan-Kingsley – December 10
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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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12/7 – The Path of Love
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The Path of Love, and the questions that guide our lives.
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Meeting ID: 940 3686 1969
For audio only, call: 253-215-8782
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12/14 – Choosing Hope
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Meeting ID: 940 3686 1969
For audio only, call: 253-215-8782
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12/21 – Winter Solstice: The Longest Night of the Year
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Winter Solstice is a time to honor the turning of the wheel as we move from autumn to winter. Learn how others around the world honor the winter solstice as we embrace the darkness, the stillness, and time to rejuvenate and begin to prepare for the return of the sun.
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Meeting ID: 940 3686 1969
For audio only, call: 253-215-8782
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12/24 – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 4:30 p.m.
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Our Christmas Eve service starting at 4:30 p.m. will be filled with music, storytelling, and reflection, concluding with our cherished tradition of candle lighting.
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Meeting ID: 940 3686 1969
For audio only, call: 253-215-8782
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12/28 – 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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![Morning Sister Circle [L,Z]](https://wuuc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/morning-sister-circle.png)
![Men's Breakfast [os]](https://wuuc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/mens-breakfast-e1485549605842.jpg)
![Post-Service Potluck [s]](https://wuuc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/potluck.jpg)
