Announcements

Christmas Caroling right after service next Sunday! Join us in the community room to grab a quick sandwich provided by Faith Development, and then we will divide up to spread our cheer to those who are at home. Cookies are appreciated! You can leave them in the kitchen before service that day.
“Praise God with Dancing!” Dancers (any gender) are invited to help bring in the light to our 5:30 pm Christmas eve service. No prior experience required. Please contact the church office or Maggie Park at 330-277-7738 or maggiecatherinepark@gmail.com to say “yes!”
St. Clare Christmas Basket Program! Each year we partner with St. Clare Catholic Church to help provide food staples and children’s gifts for the holidays. In the sanctuary, on the Community Sharing Table,  you will find information about how to provide food for families of various sizes, including a shopping list. Your items, put into a cardboard box (or boxes), along with any toys or children’s books,  need to be delivered to St. Clare  December 20. We will collect toys and food baskets here if you wish, or would like help transporting your items.  If you wish to make a financial contribution in lieu of shopping yourself, here are the recommended donation amounts: 2 person family: $70; 4 person family: $80; 6 person family: $100; 8 person family: $115.
Tuesday—Justice Through Bail Reform: an Evening of Faith and Facts December 17, 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Too many people in our community are being locked up before they are even found guilty of an offense, with bail set so high they can’t afford to get out of jail. The costs of pre-trial incarceration are financial, physical, mental and emotional, and they take a toll on people, families and communities. Join us as we hear testimonials from people who have experienced our unjust bail system and people working to change it. Our faith and the facts point us in the same direction: It’s time for equal justice for all Kentuckians through bail reform.
Light refreshments and Q&A directly following the program. Episcopal Church of Our Savior, 2323 Lexington Rd., Richmond.
Room in the Inn is a community-based program that provides shelter to the homeless in the winter months. Several churches each take one night a week to become an “inn” by providing dinner, a warm place to sleep, and breakfast. Union Church participated last year on Sunday nights and we’re going to do it again this winter. We can use all kinds of help, working with guests, but also with behind the scene activities like cooking, cleanup, laundry and transportation. Volunteer training is being offered in December; shelters will run from January through mid-March.  If you’re interested in joining this effort, please contact Shirley Carlberg at nonesuch_1998@yahoo.com or 859-985-5501.
A client of LaRee Jacobs is seeking roommates in her house on Cherry Rd., Berea: Her name is Victoria Bordelon & contact number is 859-314-4363. She is a Berea College Alum. She is asking $450 per month for a room/study and bathroom or $500 for a top floor 3 bedroom apartment/bedroom suite. The kitchen area is shared by everyone in the home. Kids and pets are allowed on a person by person basis.
Coming Up at Union Church!
Dec. 21: Longnight Service Prayers for Healing at Christmas Time.        7 pm. All welcome.
Candle-lit Christmas Eve Services
Early: 5:30 pm-6:30 pm Candle-lit service with Music of the Season, Christmas Story, and  finger food reception afterwards. 
Late: 11:00 pm. Quiet Intimate Service in Cowan Chapel with Holy Communion.