Announcements
Change for the World…October, November, December
Powered by a passionate group of volunteers, Caitlin’s Smiles encourages children with serious health challenges to explore their uniquely creative worth and talents by taking part in art and craft activities. While creating feelings of self-worth and instilling confidence in these children the projects provide valuable family time. Catlin’s Smiles recognizes that healing is mental as well as physical. Creativity is vital to a child’s healthy development, and art is a positive distraction within a medical setting.
Founded by Cheryl Hornung, Caitlin’s Smiles is named for her daughter who passed away at 8 from a brain tumor. Caitlin was uplifted from the art and craft projects her mother supplied, and she found much needed relief and even smiles through years of uncertainty and setbacks. The organization provides various types of kits to nurse’s stations in children’s wards, emergency clinics, children’s hospitals, homebound patients and summer medical camps. They reach 8 states in the northeast plus Washington, DC.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
All are welcome to join us for our Christmas Eve Candlelight service on Wednesday, December 24 at 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary.
And, bring some of your favorite cookies to share after the service in our social hall where hot chocolate, cookies and friendship will be shared.
Membership and Outreach
“Our UUCV Membership and Outreach Committee is being reconstituted. If you are interested in being a greeter on Sunday mornings, passing the offering baskets, meeting newcomers and/or carrying UUCV out into the world, please join us. This work is not difficult, but it is so very important!
Meetings will be at noon on the third Sunday of each month, in the new Welcome Center. Questions or concerns? Please call Betsy Walters at 508-494-0981.
Cumberland County Prison Cookie Drive
UUCV Offering/Pledge Options
You can scan the QR code and make your offering or pledge donation to UUCV. Your donation is greatly appreciated
Recovery Dharma
In the October 12 sermon on Addiction, Grace, and the Long Road Home, Rev. Phoenix invited us to imagine a faith that meets people exactly where they are — as they are. As a community committed to widening the circle of belonging, we here at UUCV are living into that message in a real and tangible way.
With the help of Tara Sollman, who was worship associate during that service and shared her own addiction journey, we are beginning a new Recovery Dharma group here at UUCV, meeting on Sunday evenings at 7 PM — starting next Sunday, December 14. Recovery Dharma meetings are part of a peer-led, global movement. We will provide a space for these regular meetings grounded in Buddist-inspired practices of compassion, accountability, and presence.
Just as the sermon reminded us: We are called to be the people who run toward love. The people who offer a seat at the table without conditions. The people who say, “Bring the best robe. Prepare the feast. You are worthy of coming home.” This new group is one way we extend that love into the world — making sure that those who need to see they are loved actually feel it, in community and in practice.
If you or someone you know could benefit from a supportive, compassionate, nonjudgmental recovery space, we invite you to join us. If you have questions you can email recovery@uucv.org.
Adult Religious Education
Adult education classes will begin on Sunday, September 7 at 9:00am in the board room or on ZOOM.
These classes will be held on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:00 am in the Board Room at UUCV or join via Zoom at https://zoom.us/my/meetingsuucv (572 887 2212)
December 21: Pagan Practices Surrounding the Solstice
Discussion leader: Lynn Sodora
Sound Headsets Available
For anyone needing a noise muffling device or headphones to assist in hearing, they are located in the rear of the church with Jonathan, our sound board technician.
Call for Artists!
Have you noticed the beautiful artwork displayed in our Social Hall? We’re currently featuring three talented artists—take a moment to enjoy their work! If you’re interested in purchasing a piece, please see Emily Cappucci or Rev. Phoenix.
We’re now seeking artists for the upcoming season. Each artist is encouraged to select pieces inspired by our monthly themes:
This Quarter
January – Choosing Hope
February – Practicing Resistance
March – Embodying Resilience
Next Quarter
April – Paying Attention
May – Embracing Possibility
June – Awakening Curiosity
Artists set their own prices (UUCV retains 30% of proceeds). Contact info and short artist statements will accompany each display, and featured works will appear on UUCV’s social media with a protective watermark. Interested? Contact Emily Cappucci to learn more
2026 BOOK GROUP SCHEDULE AND DISCUSSION LEADERS
January 25 – How to Stand Up to a Dictator by Maria Ressa. (John Katz)
Pioneering digital journalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa begins with autobiography, but ultimately chronicles her conflict with Filipino thug-dictator Duterte– and explains how social media facilitates the rise of global fascism.
February 22 – Dear America, Notes of an Undocumented Citizen by Jose Antonio Vargas. (Susan Rimby)
Vargas immigrated to the United States as a twelve-year-old Filipino boy to live with his grandparents in Los Angeles. Four years later, he learned that his papers had been forged and that he was undocumented. What follows is his account of his life in the United States and his criticisms of a broken immigration system. It’s a fascinating read by a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist.
The UUCV Book Group meets at 6:30 pm on the 4th Sunday of each month for a lively, thoughtful discussion on our worship ZOOM channel https://zoom.us/my/uucvpa
PLEASE SUPPORT THE SUPPLY DRIVE FOR OUR GROWING HOMELESS POPULATION
(and follow The Golden Rule of Giving: If you wouldn’t use it or eat it yourself, please don’t donate it.) Drop-off Logistics: We are collecting these items at UUCV until January 21. Starting December 14th you can leave your donation in a box near the Social Justice Bulletin board and a committee member will deliver them to Rev. Chris Kapp’s Office – 219 North Pitt St. Carlisle each week.
Option 1: The “Street Outreach” Kit (Individual Bags)
These are gallon-sized Ziploc bags that are ready to be handed out immediately. Great for families to assemble at home!
The “Extra Mile” Item: A $5–$10 gift card to a fast-food chain (McDonald’s/Dunkin’). This provides a hot meal and access to a restroom/climate control.
The Essentials: High-quality wool or thermal socks, wet wipes, travel-size toothbrush & toothpaste, lip balm, and Band-Aids.
Nutrition (Soft Food Only): Many on the street suffer from dental pain. Please stick to soft foods like applesauce pouches, soft breakfast bars (e.g., Fig Newtons), and pouch tuna/chicken. Avoid crunchy granola bars or hard candy.
Option 2: Tent & Encampment Survival (any of the items below will be helpful)
For our neighbors living “rough” in tents or outdoors, survival gear is more valuable than travel hygiene.
Shelter:
- Heavy-duty tarps (8×10 or 10×12)
- Tents [simple, easy to put together]
- paracord/rope
- duct tape (the universal repair tool)
Power & Light:
- AA and AAA batteries
- flashlights (headlamps are preferred)
- solar phone chargers
Daily Living:
- Manual can openers (vital for canned goods)
- heavy-duty trash bags (used for waterproofing gear)
- reusable water bottles
A Note on Safety: Please DO NOT include mouthwash or hand sanitizer containing alcohol, as these can be harmful to those in recovery and are often banned in shelters.
Office Hours
UUCV OFFICE HOURS FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 1
December 8 – 12th 8:30 – 2:30
As always, if you have an urgent pastoral issue, call the church 717-249-8944 and select Option 9. You will be directed to leave a message with your name and phone number, and you will receive a call back from Rev. Phoenix.
CARES Meal
On SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, our congregation is signed up to provide a hearty holiday meal for clients at Carlisle CARES. The theme for this meal is easy to prepare parts done in slow cookers, or ovens, yet also easy to deliver. Hopefully we can plan ahead for shopping & preparing, then deliver all parts of the meal to the church kitchen by Sunday, DECEMBER 21, from 3:00 to 3:30. If it’s more convenient, dishes can be delivered direct to the CARES Resource Center on W Penn St that afternoon, by 5:00.
*****ITEMS NEEDED for HOLIDAY MEAL*****
TURKEY – 2 Turkey breasts with Gravy and 1 sectioned whole roasted Turkey with Gravy
STUFFING- 2 of either Stuffing Casseroles or Stuffing Balls
POTATO CASSEROLES – 1 Sweet Potatoes
VEGETABLE CASSEROLES- 3 of any: Green Beans, Corn, Broccoli, or Squash
CRANBERRY SAUCE – 3 of either canned or homemade
FRESH FRUIT – 3 Bags of Oranges or Tangerines
BEVERAGES – Large Ground Coffee cans
Please email the church office with specific donation parts you can provide for this special meal. office@uucv.org
UUCV Community Facebook Group
Have you joined Facebook’s “UUCV Community” group yet? It’s a great place to connect with other UUCV members! You’ll find out what other UUCVers are up to, what activities are happening at the church, and you can even post there if you’d like to get in touch with others for anything from card games to hobbies. It’s a private group for anyone who attends UUCV. There are also short “Getting to know your fellow UUCVers” posts that shine a light on community members. Just go on Facebook and do a search for “UUCV Community” and it should pop up!
UUCV Mitten Tree
Mitten Tree Collection will begin on Sunday, November 30. We will be collecting NEW winter gloves, mittens, scarves, hats and thick socks through Sunday, December 14th. Bring in your items and decorate our Sanctuary Tree. All items will be donated to Community CARES in Carlisle.
Check out UUCV Announcements on our website www.uucv.org under NEWS or https://uucv.org/about/news/announcements-2-2/