It has been a great holiday season! The children’s pageant, which focused on the Winter Solstice this year, was fun. At the first service of the New Year, the kids talked about New Year’s resolutions while the grown-ups were pondering how we choose our UU rituals.

But by far one of the neatest parts of the season for the church community was the Christmas Eve Service of Carols & Candles, organized by our minister, the Reverend Jan Johnson.

The UU Church of Cortland, bedecked for the Christmas Eve Service

The service included invited soloists, members and friends of the church, all led by Jan. More than forty people attended; next year it will probably be more. Four readings related the story of Jesus’ birth, accompanied by appropriate hymns and a gradual dimming of the lights. Just before the Silent Night, each person in the congregation lit a candle and the church sparkled with candlelight and the lights from the tree.

Another of our successful collaborative efforts to build our community, and hopefully the start of a beautiful local tradition!

—Julia Schult