UU Pen Pals is a fun way to meet someone new and bridge the generation gap. Each young person is paired with an adult or high school student, and then each pair spends five weeks exchanging letters about themselves without giving away their identity. February 12 will be the day of the big reveal, when everyone will find out the identity of their UU Pen Pal and they can spend time getting to know each other in person at a special luncheon reserved for Pen Pal participants. 

You don’t want to miss out on this highly anticipated, fun, bonding tradition of the UnitarianChurch of Lincoln! 

We typically start the Pen Pal exchanges with kindergarteners, but if you have a preschooler who you wish to participate and whom you will help write letters, that would be fine as well. High schoolers may be placed in either the child or adult role, depending on the number of participants in these areas. 

Click HERE for the UU Pen Pals Information and Sign-up Form.

Important dates: 
Sign up will continue through December 31.

Matches will be made and sent out the week ofJanuary 1.

The exchanges will begin on January 8 and continue on the following Sundays: January 15, January 22,January 29, and February 5.

The luncheon and reveal will be on February 12.

Great Spirit of Life, as a new year begins, we turn inward to reflect about the state of our lives:

What lessons have we learned in the past year and which new ones now call us forward?

To whom do we still owe an apology or expression of thanks?

And with whom must we draw fresh boundaries?

As we pause from our regular rhythms of rush-rush-rush, we open ourselves to new perspectives and possibilities. We give thanks for these moments and for the wisdom they afford us. May they help bring us together in the sacred dynamics of life so that we—as individuals and as members of this community—might reach our full potential.

As we step across this threshold, let this new year be a year of greater awe and gratitude,
Of deeper kindness and acceptance, and more courageous acts of conviction.
For a kinder, more equitable and sustainable world is not only possible, she is on her way. And in the quietness of this sacred community, we can ever hear her breathing.

AS A NEW YEAR BEGINS, BY KATE LORE

Two Potluck options this month the 2nd Monday and the 4th Monday of the month. Contact the church office [email protected] with any questions. If you would like weekly reminders of events and opportunities, use the SIGN UP FOR MAILING LIST button in the footer of this website.

MEN'S POTLUCK
Monday, January 9 • 6:30PM • Gallery

Our Lincoln Unitarian men’s potluck has been happening for over twenty years except for COVID interruption and a very few bad weather evenings. We meet at the church at 6:30 PM the second Monday of each month including the next dinner on January 9th. Over the years we have had many tasty treats and tall tales! Newcomers are especially welcome.

ALL SOUL'S POTLUCK 
Monday, January 23 • 5:30PM • Gallery

Many of us are craving each other’s company and wanting to break bread together. We are bound and determined to create these opportunities for fun, food and fellowship. Join us on the fourth Monday of January for our first ever ALL SOUL’S POTLUCK where everyone is welcome regardless of your age, gender, shoe size, economic status or hair color. 

All that we ask is that you bring a dish to share - entree, sides, dessert - and label the ingredients for those with food allergies/preferences. If you run out of time to make something from scratch, maybe you can pick up a side or a bag of grapes or chips from your favorite local grocer? or just show up. We won't turn anyone away.

This first All Soul’s Potluck is sponsored by a core group of Beloved Conversations participants who plan to share some information at the event.

At this annual service of bounty on December 18, 2022, we showed up with boxes and bags full of items to share with our partners in the community. It was one of the larger crowds we have seen in a while. Thank you to everyone who made it a success.

​NAACP: We exceeded our goal of raising $1,000 for the Lincoln Branch NAACP which is enough to cover one of the organization's spring scholarships. Since its founding in 1918, the Lincoln Branch NAACP has played an unparalleled role in improving the lives of those who are socially, politically and economically disenfranchised in Lincoln.

COMMUNITY ACTION: We gathered four large totes, and eight garbage bags filled with warm winter items for youth.  Community Action serves Lancaster and surrounding counties, and empowers people living in poverty to reach economic stability.

CENTERPOINTE: We gathered two large garbage bags filled with warm winter items for adults. CenterPointe helps the people we serve get better, sooner, for longer.  CenterPointe provides 35+ programs in the areas of treatment, rehabilitation, housing, and crisis response.

FRESH START: We gathered two large boxes and ten paper bags full of household and hygiene products for Fresh Start. Fresh Start has a vision to assist women to overcome homelessness. Our housing program uses client focused practices to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. 

EASTRIDGE FOOD PANTRY: We gathered a dozen paper bags of non-perishable foods for the Eastridge Food Pantry. The Eastridge Food Pantry’s mission is to provide food to families and individuals in need in Lincoln. While the pantry always needs food, cleaning products, and personal care items, the greatest need that the pantry has is for more volunteers.

LITTLE FREE PANTRY: We gathered a dozen paper bags of non-perishable foods for our Little Free Pantry. We selected items that would not freeze in sub-zero tempersatures. Our pantry - stationed next to the driveway on the Eldon Street side - is one of the newest pantries in Lincoln.

The quilt featured in the cover of this event page is by the artist Peg Green and is entitled "Phoenix Chalice". To see more of these art quilts go to www.peacepeg.com.