Unitarian Universalism is about using many traditions plus our own human good sense to create religious meaning to guide our lives.  Since we turn to many traditions, December is a month of celebrations.  This year, we begin with Chanukkah, honoring the Jewish story of returning the light to the Temple.  The following week is a day when Buddhists traditionally celebrate the day of the Buddha's enlightenment.  We'll have a day for honoring the values taught by the Buddha, contemplating the possibility of enlightenment in our own lives.  Later in the month, the Winter Solstice has its time, when those who turn to the rhythms of the seasons mark a new beginning, the return of light after a time of growing darkness.  And yes, we'll celebrate Christmas, with the familiar songs and story from the Christian tradition.  Jewish, Buddhist, Earth-Centered, Christian, yes -- that's us, all of the above, and more.  Different members of our congregation have different ways of relationship to the Divine -- some don't even go there, but hold an atheist or agnostic position.  One of our principles is the acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth. 

Though our way of being church has evolved from its roots in liberal Christianity over the last hundred or so years, our congregation goes back to the very earliest days of Manchester, so we are not a "New Age" new arrival.  Our way of being a congregation reflects our roots as well as our wings.  We have a strong program for children that encourages spiritual growth through experience.  We tell the stories, and our stories are from many sources.  Then we encourage the children to explore the stories' meanings -- not so much indoctrination, more discovery.  We invite others to join us in our eclectic practices, whether for our Month of Celebrations in December or anytime throughout the year.

We are located at 669 Union Street, Manchester.  Sunday morning services are at 10:00.  In December, our once-a-month Saturday evening service will be at 5:00 PM on December 8.   We celebrate Chanukkah and the Buddha's enlightenment on Sunday mornings, December 2 and 9,  We have a special service for the Winter Solstice on Thursday, December 20, at 7:00 PM, preceded by a vegetarian supper.  A children's pageant about many winter holiday traditions is on Sunday, December 23.  On December 24, we have two Christmas Eve services, one oriented toward families at 6:00 PM and one for those who prefer candlelight at 8:00 PM