Learn about these “guests” in the video that is linked second in this article.
Some of us end the year with extra charitable giving, maybe that has something to do with tax breaks or a feeling of generosity brought on by the holidays. It certainly true that many of the winter holidays celebrated around the world have a “giving” component: tzedakah boxes in Judaism, supporting community economics during Kwanzaa, or making visits during Bodhi day.
In the UU world, one of our opportunities for giving is to “welcome” a guest at your table. Each year the UU Service Committee highlights the work of partners and partner organizations through their Guest at Your Table giving drive. Throughout the weeks of January, you are encouraged to invite a guest to your family meals or family times. Imagine that each guest is eating with you and telling you about their needs and the needs of their communities. Think about ways that you can help to support the work of your guest and contribute. Each family is invited to pick up a Guest at Your Table box from the foyer of the church, so you have a physical reminder of your guest and a place to store your treasures.
Here are some helpful resources to learn more about each Guest at Your Table:
- An intro video to tell you a little about UUSC and this year’s Guest at Your Table theme: https://vimeo.com/562923747/df627f356e
- If you would like resources specifically for your young person: https://vimeo.com/592172590/aa3492c98c
- Want to know more about the guest and their organizations: https://www.uusc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Introductions-to-Partner-Videos-GAYT-2021-22.pdf (This resource also has more video links specific to each guest).
In celebration of the 12 days of Christmas (which start on Christmas Day and end on January 6th, Epiphany), we will be dedicating our January 9th plate offering to UUSC. In addition to the plate offering, please bring your boxes back to church on January 30th.
There is a certain warmness to giving in December, but there is a power to giving in January. It is the setting of an intention to expand your table and your blessings into the world for the coming year.
12/25/2021.
