The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia

Christmas Eve 2025: Lessons and Carols | Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper

In our annual tradition, we celebrate Christmas Eve with a service of readings and carols and candlelight.

 

Cynthia Marshall, Linda Adcox-Kimmel, Michael Adcock, Michael Phillips, Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper, Interim Minister, UUCC Chalice Choir, Zachary Nelson

 

Holiday Pageant: The Solstice Badger | Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper

This year, our annual winter pageant, The Solstice Badger, will be directed by our very own Amelia Sorensen. All are invited to join us for the pageant. Thank you to everybody that is starring in our beloved pageant this year! We’re looking forward to it.

 

Pageant Company Members
Leighton Hubard
Delilah Nelson
Alured Beltran
Matthew Huh
Anunda Pokharel-Wood
Anabel Beltran
Lily Myers
Clare VanHouten
Lisa Bovee Kemper
Elijah Boveekemper

Pageant Crew
Director Amelia Sorensen
Stage manager Tristan Cairns-Gallimore
Music Tom Monroe
Set Design Amelia Sorensen, KP McLaughlin, UUCC Youth Group, Jen Myers, & Aiden Myers
Costumes Kelli Danaker

Holiday Music Service: Journey to the Light, A Tapestry of Carols | Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper

Join Director of Music Ministry, Michael Adcock, our UUCC Chalice Choir, and Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper for our annual Holiday Music Service on Sunday, December 14 at 10AM. The title for this year’s service is Journey to the Light: A Tapestry of Carols.

Bernadette Rock, Chalice Singers, Cleveland Chandler, Jen Siegal, Laura Crovo, Laurie Coltri, Lisa Marini, Michael Adcock, Michael Phillips, Sherry Peruzzi, UUCC Chalice Choir

Recipe for Gratitude | Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper

In the United States, fall and winter holidays are often centered around traditions of food and family. Each year, media is saturated with headlines like, “A New Twist on Holiday Recipes!” How might we infuse the holiday season with new insights about gratitude and our traditions?

Worship led by Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper, with Linda Adcox-Kimmel as Worship Associate.

Alan Coltri, Kelli Danaker, Lorien Haavik, Michael Adcock, organ & piano, Madeline Miskie, soprano

 

Is it really the hope that’ll kill you? | Laurice Grae

The cultural understanding of hope is often rooted in emotion, “I feel hopeful about…” But what if hope is actually a framework for how to survive in difficult times? Hope can give a sense of purpose and autonomy. It is also a way for us to find agency, practice gratitude, and inspire generosity. Executive Director Laurice Grae (she/they) will lead this worship service.

 
Alex Cauthen-Zach, Kelli Danaker, Laurice Grae, Regina Verow, Tom Monroe

 

The Queen's Loaves | Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper

This multigenerational service invites us into the story of a queen who learned an important lesson about humility. The congregation is invited to bring bread to share that represents their family’s heritage. The bread can be homemade or store-bought.

One Size Harms All | Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper and the Accessibility Committee

Have you ever sat in a chair that felt just right—only for someone else to say it didn’t work for their body? Next thing you know, all the chairs have been swapped for a style that’s comfortable for them, but not for you! As Dr. Jennifer Camota-Luebke reminds us, “the disabled community is not a monolith.” What’s accessible or comfortable for one person may not work for another. When we’re building an inclusive and diverse community together, meeting everyone’s needs can start to feel a bit like Goldilocks and the Three Bears—nothing ever seems “just right” for everyone. So, what tools can we use to navigate this and truly support one another’s needs?

Once in a Lifetime | Anthony Jenkins

Do we only live once? Do we return again to life after death? What (and where) is the afterlife? In that spirit, Chaplain Anthony Jenkins will lead a service exploring the connection between our personal understanding of the “hereafter” and our life experiences in the here-and-now. Michael Phillips will serve as Worship Associate.

Ancestor Remembrance | Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper

In our annual tradition, we honor our ancestors by lifting up our memories of loved ones who have died. The service will feature poetry, special music, candle-lighting and the speaking of names. You are invited to bring photos, or small memorial objects to place on our community altar. This service is for all ages; children will stay with us during the entire service rather than go downstairs for Children’s Class.

What Do YOU Need to Meet this Moment? | Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper

Join us as we practice what it means to truly “struggle together in our spiritual journeys.” UUCC member and People Acting Together in Howard (PATH) Executive Director, Cynthia Marshall, will lead service with Rev. Lisa encouraging the entire congregation to listen to each other as we all answer the question “What do you need to meet this moment?” We’ll enjoy cello music from Gabriel Hightower.

 

Speakers: Cynthia Marshall, Gabriel Hightower, Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper, Interim Minister, Tom Monroe