NORWAY — First Universalist Church of Norway lists upcoming services.

Dec. 7: Tis the Season, with Pat Harris. December, the cusp of the year: days shorten, nights lengthen and winter is on the doorstep. Whether you love or hate them, the holidays are near. This reflection will ask us to journey inward to consider the notion of gifts, giving, and receiving. Is it possible to enjoy the season despite the craziness it sometimes brings? The sermon will explore some possibilities.

Dec. 14, Hope: The Heart of Christmas, with The Rev. Fayre Stephenson: As we find ourselves in the midst of holiday madness, we may wonder what this season has to teach us about hope and love. At this service we’ll take the time to pause, catch our breath, and through our Unitarian Universalist lens, we’ll look at the Christmas message of hope and peace to life on this earth.

Dec. 21, Solstice Pageant, with The Rev. Fayre Stephenson and Religious Education Participants: On this, the Sunday before Christmas, the children of the religious education program and their leaders will present a holiday program. Come, join the fun, sing carols and enter into the holiday spirit.

Dec. 24, 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Service: This service will be a traditional service of readings and carols for the whole family. There will be special music, a choir and participants from the congregation. Invite friends and families.

Dec. 28, R.O.C.K.S.: James Luther Adams’ Five Smooth Stones: A Creed for Unitarian Universalists?, with The Rev. Sue Gabrielson: Rev. Sue will discuss the Five Smooth Stones and whether they might serve as a grounding “theology” for Unitarian Universalists in the 21st century.

For religious classes for December, the month will be filled with celebration.

The first Sunday members will celebrate Chalica, a week-long celebration of  Unitarian Universalist Principles, and Dee will lead the group in some Chalice cookie making fun. Chalica begins on the first Monday in December and lasts seven days. Each day, a chalice is lit, and the day is spent reflecting on the meaning of and doing a good deed that honors that day’s principle (see list below). The focus is on mindfulness, service and action.

1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person (Each person is important);

2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations (Be kind in all you do);

3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth (We’re free to learn together);

4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning (…and search for what is true);

5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process in society at large (All people need a voice);

6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all (Build a fair and peaceful world);

7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part (We take care of the Earth).

Rehearsals for the Dec. 21 Solstice pageant will take place on Dec. 14. The children will also have the opportunity to experience the beautiful Swedish custom of the candle-crowned Lucia maiden who heralds the winter solstice and the arrival of Christmas with a traditional song and holiday buns. This celebration will honor the UU belief in gifts of love and service to others.

All are invited to join Christmas Eve services on Dec. 24.

On Dec. 30, the church will celebrate the start of the new year.