Events & Programs

Annual Events

NOTE: Dates for the current year are in blue. Next year’s dates are updated over the summer. Check the congregation calendar for more information.

Auction *Saturday, November 16, 2024*

The CUUC annual “themed” auction is the largest fundraising effort outside of the annual Canvass. The theme for 2024 is “Sailing the Seven Seas” and should be a voyage to remember! Cocktails and dinner are included in the ticket price and there are opportunities to bid on items of various values. Guests may bid $5 for handmade note paper or $1000 for a stay at a vacation home. One of the most popular offerings at the auction is the Bid and Bump Board at which bids are taken for a seat at one of the many marvelous meals congregants offer to host at their homes.  Click here to see photos from past auctions. Questions? Check out our Auction FAQs. Click here for an Auction Donation Form, and here for the Auction Volunteer Sign-up Form to lend a hand.

Community Brunch *Various Dates*

Whether kicking off a new congregation year, celebrating the holidays, making an annual pledge, or preparing to enjoy wonderful music, we often find a reason to gather for good food and community after services. All are welcome to join us at our brunches whether you are a longtime member or a newcomer. The Kitchen Crew led by Steve Miller and Scott Damashek along with other CUUC volunteers do an amazing job planning and preparing our Community Brunches.

CongregationAL Barbecue *June*

Most years, a barbecue kicks off the summer with a chance for everyone in the CUUC family to picnic together.

Congregational Meetings

Meetings are scheduled by the Board of Trustees as needed for the purpose of sharing information, exchanging ideas, and voting. The annual meeting is held generally on the first Sunday in June, at which time there are votes for upcoming budgets, Board of Trustees members, nominating committee and policy changes.

PLACEkEEPING pRACTICE *First Saturday of Each Month*

On the first Saturday of each month, the CUUC PlaceKeepers encourage our community to gather and celebrate the 7th principle and 6th source of our Unitarian Universalist faith. These are the roots of our PlaceKeeping Practice:

• UU 7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
• UU 6th Source: Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

The PlaceKeepers welcome all CUUC members and guests to embrace and enjoy the beauty of our grounds. Our First Saturday Practice is your opportunity to gather in fellowship—child, youth, and adult—to discover, appreciate, and support the gift of our gorgeous woods and grounds.

To find out more: contact Bice Wilson. 

Giving Campaign *March–April*

Our congregation’s annual fundraising campaign funds the upcoming budget year. The campaign is held in March and April, so we can set the annual budget for the new congregational year that begins July 1.

Deck The Halls *December*

Congregants are invited to an informal get-together to decorate the sanctuary for the winter holiday season.

Juneteenth *June*

We commemorate the oldest African American holiday, Juneteenth, which celebrates the June 19, 1865, order freeing enslaved people in Texas. This order was issued two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. We at CUUC take this opportunity to examine the history and share in the rich heritage of people of African ancestry.

Kwanzaa *December*

Kwanzaa, an African American festival that is meaningful for people of all faiths, is celebrated by family and friends who gather to share food, ritual, and think about particular values, specifically the UU principles that make meaningful community. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a college professor, author, and scholar-activist who stresses the indispensable need to preserve, continually revitalize, and promote African American culture. Its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa from which it takes its name. For many years, CUUC supported a Kwanzaa celebration in the neighboring community.

Newcomer Reception *September*

Each year, usually in September, we invite new members and visitors to a reception at the church or parsonage to meet with the minister and CUUC leadership. It is an opportunity to socialize, ask questions, and share one’s own religious journey, as well as hear about the journeys of others.

Seder *April*

Periodically CUUC hosts its own cooperative Seder gathering during the Passover season. Traditional songs, a UU haggadah, and lots of participation make it a joyous celebration of freedom for all.