Consult our online calendar tinyurl.com/caluucnc for upcoming events.

Current Health and Safety policy (replaces previous COVID policy)

Chalice Circle Sundays

Religious Exploration experiences for three multi-age groups:

• Elementary classes (grades K-4) meet on the first and third Sundays at 9 AM (January 11 & 25).
• Coming of Age classes (grades 5-8+) date/time/place TBA
• Teen/adult discussion group meets on the third Sunday at 10 AM (January 18).

Potluck Dinners

resume Wednesday, January 7, 5:30-7:30 PM
at 222 Temple St, Fredonia NY

From National Geographic: “According to the 2025 World Happiness Report, meal sharing ranks among the strongest predictors of well-being, comparable to factors like income and employment.”

Weekly potluck dinners will return on Wednesdays in January. We will vary the themes, with a vegan potluck on Wednesday, January 21, but all foods — including fish and meat — are welcome at the other January potlucks.

January 7: Simply Soup! You are invited to make and bring a pot of your favorite soup. Please bring your own crockpot for serving if you have one. Breads, beverages, and desserts are also welcome.

January 14: Taco Time! Tortillas and taco shells will be provided; please bring a filling or two of your choice to add to the mix. Beverages and desserts are welcome too.

January 21: Viva Vegan! Please bring plant based foods only. If you are not vegan you are most welcome to come discover just how delicious a vegan meal can be! Vegan desserts and beverages are welcome.

January 28: Creative Casseroles! Please bring a favorite casserole dish to share. And, as always, beverages and desserts are appreciated.

There is a sign-up sheet on the back table for set-up and clean up duties. If you plan to attend, please plan to help out. Many hands make light work!

No potlucks on December 24 or 31.

Great UUCNC Chili Cook-off

Saturday, January 10, 5-7 PM
at 222 Temple St, Fredonia NY

Invite your friends to join you for a fun evening of delicious food, games, and music!

Flyer: https://tinyurl.com/GreatUUChili2026

Entries in three categories will be accepted:

• Vegetarian chili
• Meat chili
• Non-traditional chili

The cost to enter is $10, which includes admission to the event. Experienced culinary judges will determine awards in each category, with an additional prize for People’s Choice.

Register to enter your favorite chili at https://tinyurl.com/uucncentry

RULES:

• 3 quarts of chili must be delivered, hot, in a slow cooker, between 3:45 and 4 PM on Saturday, January 10, 2026, to 222 Temple Street, Fredonia NY.
• A COMPLETE list of ingredients must accompany each entry, because of food sensitivities in those who will be tasting.
• Voting and judging will close at 7 PM, with winners announced at 7:15 PM.

Admission tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for children. Admission includes chili samples, a drink, crackers, and a ballot to vote for your favorite! Baked goods will be available for sale. Games, live music, and a basket raffle will take place during the event. To purchase tickets in advance, go to https://tinyurl.com/uucnctix

Snow date: Saturday, January 24

Contacts: Janey Wagner, Wendell Maggitti, and Sharon Piehler

Cup of Kindness Cafe

Friday, January 16, 7-10 PM
at 222 Temple St, Fredonia NY

One Friday each month we offer FREE coffee, snacks, and great conversation at our Friday night coffeehouse, the Cup of Kindness Cafe.

All are welcome—a special shout out to university students, LGBTQ+ individuals, and just about anyone who just wants a safe and welcoming place to be themselves.

A freewill offering will be accepted, but there is no obligation. Questions? Contact Rev. Ron Skowronski.

Guest at Your Table

Guest at Your Table (GAYT) is the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee’s (UUSC) annual intergenerational program to raise support for and awareness about key human rights issues. Unitarian Universalists across the country uphold human rights work around the globe through the seasonal GAYT collection for the UUSC, a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization advancing human rights together with an international community of grassroots partners and advocates.

Guest at Your Table information was distributed at the November 23 worship service and is available each Sunday. Here’s a children’s activity calendar, suitable for printing:
https://uucnc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/GAYT-Calendar-2025.pdf

We will collect your donations (checks payable to UU Service Committee or cash in an envelope marked for GAYT) on Sunday, January 11, but you may donate online any time, listing your congregation as the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Northern Chautauqua: uusc.org/givetoguest

Your tax deductible donation of $40 or more earns you and your family annual UUSC membership benefits. Donations of $150 or more are eligible to be matched by the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, NY.