From You We Receive, To You We Give – The Gift of Partnership

In the Philippines, the Christmas season encompasses all of the “R” months at year end: SeptembeR, OctobeR, NovembeR, and DecembeR. Much excitement ensues when September begins, and Christmas decorations start popping up all over the country, especially in the cities. At UUSM, we join in the R month celebrations, since our Ulay Christmas gift boxes must be shipped in September!

This year two large boxes contain gift bags for each of the 52 Ulay member families. Each family will receive canned tuna, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soaps, pens and pencils, Christmas ornaments, and a few packets of fruit candies. In addition, there are large tins of cookies for the congregation to share, Christmas décor for the Ulay Chapel, toys and craft supplies for the RE program, and a composition book for every student in the Education Partner program. A bonus this year – a box of royal blue UUSM t-shirts discovered in the Office closet yielded 45 t-shirts for children and youth!

The boxes have now reached Negros Island, and will arrive in Ulay in time for Christmas!

Your generous donations to the Alternative Gift Faire and the annual Partner Church Special Collection, along with individual gifts, fund the Ulay Christmas boxes. The Alternative Gift Faire is coming up soon! On Action Sunday, December 10, we will have Christmas cards to sign, and paper, ornaments, pens, and colored markers for all ages to draw, decorate, and/or write messages. Everyone who participates will receive a souvenir from the Philippines! Don't miss it!

Your donations to the Alternative Gift Faire are welcome at any time, but especially in December and January. The Alternative Gift Faire page on our website has been updated! You can order gift cards, and donate online. Checks payable to UUSM can be sent to the UUSM office, or put them in the collection basket on any Sunday. Be sure to write “AGF” or “Alternative Gift Faire” on the memo line.

This year your donations to Give A Meal or Gift will support the Share A Meal and Christmas Gift Box programs. Donations to Education will support the Ulay College Fund. Donations to Economic Support will provide support for six NEW Pathways community Food House projects, and emergency relief when typhoons and other calamities impact our Ulay partners.

Many thanks for your generous support! Salamat Po!

Merry Christmas! Maayong Pasko!