The holidays at All Souls arrive not with hurry, but with a gentle widening—of our hearts, of our gratitude, of the circles we make around one another. This season invites us to slow down, to notice beauty, to reconnect with what makes life feel meaningful. And in a world that often rushes past the sacred, our community chooses to gather, honor, remember, celebrate, and welcome.
Here’s what’s unfolding at All Souls this December as we move together through a season rooted in Love Beyond Belief.
Every ornament holds a story—some brand new, some softened by years of memories. On December 7, our All Souls family gathers to deck the church in color and beauty at our annual Tree Trimming Party. It’s a come-as-you-are, all-ages celebration where little hands and long-timers alike share hot cocoa, laughter, and the simple joy of preparing our home for the season.
Whether you love crafting, hanging lights, or just enjoying the cheerful chaos of it all, this gathering is truly a snapshot of belonging.
There’s something sacred about music in December. It returns us to wonder. It softens what has been hardened. It reminds us that—even in the darkest months—joy still rises in harmony.
Our Holiday All-Church Choir Concert brings together singers across generations for a program of familiar melodies, new arrangements, and soul-stirring selections. Under the direction of Dr. Randall Hooper, the sanctuary becomes a space where sound becomes prayer, celebration, and connection.
Bring a friend. Bring your family. Bring your whole heart.
For many, the holidays hold both joy and ache. Each year, our Holiday Memorial Chapel creates space for the tenderness of remembering those no longer with us. Through candlelight, music, and moments of reflection, we honor the names, stories, and loves that continue shaping our lives.
This quiet gathering is one of the most meaningful of the season—an opportunity to breathe, grieve, and be held by community.
Immediately following the service on December 21, we invite everyone to stay for a brief but deeply meaningful Unitarian Communion.
Rooted in a 450-year-old tradition, this ritual is not about doctrine or creed. It is an invitation to remember our shared humanity, renew our commitment to our highest values, and reflect on the lives we aspire to lead. Bread and wine (or juice) become symbols of gratitude and gentleness—a simple moment of shared meaning in the heart of a busy season.
All are welcome. Always.
On Christmas Eve, our sanctuary glows with candlelight and expectation. Whether you’ve been here for decades or are walking in for the very first time, the night holds something special for everyone.
4:30 PM — Interactive, Child-Focused Candlelight Service
A lively and story-rich service designed especially for children and families, full of wonder, interaction, and joy
6:00 PM — Traditional Candlelight Service
A beautiful service with readings, carols, and a message of hope and peace
7:30 PM — Evening Candlelight Service
More details coming soon for this service
Across every service, candlelight becomes our shared language—one flame touching another, one community gathering around the promise that light still shines in the world.
December invites us to remember what matters. To celebrate with joy. To honor with tenderness. To gather in ways that make us more whole.
Wherever you are this season—in celebration, in grief, in transition, or simply in need of a place to breathe—we hope you’ll find a home at All Souls.
We can’t wait to share this season with you.
