Celebrating Solar Power
Tri-County Unitarian Universalists recently celebrated the installation of 71 new solar panels, featuring remarks from four speakers, followed by refreshments, conversation, and lunch. Each speaker addressed the value of the new solar system—both as the environmentally responsible choice and as a sound financial decision for the congregation.
Reverend Kristina welcomed everyone and emphasized our responsibility as stewards of the Earth. She reminded us that caring for the planet is a core Unitarian Universalist value, saying:
“We understand our responsibility to care for the Earth as a core Unitarian Universalist value. And for us, where better to live our values as faithfully as we can than in our church building?”
Congregation President Cindy Grossman spoke about Tri-County’s shared values and collective spirit:
“Unitarian Universalist is about people. We bring people together, and together we come up with great ideas that help us live our values. We have built something special here that will last for generations, and more importantly, we will model for future generations that sustainable options do exist.”
Bruce Twiss, who worked most closely with Susan Elwell on the project, shared concrete financial details. He explained that the monthly payment of $300, plus a $35 meter fee for the 71-panel system, is less than 50% of the building’s historical kilowatt-hour charges from the power company. The savings are immediate and are expected to grow as conventional electricity rates continue to rise.
The passionate environmentalist behind the project, Susan Elwell, highlighted the long-term environmental impact. TriUU’s solar system alone will offset 374 metric tons of CO₂ over its 25-year lifespan—the equivalent of planting 624 trees. She noted:
“Solar energy helps protect wildlife and natural habitats by reducing pollution and habitat destruction associated with fossil fuel extraction and use.”
In closing, Reverend Kristina expressed gratitude for Susan Elwell’s expertise and dedication:
“We are so grateful that Susan Elwell found us and learned of our interest in going solar—an area she is an expert in! Thank you, Susan, for helping us achieve this dream.”
For those interested in learning more about how the system works, a colorful diagram explaining the solar installation is displayed in a frame near the kitchen.
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Cindy T.
Susan E.
Bruce T.
CHRISTMAS EVE’S SERVICE
A special reminder about our Christmas Eve service:
Christmas Eve’s service will be at 4 PM again this year.
WORSHIP SERVICES
December 2025's theme is "Choosing Hope."
The spiritual theme for December is "Choosing Hope." This week we'll consider hope through the lens of Advent, the Christian liturgical season of expectant waiting that leads to Christmas.
In November, TriUU member Roger Cooper asked Rev. K to wrestle with the question of theodicy (ultimately the question of why G-d permits evil) in the context of Hurricane Melissa. She will answer this and other questions on the theme of "Choosing Hope" from the congregation during this service. Questions may be sent in advance for consideration and inclusion (to triuurev@gmail.com).
This morning we will reflect on choosing hope through an Earth-based lens, given the Winter Solstice and the Pagan holiday of Yule.
Join us for this special service at 4 pm, when we celebrate Christmas Eve with a mix of contemporary readings and traditional carols. Together we will wonder at the mysteries and miracles of how we find hope, that we will carry into our daily lives.
Rev. Tracie Barrett POEM
I Breathe
I breathe in the warmth of this light,
its glow filling the spaces where fear and doubt reside.
I breathe out the tension I carry.
I release what no longer serves me.
I breathe in the strength of our community,
a sanctuary of diverse voices and shared purpose.
I breathe out the urge to go it alone.
I embrace the power of togetherness.
I breathe in the courage to speak truth,
even when it trembles on my lips.
I breathe out the silence that holds me back.
I make space for honesty and justice.
I breathe in the hope of transformation,
knowing we are here to build and to heal.
I breathe out despair,
trusting that change is born in small acts of love.
As we light this chalice, may each breath remind us
of the sacred rhythm of life, the pulse of creation,
and the power we hold to shape the world around us.
JOIN US
FORUM: Antisemitism: What is it? What is it not?
Thursday, December 11 at 4 PM
Rabbi Dr. Erin Boxt, Temple Beth Shalom, Ocala
What is antisemitism? What is not antisemitism? Why is it important to discuss and learn about this today? How can we learn to be better humans?
Rabbi Erin Boxt was raised in Columbia, South Carolina, where he served as a religious school teacher and was an active member of the youth group at his home congregation, Tree of Life. In 1992, Rabbi Boxt met Rabbi Gary Zola, then Dean of Admissions at Hebrew Union College. He later attended two conventions at HUC in Cincinnati, forging lasting connections to both the city and the institution that would endure for nearly two decades.
Rabbi Boxt attended the University of Georgia, graduating in May 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. In the summer of 2008, he and his wife, Batya, along with their daughter, Carlie, moved to Jerusalem to begin the five-year rabbinic student journey at Hebrew Union College. During his studies, Rabbi Boxt served as a student rabbi and rabbinic intern for several congregations across the United States.
After serving congregations in Marietta, Georgia, and Knoxville, Tennessee, Rabbi Boxt and his family—wife Batya and children Carlie, Danika, and Akivah—moved to Ocala, Florida, in July 2022, where he became the rabbi of Temple Beth Shalom. He is particularly enthusiastic about interfaith dialogue and opportunities to share his perspectives with broader communities.
A potluck dinner will follow the forum.
Call (352) 245-7944 for more info
Steve Burt’s Christmas Stories and Cookies
Thursday, December 18, 2:00 to 4:00PM
Steve Burt
Our own Steve Burt will return for another public appearance as The Christmas Story Pastor. Bring a handkerchief and prepare to be moved by the power of his written and spoken words.
Admission is free.
Autographed books will be sold for $20 each--while they last--with 100% of the sales price going to support TriUU!
MESSAGES
Message from Rev. Kristina
While October is probably generally my favorite month, I also love December. Even when it’s hard, which it often is, largely because there’s so much going on and, as a religious professional, a little more than usual. As I was planning for the month’s services, I felt like I was trying to push water uphill or nail jello to a tree. Hopefully, the wrestling will yield services you’ll enjoy and find meaningful.
This month’s spiritual theme is “Choosing Hope.” I sometimes wonder, when there’s a verb and noun construct, how I might approach the themes differently if the verbs were changed—like instead of last month’s “Nurturing Gratitude” and December’s “Choosing Hope,” what if it had been “Choosing Gratitude” and “Nurturing Hope”? I don’t think I like that better, but it does make me wonder.
This month we’ll be exploring the theme through the lenses of Advent and Winter Solstice and Yule, and you’ll have an opportunity to ask me questions during one of our services. And Christmas Eve will again be at 4 pm this year. During that service, we will be taking a collection for the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. (Please see the info about that in its own column.)
As we approach the end of the year, I want to say thank you. Y’all are such a great congregation and wonderful people, doing such great things in a difficult time, caring for and supporting one another, and working hard to make this an island of sanctuary in a hurting and hard world. You are a blessing.
And as always, I look forward to seeing or hearing from you soon!
President's Message from Cindy Grossman
When Celebration Meets Tenderness: You Are Not Alone
The holiday season is in full swing, but as I get older, I recognize that often it requires us to hold a place for joy and sorrow at the same time.
For 26 years, I lived in Manhattan, and my favorite thing to do after a long December day at work was to exit the subway early at Rockefeller Center. Instead of transferring to my next train to the Upper West Side, I would take an invigorating walk home.
I would briskly walk past the famous NYC Christmas tree, which was surrounded by ice skaters and a garden of angels lit up with soft white lights. I would stroll along Fifth Avenue looking at the decorated shop windows and the sound of holiday music on the sidewalk. Sometimes I would head to the Bryant Park Christmas Market and then go to Grand Central Station for a warm and satisfying Oyster Pan Roast at the Grand Central Oyster Bar, a spectacular setting with Guastavino tiles and soaring arches! There used to be a time when I wasn’t allergic to shellfish, and I could enjoy this hearty soup with whole oysters floating in the middle! One of the most delicious things I’ve ever tasted!
Sometimes I would continue along Fifth Avenue, taking in the scent of chestnuts roasting in metal carts on many corners. (Still one of my favorite city aromas!) I would walk past St. Patrick’s Cathedral to 59th Street, where the world’s largest menorah was lit across from the Plaza Hotel. Walking into the Plaza, I would take in the decorations, reminding myself of how many times my late husband, Neal, and I would go to the Palm Court for a Christmas dessert or a cocktail. (We never really had the money for a full meal, but this holiday treat was something that we truly looked forward to.)
I still enjoyed those holiday walks even after I lost my husband to a ten-year illness. But there was something bittersweet about them too.
When I moved to Florida, I would appreciate the beautiful decorations in each of our Town Squares, but somehow it never really seemed like the holidays to me. The hardest part was learning not to compare what I did in NYC to what I do here.
We sometimes need to make new traditions. I’ve learned that there is something really special about going for a swim in a heated pool on Christmas Eve. I may not go to the Plaza, but Bonefish has a wonderful Winter White Cosmo that is worth a special trip. Once my friends and I actually re-created it for a hygge party that we had at our house.
The holidays can be a season of consumerism and overwhelm, but as I get older, I learn that I have the agency to make it into something that suits me better. It is a wonderful time to write an old friend a long letter, to meet a newer friend for a holiday coffee and deep conversation. Rich and I often settle in for a Christmas movie and a hot chocolate or a Peppermint Bark Cool Winter Herb Tea (my new low-calorie favorite!).
Throughout this newsletter, you will find many ways to connect with our congregation through the holiday season. I’m really looking forward to Steve Burt’s Christmas Stories on December 18. (I hear there will be Christmas cookies afterwards!) Nancy Garrison and her husband are graciously opening their lovely home for a Christmas Day potluck dinner. As always, we will be filling our wagon weekly to take your offerings to the Community of Gratitude Food Bank. (Perhaps you can toss in a little extra something to make someone’s holiday brighter?) We also have our Giving Trees in the lobby, where you can select a local child and help brighten their holidays with a special present.
Most of all, let’s remember to be present for one another. If you’re struggling this season, there are many people in our beloved community who are willing to provide comfort and camaraderie. Be kind to yourself, and let’s go gently into this season with open hearts and open hands.
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Nancy G.
TRIUU IN ACTION
TriUU Pride 2025!
"Lake in the Forest Resort" Camping Trip
Recently, sixteen TriUU members spent a few days on a camping trip at Lake in the Forest Resort, located in Ocklawaha on Half Moon Lake. RV and tent camping sites were available, as well as rustic cabins. The 35-acre resort borders the Ocala National Forest.
Deb Anderson, a friend of TriUU, hosted this event along with Jan and her crew. Among the many activities scheduled were glass fusing and etching, as well as transforming a small block of rosewood on a lathe into a beautiful pen. Quoting Bob and Judy, “It looked like a work of art.” Several of us also took part in kayaking on Half Moon Lake, sky gazing, and nightly bonfires where we roasted hot dogs and marshmallows.
As Bob and Judy Kemp shared, “We all enjoyed the time spent with our friends from TriUU, who we became better acquainted with over coffee in the mornings and fireside chats in the evening. It was definitely a community-building experience that brought us all closer together.”
Thank you to Deb for a very peaceful and relaxing time, and for graciously donating the fees collected to TriUU.
Brenda Nelson
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Judy K.
WELCOME TO UU
Welcome to Unitarian Universalism
We are a covenantal faith. We tend to favor “deeds, not creeds,” and being in relationship and traveling on our spiritual journeys together over right or specific beliefs. This is because, while once upon a time we were Christian denominations (Unitarian and Universalist), we are now a pluralistic faith—meaning that we are made up of people who come from, and may still identify with, other religions. UUs often have what I refer to as “hyphenated identities”—Christian UUs, Jewish UUs, Pagan UUs, and so on—although it is also perfectly wonderful to identify “just” as Unitarian Universalist.
This means that our services and practices don’t follow any one particular tradition’s holy book, leader, teachings, or anything else. We draw from many sources of wisdom, including our own pews and our own members. We deeply value personal experience as a source of spirituality in our living tradition.
So, given all of that, what keeps us together? Covenant. Covenant is the cornerstone of our faith and is what binds us as a people of faith together. Covenants remind us that we are all equal and that we need each other. They are also a way for us to practice creating the beloved community.
A covenant is an agreement, a commitment, and an aspiration to be together—to journey together as we explore our spiritualities; to support, celebrate, and challenge one another as we go; and ultimately to commit to being in relationship. We know we’re going to mess up—that is what it is to be human—but unlike a contract, a covenant asks us to find a way back to each other, to restore right relationship between us, and to begin anew.
One of the covenants that gets used a lot is the Blake covenant, written by James Vila Blake and published in 1894 (reading #473 in the hymnal): “Love is the spirit of this church, and service is its law. This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace, to seek the truth in love, and to help one another.” I’ve been reciting this covenant for 19 years, as it was used regularly in my home congregation.
TriUU has a behavioral covenant—an agreement about how we will be together, including our speech and actions (the “Covenant of Right Relations,” for those who have attended the New to UU class recently)—but no general congregational covenant at this time.
Our faith is a web of covenants. Congregants covenant with one another; they covenant with their minister(s) and/or other religious professionals and staff; they covenant with the UUA; ministers covenant with one another. We are all bound in covenantal relationships throughout our faith.
More information from the UUA can be found here, among other sources:
https://www.uua.org/leaderlab/congregational-covenants
CONNECT WITH TRIUU
MINISTER’S DISCRETIONARY FUND - DECEMBER COLLECTION
On Christmas Eve, we take a collection to support the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. We recognize that not everyone is able to attend, so please know that donations are welcome throughout the month—and throughout the year—by making a note on a check or envelope during worship, sending a check by mail, or by including a note when using a credit card on our website.
This year, Rev. Kristina has used funds from this account to support members of the congregation with transportation needs (such as gas money), housing (rent), utilities, and other related living expenses, including groceries. These needs have arisen due to underemployment, the escalating cost of living, and other contributing factors. She has distributed approximately $2,000 this year.
Your generosity helps keep everyone in this beloved community safe, fed, and cared for, and it is deeply appreciated. When we are often left wondering what we can do in difficult times, supporting members of this congregation who are in need truly makes all the difference.
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Rev. Kristina Spaude
HOLIDAY GATHERING
December 25th 3:00–7:00 p.m.
Home of Nancy and Ken Garrison
(Village of Fenney)
There will be a spiral-sliced ham.
Side dishes, including salads, desserts, and plant-based dishes, are welcome.
Please RSVP to Nancy, or sign up on the clipboard behind the AV station at TriUU.
NU TO UU CLASS
Saturday, January 24, 2026 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Are you curious about Unitarian Universalism, or interested in learning more about Tri-County Unitarian Universalists? Join Rev. Kristina and me for our “Nu to UU” class, where we’ll explore the values and beliefs of Unitarian Universalism and introduce you to our local congregation. This is a great opportunity for newcomers or for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding.
We hope to see you there!
Contact: For more information or to RSVP, please sign up in our sanctuary or contact Helene Kirschbaum at [helenekirschbaum@gmail.com](mailto:helenekirschbaum@gmail.com)
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Rev. Kristina Spaude
TRIUU MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
THIS MONTH'S TRI-UU MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: JOYCE MILLS
Joyce Mills has been a member of Tri-County Unitarian Universalists since 1987, when we were a congregation of just twenty-four people meeting in Silver Springs Shores. From there, to rented spaces in Belleview and the Elks Lodge, she was happy that our increased membership had allowed us to erect our own building and hire a minister. Though she sometimes misses the intimacy of our smaller days, she is grateful for all the talent, intelligence, and creativity in our expanded fellowship. She loves to hear the stories of each person’s life journey and appreciates learning to be aware of the importance of inclusiveness and honoring each person’s differences.
Joyce was born and raised in Corning, New York, home to the famous glass factory—a building her father worked on. She attended the State University of New York at Geneseo, where she was active in the theater program. During that time, she met many famous personalities, including French mime Marcel Marceau, actress Joan Blondell, science fiction writer Isaac Asimov, and novelist, poet, and essayist James Baldwin.
After graduating, Joyce worked for more than fifty years as a speech and language pathologist, a career that took her to South Carolina, Georgia, Miami, and finally to Ocala, Florida. She had the pleasure of working with diverse populations of students and says she has always known that “kids are kids,” no matter their background or abilities.
One of ten siblings, Joyce has enjoyed a lifetime of being part of a large, extended family. As one of the eldest, she grew up naturally learning how to be a helper. She now lives with three of her great-granddaughters and has just welcomed her first great-great-granddaughter, born November 17.
Sadly, Joyce lost her older sister, Christine Schooner, in October. Christine’s home in St. Petersburg, Florida, was the center of many large family gatherings for years, and she will be keenly missed this Christmas.
In addition to her broad range of volunteer activities for TriUU, Joyce enjoys watercolor painting, live theater, and attending concerts by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. She wants to learn something new every day. She says her great-granddaughters keep her abreast of the latest developments in technology and have recently convinced her to try her first Jimmy Dean sausage biscuit—one of which has become an obsession for one of them.
The next time you see Joyce, please thank her for her many years of service in helping bring us to where we are today as a fellowship, and wish her healing, peace, and joy this holiday season.
COMING SOON
Join Us for Richer Music and Singing
The Choir and our Music Director, Tom Zitkovic, would like to invite you to join us. We practice on Wednesdays from 4:00–5:30 p.m. in the TriUU Sanctuary. Your presence and your voice are needed to help create a richer, fuller sound.
If you have previously directed a choir or singing group and would like to help with the music, we invite you to volunteer. You could assist by leading hymn singing with a microphone during Sunday services and/or by attending choir rehearsals and helping lead the choir. Tom finds it challenging to play the accompaniment and lead the choir at the same time, so additional leadership support would be greatly appreciated.
If you play an instrument, sing with a group, and would like to perform with the choir—or if you would like to perform a solo, with or without accompaniment—we welcome you to help enrich our music program.
Hymnbooks: If you read music and would like to see the notes to help you sing the hymns, hymnals are available on a metal rack on the left side of the sanctuary as you enter. The Order of Service, which you receive at the door, lists the hymn numbers for each service. We use two hymnbooks: the older dark gray book, Singing the Living Tradition (numbers 1–415), and the newer teal book, Singing the Journey (numbers 1000–1074).
To volunteer or if you have any questions, please contact Nancy Solberg or Tom Zitkovic.
Grief Support Group
Grief touches us in many ways. It may come from losing a loved one, a pet, or experiencing a change in your living situation. It can arise from losing who you used to be, or even from grief over what could or should have been, but wasn’t.
TriUU will be starting a peer Grief Support Group in January. This group is not intended to replace any form of therapy, but rather to offer an opportunity for mutual sharing and encouragement. The group will be coordinated by Lenore Mickelson and Sally Primc and facilitated by Rev. Trish Schwartzberg, with assistance from Rev. Kristina as needed.
If you are interested in participating or have questions, please contact Lenore or Sally. Sign-up sheets will be available in the sanctuary, where you can indicate the days of the week and times you would be able to attend, as well as how frequently you would like the group to meet.
The group will meet at the TriUU building and will be in person only; no Zoom option will be available.
Great Decisions
Great Decisions will begin on January 20, 2026, with Dr. Mark Welton moderating the class.
The Foreign Affairs Association offered a 20% reduction on the price of books purchased during the week of October 20, 2025. The board authorized the purchase of fifteen books. Gretchen has ordered them, and they are expected to arrive in early January. A sign-up sheet will be available in the back of the Chalice Room. The first fifteen participants to sign up may purchase a book for $30. Anyone purchasing a book after that will be responsible for ordering their own copy.
Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 1:00 p.m. until approximately 2:15 p.m. There will be no class during the week of February 3 due to the Rummage Sale. The final class will be held on March 13.
Topics are timely and will include discussions such as Trump-era tariffs and the future of the world economy, U.S.–China relations, and Ukraine and the future of European security, among others.
For questions or additional information, please contact Gretchen Lewis.
Contact: Gretchen Lewis
TriUU Annual Rummage Sale
February 5th, 6th, & 7th
Start setting aside sellable items such as:
- Household items
- Decorative items
- Small appliances
- Games
- Jewelry
- Accessories
- Purses and bags
- Sporting items
- Books
- Children’s toys
- Dishware and tableware
- Small furniture
- Garden items
Donations may be brought to the building on February 2, 3, and 4.
Look for more details and additional ways to help in the coming weeks.
Contact: Joyce Mills and Andrea Coburn