Moses was a hero of mine ever since I first encountered him in the pages of the Hebrew Bible. In Sunday school we sang songs about Moses ("Go Down, Moses") and knew him as the Plague-buster, who rescued his people from Egyptian slavery and spoke directly to God inside a burning bush.

But it is only recently that I became convinced that Moses is a "founding father" of the lively experiment known as the United Sates of America. Moreover, I believe that the Exodus story is America's story, and that the founding of our nation owes much to its Jewish heritage.

Let's explore Moses' role as a founding father and an exemplar of the freedom we know and cherish as Americans, even as we continue to seek the elusive "liberty and justice for all" for those who know neither. Make room, Mt. Rushmore!

Joining me on the Chancel will be Pastoral Care Minister Rev. Fred Rabidoux and Trustee Laura Gilmore. Our choir, under the direction of Dr. Mark Sumner and accompanied by organist Reiko Lane, will minister in music.

Bring your friends to experience the sounds and words of the season through a distinctly Unitarian Universalist lens this Sunday.

You are invited to the Yule/Winter Solstice celebration with the Pagan Interest Circle in the Chapel at 10 am. Come for arts and crafts, music, dance, and the story of the Holly King. Volunteers for the Yule Chapel are welcome to show up at 10 am, too.

The High School film class will meet at 10:30 am and the Coming of Age group at 11.

Angels, Shepherds, and Wise Ones in the Christmas Eve Nativity Tableau need to be firmly cast this week. Come on Sunday and try on the Sorting Hat.

Family Faith Exploration welcomes new participants throughout the year. Come to an activity on Sunday or contact Nancy Buffum by email or by phone at 415.845.2584 for more information.

The SCW presents this year's Holiday Faire in the Thomas Starr King and Martin Luther King rooms Sunday after the service. Come for the shopping, but stay for the children's activities, entertainment, and live music!

Start with a Holiday luncheon and a glass of wine. Shop for holiday cards, wreaths, arts and crafts, giftables, jewelry, Christmas cookies, baked treats, and more!

Decorate your own ornament! See Santa! Enjoy a homemade dessert in Ye Olde Victorian Tea Room!

For more information, please contact Ron Weber, Leslie Bader, or phone the church at (415) 776-4580.

All proceeds will go to support the work of SCW and other church organizations.

As part of her exhibition, Nicolette will be painting with watercolors this afternoon (Friday, December 10) at the Four Seasons Hotel at 757 Market Street (Map it). Drop in and see a real artist at work.