December Reflections: UU Lansing Traditions Through the Years – Part 2
By Ed Busch
As we journey through the archives, revisiting UU Lansing’s rich December traditions, it becomes clear that our community has always embraced this season with joy, reflection, and generosity. From special services to festive gatherings, our past reveals how deeply we’ve connected during this time of year.
Let’s look back to two memorable Decembers—1984 and 1996—and celebrate the ways our congregation came together to honor the spirit of the holidays.
December 1984 Highlights
In December 1984, under the leadership of Rev. Maryell Cleary, church president Marion Walsh and Religious Education (R.E.) Director Renee Swanson, UU Lansing buzzed with activity and meaningful celebrations.
Special Services and Celebrations
December 23 Church Service - Nurturing Holiday Memories: A reflection on the season’s significance.
Christmas Eve Pageant of Light: The evening celebrated “light through the ages,” weaving storytelling, carols sung by the choir and congregation, and a candlelit finale. A potluck supper followed, fostering warmth and fellowship.
December 23 service. (2009.0030)
Community and Generosity
· Food Collections: Non-perishable donations were gathered for the Ingham County Food Bank on December 23 and 24.
· Guest at Your Table: Congregants placed their “Guest at Your Table” boxes under the Christmas Tree, symbolizing support for justice work worldwide.
· Christmas Eve Offering: Donations benefited the UUSC and the Greater Lansing Food Bank.
Social Gatherings
· December 30 Open House: Celebrated the Holiday Season at the home of Ann and Gene Mellen. Guests were asked to bring goodies and/or wine to share. Ann and Gene provided other beverages.
· Upcoming Women’s Book Reading Group and Circle Suppers
December 1996 Memories
Twelve years later, in December 1996, UU Lansing continued its tradition of meaningful connection under the ministry of Rev. Dr. Barbara Edgecombe. Church President Jim Davis and R.E. Director Teresa Putnam worked alongside an active congregation to bring joy and service to the season.
Seasonal Festivities
Deck the Halls - December 14: A community event to prepare our spaces for the holidays.
Holiday Sales - December 15: Sale of UUSC Holidays cards and Holiday cookies, breads, and treats.
December 22 Service - The Light of Our Lives: Honoring the symbolism of light in many different cultures at this dark time of the year. Presented by the R.E. program and Rev. Edgecombe
Christmas Eve Service: A tradition that brought the congregation together to celebrate hope and peace with candles.
Gene Mellen. 1996. (2024.0324)
? 1996 (2024.0326)
?, Sara DeVaney, Dan DeVaney, Judith Rowell-DeVaney. 1996. (2024.0327)
?, Gene Mellen, ?. 1996. (2024.0328)
?,?,?,Pat, Linda Hegstrom,?. 1996. (2024.0329)
Giving Back
· Adopt a Family: The R.E. program partnered with the Salvation Army to ensure local families experienced the joy of the season.
· Christmas Offering: Donations supported PRISM (a group for LGBTQ youth), the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC), and the Peace Education Center.
Social Events and Community Spirit
The congregation enjoyed vibrant Circle Suppers, Lamplighters, Women’s Holiday Celebrations, and community-wide events like Fest Eve ’96, which included performances by UU musician Ray Kamalay and local blues band Smooth Daddy. Midnight fireworks at Frandor capped off a festive and memorable evening.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
From candlelit services and open houses to acts of kindness and joyful music, these glimpses into our past remind us of the enduring spirit of UU Lansing. Traditions of generosity, togetherness, and celebration continue to inspire us today.
What are your favorite memories of December at UU Lansing? Are there events you’d love to see return? Share your reflections or photos at uucgl.archives@gmail.com—together, we can preserve and celebrate our rich history for generations to come.
[Edits revisions suggested by ChatGPT]
About the Author
For those wondering who’s behind these blog posts: I’m Ed Busch, and I’m excited to share the history of UU Lansing with you. I retired in 2023 after 15 years as an Electronic Records Archivist at Michigan State University’s Archives & Historical Collections. My background is in archival administration and information science, with an undergraduate degree in Fisheries and coursework in Computer Science. Prior to a career shift, I also worked in fisheries, aerospace, and Information Technology. My wife, Leigh White, and I began attending UU Lansing in the early 2000s and became members in 2006. I’ve been involved with the church archives since 2007, and both of our daughters went through UU Lansing’s RE program.