Sermon title: “A Candle of Hope”

We welcome all of our visitors today and invite you to the Fellowship Hall for beverages and cookies after the service. Please follow the congregation to the left out of the sanctuary.

TODAY

First Sunday of Advent—Hope

HANGING OF THE GREENS Tonight, Sunday, November 29, at 5:00p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Bring a potluck dish to share and help dress up the church for the Christmas season. See insert for additional details.

THIS WEEK

THE MESSIAH SYMPOSIUM a discussion on Handel’s Oratorio The Messiah to be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 5:30pm, in the UCC Fellowship Hall. Hosted by Robin McGonigle and Paul Ellis Jackson, the symposium will feature a discussion on Dr. Michael Hanawalt’s preparation of the Wichita Symphony Chorus (which he leads) and the Reverends Carl Martin and Keith Willliamson. This is
intended to provide some insights into the history of the piece and how its melodies and text reverberate through the ages. The Wichita Symphony will be presenting
Handel’s The Messiah on Saturday, December 5th at 8:00pm and Sunday, December 6th at 3:00pm.

NEXT WEEK

ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF WICHITA panel discussion “Islam as a Faith and Way of Life” on Sunday, December 6, at 6:00p.m., at the Muslim Community Center, 6655 E.34th St., Dinner & Program, Meal $11 pp in advance, $13 at the door, program without meal is free. RSVP to eick@friends.edu. Send check by November 30 to:
Dr.Gretchen Eck, 1536 N. Park Place, Wichita, KS 67203
For additional information see the flyer on the PIC board in Fellowship Hall.

ALL CHURCH CHRISTMAS PARTY is Saturday, December 12, at 6:00pm, in Fellowship Hall. Great food, music, and singing. The Crowson’s bluegrass Christmas band will be performing. If your last name begins with A-N, bring an appetizer, O-Z, bring a dessert. There is a sign-up sheet located on the PIC board in Fellowship Hall.

OPEN DOOR HOMELESS RESOURCE CTR works closely with the local homeless population to serve lunch to approx. 200 people per day. Our church will provide tube socks filled with various snacks and hygiene products. Please visit the table in Fellowship Hall to see a sample sock and for additional information about this project. We will also be collecting apples, oranges, and bananas. Items will be distributed Dec. 23. There is a box on the table for monetary donations if you prefer to have us do the shopping for you.

IFM OPERATION HOLIDAY We are also collecting food items in Fellowship Hall for this organization. Bring any of the following items to Fellowship Hall: cereal, canned fruit, peanut butter, and canned meat, and deposit them in the box marked Operation Holiday. Distribution for these items will be Dec. 17-19. There is a sign-up sheet on the PIC board for volunteers at Operation Holiday’s distribution center the morning of December 18. We need 20 volunteers.

THE 2016 FLOWER SCHEDULE is on the PIC board in Fellowship Hall. Sign up early to get your preferred date.

SERMON: “Why Christian–Gratitude as Spiritual Practice”

We welcome all of our visitors today and invite you to the Fellowship Hall for beverages and cookies after the service. Please follow the congregation to the left out of the sanctuary.

TODAY

THE FLOWERS ON THE COMMUNION TABLE TODAY are given by Larry and Barbara Widmer in celebration of their Wedding Anniversary, 46 years and counting.

CONNECT WORSHIP SERVICE meets each Sunday, 9:00am, Fellowship Hall.

NEW MEMBER SUNDAY! Three new members will be joining our church today: Mary Nichols, J. C. and Karen Combs. Please see insert for
individual profiles.

THIS WEEK

COUNCIL MEETING is Monday, November 23, at 6:30pm, in the
Basement Conference Room.

YOGA meets Tuesday at 4:00 ($5.00), in Fellowship Hall.

UCC CHURCH OFFICES CLOSED Wednesday, November 25, Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

NEXT WEEK

HANGING OF THE GREENS Sunday, November 29, at 5:00p.m. in
Fellowship Hall. Bring a potluck dish to share and help dress up the church for the Christmas season.

THE 2016 FLOWER SCHEDULE is on the PIC board in Fellowship Hall. Sign up early to get your preferred date.

ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF WICHITA panel discussion “Islam as a Faith and Way of Life” on Saturday, December 6, at 6:00p.m. Meal $11 pp in advance, $13 at the door, program without meal is free. RSVP to eick@friends.edu. For additional
information see the flyer on the PIC board in Fellowship Hall.

THE MESSIAH SYMPOSIUM a discussion on Handel’s Oratorio The Messiah to be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 5:30pm, in the UCC Fellowship Hall. Hosted by Robin McGonigle and Paul Ellis Jackson, the symposium will feature a discussion on Dr. Michael Hanawalt’s preparation of the Wichita Symphony Chorus (which he leads) and the Reverends Carl Martin and Keith Willliamson. The symposium is intended to provide some insights into the history of the piece and how its melodies and text reverberate through the ages. The Wichita Symphony will be presenting Handel’s The Messiah on Sunday, December 5th at 8:00pm and Sunday, December 6th at 3:00pm. Additional information coming soon.

ASSISTANCE ON STAIRS Ushers are available to assist you up and down the stairs of the balcony. If you would like assistance just ask one of the ushers and they will be glad to do it.

ALL CHURCH CHRISTMAS PARTY is Sunday, December 12, at 6:00pm, in Fellowship Hall. Great food, music, and singing. The Crowson’s bluegrass Christmas band will be performing. If your last name begins with A-N, bring an appetizer, O-Z, bring a dessert. There is a sign-up sheet located on the PIC board in Fellowship Hall.

Sermon title: The Heavens Declare but Just Who is Listening

We welcome all of our visitors today and invite you to the Fellowship Hall for beverages and cookies after the service. Please follow the congregation to the left out of the sanctuary.

TODAY

THE FLOWERS ON THE COMMUNION TABLE TODAY are given by Kelly & Will Momsen to celebrate the marriage of their son, Rick.

CONNECT WORSHIP SERVICE meets every Sunday, 9:00am, Fellowship Hall.

THE DEACONS will meet in the area outside the downstairs kitchen.
THE MUSIC BOARD will meet in the room beside the choir room.
THE OUTREACH BOARD will meet in the office conference room.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES will meet in the basement conference room.
All meetings are at 11:45

No Christian Education Board meeting this week.

THIS WEEK

FEMALE FACES OF GOD at Larksfield Place, this Wednesday, November 18, at 10:00a.m., in the Club Room, coffee and cookies will be served.

GREECE & TURKEY TRIP Skype session with Harry Welton, tour coordinator, on Wednesday, November 18, at 5:00pm, basement conference room. He will give details of the itinerary and accommodations. Bring questions or concerns to discuss directly with Harry. This is open to anyone whether you have signed up for the trip or not. The trip is now open to anyone outside of UCC. If you have friends or family
interested they are welcome to join us.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE is Wednesday at 6:00pm, in the Basement
Conference Room. “Mindfulness”, led by Robin McGonigle.

MEN’S GROUP LUNCH Thursday, November 19 at 11:30, at the Lakeside Club, 2121 N Webb Road, 67206. 316-866-2582. The speaker is J. C. Combs. He will talk about the song “Dixie” before and during the civil war.

NICARAGUA PLANNING MEETING to discuss a possible service-learning trip is Thursday, November 19, at 6:00, Downstairs Conference Room.

YOGA meets Tuesdays at 4:00 ($5.00) and Fridays at 10:00 in Fellowship Hall.

NEXT WEEK

NEW MEMBER SUNDAY! On November 22, during the 10:30 worship service we will welcome new members to our church. There is no required class or creed. We simply ask if you wish to join our congregation for worship, fellowship, and service.  If interested in joining the church, contact Dr. Robin McGonigle at
revdocmom1@gmail.com or 316-641-5919.

COUNCIL MEETING is Monday, November 23, at 6:30pm, in the Basement Conference Room.

UCC CHURCH OFFICES CLOSED Wednesday, November 25, Thursday,
November 26, and Friday, November 27, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Sermon Title: Why Christian…Congregational? Faith, Freedom, Fellowship,& Feng Shui” Rev. Dr. Robin McGonigle

We welcome all of our visitors today and invite you to the Fellowship Hall for beverages and cookies after the service. Please follow the congregation to the left out of the sanctuary.

TODAY

THE FLOWERS ON THE COMMUNION TABLE TODAY are given by Larry & Sue Anderson in recognition of the outstanding talents shared with us by Michael Hanawalt, Helen Griffin, and every member of our fabulous Choir. Truly a blessing

WORSHIP COMMITTEE meets today, at 11:45 a.m., in the basement
conference room.

CONNECT WORSHIP SERVICE meets every Sunday, 9:00am, Fellowship Hall.

THIS WEEK

GENEALOGY CLASS meets this Monday, November 9, at 1:00 p.m., in the basement conference room. Phil Rhea is leading the class and sharing his knowledge and personal experience of genealogy.

GRIEF GROUP meets Monday, November 9, at 2:00 p.m., in the office
conference room. This is open to anyone who has experienced a loss.

NEEDLEWORKERS meet this Tuesday, November 10 at 10:00a.m., in
Fellowship Hall. Bring a project of your own or learn something new.

BIBLE INTREPRETATION 101 at Larksfield Place, this Wednesday,
November 11, at 10:00a.m., in the Club Room, coffee and cookies will be served.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE is Wednesday at 6:00pm, in the Basement
Conference Room. “Early Christianities”, led by Paul Ellis Jackson.

THE PANTRY WORKDAY is this Thursday, November 12, from 9:00 am-11:00 am at 1611 N. Mosley-you are all welcome to help if you have some time. The
Hygiene Pantry is open this Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 am-11:45 am.

WICHITA ALTERNATIVE GIFT MARKET is this Saturday, November 14, from 10:00 -4:00 at East Heights UMC, 4407 E Douglas. Alternative gifts include food for pantries and shelters in the U.S. & Canada, scholarships for students in Haiti or milk-providing yaks for children in China. Gifts are tax-deductible. You can
purchase tangible gifts like gourmet goodies & accessories; handcrafted jewelry from Kenya, craft items from artisans around the world; and chocolates, coffees and teas.

YOGA meets Tuesdays at 4:00 ($5.00) and Fridays at 10:00 in Fellowship Hall.

NEXT WEEK

ALL BOARDS MEET at 11:45 on Sunday, November 15.

GREECE & TURKEY TRIP Skype session with Harry Welton, tour coordinator, on Wednesday, November 18, at 5:00pm, basement conference room. He will give details of the itinerary and accommodations. Bring questions or concerns to discuss directly with Harry. This is open to anyone whether you have signed up for the trip or not. The trip is now open to anyone outside of UCC. If you have friends or family
interested they are welcome to join us.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE is Wednesday, November 18, at 6:00pm, in the Basement Conference Room. “Meditation Matters”, led by Robin McGonigle.

NICARAGUA PLANNING MEETING to discuss a possible service-learning trip is Thursday, November 19, at 6:00, Downstairs Conference Room.

Sermon title: “Why Christian…The Difference You Make?”

Luke 18:18-27

We welcome all of our visitors today and invite you to the Fellowship Hall for beverages and cookies after the service. Please follow the congregation to the left out of the sanctuary.

TODAY

THE FLOWERS ON THE COMMUNION TABLE TODAY are given by
Mike and Leigh Aaron-Leary to welcome back Robin from her restorative vacation and hope everyone is enjoying the nice fall weather.

CHOIR STUDENT AND HOSTS luncheon on Sunday, October 25, immediately following worship service in the basement outside the kitchen. This is open to all choir students and their hosts.

THIS WEEK

GRIEF GROUP is Monday, September 28, at 2:00 p.m., in the office conference room. This is open to anyone who has experienced a loss.

COUNCIL MEETING is this Monday at 6:30p.m., in the Basement Conference Room.

GUILD BABY SHOWER The 14th Annual Baby Shower will be held this
Wednesday, October 28, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Join us for soup and sandwiches and fill layette bags for newborns in the Wichita area. Clothing such as newborn gowns, sleepers, onesies, socks and toys are requested (0 to 3 months). Please place them in the baby box in Fellowship Hall.

FEMALE FACES OF GOD at Larksfield Place, this Wednesday, at 10:00a.m., in the Club Room, coffee and cookies will be served.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE is Wednesday at 6:00pm, in the Basement
Conference Room. “Early Christianities”, led by Paul Ellis Jackson.
No meal before.)

YOGA meets Tuesdays at 4:00 ($5.00) and Fridays at 10:00 in Fellowship Hall.

EDUCATION, INC. an hour-long video followed by a panel discussion will be shown on Thursday, November 12, at 6:00p.m. at College Hill UMC, 2930 E First St N. This movie is about how public education is being eroded by private for-profit charter schools. See the PIC board for additional information.

UPCOMING EVENTS
October 28 – Women’s Guild Baby Shower at 11:00a.m., Fellowship Hall
November 1 – UCC 101 Class, 11:45a.m., Basement Conf Rm
November 3 – Welcome Wagon Auction, at 9:30a.m., Fellowship Hall
November 29 – Hanging of the Greens, 5:00p.m.
December 12 – Christmas Party, 6:00p.m., Fellowship Hall
December 24 – Christmas Eve Service, 6:00p.m., Sanctuary

SERMON TITLE: “The Kingdom of God is Like…”

We welcome all of our visitors today and invite you to the Fellowship Hall for beverages and cookies after the service. Please follow the congregation to the left out of the sanctuary.

TODAY

THE FLOWERS ON THE COMMUNION TABLE TODAY are given by
Jay and Phyllis Decker in honor of their friends at UC Church.

THE CE BOARD will meet not meet today.
THE DEACONS will meet in the area outside the downstairs kitchen.
THE MUSIC BOARD will meet in the room beside the choir room.
THE OUTREACH BOARD will meet in the office meeting room.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES will meet in the conference room.
All meetings are at 11:45

DESSERT RECEPTION The Nicaragua Delegation is visiting UCC today. Please join us for a dessert reception at 7:00p.m., in the Fellowship Hall. There is pottery for sale in the Fellowship Hall today that is made by Nicaraguan
artists to support their community.

THIS WEEK

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE is Wednesday at 6:00pm, in the Basement
Conference Room. “Meditation and Mindfulness”, led by Paul Ellis Jackson.
No meal before.)

BIBLE INTREPRETATION 101 at Larksfield Place, this Wednesday, at 10:00a.m., in the Club Room, coffee and cookies will be served.

WOMENS GUILD SEWING DAY is this Thursday, October 22 from 10:00-2:00. Everyone is welcome to help as we have jobs for everyone (no sewing experience
necessary). So bring your lunch and join us!

YOGA meets Tuesdays at 4:00 ($5.00) and Fridays at 10:00 in Fellowship Hall.

CHOIR STUDENT AND HOSTS luncheon on Sunday, October 25, immediately following worship service in the basement outside the kitchen. This is open to all choir students and their hosts.

GUILD BABY SHOWER The 14th Annual Baby Shower will be held October 28, 2015 in Fellowship Hall. Clothing such as newborn gowns, sleepers, onesies, socks and toys are requested. Please place them in the baby box in Fellowship Hall.

UPCOMING EVENTS
October 28 – Women’s Guild Baby Shower at 11:00a.m., Fellowship Hall
November 1 – UCC 101 Class, 11:45a.m., Basement Conf Rm
November 3 – Welcome Wagon Auction, at 9:30a.m., Fellowship Hall
November 29 – Hanging of the Greens, 5:00p.m.
December 12 – Christmas Party, 6:00p.m., Fellowship Hall
December 24 – Christmas Eve Service, 6:00p.m., Sanctuary

Sermon title: “Why Christian? God.

Hebrew Bible Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-9

Contemporary word by Albert Einstein, Roman Payne and Sir Isaac Newton

We welcome all of our visitors today and invite you to the Fellowship Hall for beverages and cookies after the service. Please follow the congregation to the left out of the sanctuary.

TODAY

THE FLOWERS ON THE COMMUNION TABLE TODAY are given by
Stephen L. Taylor in memory of his parents W. Howard and Ann P. Taylor, and his mother-in-law Margaret G Vanderlip, in remembrance of their October birthdays.

STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN MARCH & RALLY  ICT Acts is hosting a March and Rally to raise awareness for violence against women on Sunday, October 11, at 1:00. The March begins at Exploration Place. It is open and free to the public .

THIS WEEK

GENEALOGY CLASS meets Monday October 11 at 1:00 p.m., in the basement conference room. Phil Rhea is leading the class and sharing his knowledge and
personal experience in genealogy.

GRIEF GROUP meets this Monday, at 2:00 p.m., in the office conference room. This is open to anyone who has experienced a loss.

NEEDLEWORKERS meet this Tuesday at 10:00a.m., in Fellowship Hall. Bring a project of your own or learn something new.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE is Wednesday at 6:00pm, in the Basement
Conference Room. “Early Christianities”, led by Paul Jackson. (No meal before.)

BIBLE INTREPRETATION 101 at Larksfield Place, this Wednesday, at 10:00a.m., in the Club Room, coffee and cookies will be served.

MEN’S GROUP LUNCH is this Thursday,at 11:30, at the Lakeside Club.

COOKS NIGHT OUT The final Cook’s Night Out for 2015 is this Thursday, October 15, at 6 pm. Please join us for an interesting talk about recent developments in our neighborhood. Katy Dorrah, Executive Director of the Center for the Arts, is going to talk about the new center that will be built on the corner of 13th and Rock Road. This exciting, innovative project will be a tremendous boost for the arts in our community. Today is the last day to sign up. Sign-up sheets located on the PIC Board in Fellowship Hall. The drawing for the Guild baskets will be held at Night of Cook’s Night Out as well.

THE PANTRY WORKDAY is this Thursday, from 9:00 am-11:00 am at 1611 N. Mosley-you are all welcome to help if you have some time. The Hygiene Pantry is open Saturday, October 17, from 8:30 am-11:45 am.

YOGA meets Tuesdays at 4:00 ($5.00) and Fridays at 10:00 in Fellowship Hall.

GUILD BABY SHOWER The 14th Annual Baby Shower will be held October 28,. 2015 in Fellowship Hall. Clothing such as newborn gowns, sleepers, onesies, socks and toys are requested. Please place them in the baby box in Fellowship Hall.

Sewing days will be October 8 and 22 from 10:00-2:00. Everyone is welcome to help as we have jobs for everyone (no sewing experience necessary). So bring your lunch and join us!

UPCOMING EVENTS
October 15 – Cook’s Night Out at 6:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall
October 28 – Women’s Guild Baby Shower at 11:00a.m., Fellowship Hall
November 1 – UCC 101 Class, 11:45a.m., Basement Conf Rm
November 3 – Welcome Wagon Auction, at 9:30a.m., Fellowship Hall
November 29 – Hanging of the Greens, 5:00p.m.
December 12 – Christmas Party, 6:00p.m., Fellowship Hall
December 24 – Christmas Eve Service, 6:00p.m., Sanctuary

Sermon title at 10:30 service: Why Christian? Grace

CONNECT Service at 9:00 AM — Join us for this new worship experience!

We welcome all of our visitors today and invite you to the Fellowship Hall for beverages and cookies after the service. Please follow the congregation to the left out of the sanctuary.

TODAY

THE FLOWERS ON THE COMMUNION TABLE TODAY are provided by Mary Anna Meshew

THE WOMEN’S GUILD has raffle tickets available in Fellowship Hall after the worship service for a suggested donation of $1 each, 12 tickets for $10, or 25 tickets for $20. Baskets donated for the raffle are on display in Fellowship Hall. This is the last week to purchase tickets. Drawing will be held at Cook’s Night Out in October. Winners need not be present to win. Proceeds to benefit the Women’s Guild projects.

THIS WEEK

SWEET PEACE a Dessert Event- Benefiting Partners for Wichita, Thursday, October 8, at 7:00pm, Botanica, Lotus Hall, 701 N. Amidon. Join Robin for an elegant dessert buffet featuring some of Wichita’s favorite specialty desserts and pastries! There is no admission fee but donations are expected for this fundraiser. Call the church office at 634-0430 for reservations.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE is Wednesday 10/07 at 6:00pm, in the Basement
Conference Room. “Early Christianities”, led by Paul Jackson. (No meal before class.)

FALL FELLOWSHIP DINNERS It’s time to register in Fellowship Hall on the PIC board. You may sign up this Sunday. There is room for 94 participants based on the number of people who volunteered to be hosts.  People who volunteered to be hosts are welcome to sign up to attend a dinner as well and should sign again on the PIC board as guests.      

STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN MARCH & RALLY  ICT Acts is hosting a March and Rally to raise awareness for violence against women on Sunday, October 11, at 1:00 pm. The March begins at Exploration Place. It is open and free to the public www.ictacts.org .

COOKS NIGHT OUT The final Cook’s Night Out for 2015 is October 15, 6 pm. Please join us for an interesting talk about t recent developments in our neighborhood. Katy Dorrah, Executive Director of the Center for the Arts is going to speak to us about the new center that will be built at the corner of 13th and Rock Road. The cost is $15.00 per person, please sign up on the PIC board in Fellowship Hall.

The Congregation of University Congregational Church is invited to witness the exchange of marriage vows of Paul Jackson and Duane Ellis on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 4:00 PM here at the church. Reception to follow. Please RSVP on the PIC board in Fellowship Hall.

UPCOMING EVENTS
October 4 – Connect Worship Service begins at 9:00a.m., Fellowship Hall
October 8 – Sweet Peace at 7:00 pm, Botanica, in Lotus Hall—RSVP to Robin
October 15 – Cook’s Night Out at 6:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall
October 28 – Women’s Guild Baby Shower at 11:00a.m., Fellowship Hall
November 1 – UCC 101 Class, 11:45a.m., Basement Conf Rm
November 3 – Welcome Wagon Auction, at 9:30a.m., Fellowship Hall
November 29 – Hanging of the Greens, 5:00p.m.
December 12 – Christmas Party, 6:00p.m., Fellowship Hall
December 24 – Christmas Eve Service, 6:00p.m., Sanctuary