Author: Paul Ellis Jackson

Paul is the Associate Minister of University Congregational Church.
Uncategorized /

Announcements for Sunday, January 5, 2014

HELPFUL CHURCH INFORMATION

 

A NURSERY AND TODDLER ROOM are available downstairs for babies and toddlers during the church service.  Grace, Megan and Anna will be there to greet you and your children.

 

BABY MONITORS are available for those of you who leave your children in the nursery or toddler room during the church service.  To check one out, please see Grace in the nursery.

 

BE SURE TO CHECK OUR WEB SITE ww.ucchurch.org each week for updates and new pictures! A preview of the Order of Service, Sunday announcements and Sermon Titles are posted each week!  An archive of sermons, newsletters, and up-to-date calendar are all readily available on the website too.

 

HEARING ASSISTED RECEIVERS are available for your use during the church service.  Please see an usher if you need one.

 

WANT A CD of a worship service?  Please sign up on the CD Form on the information board in Fellowship Hall.  You may pick-up your CD in the library.  $2 per CD may be put in “Deposit Box” in the office.

 

WOMENS’ GUILD BOOK EXCHANGE New books come in every week for this Women’s Guild outreach project.  Please bring books you have read and think others would enjoy to add to our bookshelves.  We like to keep our inventory interesting and inviting!   

 

CHECK OUT THE BULLETIN BOARDS IN FELLOWSHIP HALL.  The minutes of all the UCC Boards are posted on the bulletin boards as is the roster for the Church Council.

 

UCC HAS A FACEBOOK PAGE! You can link to our Facebook page by clicking on “Facebook” on any page of our church website, www.ucchurch.org

 

 

Good Morning! Welcome to University

Congregational Church!

 

WE INVITE OUR VISITORS TODAY to join us in Fellowship Hall after the service for coffee, refreshments and conversation.  Just follow the crowd down the hallway (west).

PLEASE SIGN THE FELLOWSHIP PAD when it comes down the pew.  Members please sign and update any changes in your contact information.  If you are a guest, please sign the pad so that we may thank you for worshipping with us.

 

 

TODAY

 

A NEWCOMER’S CLASS will be in the conference room downstairs after the church service for anyone in interested in becoming a member of UCC or finding out more about the church. A light lunch will be served.

 

THIS WEEK

 

LIVING THE QUESTION CLASS will meet tomorrow night, January 6, at 6:30 in the conference room. See additional information about the class on the following page in the bulletin.

 

YOGA CLASSES meet on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ($5.00) and Friday at 10:00 a.m.in Fellowship Hall.

 

THE POINSETTIAS will be moved to Fellowship Hall this week and you are welcome to take one home, especially if you gave to the poinsettia flower fund.

 

NEXT SUNDAY

 

PLEASE PLAN TO STAY FOR THE UCC ANNUAL MEETING

immediately following the church service in the sanctuary. Please read the list of nominated officers and board members on the next page.

 

 

 

29 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the Annual Meeting of University Congregational Church, Wichita, KS as provided for in the church’s bylaws.  The meeting will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2014 in the sanctuary immediately following the church service.  The agenda items are as follows:

  1. Election of church officers and board members as listed below;

Moderator-Phil Rhea Moderator-Elect Marla Flentje Church Clerk Jane Phares Treasurer Sharon Tims (2 year term) Council Members at Large Barbara Mohney (2 year term), Sue Anderson (two year term), Mert Buckley (2 year term), Diane Park (1 year term, Bao Mosinyi (one year term) Board of Deacons Ann Dorrah, Dorothy Blankenship, Wanda Nicholas, Ginger Phillips, Dianne Robinson, Anna Mills, Carla Walker, Paula Kidd, Roy Parker, Karen, Nye, Connie Buckley (second term), Mitch Buehler, and Rosemary Davenport Christian Education Board Jenny Heskett and Grace Kneil, Jon Romain, and Trudy Matthews Outreach Board Charlie and Gloria Russell, Diane and Howard Lachenmayr, Patsy Scott, Kim Carraway, and Lillian Mayer Music Board  Jay Decker and Lavinia Gerould Board of Trustees Will Momson

  1. Such other business as is appropriate.

Copies of the Slate of Officers and 2013 Annual Report will be distributed prior to the meeting.  You may also request copies from the church office.

 

 

 

2014 COMMUNION TABLE FLOWER SCHEDULE is on the PIC board in Fellowship Hall. There are some January dates that still need to be filled! Sign up early to get the date you want!

 

2014 HOLY LAND TRIP brochures are on the Welcome Table for anyone interested or if you have friends who might be interested in the trip scheduled for next March.  There is also trip insurance information, as well.  Please call Robin at 634-0430 or email her at revdocmom1@gmail.com with any questions.

 

 

 

 

 

INCLEMENT WEATHER CLOSING NOTIFICATION FOR UNIVERSITY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

 

In the event of inclement weather that is deemed significant enough that church services or activities should be cancelled, the following procedure will occur: The Senior Minister and the Church Moderator will make the determination to cancel the worship service and/or other activities.

The Director of Christian Life (or designee) will insure the following communications occur:

  1. A cancellation notification will be posted on the church sign.
  2. The church website will reflect the closure.

(www. ucchurch.org)

  1. The church Facebook page will reflect the closure.
  2. The following media outlets will be contacted about the closings KWCH, KSNW, KAKE, KFDI, and NPR.

 

LIVING WITH QUESTIONS

Experiencing the Bible Again for the First Time

 

This curriculum for adults, designed for group use is experiential in methodology, valuing the wisdom of each person and the integrity of their experience of the Sacred. This program has grown out of a hunger to know and engage the Bible at deeper levels as evidenced by the popularity of Marcus Borg’s original work, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously, but not Literally.

The classes will meet on Monday nights from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.  Paul Jackson will be teaching this class as part of his program of study for Lay Ministry through the NACCC.

 

MEN’S GROUP LUNCH will be at 11:30, Thursday, January 16, at Lakeside Club located at 21st and Webb behind Walgreens.  Please sign up in Fellowship Hall or call the office if you plan to come.

 

 

 

 

 Traditional Word:       Matthew 2:1-12

                     

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Contemporary Word: Giovanni’s Gifts

from Fra Giovanni, a 16th century Italian monk, in 1513

 

There is nothing I can give you

Which you have not; but there is much, very much,

that, while I cannot give it, you can take.

 

No heaven can come to us unless our hearts

find rest in today.  Take heaven!

No Peace lies in the future which is not hidden

in the present.  Take Peace!

 

The gloom of the world is but a shadow.

Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy.  Take joy!

There is radiance and glory in the darkness

could we but see, and to see, we have only to look,

I beseech you to look.

 

Life is so generous a giver, be we,

judging its gifts by the covering,

Cast them away as ugly, or heavy, or hard.

Know the covering, and you will find beneath it,

a living splendor, woven of love, by wisdom, with power.

 

Welcome it, grasp it, and you touch the

angel’s hand that brings it to you.

Everything we call a trial, a sorrow, or a duty,

believe me, that angel’s hand is there:  the gift is there,

and the wonder of an overshadowing presence.

Our joys, too; be not content with them as joys.

They, too, conceal diviner gifts.

 

Life is so full of meaning and purpose,

so full of beauty—beneath its covering—

that you will find earth but cloaks your heaven.

 

Courage then to claim it; that is all!

But courage you have; and the knowledge that we

are pilgrims together,

wending through unknown country,  home.

 

And so, at this Christmas time, I greet you,

Not quite as the world send’s greetings,

but with the profound esteem and with the prayer

that for you, now and forever,

you will meet the Christ each day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncategorized /

Announcements for Sunday, December 29, 2013

 

HELPFUL CHURCH INFORMATION

 

A NURSERY AND TODDLER ROOM are available downstairs for babies and toddlers during the church service.  Grace, Megan and Anna will be there to greet you and your children.

 

BABY MONITORS are available for those of you who leave your children in the nursery or toddler room during the church service.  To check one out, please see Grace in the nursery.

 

BE SURE TO CHECK OUR WEB SITE ww.ucchurch.org each week for updates and new pictures! A preview of the Order of Service, Sunday announcements and Sermon Titles are posted each week!  An archive of sermons, newsletters, and up-to-date calendar are all readily available on the website too.

 

HEARING ASSISTED RECEIVERS are available for your use during the church service.  Please see an usher if you need one.

 

WANT A CD of a worship service?  Please sign up on the CD Form on the information board in Fellowship Hall.  You may pick-up your CD in the library.  $2 per CD may be put in “Deposit Box” in the office.

 

WOMENS’ GUILD BOOK EXCHANGE New books come in every week for this Women’s Guild outreach project.  Please bring books you have read and think others would enjoy to add to our bookshelves.  We like to keep our inventory interesting and inviting!   

 

CHECK OUT THE BULLETIN BOARDS IN FELLOWSHIP HALL.  The minutes of all the UCC Boards are posted on the bulletin boards as is the roster for the Church Council.

 

UCC HAS A FACEBOOK PAGE! You can link to our Facebook page by clicking on “Facebook” on any page of our church website, www.ucchurch.org

 

 

Good Morning! Welcome to University

Congregational Church!

 

WE INVITE OUR VISITORS TODAY to join us in Fellowship Hall after the service for coffee, refreshments and conversation.  Just follow the crowd down the hallway (west).

PLEASE SIGN THE FELLOWSHIP PAD when it comes down the pew.  Members please sign and update any changes in your contact information.  If you are a guest, please sign the pad so that we may thank you for worshipping with us.

 

 

 

THIS WEEK

 

YOGA CLASS will not meet Tuesday but will meet on Friday at 10:00 a.m.in Fellowship Hall.

 

THE POINSETTIAS will be moved to Fellowship Hall this week and you are welcome to take one home, especially if you gave to the poinsettia flower fund.

 

Happy New Year!

The church office will be closed Wednesday, January 1 for the New Year’s Holiday.

NEXT SUNDAY

 

A NEWCOMERS CLASS will be offered next Sunday, January 5, in the conference room after the church service for anyone interested in becoming a member of UCC or finding out more about the church. A light lunch will be served. Please let the office know if you are planning to attend 634-0430.

 

29 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the Annual Meeting of University Congregational Church, Wichita, KS as provided for in the church’s bylaws.  The meeting will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2014 in the sanctuary immediately following the church service.  The agenda items are as follows:

  1. Election of church officers and board members as listed below;

Moderator-Elect Marla Flentje Church Clerk Jane Phares Treasurer Sharon Tims (2 year term) Council Members at Large Barbara Mohney (2 year term), Sue Anderson (two year term), Mert Buckley (2 year term), Diane Park (1 year term, Bao Mosinyi (one year term) Board of Deacons Ann Dorrah, Dorothy Blankenship, Wanda Nicholas, Ginger Phillips, Dianne Robinson, Anna Mills, Carla Walker, Paula Kidd, Roy Parker, Karen, Nye, Connie Buckley (second term), Mitch Buehler, and Rosemary Davenport Christian Education Board Jenny Heskett and Grace Kneil, Jon Romain, and Trudy Matthews Outreach Board Charlie and Gloria Russell, Diane and Howard Lachenmayr, Patsy Scott, Kim Carraway, and Lillian Mayer Music Board  Jay Decker and Lavinia Gerould Board of Trustees Will Momson

  1. Such other business as is appropriate.

Copies of the Slate of Officers and 2013 Annual Report will be distributed prior to the meeting.  You may also request copies from the church office.

 

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT CHECKS must be delivered or postmarked on or by December 31st in order to claim a charitable contribution deduction in 2013.   Checks that are written, mailed and postmarked in 2013 will be allowed as payment in 2013 though they are not received by the church until 2014.  In addition, be sure to wait to file your tax return until after you’ve received your statement from the church so that you may insure that all your contributions are deductible. If you have any questions, please call Luanne Turkot at 634-0430 or Larry Widmer at 210-6776.

 

2014 COMMUNION TABLE FLOWER SCHEDULE is on the PIC board in Fellowship Hall. There are some January dates that still need to be filled! Sign up early to get the date you want!

 

 

2014 HOLY LAND TRIP brochures are on the Welcome Table for anyone interested or if you have friends who might be interested in the trip scheduled for next March.  There is also trip insurance information, as well.  Please call Robin at 634-0430 or email her at revdocmom1@gmail.com with any questions.

 

INCLEMENT WEATHER CLOSING NOTIFICATION FOR UNIVERSITY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

 

In the event of inclement weather that is deemed significant enough that church services or activities should be cancelled, the following procedure will occur: The Senior Minister and the Church Moderator will make the determination to cancel the worship service and/or other activities.

The Director of Christian Life (or designee) will insure the following communications occur:

  1. A cancellation notification will be posted on the church sign.
  2. The church website will reflect the closure.

(www. ucchurch.org)

  1. The church Facebook page will reflect the closure.
  2. The following media outlets will be contacted about the closings KWCH, KSNW, KAKE, KFDI, and NPR.

 

Classes will resume Monday, January 6

LIVING WITH QUESTIONS

Experiencing the Bible Again for the First Time

 

This curriculum for adults, designed for group use is experiential in methodology, valuing the wisdom of each person and the integrity of their experience of the Sacred. This program has grown out of a hunger to know and engage the Bible at deeper levels as evidenced by the popularity of Marcus Borg’s original work, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously, but not Literally.

The classes will meet on Monday nights from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.  Paul Jackson will be teaching this class as part of his program of study for Lay Ministry through the NACCC.

 

 

 

 Traditional Word:                              John 1:1-9 NRSV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contemporary Word:

Origin of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”

An Underground Catechism

 

Catholics in England during the period 1558 to 1829 when Parliament finally emancipated Catholics in England, were prohibited from ANY practice of their faith by law- private OR public.  It was a crime to BE a Catholic.

 

Symbols mean the following:

 

True Love=______________________

  1. Partridge in a Pear Tree=____________________
  2. Turtle Doves=___________________________
  3. French Hens= Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
  4. Calling Birds=the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
  5. Golden Rings=the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the “Pentateuch”, which gives the history of man’s fall from grace.
  6. Geese A-laying= the six days of creation
  7. Swans A-swimming=the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
  8. Maids A- milking=the eight beatitudes
  9. Ladies Dancing=the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
  10.  Lords A-leaping=the ten commandments
  11. Pipers Piping=the eleven faithful apostles
  12. Drummers Drumming=the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed

 

“This tale is made up of both fact and fiction. Hopefully it will be accepted in the spirit it was written.  As an encouragement to people to keep the faith alive, when it is easy, and when any outward expressions of their faith could mean their life.  Today there are people living under similar conditions, may this tale give them courage, and determination to use any creative means at their disposal to keep their faith alive”

 

Courtesy of Catholic Information Network (CIN)

 

Words to the Anthems

Sing Gloria

 

The shepherds sleep among their sheep, all silent they lie,

When clear and strong there comes a song from angels on high.

Sing gloria in excelsis, Sing gloria in excelsis, Jesus is Born

 

Now hark and hear this word of cheer, and be not afraid,

in humble guise the infant lies, in a manger laid.

 

The shepherds heard the wondrous word the angels did sing,

and travelled to Bethlehem to worship their King.

 

We follow them to Bethlehem, our Savior to greet,

our hearts we bring on offering to lat at his feet

Sing gloria, sing gloria, Jesus is born!

 

Love Came Down at Christmas

 

Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely love divine,

Love was born at Christmas, stars and angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead, Love incarnate, Love divine,

Worship we our Jesus, but where with our sacred sign?

Love shall be our token, love be yours and love be mine,

Love was born at Christmas, love for plea, love for gift, love for sign.

Love came down at Christmas, stars and angels gave the sign.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncategorized /

Announcement for Sunday, December 15, 2013

 

 

Good Morning! Welcome to University

Congregational Church!

 

WE INVITE OUR VISITORS TODAY to join us in Fellowship Hall after the service for coffee, refreshments and conversation.  Just follow the crowd down the hallway (west).

PLEASE SIGN THE FELLOWSHIP PAD when it comes down the pew.  Members please sign and update any changes in your contact information.  If you are a guest, please sign the pad so that we may thank you for worshipping with us.

 

TODAY

 

CHOIR MEMBER JON ROMAIN will have his pottery sale in Fellowship Hall.

 

THE MUSIC BOARD will meet in the choir room at 11:45.

 

THE OUTREACH BOARD will meet in the office meeting room at 11:45

 

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES will meet in the conference room at 11:45.

 

KEVIN CALLOWAY, (our guest organist last Sunday) will give an Christmas Vespers Organ Recital at 2:30 this afternoon in our sanctuary. All are welcome to come!

 

THIS WEEK

THE CHURCH COUNCIL will meet Monday, December 13, in the conference room at 5:30.

 

THE ADULT EDUCATION CLASS “LIVING WITH QUESTIONS,  will not meet this Monday. The next class will be Monday, January 6, at 6:30

 

THE MEN’S GROUP CHRISTMAS LUNCH is Thursday, December19, 11:30 at the Lakeside Club (21ST and Webb behind Walgreens).  Robin McGonigle will give a short talk. Please sign up in Fellowship Hall or call the office to sign up.

 

YOGA CLASSES meet on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ($5.00) and Friday at 10:00 a.m.in Fellowship Hall.

 

NEXT SUNDAY

A CHRISTMAS TABLEAU will be presented by the children of UCC during the Children’s Message.

 

  Christmas Eve Service

 Please join us for this beautiful family service at 5:30 p.m. with Christmas carols, a story from the Bible, and meditations from Deitrich Bonhoeffer.

 

A NEWCOMERS CLASS will be offered Sunday, January 5, in the conference room after the church service for anyone interested in becoming a member of UCC or finding out more about the church. A light lunch will be served. Please let the office know if you are planning to attend 634-0430.

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT CHECKS must be delivered or postmarked on or by December 31st in order to claim a charitable contribution deduction in 2013.   Checks that are written, mailed and postmarked in 2013 will be allowed as payment in 2013 though they are not received by the church until 2014.  In addition, be sure to wait to file your tax return until after you’ve received your statement from the church so that you may insure that all your contributions are deductible. If you have any questions, please call Luanne Turkot at 634-0430 or Larry Widmer at 210-6776.

 

2014 COMMUNION TABLE FLOWER SCHEDULE is on the PIC board in Fellowship Hall. Sign up early to get the date you want!

 

2014 HOLY LAND TRIP brochures are on the Welcome Table for anyone interested or if you have friends who might be interested in the trip scheduled for next March.  There is also trip insurance information, as well.  Please call Robin at 634-0430 or email her at revdocmom1@gmail.com with any questions.

 

 

A BIG THANK YOU GOES OUT TO BOB SCOTT for the time and effort he put in to presenting Many Moods of Christmas for us last Sunday.  A huge thank you also goes to Paul Jackson for organizing schedules of choir members and musicians, and formatting the bulletin,  to Tim Duncan for engineering the CD’s so that they capture the beautiful music that filled our sanctuary, and to the choir for sharing their extraordinary talents.

 

 

 

 

KATHRYN LANGREHR would like to thank all the Deacons for the food they brought and the hard work in planning, set up and clean up for the Christmas party.  To all the performers, a huge thank you for a wonderful program. To all who came out on a very cold Sunday night bringing wonderful appetizers and desserts, a big thank you. Thank you, thank you to all who stayed to clean up. The remodeled more efficient kitchen was tested worked beautifully!

 

WE ALL THANK you Kathryn and Deacons for a great party!

 

INCLEMENT WEATHER CLOSING NOTIFICATION FOR UNIVERSITY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

 

In the event of inclement weather that is deemed significant enough that church services or activities should be cancelled, the following procedure will occur: The Senior Minister and the Church Moderator will make the determination to cancel the worship service and/or other activities.

The Director of Christian Life (or designee) will insure the following communications occur:

  1. A cancellation notification will be posted on the church sign.
  2. The church website will reflect the closure.

(www. ucchurch.org)

  1. The church Facebook page will reflect the closure.
  2. The following media outlets will be contacted about the closings KWCH, KSNW, KAKE, KFDI, and NPR.

OUTREACH

 

THE HEAD-TO-TOE HYGIENE PANTRY will be open Saturday, December 21.  Thank you to all who brought crayons and coloring books and volunteered to help on what will be a very busy day.

 

FOOD BANK It is holiday time and the need is even greater.  Most needed items are canned meats, tuna, spam, chicken, and ham, macaroni and cheese, canned soup, spaghetti sauce. A full list is on the collection basket in Fellowship Hall.

 

INTER-FAITH MINISTRIES Operation Holiday is conducting its 50th year of helping needy families in the Wichita area.  They are in need of non-perishable food (cereal, canned vegetables, peanut butter

pasta, etc.).  We have 16 of the 20 volunteers UCC has committed to provide for the Operation Holiday’s distribution center this Friday, December 20th from 8:30-12:30. It is the opening day and it will be busy.  Sign up on the PIC board and see Kim Carraway for more info.

                       

WE THANK all those below who contributed poinsettias to our beautiful Christmas floral display in the sanctuary.

 

*Larry and Sue Anderson

*William and Beverly Berl

*Ann Brady for DeWayne Brady

*Mert and Connie Buckley in honor of our parents

*Linda Burnside

*Nancy Cochener in loving memory of Bruce and in loving memory                             of Nancy and Bruce’s parents

*Jay and Phyllis Decker

*Jan Deering in memory of Bert Deering

*Tim and Anne Duncan celebrating our children and grandchildren

*Justus Fugate in memory of Connie Claire Arnold

*Anita Jones in memory of Randy and Larry

*Kathryn Langrehr in honor of my grandchildren

*Mike and Leigh Aaron Leary in memory of family

*Trudy Matthews in memory of her mom and dad

*Anna and Belden Mills in loving memory of their parents

*George and Maxine Morrison

*Gary and Karen Nye in memory of Margene Nye

*Ginger Phillips in memory of Devan Krausch

*Carol Pinsker in memory of Jack Turner

*James and Beverly Rhatigan

*Janice Riordan

*Wayne and Norma Roberts in memory of our parents

*Charles and Gloria Russell in memory Gloria’s sister, Bernadine

*Bob and Patsy Scott

*Fred and Virginia Soper

*Sabrina Standifer in memory of Louise Landers and Judy Andrews

*Burt and Sharon Tims in celebration of their grandchildren

 

 

CONTEMPORARY WORD

Notes on Saint Nicholas

He is the most popular saint in the calendar year, yet we know little about him as compared to St. Francis or St. Christopher.

 

St Nicholas:

Early 4th century bishop of Myra, in Lycia , Asia Minor

 

Childhood-

Nicholas’s father was a wealthy merchant

parents died when Nicholas was a teenager;

Nicholas lived with an uncle who was a priest.

Nicholas refused on fast days to take the natural nourishment allowed children

 

Early Adulthood-

Youngest bishop in the history of the church

persecuted and imprisoned during the reign of Roman emperor Diocletain

was released from prison when Constantine established Christianity as official

 

After Death-

Justinian, the last major emperor in the East, built a church in honor of

Nicholas in Constantinople

700 years after his death, Nicholas’s remains were moved to Bari, Italy

Venice, Italy also claims to have enshrined the remains of St. Nicholas

more than 400 churches dedicated to Nicholas in England

 

St. Nicholas Feast Day is Dec. 6—this is celebrated all over the world

Nicholas is patron saint to:

maidenhood (because of providing dowry to 3 maidens)

children (because Nicholas helped and protected children otherwise

neglected)

sailors (because they helped spread the stories of Nicholas as they traveled)

patron saint of giving

 

Other legendary gift-giving figures of History:

Befana of the Roman Empire

Berchta and Knecht Ruprecht of Germany

 

Variations on Saint Nicholas from other countries:

Sankt Nikolaus-Germany

Sanct Herr Nicholaas or Sinter Klaas-Holland

Pere Noel-France

Julenisse-Scandinavia

Father Christmas-England

Kriss Kringle evolved from the word Christkindl which means “Christ child”

 

1st Anthem            “El Rorro”   (Mexican Carol )

 

O sleep my lovely Jesu, O sweetest Jesu, A la rururu,  my lovely Jesu,

O slumber sweetly, my little Jesu.

The elephant and even the mosquito are guarding him in silence, make no noise, now, sleep.

O night of happiness, night of rejoicing with blessed Mary, Maid of God’s own choosing, sleep

Celestial choruses with sweetest accent are singing joyful tidings of this infant.

 

 

2nd  Anthem    “Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day”

 

Tomorrow shall be my dancing day, I would my true love did so chance to see the legend of my play

to call my true love to my dance.

Sing O my love , O my love , my love , my love. This have I done for my true love.

Thus was I born of a virgin pure, of her I took fleshly substance, thus was I knit to man’s nature,

to call my true love to my dance.

In a manger laid and  wrapp’d I was, so very poor this was my chance, He twixt an ox and a silly poor ass,

to call my true love to my dance, this have I done for my true love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncategorized /

Announcements for Sunday, December 1, 2013

 

HELPFUL CHURCH INFORMATION

 

A NURSERY AND TODDLER ROOM are available downstairs for babies and toddlers during the church service.  Grace, Megan and Anna will be there to greet you and your children.

 

BABY MONITORS are available for those of you who leave your children in the nursery or toddler room during the church service.  To check one out, please see Grace in the nursery.

 

BE SURE TO CHECK OUR WEB SITE ww.ucchurch.org each week for updates and new pictures! A preview of the Order of Service, Sunday announcements and Sermon Titles are posted each week!  An archive of sermons, newsletters, and up-to-date calendar are all readily available on the website too.

 

HEARING ASSISTED RECEIVERS are available for your use during the church service.  Please see an usher if you need one.

 

WANT A CD of a worship service?  Please sign up on the CD Form on the information board in Fellowship Hall.  You may pick-up your CD in the library.  $2 per CD may be put in “Deposit Box” in the office.

 

WOMENS’ GUILD BOOK EXCHANGE New books come in every week for this Women’s Guild outreach project.  Please bring books you have read and think others would enjoy to add to our bookshelves.  We like to keep our inventory interesting and inviting!   

 

CHECK OUT THE BULLETIN BOARDS IN FELLOWSHIP HALL.  The minutes of all the UCC Boards are posted on the bulletin boards as is the roster for the Church Council.

 

UCC HAS A FACEBOOK PAGE! You can link to our Facebook page by clicking on “Facebook” on any page of our church website, www.ucchurch.org

 

 

Good Morning! Welcome to University

Congregational Church!

 

WE INVITE OUR VISITORS TODAY to join us in Fellowship Hall after the service for coffee, refreshments and conversation.  Just follow the crowd down the hallway (west).

PLEASE SIGN THE FELLOWSHIP PAD when it comes down the pew.  Members please sign and update any changes in your contact information.  If you are a guest, please sign the pad so that we may thank you for worshipping with us.

 

TODAY

 

 

THIS IS THE LAST DAY THE ANGEL TREE will be up in Fellowship Hall. Please see the insert for information about each of the seven families. The Angel Tree gifts are due back next Sunday.

 

LAST DAY FOR THE FRUIT SALE! The fruit will be here for you to pick up next Sunday. (See insert)

 

HANGING OF THE GREENS will be later today at 5:00.  Come join in as we decorate the church for the holidays. Wear your jeans and bring a potluck dish to share.

 

THIS WEEK

 

THE ADULT EDUCATION CLASS “LIVING WITH QUESTIONS, Monday, December 2, 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the conference room.  See more information about the class in the bulletin insert.

 

YOGA CLASSES meet on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ($5.00) and Friday at 10:00 a.m.in Fellowship Hall.

 

NEXT SUNDAY

 

MANY MOODS OF CHRISTMAS will be presented by 37 musicians and our 40 + choir members as our church service.  Bring a guest and get here early!

 

THE C.E. BOARD will meet in the office meeting room at 11:45.

 

 THE DEACONS will meet in Fellowship Hall after the service as they

prepare for the Christmas party.

PLEASE NOTE THAT CHECKS must be delivered or postmarked on or by December 31st in order to claim a charitable contribution deduction in 2013.   Checks that are written, mailed and postmarked in 2013 will be allowed as payment in 2013 though they are not received by the church until 2014.  In addition, be sure to wait to file your tax return until after you’ve received your statement from the church so that you may insure that all your contributions are deductible. If you have any questions, please call Luanne Turkot at 634-0430 or Larry Widmer at 210-6776.

 

HELP NEEDED BAKING ST. NICHOLAS COOKIES! Robin will be making cookies on Thursday, December12, in the Fellowship Hall kitchen.  Please come and help if your schedule allows.

 

CHOIR MEMBER JON ROMAIN will have his pottery sale on December 15 in Fellowship Hall after the church service.

 

2014 COMMUNION TABLE FLOWER SCHEDULE is on the PIC board in Fellowship Hall. Sign up early to get the date you want!

 

2014 HOLY LAND TRIP brochures are on the Welcome Table for anyone interested or if you have friends who might be interested in the trip scheduled for next March.  There is also trip insurance information, as well.  Please call Robin at 634-0430 or email her at revdocmom1@gmail.com with any questions.

 

THE REFRIGERATOR IN THE OFFICE MEETING ROOM really needs a new home.   Call Cyndi at 634-0430 if you know of anyone or any agency that needs a refrigerator.

 

BUNK BEDS? If any of you have a set or two of bunk beds, a family with several children we met at the Hygiene Pantry are very much in need of these beds. Call Barbara McKee 687-4868 or the church office if you know of any beds.

 

 

 

 

 

OUTREACH

 

THE HEAD-TO-TOE HYGIENE PANTRY will be open Saturday, December 21.  Thank you to all who volunteered to help on what will be a very busy day.

 

FOOD BANK It is holiday time and the need is even greater.  Most needed items are canned meats, tuna, spam, chicken, and ham, macaroni and cheese, canned soup, spaghetti sauce. A full list is on the collection basket in Fellowship Hall.

 

INTER-FAITH MINISTRIES Operation Holiday is conducting its 50th year of helping needy families in the Wichita area.  They are in need of non-perishable food (cereal, canned vegetables, peanut butter

pasta, etc.).  UCC has committed to provide 20 volunteers at Operation Holiday’s distribution center on Friday, December 20th from 8:30-12:30.  Sign up on the PIC board and see Kim Carraway for more info.

 

 

New Class

LIVING WITH QUESTIONS

Experiencing the Bible Again for the First Time

 

This curriculum for adults, designed for group use is experiential in methodology, valuing the wisdom of each person and the integrity of their experience of the Sacred. This program has grown out of a hunger to know and engage the Bible at deeper levels as evidenced by the popularity of Marcus Borg’s original work, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously, but not Literally.

The classes will meet on Monday nights (except for this Monday) from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.  Paul Jackson will be teaching this class as part of his program of study for Lay Ministry through the NACCC.

 

 

 

 

 

Advent Season at UCC

Angel Tree  The tree is up in Fellowship hall and we have names of seven families given to us by Communities in Schools. Make your selection from the many paper ornaments on the tree. Gifts are due back on December 8th.

Hanging of the Greens  is today, at 5:00 p.m. Come and help decorate the church for Christmas and share in a potluck meal.

Welcome Wagon Auction  is Tuesday, December 3, in Fellowship Hall. A fun event presented by this charitable group who also supports our Head-to-Toe Hygiene Pantry.

Many Moods of Christmas  will be performed Sunday, December 8, as our morning service.  The gift we love that makes us appreciate the extraordinary music here at UCC even more. Bring a guest  but get here early!

The UCC Christmas Party  is Sunday, December 8, at 5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.  Great food, music by the choir members, and a chance to wear your Christmas sweater. See invitation on the back of this insert.

Christmas  Vespers  An organ recital by Kevin Calloway in our sanctuary at 2:30 on Sunday, December 15.

Men’s Group Christmas Lunch  is Thursday, December 19, at 11:30 at The Lakeside Club. All of the men of the church are invited to join this fun group that meets each month.

Christmas Eve   December 24, 5:30. A service for the family, with Christmas Carols, a story from the Bible, and meditations from Deitrich Bonhoeffer.

                                         You are invited

                                to the  UCC Christmas Party

                                     December 8, 5:30 in

                                        Fellowship Hall

                            A festive evening of  food, music,

                                     and Christmas cheer.

 

                             The  Deacons will provide the

                             meat, sides, bread, coffee, tea,

                                             and wine.

 

                                     If you would like to bring a

                                        dish and your las t name

                                starts with A-L-bring  an appetizer 

                                                  M-Z bring a dessert

 

                             Also bring a small pack of  crayons

                             and a  small coloring book to be

                          given out at the Dec. Hygiene  Pantry.            

 

                                   Please sign up in Fellowship Hall

                                           so we know you are coming!

 

         

Last day for the Fruit Sale today

Fellowship Hall!

Oranges         Small-        42 per box

                     Medium     36 per box

                            Large         24-28 per box

                    Grapefruit                       18 per box

All  20 lb. boxes $25.00

You can buy ½ & ½  oranges/grapefruit!

 

Elliot Pecans   $15.00 per pound    Smaller, sweeter, tasty, and great for baking.

Pick up date is Sunday, December 8!

THE TRADITIONAL WORD:        Luke 1:26-38

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”[a] 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”[b] 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[c] will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Contemporary Word:  from Wil Willimon

“With the vulnerability of the Babe comes his claim upon us.  A baby, because of its vulnerability, dependency, and potential, evokes a response from us, demands a commitment unknown in the majority o human encounters.  This claim arises not only because babies need us but also because, somewhere within out deepest selves, we know that we need babies.  Some deep, human instinct tells us that babies are a sign of our human creativity at its best, a reminder of our dark, biological, primordial origins in the waters of creation and a hopeful hint of our still open future.  Call it life.  One finds it difficult to be neutral in the face of such smiling mystery.”

      

1st Anthem  “And the Glory of  The Lord”

From Handel’s Messiah

 

And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

 

 

2nd Anthem  “Glory to God”

From Handel’s Messiah

 

There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.

 

And lo! The angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid.

 

And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

 

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

 

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God, and saying:

 

Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will towards men.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Angel Tree

 

As we prepare to enjoy our family, friends and the feasts of this Holiday Season, let us take time to consider and be thankful for our many blessings.

As we do this, we can’t help but think of those around us who are struggling and who do not look forward to this season with that same eagerness; those who may be thankful for what they have, but who do not have the things we consider basic necessities; those whose children expect very meager surprises under the tree this Christmas.

 

To give hope and happiness in just a small way, we have again partnered with Communities in Schools to identify families who are in need of assistance this Christmas.   We have accepted six families from the school district program as well as one family identified through the Hygiene Panty.  A brief description of the family situations can be found below.

 

The Angel Tree will be waiting for you in Fellowship Hall this Sunday, November 24th.   Please share your blessings by purchasing gifts (new items) identified on the tags.  Once you select your tags, please record them on the respective color coded sheets so that we will know those needs are being met.   Please bring gifts, unwrapped, to the Parlor no later than Sunday, December 8th.   The tags are color coded to assist in identifying the gifts so please return the tag with the gift and place it in the respective family’s section.  You can be sure your gift will make a difference.

 

Family #1:       This family is new to the Community in Schools Program.  The 13 year old daughter attends Marshall Middle School and volunteers regularly to assemble dental kits.  She loves to eat lunch with the CISWSC Site Coordinator.  Her father has lost his job.  No one at home is currently employed.  The family will appreciate your help this Christmas season.

 

Family #2:       The family of four is recovering from the tornado that hit their home a year and a half ago. They have been relocated and are struggling to replace possessions they lost during the storm. Gifts for Christmas will give the family the support they need to continue to recover.

 

Family #3:       The 16 year old special needs student moved to Southeast this year to live with his aunt and uncle due to issues of neglect.  His aunt and uncle welcomed him into their family.  However, they live pay check to pay check to provide the support and care he needs.  Never once did they

 

think twice about taking him into their home.  The family is seeking

assistance for him so they can ensure that he has a special Christmas to remember.

 

Family #4:       Father works a low-income restaurant job and mother was injured and can no longer work.  With five children the income does not go far in meeting their basic needs.   Three of the children attend Marshall Middle School and participate in the Food 4 Kids program.   They would be most appreciative of any assistance we can give to help with Christmas for their children.  While our gifts for the Angel Tree are new items, this family also has a need for gently used twin beds and a sofa.  If you are able to assist with any of these items, please let Cyndi know and she will pass the word along to the Angel Tree Committee.

 

 Family #5:      Both Mother and Father work at local fast food restaurants and are not guaranteed to get full time hours each week.   Low wages and frequent shorting of hours forces the family to live paycheck to paycheck and barley able to afford the necessities for themselves and three children.   Holiday assistance would take much stress off the parents this time of year.

 

Family # 6       Father is employed and Mother is a para-educator at the children’s school.   There are three children aged 10, 12 and 15.  Mother is taking college courses to become a Special Education teacher and they anticipate that current sacrifices will mean brighter days ahead.   However, this family is currently struggling to meet basic needs and could really use a boost through the holidays.

 

Family #7        This family’s needs became apparent through their regular visits to the Hygiene Panty.   The family consists of Grandfather, Father, Mother and four children with limited ability to communicate in English.  The Father is a tree trimmer who will experience significant income reduction in the coming winter months.

Mother is unable to work because she takes dialyses three days a week, has severe vision impairment, and cares for four children.    Grandfather is able to contribute a minimum amount financially but provides necessary transportation to and from dialyses and helps with children.   Any assistance we can provide will be greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WE THANK all those below who contributed poinsettias to our beautiful Christmas floral display in the sanctuary.

 

*Larry and Sue Anderson

*William and Beverly Berl

*Ann Brady for DeWayne Brady

*Mert and Connie Buckley in honor of our parents

*Linda Burnside

*Nancy Cochener in loving memory of Bruce and in loving memory of Nancy and Bruce’s parents

*Jay and Phyllis Decker

*Jan Deering in memory of Bert Deering

*Tim and Anne Duncan celebrating our children and grandchildren

*Justus Fugate in memory of Connie Claire Arnold

*Anita Jones in memory of Randy and Larry

*Kathryn Langrehr in honor of my grandchildren

*Mike and Leigh Aaron Leary in memory of family

*Trudy Matthews in memory of her mom and dad

*Anna and Belden Mills in loving memory of their parents

*George and Maxine Morrison

*Gary and Karen Nye in memory of Margene Nye

*Ginger Phillips in memory of Devan Krausch

*Carol Pinsker in memory of Jack Turner

*James and Beverly Rhatigan

*Janice Riordan

*Wayne and Norma Roberts in memory of our parents

*Charles and Gloria Russell in memory Gloria’s sister, Bernadine

*Bob and Patsy Scott

*Fred and Virginia Soper

*Sabrina Standifer in memory of Louise Landers and Judy Andrews

*Burt and Sharon Tims in celebration of their grandchildren

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncategorized /

Announcements for Sunday, November 24, 2013

Good Morning! Welcome to University

Congregational Church!

 

WE INVITE OUR VISITORS TODAY to join us in Fellowship Hall after the service for coffee, refreshments and conversation.  Just follow the crowd down the hallway (west).

PLEASE SIGN THE FELLOWSHIP PAD when it comes down the pew.  Members please sign and update any changes in your contact information.  If you are a guest, please sign the pad so that we may thank you for worshipping with us.

 

TODAY

 

THE FLOWERS ON THE COMMUNION TABLE TODAY are given by Linda Burnside in memory of her dad whose birthday would have been today.

 

 

THE ANGEL TREE is up in Fellowship Hall. Please see the insert for information about each of the seven families.

 

THIS WEEK

 

THE CHURCH COUNCIL will meet Monday, November 25, at 6:30 in the conference room.

 

THE ADULT EDUCATION CLASS “LIVING WITH QUESTIONS, will not meet this Monday November 25 but will resume the following Monday, December 2, 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the conference room.  See more information about the class in the bulletin insert.

 

YOGA CLASSES meet on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ($5.00).  The Friday class is cancelled.

 

NEXT SUNDAY

 

HANGING OF THE GREENS will be at 5:00.  Come join in as we decorate the church for the holidays. Wear your jeans and bring a potluck dish to share.

 

 

 

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY to contribute to the Christmas floral display, so if you would you can put your check for $13.00 in the offering plate. Be sure to put Christmas flowers on the memo line and let us know if your donation is in honor of or in memory of someone. The poinsettias will be in the sanctuary next Sunday.

 

THE REVIVER (DEFIBRILLATOR) has been moved to the library by the water cooler. Please take note and check out where it is.

 

WG LUNCH AND BAKE SALE is cancelled.  The board is sorry to have to cancel these events but several of the board members are going to be out of town during this busy time.

 

2014 COMMUNION TABLE FLOWER SCHEDULE is on the PIC board in Fellowship Hall. Sign up early to get the date you want!

 

2014 HOLY LAND TRIP brochures are on the Welcome Table for anyone interested or if you have friends who might be interested in the trip scheduled for next March.  There is also trip insurance information, as well.  Please call Robin at 634-0430 or email her at revdocmom1@gmail.com with any questions.

 

THE REFRIGERATOR IN THE OFFICE MEETING ROOM really needs a new home.   Call Cyndi at 634-0430 if you know of anyone or any agency that needs a refrigerator.

 

BUNK BEDS? If any of you have a set or two of bunk beds, a family with several children we met at the Hygiene Pantry are very much in need of these beds. Call Barbara McKee 687-4868 or the church office if you know of any beds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OUTREACH

 

IF YOU WANT TO HELP VICTIMS OF THE PHILIPPINES TYPHOON a good website recommended by Robin is www.weekofcompassion.org.

 

FOOD BANK The holidays are coming up and the need will be greater.  Most needed items are canned meats, tuna, spam, chicken, and ham, macaroni and cheese, canned soup, spaghetti sauce. A full list is on the collection basket in Fellowship Hall.

 

INTER-FAITH MINISTRIES Operation Holiday is conducting its 50th year of helping needy families in the Wichita area.  They are in need of non-perishable food (cereal, canned vegetables, peanut butter

pasta, etc.).  UCC has committed to provide 20 volunteers at Operation Holiday’s distribution center on Friday, December 20th from 8:30-12:30.  Sign up on the PIC board and see Kim Carraway for more info.

 

 

New Class

LIVING WITH QUESTIONS

Experiencing the Bible Again for the First Time

 

This curriculum for adults, designed for group use is experiential in methodology, valuing the wisdom of each person and the integrity of their experience of the Sacred. This program has grown out of a hunger to know and engage the Bible at deeper levels as evidenced by the popularity of Marcus Borg’s original work, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously, but not Literally.

The classes will meet on Monday nights (except for this Monday) from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.  Paul Jackson will be teaching this class as part of his program of study for Lay Ministry through the NACCC.

 

 

 

 

 

Advent Season at UCC

Angel Tree  The tree is up in Fellowship hall and we have names of seven families given to us by Communities in Schools. Make your selection from the many paper ornaments on the tree. Gifts are due back on December 8th.

Hanging of the Greens  is Sunday, December 1, 5:00 p.m. Come and help decorate the church for Christmas and share in a potluck meal.

Welcome Wagon Auction  is Tuesday, December 3, in Fellowship Hall. A fun event presented by this charitable group who also supports our Head-to-Toe Hygiene Pantry.

Many Moods of Christmas  will be performed Sunday, December 8, as our morning service.  The gift we love that makes us appreciate the extraordinary music here at UCC even more. Bring a guest  but get here early!

The UCC Christmas Party  is Sunday, December 8, at 5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.  Great food, music by the choir members, and a chance to wear your Christmas sweater. See invitation on the back of this insert.

Christmas  Vespers  An organ recital by Kevin Calloway in our sanctuary at 2:30 on Sunday, December 15.

Men’s Group Christmas Lunch  is Thursday, December 19, at 11:30 at The Lakeside Club. All of the men of the church are invited to join this fun group that meets each month.

Christmas Eve   December 24, 5:30. A service for the family, with Christmas carols, a story from the Bible and meditations from Deitrich Bonhoeffer.

                                         You are invited

                                to the  UCC Christmas Party

                                     December 8, 5:30 in

                                        Fellowship Hall

                            A festive evening of  food, music,

                                     and Christmas cheer.

 

                             The  Deacons will provide the

                             meat, sides, bread, coffee, tea,

                                             and wine.

 

                                     If you would like to bring a

                                        dish and your las t name

                                starts with A-L-bring  an appetizer 

                                                  M-Z bring a dessert

 

                             Also bring a small pack of  crayons

                             and a  small coloring book to be

                          given out at the Dec. Hygiene  Pantry.            

 

                                   Please sign up in Fellowship Hall

                                           so we know you are coming!

 

         

Fruit Sale today and next Sunday in

Fellowship Hall!

Oranges         Small-        42 per box

                     Medium     36 per box

                            Large         24-28 per box

                    Grapefruit                       18 per box

All  20 lb. boxes $25.00

You can buy ½ & ½  oranges/grapefruit!

 

Elliot Pecans   $15.00 per pound    Smaller, sweeter, tasty, and great for baking.

Pick up date is Sunday, December 8!

 

THE TRADITIONAL WORD        I Thessalonians 5:1-28

12-13 And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!

13-15 Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.

16-18 Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.

19-22 Don’t suppress the Spirit, and don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don’t be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what’s good. Throw out anything tainted with evil.

23-24 May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it!

25-27 Friends, keep up your prayers for us. Greet all the followers of Jesus there with a holy embrace. And make sure this letter gets read to all the brothers and sisters. Don’t leave anyone out.

28 The amazing grace of Jesus Christ be with you!      

 

 

THE CONTEMPORARY WORD-

 

Tom Peters: “Celebrate what you want to see more of.”

 

Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.”

  

 Lewis Smedes: “I learned that gratitude is the best feeling I can ever have, the ultimate joy of living.  Gratitude is better than sex, better than winning the lottery, better than watching your daughter graduate from college, better and deeper than any other feeling; it is perhaps the genesis of all other really good feelings in the human repertoire.”

Albert Einstein: “There are two ways to live your life, one is as though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

and excerpts from Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncategorized /

Come Home for the Holidays!

Advent Worship Services each Sunday in December at 10:30 AM

Sunday, December 1st at 5:00 PM “The Hanging of the Greens”

Sunday, December 8th at 10:30 AM “The Many Moods of Christmas”

Sunday, December 8th at 5:30 PM Annual Adult Christmas Party

Sunday, December 15th at 2:30 PM  Christmas Vespers

—Organ recital by Kevin Calloway

Sunday, December 22nd “A Children’s Christmas Pageant”

Tuesday, December 24th at 5:30 PM “Christmas Eve Service”

 

9209 East 29th Street North, Wichita, KS 67226  316.634.0430  www.ucchurch.org

 

Come Home

for Christmas

University Congregational Church

Where Head and Heart are Equal Partners in Faith

 
Uncategorized /

Announcements for Sunday, November 17, 2013

 

Good Morning! Welcome to University

Congregational Church!

 

WE INVITE OUR VISITORS TODAY to join us in Fellowship Hall after the service for coffee, refreshments and conversation.  Just follow the crowd down the hallway (west).

PLEASE SIGN THE FELLOWSHIP PAD when it comes down the pew.  Members please sign and update any changes in your contact information.  If you are a guest, please sign the pad so that we may thank you for worshipping with us.

 

TODAY

 

THE FLOWERS ON THE COMMUNION TABLE TODAY are given by Lavinia and Romy Gerould in celebration of their 30th wedding anniversary. Congratulations!

 

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES will meet in the conference room at 11:45.

 

THE FRUIT SALE starts today in Fellowship Hall.  See more information in the insert.

 

A RECITAL FOR JOSEPH CONSIGLIO AND EMILY PIRTLE

will be tonight, Nov. 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the Heskett Center at WSU

All are invited.

 

THIS WEEK

 

THE ADULT EDUCATION CLASS “LIVING WITH QUESTIONS, Monday, November 18, 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the conference room.  See more information about the class in the bulletin insert.

 

YOGA CLASSES meet on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ($5.00) and Friday at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.

 

NEXT SUNDAY

 

THE ANGEL TREE will be up in Fellowship Hall

 

A PILGRIM’S JOURNEY will be presented during Children’s Time.

 

COMMUNION will be served during the church service.

 

 

 

THE MEN’S GROUP LUNCH is Thursday, November 21, 11:30 at The Lakeside Club.  Our own Dr. James Rhatigan will speak on the “Creation and Life of UCC and How it Came to Be”. Please sign up in Fellowship Hall or call the office to sign up.

 

THE REVIVER (DEFIBRILLATOR) has been moved to the library by the water cooler. Please take note and check out where it is.

 

WG LUNCH AND BAKE SALE is cancelled.  The board is sorry to have to cancel these events but several of the board members are going to be out of town during this busy time.

 

2014 COMMUNION TABLE FLOWER SCHEDULE is on the PIC board in Fellowship Hall. Sign up early to get the date you want!

 

IT IS POINSETTIA TIME! If you would like to contribute to the Christmas floral display, please send a check for $13.00 to the church by November 24 or put it in the offering plate today. Be sure to put Christmas flowers on the memo line and let us know if your donation is in honor of or in memory of someone.

 

2014 HOLY LAND TRIP brochures are on the Welcome Table for anyone interested or if you have friends who might be interested in the trip scheduled for next March.  There is also trip insurance information, as well.  Please call Robin at 634-0430 or email her at revdocmom1@gmail.com with any questions.

 

THE REFRIGERATOR IN THE OFFICE MEETING ROOM really needs a new home.   Call Cyndi at 634-0430 if you know of anyone or any agency that needs a refrigerator.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OUTREACH

 

IF YOU WANT TO HELP VICTIMS OF THE PHILIPPINES TYPHOON a good website recommended by Robin is www.weekofcompassion.org.

 

FOOD BANK The holidays are coming up and the need will be greater.  Most needed items are canned meats, tuna, spam, chicken, and ham, macaroni and cheese, canned soup, spaghetti sauce. A full list is on the collection basket in Fellowship Hall.

 

INTER-FAITH MINISTRIES Operation Holiday is conducting its 50th year of helping needy families in the Wichita area.  They are in need of non-perishable food (cereal, canned vegetables, peanut butter

pasta, etc.).  UCC has committed to provide 20 volunteers at Operation Holiday’s distribution center on Friday, December 20th from 8:30-12:30.  Sign up on the PIC board and see Kim Carraway for more info.

 

 

 

 

New Class

LIVING WITH QUESTIONS

Experiencing the Bible Again for the First Time

 

This curriculum for adults, designed for group use is experiential in methodology, valuing the wisdom of each person and the integrity of their experience of the Sacred. This program has grown out of a hunger to know and engage the Bible at deeper levels as evidenced by the popularity of Marcus Borg’s original work, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously, but not Literally.

The classes will meet on Monday nights from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.  Paul Jackson will be teaching this class as part of his program of study for Lay Ministry through

the NACCC.

 

Advent Season at UCC

Angel Tree  We have names of six families given to us by Communities in Schools. Make your selection from the ornaments on the tree that will be up in Fellowship Hall next Sunday, Nov. 24. Gifts are due back on December 8th.

Hanging of the Greens  is Sunday, December 1, 5:00 p.m. Come and help decorate the church for Christmas and share in a potluck meal.

Welcome Wagon Auction  is Tuesday, December 3, in Fellowship Hall. A fun event with some of the proceeds going to our Hygiene Pantry.

Many Moods of Christmas  will be performed Sunday, December 8, as our morning service.  The gift we love that makes us appreciate the extraordinary music here at UCC even more. Bring a guest  but get here early!

The UCC Christmas Party  is Sunday, December 8, at 5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.  Great food, music by the choir members, and a chance to wear your Christmas sweater.

Christmas  Vespers  An organ recital by Kevin Calloway in our sanctuary at 2:30 on Sunday, December 15.

Men’s Group Christmas Lunch  is Thursday, December 19, at 11:30 at The Lakeside Club. All of the men of the church are invited to join this fun group that meets each month.

Christmas Eve   December 24, 5:30. Join us for candlelight, music, and a Christmas message.

 

 

                                         You are invited

                                to the  UCC Christmas Party

                                     December 8, 5:30 in

                                        Fellowship Hall

                            A festive evening of  food, music,

                                     and Christmas cheer.

 

                             The  Deacons will provide the

                             meat, sides, bread, coffee, tea,

                                             and wine.

 

                                     If you would like to bring a

                                        dish and your las t name

                                starts with A-L-bring  an appetizer 

                                                  M-Z bring a dessert

 

                             Also bring a small pack of  crayons

                             and a  small coloring book to be

                          given out at the Dec. Hygiene  Pantry.            

 

                                   Please sign up in Fellowship Hall

                                           so we know you are coming!

 

           

        Fruit Sale Starts Today in Fellowship Hall!

Oranges         Small-      42 per box

                       Medium   36 per box

                       Large       24-28 per box

Grapefruit                       18 per box

                        All  20 lb. boxes $25.00

You can buy ½ & ½  oranges/grapefruit!

 

Elliot Pecans   $15.00 per pound    These pecan halves are prized by seasoned chefs and fanatic foodies for their robust sweet flavor. The small oval shaped nut s a reare specialty pecan due to its sporadic yield  and only select growers choose to harvest them.

Pick up date is Sunday, December 8!

THE TRADITIONAL WORD    Galatians 6:1-10  

                   

The Message

6 1-3 Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.

4-5 Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.

6 Be very sure now, you who have been trained to a self-sufficient maturity, that you enter into a generous common life with those who have trained you, sharing all the good things that you have and experience.

7-8 Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.

9-10 So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE CONTEMPORARY WORD-Top Reasons people visit a church for the first time:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st  Anthem   Holy is The Lord             Franz Schubert  ( 1797-1828)                                                                                   

(arranged by Bock)

Holy , holy , holy , holy is the Lord,

Holy is the Father, Holy is the Son

Holy is the Spirit, Blessed Three in One.

 

In your hearts enthrone Him, there let Him subdue

all that is not holy, all that is not true.

He is God our Savior, He is Christ the Lord,

Ever to be worshiped , trusted , and adored.

 

2nd Anthem    Praise Ye the Lord, all Ye Nations  Gallus Dressler 

                                                                                            (1533-1587)

Praise ye the Lord, all ye nations, praise him all ye people,

for He is gracious and truthful, He rules over us eternally Halleluiah

 

 

STEWARDSHIP PROGRESS REPORT

As of November 14, 105 pledges totaling $258,858. have been received.  These pledges represent 51% of the $506,026 2014 proposed budget. Many thanks to those listed below for their financial support of University Congregational Church. As you can see, we have a long way to go, so please keep those pledges coming in!!!