The Tower

December 25, 2016 Vol. LXXII No. 53 Merry Christmas! The staff has been hard at work preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The Advent season has been a flurry of activities. We will gather together Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to remind ourselves of how the birth of Jesus changed the world. We hope during Christmas you will be surrounded by friends and family, but we also want to remember those who will struggle as Mary and Joseph did to find a warm place to call home. May our prayers be for a world filled with peace and justice for ALL! The staff of First Congregational wishes each of you a Merry Christmas! Ann Beaty, Don DeBruin, Jill Farnsworth, Jennifer Flaten, Agustin Garcia, Jerry Hancock, Eldonna Hazen, Kristin Kanitz, Jeff Rabe, Alfonso Reyes, Bob Zeier

Blue Christmas Service - A Service for Comfort and Light Wednesday, December 21 Potluck at 6:00pm/Service at 6:30pm Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now... ~ The Talmud We live in a world surrounded by pain. Some of this pain is personal grief. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with cancer or some other dis-ease that puts a question mark over the future, and a

number of other human situations cause us pain. Some of our grief in this season is corporate as we struggle to find peace and hope in our current world situation. Hunger, homelessness, war, and an an unknown future plague us with worry, anger, and doubts. Join us for a time of fellowship and worship this Wednesday, December 21, in the Fellowship Room. We begin this time by sharing a potluck meal at 6:00pm. Worship at 6:30pm includes scripture readings and Advent candle lighting.

Homeless Service The annual Homeless Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, December 21st, on the longest night of the year. The service will begin at 3:00pm at the corner of and Pinkney & Main on the square. Following the service, we will walk around the Capitol following the horse drawn wagon. We will end at First United Methodist church for light refreshments. Socks, hats, and gloves will be collected at First United Methodist to be distributed to individuals who are homeless.

Join us for Christmas Eve Worship! We have two opportunities for worship on Christmas Eve. Our Family Christmas Eve Service is at 5:00pm. Our Traditional Candlelight Service is at 9:00pm. The earlier service is designed to be particularly meaningful for families with young children, but children, youth, and adults of all ages are always welcome at any of our

services.

Holiday Office Closings The Church office will be closed Monday, December 26, 2016 and Monday, January 2 ,2017. There will be no Bible Conversations on Tuesday, December 20 and Tuesday, December 27.

The Season of Advent Video Remembering the theme of Peace, we invite you to watch this beautiful video created by First Congregational member, Chris Schoenwetter. Peace begins within; when we place God at the center of our lives and allow God to guide us on the journey. We encourage you to share this video widely, amongst family and friends, neighbors and co-workers. The message is simple - it is the season "to continue to work toward peace in the midst of obstacles." FCC Advent Peace Video Message

"Be the Church" Holiday Gifts!

You have seen the posters and banners around church, now the timeless message of "Be the Church" is available at First Cong. A limited supply of mugs and bumper stickers are available for purchase in the church office. The mugs are $12 ea. and the bumper stickers, $2 ea. Perfect stocking stuffers for your favorite person. Share the message of "Be the Church" year round!

Scrip Cards for Christmas Scrip gift cards make wonderful Christmas presents, and for the next two weeks, the Stewardship Board will provide you with an elegant gift card holder for each Scrip card you purchase. Remember, too: we can order for you from the vast selection of Scrip cards, so you can find something for everyone on your list.

55 Alive! Wednesday, January 4 from 11:30am-1:00pm 55 Alive! is for anyone interested in fellowship and an engaging program. This month we are pleased to have Michael Johnson, President and CEO of the "Boys and Girls Club of Dane County" with us to talk about Reducing Racial Disparities in Madison and Dane County. This organization serves over 5,000 young people in our local area. The cost of the lunch to the church is $10.00 per person and we ask that you donate as you are able to offset this expense. Please make a reservation by Monday, January 2 through the church office or on the sign-up sheet at the back of the Sanctuary.

This January we will offer a new curriculum that is part of the United Church of Christ's ongoing commitment to engage in Sacred Conversations on Race. Created in partnership with the Center for Progressive Renewal, it promises to provide faith communities with an opportunity to have safe, meaningful, substantive, and bold conversation not just on race, but on a much neglected part of that conversation: white privilege. The class will be offered on Sundays at 8:30am on January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12 and also on Wednesdays at 6:30pm on January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15. You can come on either day in any given week to complete all 5 sessions. Until then, please consider watching the webinars offered by the authors of the curriculum. They are thought-provoking, educational, and inspiring! The hosts are Cameron Trimble (CEO of the Center for Progressive Renewal) and each of the authors. Click on the link to view. (or paste in your browser) https://vimeopro.com/progressrenew/white-privilege-lets-talk. ~ Eldonna & Ann

We Are Glad You Are Our Neighbor Take our extravagant welcome outside the church walls by sharing this message of acceptance. Yard signs are available in the church office for $10.

We're SO Close We're SO close to reaching our goal in our STEPPING UP Stewardship campaign! Take a look at the chart below to see our exciting progress. If you've already pledged for 2017, THANK YOU for supporting the great work of our church. If you're thinking of pledging, please know that you could be the one to put us over the top of our goal. Pledge forms are available in the office, or simply email your pledge to the church bookkeeper at [email protected].

2016 Contributions IRS regulations state that in order to be deductible for 2016, contributions to the church must be postmarked by December 31, or hand-delivered to the church office in 2016. Please come Tues.-Thurs. December 27-29, 7:30-3:30. All contributions received after December 31 will be recorded as a 2017 contribution.

Prison Ministry Program January 8 is our annual Epiphany Sunday celebration of The Prison Ministry Project. Rev. Phil Haslanger of Memorial UCC will be preaching as we start the second decade of our ministry of presence. After the service, everyone is invited to join us for lunch. The meal is being catered by Patty Brunner, who creates the delicious meals for many of our events. This is an opportunity to honor some of our Prison Ministry volunteers for their exceptional service and to learn about ways to participate in this important work, both inside and outside prison walls. There will be a suggested donation of $10 to help pay for the meal. We hope to see you there.

Conversation on Peace The Conversation on Peace on the calendar for last Sunday following worship has been rescheduled to after worship on Sunday, January 15th. This will allow us to reflect on the entire preaching series.

Caregiver Support Group We will not meet on our regular last Sunday of the month for lunch and conversation (December 25). Please join us again on January 29. The beginning of a new year is a great time to invite a friend who might benefit from our supportive conversation. We meet after worship until 12:45pm.

Realm Day Is Coming! Sunday, January 22 A day of fellowship, fun, food and exploring our new church database. Watch for more details!

ATTENTION First Cong Knitters and Crocheters! I am organizing volunteers to knit pink hats for the Women's March in Washington D.C. on January 21. This is part of a national knitting effort. The hats will be distributed to women who are attending the March. If you are unable to participate in the March, this is a great way to be involved. If you are interested in knitting or crocheting a hat, please email Kristin Kanitz at [email protected]. I can provide you with the specific, very simple pattern that is being used nationwide. All hats will need to be collected by January 13, 2017. Get your needles and hooks ready! ~ Kristin Kanitz

An Invitation... Are you interested in knowing more about First Congregational Church and the United Church of Christ? We have a New Member Class scheduled for WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11 from 6:30-8:00pm. Please RSVP if you are planning to attend or want more information: [email protected] Child care will be provided. Attending this class is a great way to learn more about our church!

College Scholarships Available Members of First Congregational UCC are invited to apply for college scholarships for 2017-2018 from the Frank E. Page Scholarship Fund. Applicants should be planning to begin or continue education at any accredited 2- or 4-year college or university, and should have a record of academic achievement, service to church and community, and demonstrated financial need. The application deadline is February 15, 2017. Contact [email protected] for an electronic application.

Music News

Christmas Eve Choir This is a one-rehearsal choir. We'll meet Thursday evening, December 22nd, at 7:30, in the Chapel. At that time everyone will learn a simple, two-part song, and introit to sing during worship on Christmas Eve. It can't get any simpler. Then we meet on December 24th at 8:15 P.M. to run through the two pieces again, and sing them during worship! Any questions, contact Don DeBruin.

Children, Family and Youth News

Holiday Nursery Care Nursery Care will be provided during worship on Christmas Day. NO Nursery will be provided on New Year's Day.

What WAS in the Box? PUZZLE PIECE For unto us a child is born...and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6

Long before Jesus was born, Isaiah shared God's promise of peace. That promise arrived on that peaceful night with the birth of the baby Jesus. Jesus delivered on that promise by teaching us that WE are the instruments of God's Peace. Peace is achieved when we connect with our neighbors, talk through our differences, link arms, and work together. As Nelson Mandela once so wisely said, "If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner."

The PUZZLE PIECE reminds us that we all have a role in our peace, God's Peace. Though each of us is a unique individual, we are called to link together in community to create God's Peaceable Kingdom. We are all a PIECE of PEACE

FOLLOW THE STAR! First Cong Children and Youth presented the annual Christmas Pageant, again sharing the timeless story of the birth of Jesus in a manger so long ago. This year's pageant had a twist, an old fashioned radio show complete with announcers, reporters, characters and commercials!

CAST: RADIO CREW: Tom Brokawitz Holden Ringle Katie Covic Emma Bittner Les Nessbaum Traffic Dana Parker Samantha Awzan Special Interest Charlotte Bittner Sarah Zaram Weather Ellis Ringle LIVES OF THE MAGI: Bart Avery Hagen Gaspar James Tishler Mikey Nana Kofi Brewoo Herod Theo Parker Dolores, the innkeeper's wife Sarah Besteman COMMERCIALS: Jacob's Dream Mattress Store Lila Hadfield, Noah Hadfield, Vivian Hadfield Bathsheba's Rooftop Spa Minna Ketcham, Lily Sager, Merlie Veit Mrs. Morgenstern Olivia Tupta THE NEWS FROM BETHLEHEM Spencer Noth Hazen

Solos / Choirs: Follow the Star Sophie Shaw, Dana Parker, Ellis Ringle Little Town Norah Taft, Daija Coleman, Caroline Halsted You Chose Me Mary: Katie Shaw Joseph: Walker Stephenson, Samantha: Charlotte Bittner Mrs. Morgenstern's Girls Hebrew Finishing School Choir: Nyla Benton, Ava Camponeschi, Nia Davis, Lila Kotlarek, Ruby Kotlarek, Pamina Nemet, Mary Tishler, Evi Tupta, Olivia Tupta SUNDAY SCHOOL SINGERS Sunday School Children CREW: Sound Effects Max Veit Lighting Levi Tupta Sound Mr. Rob Hetzel

All Youth Movie Meditation Sunday, January 8, 11:15am-2:00pm Youth will watch and discuss M Night Shyamalan's The Village, a movie that has true relevance to young people of faith in our world today. The Village revolves around a desolate town in Pennsylvania. The residents of this town live simply and without the means of a modern world - no tv, modern medications. They live by strict rules - They are not to leave the village or the monsters beyond their boundaries will surely attack them. Matthew 5:14 "You are the light OF the world" Pizza lunch will be provided. ALL are welcome! BRING A FRIEND!

Sunday Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7 (Advent text), Luke 2:3-7, Luke 6:27-38

This Sunday, Christmas Day, we will conclude the preaching series on Peace. We will begin our readings with the theme verses from Isaiah. The author of Isaiah prophesies a Messiah that will be among other titles, the Prince of Peace. We will then move to the text from Luke of Jesus' birth, the Messiah. But the second reading from Luke challenges us to hold the tensions we encounter with others in life in life-giving ways, as Jesus modeled. So how did Jesus model holding tension to work for peace? Are we up for the challenge? One of the profound verses we hear is, Do you think you deserve credit merely for loving those who love you? Even the sinners do that! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, is that so wonderful? ~ Eldonna Hazen

Member News Congratulations to Betty Hasselkus. She was honored by the American Occupational Therapy Association as one of one-hundred most influential people in the 100-year history of the profession.

If you have member news you would like to share, contact the office at [email protected].

Upcoming Events Tuesday, December 20 5:15pm NA Women's ~ Room 302 6:00pm Madison Pipes & Drums ~ DR, FR 7:00pm NA ~ Room 302 Wednesday, December 21 9:00am Staff meeting ~ SL 6:00pm Blue Christmas Potluck & Service ~ FR Thursday, December 22 5:00pm Renovation Committee ~ SL 7:00pm Madison Area Jugglers ~ DR 6:30pm Coventry Ringers ~ Room 303 7:30pm Chancel Choir ~ Chapel 8:00pm AA ~ Room 302 Friday December 23 Saturday, December 24 5:00pm Family Oriented Christmas Eve Service ~ S 9:00pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Service ~ S Sunday December 25 10:00am Sunday Worship ~ Sanctuary Monday December 26 Church office closed Tuesday December 27 7:00pm NA ~ Room 302 Wednesday December 28 9:00am Staff meeting ~ SL

Worship Attendance on Sunday, December 18, 2016 was 234.