Office Hours: UCCH Pastoral Staff United Church of Chapel Hill Susan Steinberg A Congregation of the United Church of Christ Acting Head of Staff & Associate Pastor for Faith Formation - [email protected] - - Direct Line: 919 338 7919 Tues -Fri (9 am to 5 pm); Sunday mornings This Week - December 17, 2017 GOD IS STILL SPEAKING, Sunday, December 17 - Third Sunday of Advent David Mateo 8:45 & 11 am Worship - Sanctuary Associate Pastor of Outreach & Language Ministries - 9 am Children's Choir Music Room [email protected] - Direct Line: 919 -338 -7912 10 am Cookie Making - Fellowship Hall Today is the Third Mon - Thurs (8:30 am to 1:30 pm); Sunday mornings Mental Health Support Group 10 am Sunday School classes today: - Sunday of Advent (12:15 pm, Room 256) Adult Forum Fellowship Hall Nick Carter Sacred Conversation on Race - Room 235 We will continue the discussion of seasonal depres- Pastor of Worship and Stewardship Morning Worship at 8:45 & 11 am - - - Spiritual Growth - Conference Room sion. All are welcome. [email protected] Direct Line: 919 338 7917 - Reverend Nick Carter is preaching. Music: Chamber Tues (9 am to 5 pm); Fri (9 am to 5 pm); Faith and Family Family Parlor - Singers. Lighting the Advent candle. Sunday mornings Confirmation Class Room 161 – 11:15 am La Mesa - Assembly Hall La Mesa 11:15 am Reverend David Mateo preach- - ing. UVoP Christmas Concert (6:30 pm) Alyson “Aly” Breisch 12:15 pm Mental Health Support Group Rm 256 Come to the Fisher Memorial United Holy Church Director of Congregational Care - 2 pm Ambassadors Rehearsal Assembly Hall and become a part of The Christmas Spirit, as the [email protected] Direct Line: 919 -338 -7913 4:30 pm Lessons & Carols - Sanctuary Cookies for the Community Fisher Memorial church choirs and the United Voic- Tuesdays (9 am to 1 pm): Sunday mornings 6:30 pm UVoP Concert - Fisher Church in Durham (10 am, Fellowship Hall) es of Praise sing an evening of traditional and popu- lar Christmas songs. Office Hours: UCCH Program Staff Monday, December 18 Jennifer “Jenny” Anderson Sacred Conversations on Race - 12 pm Monday Noon Book Group - Library (10 am, Room 235) Director of Music Ministry [email protected] - Fisher Memorial United Holy Church Direct Line: 919 -338 -7918 6 pm Bronze Voices Music Room SCOR will be joined by representatives from the - 420 E Piedmont Ave, Durham, NC 27707 Mon & Wed (1:30 to 9:30 pm); 6:30 pm Women’s Christmas Party Langelier Board of Deacons to brainstorm ways in which our - is on the corner of Fayetteville and Piedmont in Tues -Thurs (10 am to 6 pm), Sundays 7 pm MES Board Meeting Room 235 Racial Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Covenant - - Durham. Out of Office: December 26 30 7:15 pm Women’s Group Library can be further integrated into their ministry. Every-

one is welcome to join the conversation, whether to

Katherine Henderson Tuesday, Decembr 19 learn, to contribute, or both. We'd love to hear your THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 Youth Director - 7:30 pm Chamber Singers Music Room ideas! [email protected] Longest Night Worship Service (7 pm)

Tuesdays (9 am to 3 pm); Sunday mornings Wednesday, December 20 Out of Office: December 22 -30 Aly Breisch and Susan 7 am Bible Study - Library Candlelight Festival of Lessons and Carols (4:30 pm) Steinberg will preside. 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Choir - Music Room Anitra Grove Music: Children's, Youth and Chancel Choirs, and Music will feature UCCH Director for Children’s Ministry soloists. Thursday, December 21 Bronze Voices Handbell Choir with flute, piano and [email protected] 7 pm Longest Night Worship Service - Sanctuary organ. Tuesdays (8:30 am to 2:30 pm); Sunday mornings Long, dark winter nights, Hear the Christmas story told in word and song in Office Hours: UCCH Office Staff Friday, December 22 this traditional worship service, first celebrated in even during the Christmas Rinnie Orr 9:15 am Yoga - Fellowship Hall Cornwall, England, on Christmas Eve in 1880, and season, can be overwhelming for those who are Office & Communications Manager 11 am Meditation Group - Library later made famous through annual worldwide radio in mourning or in pain of any kind. For some, - - [email protected], Direct Line: 919 338 7922 7 pm Christmas Eve Choir - Music Room and television broadcasts from Kings College, Cam- this time of year can be the loneliest of all Mon -Thurs (9 am to 5 pm); Fri (9 am to 3 pm) bridge. times. - Out of Office: December 27 29 Sunday, December 24 - Fourth Sunday of Advent We invite those who long for community and NO 8:45 am service Claudia Galvez - quiet worship to join us for this service of gen- Administrative Assistant 10 am Carol Sing & Las Posadas Fellowship Hall - - - 11 am Worship - Sanctuary tle music, candle lit prayer, scriptural reflection [email protected], Direct Line 919 338 7915 and the spiritual food of communion. Mon -Fri (10 am to 2 pm) 11:15 La Mesa - Assembly Hall

Duane Gilbert Christmas Eve Business Manager 4 pm Children’s Christmas Eve Service - - [email protected], Direct Line: 919 338 7920 7 pm Candlelight Service Mon -Fri (1 to 5 pm) 9 pm Candlelight Service

DECEMBER 24 OUTREACH EVENTS 2018 FLOWER Fourth Sunday of Advent CALENDAR & SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES ONLY Morning Worship NO 8:45 am service. How to help our 5 MORE NEIGHBORS IN NEED

10 am Carol Sing & Las Posadas (10 am, Fellowship Hall) Please join in as a singer or instrumentalist as our Christmas Orchestra leads us BRING food & personal SUNDAYS in a sing -along of favorite Christmas carols and songs. Instrumentalists are care items for the IFC Food TO FILL asked to bring their own stand. Music is provided! Pantry offering on Sunday mornings. Do any of these following dates have special “Las Posadas” is a Mexican tradition that recalls the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph looking for a place meaning for you? to stay on Christmas Eve. In addition to music, the celebration includes traditional foods from Mexico and Central America. Everyone is invited and can add to the festivities by bringing a dessert, tamales or BAKE casseroles to be served at Commu- • May 20 & 27 a hot drink to share. nity Kitchen and Homestart. Please help us • July 29 restock the freezer with casseroles for the IFC • August 12 Community Kitchen. Grab a casserole dish on 11 am worship • November 18 A perfect way to prepare for the coming of Christmas, including traditional hymns, a sermon by Rever- the table in the Narthex and fill it with yum- my food for us to serve at IFC. Thank you! end Nick Carter entitled “When the Soul Feels its Worth,” and special music featuring a guest cello solo A friend/family birthday? An anniversary? The of “O Holy Night,” and contributions from the Comma’s and Candace Marles (soprano) and Benjamin passing of a friend or family member to honor. Sallard (trombone). BECOME a server. We serve: • Dinner at IFC Community If so, consider volunteering to provide the Kitchen the 2nd Thursday 11:15 am La Mesa - Reverend David Mateo preaching. flowers for the church altar that enrich our each month. Sunday worship. We have 23 Sundays in 2018 • Dinner at IFC’s Homestart to fill with flowers for our altar. Christmas Eve Worship for Women and Children the Children’s Service (4 pm) 3rd Thursday each month Volunteers sign -up on the 2018 Flower Calen- (women servers only!) dar, outside the church library. You will get a This lively service includes carols, an interactive reading of the nativity story, and • communion. We'll provide nativity costumes for angels, shepherds, Mary, Joseph Lunch at IFC Community Kitchen the 4th reminder closer to the date you choose, with

and the magi (wise boys and girls). If your child would enjoy being one of the Thursday each month. options for providing flowers.

animals at the manger, he or she may wear their own costume. Donkeys, sheep - and cows or your child's animal of choice are welcome! Music provided by Chil- To be on our meal serving team for IFC Com- dren's Choir and Soloists. munity Kitchen and Homestart, leave us your email address and let us know you want to re- ceive our monthly email volunteer signup form. 2018 UCCH CALENDAR AND Children are invited to bring an inexpensive baby gift for Jesus (bibs, spoons, lotions, diapers), which will be given to families of newborns in need. COMMENTARY Following the service, we'll move to Fellowship Hall for a birthday party Dave Otto’s calendar this year features the for Jesus. Cake and punch will be served. church staff and includes a commentary BEER AND HYMNS BENEFIT EVENTS TO with much fascinating information about SUPPORT THE INTERFAITH COUNCIL each staff member. If you want a calendar, AND PAWS4VETS contact Dave at [email protected] . The - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (7 pm) Reverend Susan Steinberg Sponsored by Chapel of the Cross, Holy Trinity, cost is $10. preaching. Music: Chamber Singers United Church of Chapel Hill, and 519 Church

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (9 pm) - Reverend Susan Steinberg Sunday, December 17 preaching. Music: Chancel Choir and Youth Choir 7:30 pm Trali, Morrisville

2 This Week - December 17, 2017 5 This Week - December 17, 2017

From the UCCH Library The Journey of Faith

SEASON OF GIVING For additional perspectives on today’s readings 2018 Pledge Update

from the lectionary, check out the following: Many of us arrive at the end of the calendar The United Church 2018 Stewardship Cam- year and realize we may have missed a few • - paign is more than halfway through our cam- Sundays and haven’t kept up with our pledge to Levine, A. J. John the Baptist. In Great Fig- paign. ures of the New Testament, Part 1 . A/V 225.9 the church. If you would like to know your bal- ance, please contact our business manager, Lev G CD and Guidebook So far our business manager, Duane Gilbert, • Duane Gilbert, who’s in the office from 1 to 5 Kittredge, C.B. Beginning at the beginning: reports we have received 298 pledge commit- On Wednesday mornings from The gospel prologue. In Conversations with on weekday afternoons. He will be glad to con- ments for next year. 7 to 8 am in the church library, join Scripture: The Gospel of John , p17 -31. 226.6 firm your balance for you.

our Bible Study Group to read and Kit C Generally we expect about 360 pledging house- Some people meet their pledge commitment reflect on Sunday’s Bible texts. • Press, E. The price of raising one’s voice. In holds (can be an individual, a couple or a fami- Beautiful Souls: Saying No, Breaking Ranks, by transferring shares of stock to United ly), so that means we are at about 83% of our Church. The Church sells the stock immediately To be discussed on Wed., December 20 and Heeding the Voice of Conscience in Dark goal. Dec. 24 4th Sunday of Advent Times , p131 -174. 179 Pre B and proceeds are applied to your pledge bal- ance. If you need instructions on how to do this, 2 Samuel 7:1 -11, 16 Luke 1:47 -55 • Brueggemann, W. Spirit -led imagination: Re- Here's a quick snap -shot: - - please contact Duane Gilbert or our Treasurer, Romans 16:25 27 Luke 1:26 38 ality practiced in sub -version. In Mandate to • Total dollars pledged so far: $736,991 The angel Gabriel announces the birth of Jesus Derek Harrison. It is helpful to contact Duane Difference: An Invitation to the Contemporary • % who have increased their pledges: 35% to Mary. - or Derek as well as your broker when transfer- Church, p117 140. 269 Bru M • Number of pledges that are new this year: 28 ring shares of stock, when making your trans- • Bringle, M.L. A morning star draws near. In In fer,so we can be ready for your gift and desig- Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Wind and Wonder: 75 Hymn Texts, p8 -9. Isaiah 62:6 -12 Psalm 97 Thank you for your enthusiasm and support for nation. 783.9 Z Bri I 2007 Titus 2:11 -14 Luke 2:1 -14 our church. • All prepare for the baby. Richardson, J. Blessing to summon rejoicing. At the end and beginning of the year, it is In Circle of Grace , p45 -46. 242 Ric C very important to let us know where your gifts To be discussed on Wed., December 27 • Wells, S. The discipline of joy. In Be Not should be applied. There are times when people Dec. 31 1st Sunday after Christmas Afraid: Facing Fear with Faith, p168 -172. AGM Early Returns are making a gift towards their pledge for the Isaiah 61:10 –62:3 Psalm 148 248.8 Wel B “God’s Bidding” Auction $6,300 coming year or making a gift to catch up with a Galatians 4:4 -7 Luke 2:22 -40 • Hollyday, J. Joy: Gloom be like the noonday. Jenny's Jewels $3,576 pledge for a past year. And in addition to the Joseph and Mary name the baby Jesus, the In Then Shall Y our Light Rise: Spiritual For- Prison Ministry $5,500 operating fund or general fund, there are gifts name given by the angel to Joseph. mation and Social Witness , p91 -98. 248.4 Hol Art Show $4,000 for the capital fund and other projects through T Jammin’ for Africa $1,800 the church. You may combine payments in one To be discussed on Wed., January 3 • Wathen, E. Joy: Living with creativity and Church World Service $8,467 check or make an online transaction through our Jan. 7 Baptism of Jesus purpose. In More than Words: 10 Values for UCC Identity $401 website, but we need to know your wishes Genesis 1:1 -5 Psalm 29 - Fellowship Board $175 about how to earmark your donations. Just send the Modern Family , p73 86. 248.4 Wat M Acts 19:1 -7 Mark 1:4 -11 • Youth -Poinsettias & Coffee Bar$1,758 us an email to explain. Lewis, C.S. Joy. In The Joyful Christian : 127 - John baptizes Jesus. God’s Spirit comes to Readings, p27 -32. 230 Lew J Water.Org Gabby Sielken $225 Jesus as God calls Jesus “my own dear son.” Childrens Ministries $278 All stock gifts wishing to be credited for Wag N Purr - $773 2017 must be transferred to the UCCH broker- Charlotte Crittenden age account on or before December 26, 2017. A volunteer, Shelby McLennan, will be available - Peace Scholarship $1,013 It’s early, but in the library, 10:00 11:00, to assist you in finding Thank you for all the ways you are being we make the coffee. these materials or other items of interest to you. At Bronze Voices Bake Sale $404 Total: $34,720 generous with your time and your money this other times, please serve yourself. season. (We also make tea.) Duane Gilbert, [email protected] or

- 11 This Week December 17, 2017 3 This Week - December 17, 2017

Bronze Voices Concert, MONDAY EVENING January 26 -31 Save the Date: Young Adults, & more... WOMEN’S GROUP Winter Retreat with

(7:15 pm, Library) VIDEO SHOWING OF FORBIDDEN Reverend Velda Love On Monday, December 18, we Friday, January 26 (7 pm, Fellowship Hall) meet in the church library at UCC Racial Justice Minister BRONZE VOICES CONCERT 7:15 pm and continue our dis- Monday, December 18 Our Open and Affirming Ministries group at Unit- cussion of "Goddesses and God ed Church invite everyone to come view the video Saturday, January 27 (7 pm, The Forest at Duke Auditorium) in the World" by Carol P. Christ Forbidden: Undocumented and Queer in Rural 9 am to 12 pm and Judith Plaskow, focusing on America . Forbidden is a feature length documen- Bronze Voices Handbell Chapters 4. 5 & 6. The follow- Choir invites you to come to tary about an inspiring young man whose story is ing week is Christmas Day, so exceptional, although not unique. Moises is like The Rev. Velda Love joined the UCC its concert performance at The we won't be meeting. as Minister for Racial Justice on Feb. Forest at Duke retirement the thousands of young people growing up in the US with steadfast dreams but facing overwhelm- 1, 2017, beginning her ministry to community in Durham. All women are invited to the New Year's Day ing obstacles. This film chronicles Moises’ work help the church live into its vision of Soup Supper on Monday, January 1, at 4 pm at as an activist traveling across his home state of building a just world for all. This concert is open to the the home of Barbara Wildemuth. This is the one public and will contain amaz- North Carolina as a voice for his community, all event each year where we invite male spouses/ Prior to joining the UCC, Love spent ing arrangements of favorite the while trying to forge a path for his own future. significant others to join us. Barbara and her nine years (2008 -2017) at North Park Christmas carols. In addition to these glorious - husband, Gaylen, will make two soups one Theological Seminary in Chicago as songs, the choir will demonstrate the intricate - This film showing and the following Q&A session will be vegetarian and the rest of us just need with the star of the documentary are sponsored by an adjunct professor and conference handbell ringing techniques which are used to to bring a salad, bread or dessert to share. This create the unique sounds that handbells can the ONA Committee here at UCCH. We hope to speaker and served North Park Uni- is another wonderful opportunity for fellowship. make. There will be opportunities for questions see you there! versity as the director of intercultural and answers so you can find answers to burning justice and learning for 16 years - questions YOU have had about this musical art. (2000 2016).

Please feel free to join us at this special event! CHRISTMAS CHOIR - Love earned her bachelor's degree YOU ARE INVITED! from Roosevelt University in 1990 and The address of The Forest at Duke is 2701 Pickett Road / Durham, NC 27705 and the phone a master's degree from North Park number for the facility is 1 -800 -474 -0258. See All ages are invited to join Theological Seminary in 2006. She you there! members of the Chancel and attended Chicago Theological Semi- Youth Choirs to sing carols nary and obtained her D.Min. in 2016 for the 9 pm Christmas Eve January 28 - 4th Sunday after Epiphany - and served various boards and task service! force that address interfaith dialogue, EVENTS FOR 20'S/30'S GROUP AT Worship 8:45 and 11 am - Rev. Velda Love Music: Chancel Choir, Youth Choir and Com- homelessness and youth incarcera- UNITED CHURCH Rehearsals: munity Gospel Choir tion. • Wednesday, December 20, 7 -8 pm

Sundays in the New Year • Friday, December 22, 7 -8 pm "Given this critical juncture in our na- We'll start -up our Sunday meetings in January, ADULT FORUM (10 am) • Warmup at 8 pm on December 24 prior to Conversation with Reverend Velda Love tion, conversations on race are still a with the 1st and 3rd Sundays (January 7th and the service. priority," Love says. "Racial justice 21st). Wednesday, January 31 - “Light Up Your Win- and racial equality need to be part of Come add your voice to the Christmas Choir! ter” dinners (5:45 pm) and programs (6:30 pm) our national dialogue. As Christians in For more information, contact Cassie by email: - [email protected]; or phone: see page 8. the United Church of Christ, we are 641 -512 -1299. UC Preschool Fundraiser Dinner “Spaghetti responsible for changing the narrative Dinner” of how we engage the Gospel of Je- sus Christ that is inclusive, liberating and radical."

4 This Week - December 17, 2017 9 This Week - December 17, 2017

January 12 -17 January 21 -24

January 12 -15 Winter Youth Retreat in January 21 - 3rd Sunday after Epiphany - Blowing Rock Worship 8:45 and 11 am - Rev. Nick Carter Music: Chancel Choir, Youth Choir, Chil- dren’s Choir January 14 - Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday Adult Forum (10 am) Worship 8:45 and 11 am Conversation on Prison Ministry with Michele - Rev. Susan Steinberg Wells and Janet Flowers Music: Solos, UVoP, Strings, Chance Choir Wednesday, January 24 - “Light Up Your Winter” dinners (5:45 pm) and programs (6:30 pm) - see page 8. Bradshaw Quartet & Friends Adult Forum (10 am) Rehearsal for Community Gospel Choir Theater for Humanity Where the police directed by Greg Milton. and the policed meet part 2, led by Michelle Wells with the SCOR Class.

Across America, the relationship between UNITED CHURCH PRESCHOOL police and high crime communities has be- (UCP) NOW ENROLLING FOR come so contentious that officers must rely 2018 -2019 SCHOOL YEAR upon weapons and the threat of death to force compliance. This has resulted in hostility, distrust, fear and anger. Theater for Humani- Yes, it's already time ty understands that the root of social division to think about the fab- is a need for reconciliation. We target isolat- ulous preschool that's ed, socially ostracized populations: homeless, right downstairs! veterans and those with mental health con- cerns who need to find their way to a mean- UCCH members do ingful, productive role in our society. Isolated get preference for populations are those whom police officers enrollment, but only until February. encounter frequently,and they need to have the focused attention of our social services. For more information visit our website Concert to Benefit the Interfaith Council www.unitedchurchpreschool.com Wednesday, January 17 - “Light Up Your and/or contact the Director, Mary Glish, Winter” dinners (5:45 pm) and programs Start your evening with a concert extending a hand - at [email protected]. (6:30 pm) see page 8. to those in need through the Interfaith Council. Fundraiser for Argentina Mission Trip in Don't miss this wonderful opportunity for September your 2, 3 or 4 year old. 7 pm at United Church of Chapel Hill

10 This Week - December 17, 2017 5 This Week - December 17, 2017

January 3 - 7 Worship & Happenings January 10 - Light Up Your Winter 2018 begins Let us “Light Up Your Winter” L U Y W IGHT P OUR INTER January 10, 17, 24, & 31 2018

Dinner at 5:45 pm

Programs at 6:30 pm

Dinners: • January 10 - Annual Chili Cook -off w/ prizes fundraiser for Disaster Relief Ministries (see page 6) • January 17 - Fundraiser for September Argenti- UCCH’s 3rd Annual na Mission Trip • January 24 - Fundraiser TBA Great Chili Cook-off • January 30 - UCP Preschool benefit “Spaghetti

January 7 - Baptism of Jesus Sunday Wednesday, January 10 Dinner” Worship 8:45 and 11 am - Rev. Nick UCC History and Theology with Dr. Rollin 5:45 pm, Fellowship Hall Carter. Music: Solos, Chancel Choir, and Dinner donations: $7 per person, Russell Bronze Voices $3 per child, $20 per family. Sunday School Begins All are invited to submit a chili Learn about the history of the United Church of for the Annual Chili Cook -off Programs: Christ: from its European roots, to New England Congregationalism, to the Christian and Afro - Adult Forum (10 am) • Sign up at [email protected] or God, Suffering, Evil and Hope: God’s Action in Christian movements, its German immigrant her- Theater for Humanity: Where the police talk with Rinnie to enter the chili the World, led by Rev. David Mateo and Herman itage and its life today. Follow the theological and the policed meet part 1, led by Michelle contest in either the "meat" or Greene development of its faith and our unique theologi- Wells with the SCOR Class. “Theodicy” is the defense of God’s goodness and cal perspective why the UCC is a United and "vegetarian" category. • justice in the face of suffering and evil in the Uniting Church, a Just Peace Church, a Multi - Across America, the relationship between Contestants" should arrive at 5:30 pm with their chili in a large pot or a world. This sounds abstract, yet we all face this Racial, Multi -Cultural Church and an Open and police and high crime communities has be- issue when we are affected by our own suffering Affirming Church. come so contentious that officers must rely Crock Pot and bring a serving spoon. or the suffering of those we love. Is everything upon weapons and the threat of death to force unfolding according to God’s plan? If not, what is Art Classes • Prizes for “Best Meat” and “Best compliance. This has resulted in hostility, God’s role? How does God act in the world? The Sacred Space Art Studio will offer four art Vegetarian” Chilis. distrust, fear and anger. Theater for Humanity These four sessions will offer insights from classes during the Light Up Your Winter. Stay understands that the root of social division is a “process theology” to explore answers to these tuned for more information on who’s teaching need for reconciliation. We target isolated, * * * * * questions. This will be a time to learn and share and the order of the classes. socially ostracized populations: homeless, We’ll have tortillas, and fixings for the and to explore the meaning of Christian hope. veterans and those with mental health con- chili, along with salad and dessert.

cerns who need to find their way to a mean- Contemplative Practices, Led by Rev. Susan ingful, productive role in our society. Isolated Dinner donations: $7 per person, $3 Steinberg populations are those whom police officers per child, $20 per family. Watch for more information. encounter frequently and they need to have the focused attention of our social services. Donations will go to UCC Disaster/ Caregiving Training, Led by Aly Breisch Hurricane Initiatives. Watch for more information.

- 6 This Week - December 17, 2017 8 This Week December 17, 2017