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December 20 Highlights at First Congregational TODAY: “Things are Looking UP!” Christmas Pageant TODAY: Virtual Fellowship with Rev. Steve Savides .................................. p. 5 TODAY: Sunday School at Home ................................................................. p. 5 TODAY: Christmas Eve Candle Distribution................................................ p. 6 TODAY: Christmas Carols with Karma’s Mailbox ....................................... p. 6 TODAY: Advent Mission Extravaganza - Gifts for a Home ....................... p. 12 December 21: Grief Support Group Continues .................................................... p. 11 December 24: Livestream Christmas Eve Services at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Donating to First Congregational UCC You are invited to donate via virtual offering. Please visit our webpage and click “Give” to make your weekly offering, or text FCUCC GIVE to 73256. Checks can also still be mailed to the church.
References to God References to God in traditional prayers, readings, and hymns in our worship may sometimes be gender specific. As we pray and sing together, you are invited to substitute terms that reflect your understanding of the full inclusiveness of the spirit of God.
Land Acknowledgement Our church is located on the ancestral homelands of the Menominee Nation. We acknowledge this indigenous community who stewarded this land throughout the generations and pay respect to their elders past and present.
Online Streaming and Podcasting Audio and video recordings of our sermons and a written transcript are accessible at www.firstcongoappleton.org/sermons.
You can watch a live stream of First Congo services on Facebook.com/1stCongo or at www.firstcongoappleton.org/worship-with-us/livestream.
Online Documents and Information Official documents of First Congregational and links to announcements, news and other information reside on our website: www.firstcongoappleton.org.
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THE ORDER OF WORSHIP FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT / BELL SUNDAY
December 20, 2020 9:30 AM Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Savides, Senior Pastor
Rev. Nicholas J. Hatch, Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries Rev. Laurie Lyter Bright, Interim Pastor for Congregational Care and Missions
PRELUDE O Come, O Come Emmanuel arr. Molly Ijames
Andy Schmidt, baritone horn Shelley Nulton, piano
RINGING OF CHURCH BELL
YOUTH PRAYER Luke LaViolette
WELCOME
OPENING PRAYER (in unison)
In your love, God, we have become your family. When you sent the world a teacher in Christ, we did not know that we were his sisters and his brothers. We did not understand the significance of our new place. You have adopted us, taken us in, so that even those who do not know mother or father or sister or brother on earth may have you, so that each one of us can be part of the same family; so that neighbors and enemies all may have one blood and one understanding of peace. We are so lucky, God to call you Mother and Father, our Protector and Redeemer. Amen.
OPENING HYMN (see bulletin p. 7)
On This Day Earth Shall Ring PERSONENT HODIE
The Congregation is invited to ring their bells and sing on the refrain (“Ideo…”)
LIGHTING OF THE FOURTH ADVENT CANDLE – JOY The Lyter Bright Family
INTRODUCTORY SENTENCES
READING OF SCRIPTURE John 15:9-11
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLE
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UNISON PRAYER O Holy One, as Christmas draws near there is a sense of excitement in the air. We can feel a joy in our lives and see it in those around us. Still, for some of us this is a sad time because of losses and sorrows that have come into our lives. Help us to have the joy that does not depend on earthly happiness, but on you. Enable us to be filled with your joy so that we may share it with all people of the world. Amen.
ADVENT RESPONSE (see bulletin, p. 8) Light the Candle of Joy C. Schalk
GOSPEL SCRIPTURE READING Luke 1:26-33 ______________________________________________________________________________
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT 2020
“Things are Looking UP!” An Alternative Christmas Pageant written and directed by Dee Savides
SETTINGS
The office of the Editor of a local newspaper An Olive Tree in Nazareth
A pasture outside Bethlehem A barn below an Inn
CHARACTERS In order of appearance
Editor: Casey Brahe Jane: Celia Gentile Buddy: Lacie Whipple Chip: Kate Clover Dove: Kenna Cook Parakeet: Gina Bellin Sheep: Luke LaViolette Curley: Madison Hatch Mow: Braeden Gentile Larry: Avery Gentile Harry: Elijah Hatch Barry: Winry Brahe Donkey: Logan LaViolette
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SONGS The Friendly Beasts - traditional
Soloists: Lacie Whipple, Winry Brahe, Kate Cover
Go Tell it on the Mountain - spiritual Soloists: Celia Gentile, Kenna Cook
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Dianne Droster, child video wrangler
Jonathan Steffen, video editing
Music: Karma’s Mailbox: Phil Gabrielson - harmonica;
Kris Glenn - keyboard, vocals; Shannon Glenn - guitar, vocals; Tami Johnson – guitar, vocals;
Steve Hirby – banjo, vocals
MUSICAL REFLECTION I Wonder as I Wander J. J. Niles arr. C. Avery
Andy Schmidt, baritone horn Shelley Nulton, assistant organist
(During this time, you are invited to a virtual offering. Please visit our webpage and click “Give” to make your weekly offering, or text FCUCC GIVE to 73256).
GATHERING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS (You are welcome to submit your prayer requests throughout the week to the church office, email to a pastor for confidentiality or share your prayer requests in real time in the Comments section under the live stream video.)
THE LORD’S PRAYER (In unison)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
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CLOSING WORDS
CLOSING CAROL #135 (see bulletin, p. 9) Angels We Have Heard on High GLORIA
Everyone is invited to ring their bells on the refrain!
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
All: We have peeked at the light under the stable door. Leader: Do you have the courage to unwrap the gift the Christmas Christ
brings? Go forth now and open the door to let joy break forth. People: Let us open the gift and give hope to one another. Let us open our
hearts and let peace and love and joy enter in. All: Amen.
POSTLUDE God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen arr. Molly Ijames
Andy Schmidt, baritone horn Shelley Nulton, piano
TODAY’S MUSICIANS Shelley Nulton, assistant organist Andy Schmidt, baritone horn John Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries, baritone
Thank you to Susan McFadden for serving as our lay reader this morning!
Permission to stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, # A-714899. All rights reserved.
Join us for a Zoom Fellowship and Talk Back with Rev. Steve Savides
immediately after worship today at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84850672863
“Sunday School at Home” will continue this Sunday, December 20
at 10:30 AM via Facebook Live for children K-6th grade.
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Candle Distribution for Christmas Eve Worship
TODAY, December 20, First Congo will be handing out candles and candle cup holders in the main parking lot from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM.
These candles are for you to keep and use during the 7:00 PM livestream Christmas Eve service. We hope this helps bring the light of Christ into your home until we meet again!
Candles will also be available for pick-up Monday, December 21 through Wednesday, December 23 during church office hours (9:00 AM-3:00 PM). They will be located outside the main church entrance.
Christmas Carols with Karma’s Mailbox
You are invited to bring a bell and sing along to Christmas carols with Karma’s Mailbox in our parking lot as you donate to the Advent Mission Extravaganza TODAY from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM.
2020 “Christmas-in-a-Box” We have a small number of boxes still available. Stop by the office Monday, December 21 through Wednesday, December 23 during church office hours (9:00 AM-3:00 PM) to claim one – first come, first serve.
Upcoming Worship Schedule December 24, 2020 Livestreaming at 4:00 PM – “Christmas-in-a-Box” Family Service Music: Elizabeth Melchert, organist; Kristen Henke, trumpet; Luke LaViolette, boy treble Livestreaming at 7:00 PM – Service of Lessons and Carols Music: David Cook, organist; Murphy Family Musicians (string quartet, vocal ensemble, piano, guitar, vocal soloists); Karen Leigh-Post, mezzo soprano; Ashleigh Kreider, soprano ________________________________________________________________________________ December 27, 2020 Congregational Carol Sing Rev. Nick Hatch Livestreaming at 9:30 AM Music: David Cook, assistant organist; Kris Glenn, soprano
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TEXT: Piae Cantiones, 1582; trans. Jane Marion Joseph, c 1917 MUSIC: Piae Cantiones, 1582; arr. Gustav Holst, c 1917 Text and Music arr. © 1924, ren. J. Curwen & Sons Ltd.
Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-714899.
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JOYS AND CONCERNS OF OUR FAITH COMMUNITY Members of our church family benefit from our prayers, support, and words of encouragement as they celebrate special times or struggle with difficulties in their lives. Please keep these people in your prayers and greet them with a loving word when you see them.
If you are in the hospital, please let the church know, as we are not always notified. In cases of a pastoral emergency, please call (920) 810-2600.
All pregnancies to be safe and guided by our faith in God
Jill Anthony’s sister Jill Anthony’s nephew, Darryl Sherry Bassett Paul Bauman Katie Behl Barbara Ann Behl, Katie’s sister Arlene Beyer Clair Brown Judy Burdick, Megan Burdick-Grade’s mother Olive Bopp Alyssa Villarreal Brooks Don Brittnacher Charlie and Britt Carlson and infant son, Miller
Stephen Carlson Sara Companik Dick Casperson Steve Chapin Lynn Cook Karen Crawford Dana and Tony who are battling cancer Michael, Dick and Kathy Devries’ son-in-law Ralph DiBiasio-Snyder Jim Edwards and Rachel DeMoss Edwards Friend of Pat Severin who is facing a serious
health issue Esther Gehrt Ken Geiger Lynn Hanna Jayne Heinrich Maggie Hendrick Ken Hocking Ron Hurm Jean Jepson Our Kenyan partners and friends
Allen Korth Rick Kramer, Richard Miller’s son-in law Jennifer Lemmert Lindsey, friend of Kristen Scheuerman Jim Malin Mike Mathews Shari Mitchell Mory, Anthony Padilla’s son Our country’s military around the world Diane Ragus Steve Reinkober, brother of Chris Brittnacher Ken Rheingans Sharrie Robinson Don Roehrborn Mary Rowland Frank Severin Mike Seymour’s mom, Debbie Jake Smasal Cole Stoffel Richard and Samantha Stratz upon the adoption
of baby Sophie All those in need of suicide prevention and
compassionate caregivers Sue, friend of Mark Yonan Jack Thiel Peter Thiel Brenda Timm James Totzke and his mother, Leah Totzke Beverly Trombla Don Utschig Jean Van Wagenin Mya Wardle, Brian and Lecia Wardle’s daughter Jean Wegner Paris Wicker Jennifer Wild
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Congregational Life Embracing God, welcoming others,
knowing ourselves.
Grief Support Group Mondays, December 14-February 8
6:00-7:30 PM (on Zoom)
There is still time to sign up for the Grief Support Group, even if you missed the first session. All of us have suffered losses through this time of pandemic: loss of jobs, loss of loving social contact, loss of loved ones, loss of the everyday pleasures and freedoms that so enrich our lives. For many of us, that grief has led to loneliness, isolation, and depression. To help us with that, First Congo is teaming up with Samaritan Counsel Center of the Fox Valley. Led by a Samaritan counselor, Elysabeth Meehan, we will be offering a Grief Support Group over Zoom on Monday evenings from 6:00-7:30 PM, December 14 through February 8. Feel free to invite a friend to join with you. There is no charge to take part in the group. First Congo and Samaritan are joining together to provide this service. We all need some extra loving support to help us face these difficult times. If you’re interested, please email Elysabeth at [email protected] by Monday, December 21 at noon to receive further information and to get registered for the group. A Zoom link to join the group will be provided once you are registered.
Stewardship Putting faith into action with our time,
passion, skills and financial gifts.
The Stewardship Campaign Has Officially Ended…But It’s Not Over! We are so very grateful for the wonderful support the “Beloved, let us love one another” Stewardship Campaign has received during its official time period. We have received donations or pledges from 261 members or families in the church and have raised approximately $866,000 (about $130,000 below last year’s results). While some members as expected have needed to reduce their support, over 100 of the donations have been increased! That’s quite remarkable under our current economic circumstances. Thank you again to all of you who have stepped forward so far. While our campaign has now formally concluded, there are still approximately 100 of last year’s donors who have not yet experienced the joyful blessing of financially supporting the vital life and mission of our beloved First Congo. As we have for quite a few years now, we warmly invite those of you who have yet to make your pledge commitment to the church to do so within the next few weeks. Only with your additional support will the church have all the resources it needs for the coming year. May God’s blessing bring you and your loved ones a joyful, healthy, and blessed holiday season.
- Your Stewardship Team
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Worship and Music A diverse community practicing faith,
finding spiritual connection and experiencing the Holy through artful sound.
Celebrate December with Music! TODAY, December 20 – Andy Schmidt (baritone horn) and organist Shelley Nulton complement our Zoom Church School Christmas Pageant directed by Dee Savides.
December 24, 4:00 PM – Elizabeth Melchert (organ and piano) and Kris Henke (trumpet) complement our “Christmas in a Box” Family Service.
December 24, 7:00 PM – The Lori & Jeff Murphy Family (violin, tenors, baritones, pianist, guitar) join David Cook (organist) and Karen Leigh-Post and Ashleigh Kreider (vocal duet) to complement our Service of Lessons and Carols.
December 27 – David Cook (organist) accompanies this service including Congregational Carol Singing.
You are invited to sing carols in our parking lot as you donate to the Advent Mission Extravaganza each Sunday in Advent from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM. A special thanks to “Karma’s Mailbox” and Sanctuary Choir members for their generous leadership.
Wishing you “tidings of comfort and joy!” John Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries
Mission and Service Building relationships, serving others,
pursuing justice.
Advent Mission Extravaganza: Gifts for a Home
TODAY • December 20 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
First Congo Main Parking Lot
For our fourth and final Mission Advent Extravaganza Sunday, we are collecting Gifts for a Home, which will be donated to Pillars, Harbor House and Project NOAHH (Neighbors Offering a Helping Hand- a partnership between community members and Outagamie County Department of Health and Human Services) Specifically, we are hoping to collect the following: • 11 twin mattresses and box springs (new
or slightly used) • 4 chests of drawers (new or slightly used) • Bedding for a twin bed appropriate for a
teenager • Comforters, sheets, mattress pads,
pillows, pillow toppers, towels, laundry baskets and laundry detergent
• New or slightly used full and queen bed sets (mattresses, box springs and bed frames)
Pillars has allowed us to use their moving van for this purpose. If anyone has a large item that they wish to donate but does not have access to a truck, simply call Jill Smith at (920) 221-2146 to make arrangements for pick up - now until December 22.
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In lieu of purchasing household items yourself, please check out Compassionate Home Health Care, Inc. at www.chhcinc.org. This organization purchases toiletries and household items (NOTE: it does not purchase mattresses or box springs) to residents who have to decide whether to buy food or toilet paper at the end of the month. Because Compassionate Home Health Care is a non-profit organization, it is able to purchase items through Gift360. This means that they are able to buy large amounts of laundry soap and other items at cost, rather than paying retail prices. If First Congo members wish to make a donation to Compassionate Home Health Care, it can purchase necessary items and distribute them to homes and facilities that are in need.
Gifts of Warmth Collection
Thank you for your Gifts of Warmth during our third Sunday of Advent Mission Extravaganza on December 13! We collected:
• 134 hats • 133 pairs of gloves and mittens • 75 scarves • 26 matching hat & glove/mitten sets • 26 tied fleece blankets • 12 purchased blankets • 6 prayer shawls • 4 knitted/crocheted afghans • 2 homemade quilts
This is the equivalent of many virtual hugs to members of our community at Pillars and Harbor House. Thanks for your extraordinary generosity!
Poinsettia Sunday A BIG thank you to all those who helped to make Poinsettia Sunday a success, especially the following folks:
• Pastor Laurie and Carolyn for organizing the "Elves" to make deliveries and for printing out the address cards and maps.
• The Ritcey-Fox's for picking up the all the beautiful plants, and to everyone that helped create the display and then move them to the narthex for pickup.
• Mary and Jerry Dees for helping with distribution on Sunday.
And thank you to anyone else that I did not mention - I have received many thank you's from people that received the plants. Many who received the cards have commented on their artistry, thoughtfulness and cheer!
- Jean Coenraad
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Please note: In order to receive a tax credit on church donations for the 2020 year, all contributions must be received in the church office by 3:00 PM on Wednesday, December 30 or postmarked by December 31.
