The Pilgrim Broadcaster

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1 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 31 W. MILWAUKEE AVE., FORT ATKINSON, WI FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UCC 31 W. Milwaukee Ave. Fort Atkinson, WI Church Office #: (920) Church Office Fax #: (920) Church s officefortucc@gmail.com The Pilgrim Broadcaster Church s Website: Moderator (Carol Maasz) - maaszc235@yahoo.com Rev. Chris Buckingham-Taylor Rev. Chris r evchr isfor tfcc@gmail.com Rev. Chris Home #: (920) Wednesday, November 28, 2018 Like and follow us on Facebook for more updates! Pastor's Front Porch Broadcaster publication schedule 2018 December 12 It's time to break out the Christmas albums! As a child I used to love it when my parent's put on one of their favorite Christmas albums. I used to love looking at the album covers and following along with the lyrics of the songs. I realize that even using the term, Albums, dates me. I feel ancient just by using my old fashioned- CD's! Most of us don't play records anymore, even though vinyl is a popular alternative for audiophiles to listen to their favorite music. The term, album, is described in the English Dictionary as: blank book for insertion of poems, drawings etc from various contributors; book in which photographs, stamps etc are collected. So, it doesn't matter if we listen to our favorite Christmas songs on CD's, cassette tapes, 8 track tapes, or vinyl, what matters is- it's time to play Christmas albums! THANK YOU EVERYONE! The 64th Annual Country Fair is now part of church history. The Fair was a success, and so many enjoyed the friendship and fellowship that is a part of the Fair. Week 48 Bi Weekly Newsletter Thank you to everyone who helped in any way shopping, cooking, planning, baking, selling, copying, creating, setting up, donating Raffle items, and all who purchased tickets, Fair goodies, Lend a Hand items, Peanuts...and the list goes on! One of my favorite songs from one of my parent's Christmas albums- The Ray Coniff Singers, We Wish You A Merry Christmas was Deck the Hall, which, as it turns out, isn't really a Christmas song at all. Centuries before Christianity was spread to the British isles, the natives held a winter festival known as Yule. The Yule festival was observed in late December; while the days were darker and colder, Yule was a time of merriment and celebration. People brought a Yule log in to their homes to be placed in the fireplace and then decorated their homes with boughs of holly and ivy. The celebration included dancing, the drinking of wassail, eating plum pudding and various mince pies, and the celebration would last as long as the yule log burned; so, you can imagine why so many people chose the largest, greenest and dampest of logs to burn- for the celebration and relaxation lasted as long as the log burned. Deck the Hall, became a Christmas song only by virtue of its connection to December. You all helped to make this Fair a great event! While Deck the Hall, is not a Christmas song, it is a pleasant reminder of the need for joy in Thank you to the Fireside Dinner Theater for donating all of the coleslaw and to everyone that donated turkeys for our meal! Thank You! (Continued on page 2)

2 our lives; a joy, which like a Yule-log, we want to burn forever. This Sunday, we begin the season of Advent. Instead of lighting a Yule-log, we will begin to light our Advent candles- Hope, Peace, Joy and Love! The days are colder and darker, but even the secular world can't keep out the excitement and joy of Christ! Let us then, Deck the Hall, and may the joy of this season last throughout the year.- fa la-la-la-la-lala-la-la! Remember, you are loved! Pastor Chris The Fort Chamber s 11th Annual Winter Market & Art Fair Saturday, December 1st 9:00 am - 4:00 pm On Saturday, December 1st, the Fort Atkinson Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Winter Market & Art Fair held in conjunction with the Merchants Holiday Open House. Again our Church will be one of the venues for the various craft persons who will be bringing their wares for sale. Lend-aHand will be hosting two booths - a Bakery and the usual Lend-a-Hand booth with knives and brooms - and a Lend-a-Hand Cafe with sandwiches, desserts, and beverages. Council Highlights for November th Bob Rose reported that Ben Nolfke of Nolfke Roofing LLC and the mason they work with inspected our church building and said masonry work is needed on both peaks of Plymouth Hall before the new roof repairs are done. The bell tower will also need reconstruction. Work is to be completed next summer. Bob has been in contact with Otis Elevator and Schindler Elevator and hopes to get an appointment after the first of the year. The council approved the Emergency Procedures Manual, the quick guide pamphlet, and the Building Use Policy. Nancy Onufer reported that the Nurture Ministry will host a reception on Music Sunday, December 23 and will also help with the Fairhaven Vesper reception in December. rd The council also approved a request to purchase blue choir robe stoles, an organ lamp and several small instruments with money from the Memorial fund. Carol Maasz announced that our Child Care Center will celebrate 50 years in Pastor Chris said the confirmation class will be involved with the Feed My Starving Children program. Wait, don t put your cookbooks away!!! Lend-a-Hand needs you to help make our participation a success. Could you make something for us to sell in the Bakery? Anything Christmassy is usually a best seller. Snack mixes, pies, baked goods and candies sell very well. Those working in the Bakery would be very happy if you would package/plate your goodies. For uniformity, it is better not to price your items. Please bring your items to the Burr Oak Room Friday(6 am 5:30 pm) or on Saturday before 8:00 am. The Lend-a-Hand Cafe could also use some baked goods to serve as desserts. Cookies or uncut pans of bars or Rice Krispie Treats would be great to go with a sandwich. If you have questions or would be willing to help out in the kitchen or one of the booths, please see or contact Judy Knapp ( ). Thank you for your consideration of these requests for help. You can also help by attending the Winter Market & Art Fair, bring your friends and neighbors. The hours are 9:00 am until 4:00 pm on Saturday, December 1st. All proceeds from the Lend-a-Hand booths and the cafe will be used to support local Outreach. Hope to see you at the Winter Market & Art Fair.

3 Schedule December 2 December 9 December 16 December 23 December 24 Christmas Eve 5pm Announcements Mary Ann Ehrike Chris Reed Zach Finch Charlie Knapp NOT NEEDED Audio Operator Bob Buell Zach Finch Kevin Becker Rick Stegehuis Kurt Wesemann Greeters Joe & Eunice Ann Slaney Larry & Mary Narkis Tom & Parry Fred & Fran Idtse? Sehnert Lay Reader Bob Ehrike Chris Reed Mary Narkis Charlie Knapp Jane Kraus Ushers Cora Wahl, Jeff & Susan Woods, Gloria Janke Bob & Mary Ann Ehrike, Mike Rankin, Judy Knapp Jeff & Susan Woods, Trent Topel, Judy Knapp Mike Rankin, Larry & Mary Narkis,, Tom Sehnert Paul Hankowitz, Julie Ankomeus,?? Schedule of Events Thursday, November 29 th 9 am Bulletin Article Deadline 6 pm Chapel Bells Rehearsal Sunday, December 2 nd -Communion First Sunday of Advent 8 am Breeze Early Worship 8:30 am Sunday School 8:45 am Children s Choir 8:45 am Confirmation Class 8:45 am Adult CE Class 10 am Worship Service 11 am Fellowship Hour Monday, December 3 rd 8 am Peanuts 5:15 pm Facilities Mtg. 6:30 pm Bridge Club Tuesday, December 4 th 9:30 am Preschool Singing with Pastor Chris 6:30 pm Dartball Ft. Methodist Wednesday, December 5 th 7 pm Choir Rehearsal Thursday, December 6 th 9 am Bulletin Article Deadline 9:15 am Circle of Faith 10:30 am Dycora Ministry 1:30 pm Lend-a-Hand Cookie Exchange 6 pm Chapel Bells Rehearsal Sunday, December 9 th Second Sunday of Advent 8 am Breeze Early Worship 8:30 am Sunday School 8:45 am Children s Choir 8:45 am Confirmation Class 10 am Worship Service Kids Sing 11 am Fellowship Hour Monday, December 10 th 8 am Peanuts 9 am Broadcaster Article Deadline 6:30 pm Bridge Club Tuesday, December 11 th 9:30 am Pastor Chris Preschool Singing 11 am Worship Ministy Mtg. 4 pm Holiday Dance Recital 6 pm Evangelism Ministry Mtg. 6:30 pm Dartball Home Game Wednesday, December 12 th 10 am Mail Broadcaster 6 pm Chapel Bells 7 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal 7 pm Outreach Ministry Mtg. Thursday, December 13 th 9 am Bulletin Article Deadline 7 pm Chapel Bells Milton Concert Sunday, December 16 th Third Sunday of Advent 8 am Breeze Early Worship 8:30 am Sunday School 8:45 am Children s Choir 8:45 am Confirmation Class 8:45 am Adult CE Class 10 am Worship Service 11 am Fellowship Hour 11:15 am Confirmands Meet w/ Pastor Chris Monday, December 17 th 8 am Peanuts 6:30 pm Bridge Club

4 Prayer Concerns of our Church Family of Faith Prayer Concerns of our Extended Family & Friends of Faith Tony Ehrike, Marjorie Fenn, Lucile Lasher, Mark Miller, Izayah Wirth, Abigail Ehlers Gwen Strassburger (Sarah Brietzke s Sister-In-Law) Eric Jung (Harley & Pat Jung s Son) Carl (Skip) Armstrong (Carol Maasz s Brother) Bill Ratzburg, Mary Wendlandt, Clarice Fernelius Jennifer Woods, Jackie Sanders, Marsha Anderson, Carmen Hendricks Dorothy Schademann (Ann Olsen s Mother) Carolyn Taylor (Rev. Chris s Mother) Emily Klatt, Jessica Wallace Those Serving in the Military and the families they have waiting at home. Scripture Readings: December 2 Jer 33:14-16; Ps 25:1-10; 1 Thess 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36 December 9 Mal 3:1-4 or Bar 5:1-9; Luke 1:68-79; Phil 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6 December 16 Zeph 3:14-20; Isa 12:2-6; Phil 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18 December 23 Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:46b-55 or Ps 80:1-7; Heb 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45, December 24 Isa 62:6-12; Ps 97; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:1-7, 8-20 December 30 1 Sam 2:18-20, 26; Ps 148; Col 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52 Our appeal for the Fort Atkinson Food Pantry during the month of November is: Canned Soup December is: Jell-o Prayer Discipline Week 1 Prayer Discipline Week 2 Wendell & Michelle Harman David, Cynthia, Jacqueline & Natalie Hershman Mark, Karen, Monica & Perry Haubenschild and Haley Krebs John Hershman Brian, Alyssa & Kelsey Haukom Roy, Karen & Michael Hetts Steve, Patti, Stephanie & Malcolm Heitz Donald & Nancy Hoeppner Steve, Carmen, Emma & Trey Hendricks Joan Holston Ron & Sharyl Hendricksen Scott, Tracy, Gwen, Jens & Brandon Housley Time & Talent: Our Church Ministries (with examples of activities): Evangelism (greet new worshippers, new member classes) Facilities (building upkeep, clean-up, landscaping) Nurture (Fellowship, Prayer Quilts, Youth Activities) Outreach (5 for 5, Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, Shoes that Fit) Worship (Communion, decorations, music, nursery, ushers) If you need assistance or have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact the church office ( ). Please check out our Welcome Table in the Narthex! You will find name tags for all, Welcome packets for visitors and some general information about current happenings at our church. Please help us by wearing your name tag and direct visitors to take a Welcome packet. We welcome you all, may you may feel the Love of Christ in your life today. The Birth of Jesus - A Christmas Experience Sunday, December 16th 8:30 am 9:45 am Station 1: An Angel Visits Mary Station 2: Journey to Bethlehem Station 3: Shepherds Visit Jesus Station 4: Wise Men Visit Jesus Station 5: Journey to Egypt Youth will have activities at each station to help them experience the joy of the Birth of Christ. Activities will be held in Plymouth Hall. Youth are encouraged to bring their friends and parents or other family members are also encouraged to attend.

5 Thank you Judy Brown for your donation of the large wreaths at the front of our Sanctuary. Thank you Judy Brown & Linda Fromader for doing such a beautiful job decorating them as well! LEND A HAND REMINDER Holiday Bazaar and December Meeting The Holiday Bazaar is December 1 from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. Our Church is again one of the venues and will be having three booths: Bakery, Lend a Hand, and the Lend a Hand Café. There are numerous ways you can help make this event a success. The Bakery would greatly appreciate items for them to sell. Christmas goodies would be great, but so would any cookies, breads, pies, candies, Bring your items to the Burr Oak Room on Friday, November 30, or before 8:00 am on Saturday. The Lend a Hand Café is in need of bars (uncut please) or large cookies to serve as desserts. There is also a need for a volunteer or two to sign up for two hours shifts, starting with 8:00 10:00 am, to help in the kitchen. There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex or call Judy Knapp ( ) and let her know how you can help. The December Lend a Hand meeting will be on December 6 starting at 1:30 pm in the Werthman Room. Please bring 2 dozen cookies, they do not need to be Christmas, to enjoy with the peppermint ice cream and to pack for the Fairhaven Vesper service. Hope you can be there. Thank you to all who participated in the annual Shoes that Fit Campaign!! Shoes that Fit is a national nonprofit organization that works to provide children with new shoes to allow them to attend school in comfort and with dignity. In our community, the children are from low-income families, and they benefit greatly from our assistance and compassion. For the past 13 years, our congregation has partnered with Jefferson County Head Start to provide shoes and boots for area 3-5 year olds. Through our partnership, we have donated footwear to over 350 area children. This year, 40 children requested shoes and boots and our congregation delivered! Thank you to everyone who volunteered to shop and donate to our annual Shoes that Fit Campaign! Many thanks from the Outreach Ministry! Adult Bible Study Sundays - 8:45-9:30 am Werthmann Room September 9 - December 16, 2018 Unshakeable Hope Unshakable Hope examines twelve of God s promises that Max has turned to over the years to encourage himself and others. Each chapter explores one significant promise and reveals how it will equip you to: Overcome challenging circumstances Live through sadness and renew hope Experience lasting security Make wise decisions What is your life built on the circumstances of life or the promises of God? For every problem in life, God has given you a promise. Join Max as he takes a closer look at Scripture s unbreakable promises and shows you how to live with an Unshakable Hope. * No Class: November 25(Thanksgiving Break), December 23 & December 30(Christmas Break)

6 First Congregational United Church of Christ 31 W. Milwaukee Ave., Ft. Atkinson, WI Phone: (920) ; Fax: (920) ; Poinsettia Order Form Name (given by): Phone: You may purchase a poinsettia for the altar in memory of, or to honor a loved one. The plants will be on the altar for our Christmas Eve Service. You may take your plant home following the 5 pm Candlelight Service on Sunday, December 24 th. Plants cost is $ Please sign below and place in an offering plate (along with payment) on Sundays, or order through the church office NO LATER THAN Wednesday, December 5th. Red Poinsettia White Poinsettia In memory of: In honor of: Administration Office Use Only Date Received Amount Paid Check # or Cash Initial FAIRHAVEN VESPERS On December 9th, members of our congregation will be providing a Christmas Vesper Service at Fairhaven, the UCC senior care facility in Whitewater. We are looking for any of our youth members that would like to help with the service by doing readings and/or carols. Our Bell Choir will provide music. The service will start at 6:00 pm. All participants need to be there by 5:30 pm. Members of the Bell Choir should be at the church by 4:30 pm to load equipment. There will be an opportunity for adults to arrange for the postservice refreshments. All members of our Congregation are invited to attend. All attending are encouraged to bring two-dozen cookies for the holiday table. Contact Marv Olsen ( ) or Rev. Chris if you have questions. Our Worship Service radio broadcast will be on KOOL on the following dates due to Packer Noon Games. December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 A link for KOOL is provided on our website under the Worship heading. From Outreach Committee The Outreach committee would like to assure the congregation, that in regard to the Five-In-One giving program, that opportunities for giving are on-going. If you wish to contribute at any time throughout the year, simply designate your intention on one of the pew envelopes provided. (One Great Hour of Sharing, UCC Christmas Fund, Strengthen the Church, Neighbors in Need, Blankets and Tools) Check our Outreach Bulletin Board in the Narthex for more information on how your Outreach Committee is working for you and our neighbors.

7 Fort Chamber Winter Market Saturday, 12/1/18 9 AM 4 PM Volunteers Needed! Now that the Fair is over time to think of Christmas and the Chamber Winter Market! Again this year we are excited to be one of the host venues but need your help as a volunteer! We will need help with set up (Friday evening) greeters, vendor assistants and clean up. Sign up sheets are available in the Narthex. This is a great opportunity for shoppers to see our church and for us to support our Fort Atkinson Community! Please contact Nancy Onufer ( ) with any questions. Advent Sermon Series Sunday, December 2nd - 8 am & 10 am Hope: Luke 21:25-36 A Cloud of Glory and Power Sunday, December 9th - 8 am & 10 am Peace: Luke 3:1-6 A Voice in the Wilderness Sunday, December 16th - 8 am & 10 am Joy: Luke 3:7-18 In the Waters of Life Sunday, December 23rd - 8 am & 10 am Please join us for our Christmas Eve Worship Service. The service will be a traditional Candlelight service with our Adult Choir and Adult Bell Choir. The service will begin at 5 pm on Sunday, December 24th. If you are unable to join us, the service will be broadcast on the radio (WFAW). Food Pantry Helpers Needed in January January is our month to work at the Pantry. Watch for Sign-Up sheets in December. Help is needed on Mondays and Thursdays from 2:45-5:30. Please check your schedules and sign-up for the days that will work for you. Many Thanks. Your Food Pantry Representatives and the Outreach Board. Love: Luke 1:39-45, (46-55) In the Womb Christmas Eve December 24th Christ Candle: Luke 2:1-20 In the Fields 5pm Candlelight Service Family Friendly Traditional Service, Adult Choir

8 December 2018 Mike Rankin 1 Megan Eske 2 Rita Gray 6 Abigail Macklem 6 To view the monthly Montana Smith 8 Kurt Wesemann 8 Sophie Klopcic 10 Nate Heitz 11 Kala Bingham 17 Mary Crane 17 Connie Czech 18 Kloe Figliuzzi 18 Claire Negus 18 calendar, click on any event in the calendar Laura Olsen 18 Max Jaeger 19 Brett Dunkleberger 21 Heidi Siefkes 22 Kevin Knapp 23 box on the home page. Kay Becker 24 Mitzi DeForest 26 Jack Negus 27 Tori Ehlers 28 Clarice Fernelius 30 Kelsey Haukom 30 Maebinn Stack-Vaughn 30 Our Bell Concert Rings in Milton Concert Our bell choir will be performing their Christmas music on Thursday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Milton United Methodist Church, 241 Northside Drive, Milton. All are welcome to celebrate the joy and community of the Christmas season with a little handbell music. In addition to our choir, this free program will include the bell choirs of Milton UMC Janesville s Faith Lutheran Church and the Rock County Community Handbell Choir.