The Tower. LXIX December 15, ~ Nelson Mandela

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1 The Tower First Congregational United Church of Christ Madison, Wisconsin LXIX December 15, 2013 No. 42 Advent & Nelson Mandela What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead. I was saddened to hear of the death of Nelson Mandela this last week. Mandela was a man who taught us so much about the importance of all of God s children. He was a man who would not stand by and watch as people were oppressed. He was relentless in his work to make sure everyone was able to experience the God-given freedom we were born with and value. However, in our sadness, we also celebrate this life and all of the work he did. It seems to me there is a tie between the life and death of Nelson Mandela and Advent. Each Sunday in Advent we have been lighting an Advent candle that represents a value we strive for, and that Nelson Mandela lived in his life. His death, in the season of Advent, reminds us of how we can embrace each of these values and strive to live them out in our own lives. See the words of our Sunday lighting script and a quote from Nelson Mandela. 1 st Sunday in Advent - HOPE It is our unwavering hope that, searching through the shadows of our past, we will be moved, through our traditions, to work toward a more just and healthy world. "I am not an optimist, but a great believer of hope." 2 nd Sunday of Advent - PEACE It is in these moments of stillness that we recognize that it is God who can bring us the true presence of peace. Help us find that peace. Help us to illuminate Your presence to the sick, the hungry and the lonely that they too may find Your peace. If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner. 3 rd Sunday of Advent - LOVE Gathering together is a long standing tradition practiced by many, many families. Today we recognize that Love is complicated, and that this can be a very difficult time for those yearning to bridge gaps of distance, differences and discord. No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. 4 th Sunday in Advent - JOY As the light burst forth in our lives, may we be reminded of the joy our community brings to us; and the potential we have to bring joy to others. It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership. This Advent, as Christians, help us to focus on how each of us might find a way to bring hope, peace, love and joy to this world. "Religion is one of the most important forces in the world. Whether you are a Christian, a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Jew, or a Hindu, religion is a great force, and it can help one have command of one's own morality, one's own behavior, and one's own attitude."

2 Join Us For Morning Service Sunday, December 15, 2013 Sunday Worship 10am in the Sanctuary Scripture Readings: Luke 2:1-7 This passage from Luke is not the assigned text for this week, but I chose it because this Sunday is December 15. By some measures it would have taken Mary and Joseph ten days to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. By tradition, today would have been their first day on the road, the day their very human journey begins. It begins with Joseph being understandably confused, but unwaveringly faithful. It begins with Mary being physically uncomfortable, but angelically reassured about what is going to happen. It will take them ten days to get to Bethlehem, but that is only the end of a journey that the people of Israel have been on for ten centuries. It is the fulfillment of the ancient prophet Isaiah. It is a road trip from the beginning to the end to a new beginning. The Advent liturgical art installation in the sanctuary is deliberately open to different interpretation, but to me it looks like a road trip. It looks like streams of people flowing towards the Christmas star. But there are different streams, I think, representing different kinds of people. The dark brown crushed paper seems somber, perhaps people of the ancient traditions of Israel moving towards the hope of the Peaceable Kingdom. The Madri Gras beads forgive the stereotype represent, perhaps, sinners on the road from Bourbon Street towards a new life. The stream that resonates most with me is the evergreen boughs and people moving towards the complex promise of eternal life that Jesus will bring on Christmas morning. Joseph and Mary are once again on the road and so are all of us, sharing their pain, confusion, belief in miracles and faithfulness. In this reflective time of Advent, while we wait for Christmas, we should take a moment to ask ourselves why we are on that road and where we think we are going. ~ Jerry Hancock The offerings taken at both Christmas Eve services will be used to support the fundamental work of our church. Gifts will go into the Parish Fund for the pastors to use to meet the needs of our neighbors. Food, heat, electricity and housing are just a few of the needs our church encounters almost every day. Please note that if you want your offering to go toward your pledge you must indicate this on your check or envelope you use. MUSICAL NOTES CHRISTMAS EVE CHOIR! There will be one rehearsal on Wednesday December 18 at 7:30pm to learn two pieces to sing during the 9:00pm worship service on Christmas Eve. That's it! One rehearsal, one service! It's almost Christmas and what does that mean? It's time to sing CHRISTMAS CAROLS! Come to church early on the four Sundays of Advent to sing carols. Each Sunday in December, starting at 9:45 am, we will sing five or six Christmas carols before worship begins. Each week we will sing a mixture of old favorites and soon-to-be new favorites! These are the carols that YOU chose last year in our survey of Christmas carol favorites. Twas the Week Before Christmas, an organ concert by Don DeBruin, will be held Tuesday, December 17 at 7:30 in the Sanctuary. Madison Bach Musicians will play its third annual Baroque Holiday Concert on Saturday, December 14, in the Sanctuary. There will be a preconcert lecture at 7:15pm by Artistic Director, Trevor Stephenson, with music at 8:00pm. Advance tickets are $20/General $15 Students/Seniors, and can be purchased at or at the door; $25/General/$20 Students/Seniors. 26 Empty Chairs: Remembering Sandy Hook Saturday, Dec. 14, 1 p.m. First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive You and your family are invited to participate For more information, contact: Sponsored by Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort (WAVE), Moms Demand Action, & Dane County Organizing for Action

3 ANNOUNCEMENTS The Noth-Hazen family would like you to celebrate the season with them on Sunday, December 22nd immediately following worship, with treats in the back of the Sanctuary. We feel blessed by the First Congregational Community! College Scholarships Available Members of First Congregational UCC are invited to apply for college scholarships for from the Frank E. Page Scholarship Fund. Applicants should be planning to begin or continue education at any accredited 2 or 4year 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, Contact scholarships@firstcongmadison.org for an electronic application. Seasonal celebrations Advent Vespers On December 12 and 19, the church continues its Advent Vespers tradition. Based on the worship of the Iona Community, these services are a chance for rest and reflection. The services are in the Chapel, at 7:00pm. Tea and sweet biscuits are served afterwards. SHELTER GIFTS We will assemble Christmas gifts for guests at the Single Women s Homeless Shelter, and we are seeking colorful scarves or jewelry from your own collection to add to the practical items we provide. Also appreciated: warm socks, coats, hats, scarves, gloves, long underwear, sheets and blankets, towels, duffel bags, backpacks, suitcases, boots, umbrellas, purses, pocket calendars, and small toiletries. Please drop items off at the church office, clearly marked Shelter ; if you would like to donate toward the cost, please send a check made out to the church, with Shelter gifts on the memo line. Questions? Call Mari McCarty, National Homeless Memorial Day Saturday, December 21st, the longest night, we will have the opportunity to remember and honor homeless members of our community who have died. Those who would like to join us are asked to meet at the first marble bench at the intersection of East Main, South Pinckney and King Street at 3:00pm. A short service will be held at the bench after which we will be led by bagpipers to the Men s Shelter at Grace Episcopal church. If you are so inclined you may also bring gloves, scarves, or hats to the church that will be distributed to those who need extra winter help. If questions, please contact Eldonna. Blue Christmas Service Come join us for a shared meal and worship experience on Monday, December 23rd. We will begin this worship by sharing a meal together at 5:30pm. The worship includes scripture readings and Advent candles lit to reflect our grief, pain, fears and struggles, whether they are related to the season, or just at this moment. At a time when we might feel short on community, we hope this will provide a place to share a meal and a hand of friendship. One Holy Night First Congregational UCC Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 22 6:00 PM

4 A FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 1609 University Avenue Madison, Wisconsin (phone) (fax) facebook.com/firstcongo Staff: Eldonna Hazen, Senior Minister Jerry Hancock, Director of Prison Ministry Project Donald J. DeBruin, Director of Music Ministries Jeff Rabe, Director of Christian Education for Children & Youth Rob Eagle, Bookkeeper Jill Farnsworth, Office Manager Bob Zeier, Building Manager IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES: Eldonna Hazen, , and Jerry Hancock, Office Hours: M-Th 8-12:30pm, 1-4pm, Fri 8-12 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Worship attendance on Sunday, December 8, 2013, was 212. Church Calendar December 15-22, 2013 Sunday December 15 8:45am Advent Devotional Discussion ~ C 9:45am Carol sing ~ S 10:00am Worship ~ S 10:15am Sunday School 11:15am Cherub Choir ~ Room :15am R & R Committee ~ LRC 1:30, 4:30, 7:00pm Madison Youth Choir Concerts ~ Sanctuary Monday December 16 10:30am Stillpoint ~ SL 6:00pm Executive Council ~ FR 6:30pm Co-counseling class ~ LRC Tuesday December 17 12noon Bible Conversations ~ SL 1:30pm Service at Oakwood 5:15pm NA Women s ~ Room 303 7:00pm NA ~ Room 303 7:30pm Twas the Week Before Christmas Organ Concert ~ S Wednesday December 18 9:00am Staff meeting/worship Planning ~ SL 7:30pm Chancel Choir ~ C Thursday December 19 7:00pm Advent Vespers ~ C 7:00pm SA ~ LRC 7:30pm AA ~ Room 303 Friday December 20 9:00am Liturgical Art Committee ~ S 5:00pm Madison Choral Project Rehearsal ~ S Saturday December 21 9:00am Christmas Pageant Rehearsal ~ S 7:00pm Madison Choral Project Concert ~ S Sunday December 22 8:45am Advent Devotional Discussion ~ C 9:45am Carol sing ~ S 10:00am Worship ~ S 10:15am Sunday School 11:15am Cherub Choir ~ Rm 301 6:00pm Christmas Pageant ~ S BK ~ Big Kitchen C ~ Chapel DR ~ Dining Room FIGS ~ Families Including God and Stuff FR ~ Fellowship Room LRC ~ Learning Resource Center MS ~ Minister s Study PiPS ~ Parents of Infants and Pre- Schoolers S ~ Sanctuary SL ~ Student Lounge SR ~ Salad Room YR ~ Youth Room YBS ~ Youth Bible Study

5 Cancellation Policy Winter weather can be unpredictable. A sudden snowstorm can force a last-minute change of plans. This is true at the church as well. Please keep this policy handy for your reference. When such events occur, the following policy determines who makes the decision to cancel and how that decision is communicated: 1. The Moderator, Moderator-Elect, and Pastor(s) will consult with one another if it appears necessary to cancel worship or other activities and are empowered to make the decision, if, in their judgment, the situation warrants cancellation. 2. Following the decision to cancel Sunday morning events, the following people will be contacted: a. Christian Education Director b. Director of Music Ministries c. Custodian/Caretaker d. Person/group in charge of coffee hour e. Head Usher f. Chairs of church boards g. Any others with Sunday morning responsibilities 3. Each of these persons will contact others as appropriate (Music Director Choir(s); Christian Education Director Teachers, Nursery personnel; etc.) 4. For all other cancelled events, the appropriate person(s) or group will be consulted and/or contacted. 5. If the Madison School System is closed, then all children s and/or youth events are cancelled. 6. Notices of cancellation will be posted in the following places: a. The church telephone voic system ( ) b. The church website ( c. The church Facebook page d. WISC-TV ( e. WMTV-TV ( f. WIBA-AM ( 7. s to First Congregational UCC member and friends for whom we have addresses, if possible. 8. Members and friends may call pastor(s) to check on the status of worship services and other events. Keep this policy in mind before venturing out for a church event during bad weather.