Thoughts from Todd. Socially Active, Spiritually

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1 VOLUME 101 DECEMBER 2018 ISSUE NO. 12 Socially Active, Spiritually Alive An Open & Affirming, Whole Earth, Just Peace & Restorative Justice Place for All!! INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Thoughts from Todd, Worship in Dec,.... p. 2 Beloved Community: Journey of the Spirit, Spiritual Formation, Heifer Christmas Donation,St. Francis Ctr. Gift Cards, Staff Bonuses.p. 3 Also: Book Club; Advent Food Boxes for FISH p. 4 CFCU Candlelight Vigil...p. 5 More/Plan Ahead: Call for Peace Training; 17th Women s Retreat p. 6 CMA Christmas season offerings..p. 7 Calendar & Birthdays p. 8 Thoughts from Todd Finding God in Surprising Places We come again to Advent. And yet for the first time, we come, for none of us has known ourselves at this emerging moment, Advent Though familiar practices and songs will be engaged, I encourage us all to engage them with an openness to the new, even to being surprised by what new birth may come to bring light in the darkness. New light may yet break forth from God s Holy Word the old Pilgrim Pastor John Robinson told his flock as they readied to set sail for this continent nearly 400 years ago. Pastor Robinson s words remind us all of the ever evolving nature of personal and social life and of the faith we engage them with. Though we read the same ancient words of Scripture, our conversation and understanding of them changes as we evolve and change. Though we are the same person as we were when we were younger, yet we are more, evolved and grown, including what we once were, but transcending it. Likewise, our experience and understanding of the Divine Mystery we name God can evolve, indeed must, evolve if we are to know a living, potent, and relevant Wisdom and Passion of Spirit. This Advent season the invitation is to open to the surprising (continued on p.2) Mark your calendar Dec 1 & 2 ~ Denver Chorale Concerts, 7:30 pm Sat & 2 pm Sun (p. 6) Dec 2 ~ Advent begins; Worship & Hanging of the Greens (p. 2) Dec 5 ~ Journey of the Spirit, 6:30 pm (p. 3) Dec 8 ~ Stella Nova Concert, 5 pm (p. 6) Dec 9 ~ Intergenerational Worship & Communion, 10 am; sign-making Dec 12 ~ Candlelight Vigil (p. 5) Dec 14 ~ Winter s Warmth Concert, 7 pm (p. 6) Dec 15 ~ We Three Sing! Concert, 4 pm (p. 6) Dec 16 ~ DIY Christmas Pageant, 10 am; Blue Christmas Service, 4 pm at Sixth Ave., 4:30 pm Dec 17 ~ Book Club, 7 pm (p. 4) Dec 19 ~ Journey of the Spirit, 6:30 pm (p. 3) Dec 23 ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent Worship, 10 am (p. 20 Dec 24 ~ Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 9 pm (p. 2) Dec 30 ~ Fifth Sunday Service, TBA WELCOME 2019!

2 p.!2 Thoughts from Todd (cont. from p.1) ways and places that God shows up and evolve life, to support and heal life, to inspire and encourage life. We travel toward the darkest time of year, the winter solstice, in so many ways in our human systems; the climate and environmental crisis, inequality of policing, education, and resources, authoritarian regimes and rhetoric, relationship anxieties and alienation, civil rights and voting violations, enemy making and polarization. As poet William Stafford said, The darkness around us is deep. Yet, into this very world, this tangled web of systems, comes surprise. Divine upside down surprise. An unwed pregnant teen, a too-old-to-bear-children matron, an elder struck mute, minimum wage livestock tenders. All of these somehow play a role in the ancient story in the birthing of God s Light. And so it is now. God is still speaking and moving through unlikely places and people amidst the very darkness that we experience right now. Can we perceive it? This again is our Advent invitation: to journey anew with Spirit into the darkness that we know now in search of the new birth of hope, peace, joy, and love. We just might be surprised at where we find it. Join us in the four Sundays of Advent and at our 9 pm Candlelight Christmas Eve service. Let s discover the life giving story all over again, together. Blessings, Pastor Todd Worship in December Dec. 2nd - 10 am Finding Hope in Surprising Places Advent begins and right after church (11:15 am), Hanging of the Greens! Bring gloves, pruners, wire, ribbons, pine cones, and anything you'd like to lend to the bedecking of the Sanctuary, right after worship -- greens provided! Help make ready our blessed church home for the holidays -- we'll be finished by 12:30! Questions: Scott Munstock, Dec. 9th - 10 am Finding Peace in Surprising Places The second Sunday of Advent will be marked by Intergenerational Worship and Communion Dec. 16th - 10 am Finding Joy in Surprising Places Great music is being prepared for this day, and children, youth, and adults are invited to attend this joyful morning and act out the ancient story of Jesus birth. There is no need to learn a script or to attend rehearsals! It is a Do-It-Yourself Christmas Pageant. A sign-up sheet is in the Gathering Space for you to select the character you want to play. If you want to see the script in advance to see the part that you will ead, see me (Nancy Rosas) after worship. Dec. 16th - 4:30 pm, Sixth Avenue United Church of Christ, 3250 E. 6th Ave. Blue Christmas Service Christmas is not always a happy time for those grieving or struggling some way. It is important to acknowledge this truth, be with others, and receive support in this darkest time year. Join Sixth Avenue UCC and The Kirk of Bonnie Brae UCC for this ritual time. Dec. 23rd - 10 am Finding Love in Surprising Places Monday, Dec. 24th - 9 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

3 p. 3 Beloved Community Journey of the Spirit continues Wed., Dec. 5th & Dec. 19th, 6:30 Beth Robey Hyde s home E. Linvale Place, Aurora Phone: (303) Directions: Beth s home is just inside Heather Gardens near the Yale and Abilene entrance. Enter there, turn left at the T, then two quick rights into Country Place 4 and into the cul-de-sac. Second driveway on the right. This is a vibrant and conversation group, exploring spiritual/social/religious/personal/ justice issues. Everyone is welcome! Spiritual Formation During the month of December our children will be engaging with the overarching theme of Advent, Finding God in Surprising Places through story, play, art and movement. Wash Park Children s Advent Gift of Love Every year, our children engage in acts of justice and loving kindness during Advent by supporting families in need around the world to have better lives and futures. Devastating floods brought on by the monsoon season make it almost impossible for communities of the so-called untouchables (people considered members of the lower caste) to keep their heads above water in the flood zone of the Kosi River in Bihar, India. Local women break the traditional limitations by discovering how empowerment is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Heifer Project partners with women in Bihar by providing them goats and teaching them how to raise them, sell them, sell their milk and make a variety of products using goat milk. Let s buy a goat or two for women in Bihar! Please consider supporting our Wash Park Children in buying a goat or two. Fundraising time: from November 25 - Dec 24 Checks can be made out to Wash Park UCC, writing in the memo line WPChildren s Heifer Gift THANKS! If you would like to help a formerly homeless person who now has housing have a better Christmas/ Holiday this year, please donate $20 or more for a gift card that will be given to people who will then be transported to the store to pick out what they want/ need. Make the check out to St. Francis Center please, and THANKS! $$$$$$$ Staff Bonuses $$$$$$$ If you would like to contribute to the fund that gives our wonderful staff a Christmas bonus, please get your check to Scott Munstock or Bob Murray by Dec. 24th. Thank-you!

4 p. 4 Also Dec. Book Club: A Party and Light Holiday Reading is suggested for Mon. Dec.17th, 7 pm: (at the House of Rothschild Party Room, 675 S. University Blvd.) Bret Harte: How Santa Claus Came To Simpson's Bar (13 pages) Jack Schaefer: Stubby Pringle's Christmas (16 pages, 1963) (and other places) Mark Twain's "A Letter From Santa Claus" (1 page, 1875) Upcoming in 2019: The Newcomers by Helen Thorpe (Jan. 21, 2019) Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (for Feb. 18, 2019) All interested readers are WELCOME to join whenever their interest moves them. Contact Diane Peterson at dmpeterson3@gmail.com for more information. Here s a GREAT idea for a way to benefit our beloved East Denver FISH Food Pantry during this Season of Giving (from Maggie VanCleef): Each day of Advent add an item to a box. (suggestions On Christmas Eve, donate the contents to a Food Pantry (of course we are suggesting FISH of East Denver, housed at our Church!) NOTE: FISH Volunteers suggest that instead of canned tomatoes, people supply canned chicken and that instead of canned green beans or corn, small boxes or packets of dry/powdered milk or boxes of shelf-stable milk be substituted. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

5 p. 4 Candlelight Vigil to Remember Victims of Gun Violence Wed., December 12, 2018 Arrive at 4 pm Invocation at 4:15 From 4:30-5:30 participants will hold down the Northeast & Southwest corners of S. Colorado Blvd. & E. Hampden Ave. Bring light sources for you and your companions. Come to remember those killed six years ago at Sandy Hook Elementary School, and to solemnly honor all victims of gun violence that time. Colorado Faith Communities United (CFCU) is a collaboration of diverse faith communities committed to building consensus and support, turning our collective grief into shared hope, and advocating to reduce death and injury caused by firearms. Host churches: 1st Universalist Unitarian (4001 E. Hampden Ave.) and First Plymouth Congregational UCC (3501 S. Colorado Blvd.) Parking available at First Plymouth UCC. Inspired by the National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence, NOTE: In preparation for the Candlelight Vigil, you are invited to stay after Church on Sunday Dec. 9th for half an hour or so to make signs to be held at the Vigil on Wednesday. All materials for the signs will be supplied (even the words!).

6 p.!6 More/Plan ahead A Project for the New Year THE CALL TO ACTIVE PEACE Strengthening Relationships, Healing Divisions Saturday, Jan. 12 & 19, 9 am - 5 pm / Boulder Mennonite Church 3910 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder, CO Training One: The Spiritual Heart of Nonviolence Strengthen relationships by releasing judgments that create division. Tap your deepest inspiration for personal and collective healing. Reset your commitment to hold the big picture and transform conflict. Training Two: Active Peace Circles (Jan. 19) Learn the steps of restorative justice and apply them to your relationships and the issues you care about. Stay open and effective no matter what comes at you. Receive the support necessary to practice Active Peace over time. or Scott@4ActivePeace.com / SAVE THE DATE: 2019 WPUCC Women s Retreat February 1-3, 2018 The 17th WPUCC women's retreat will be held at the beautiful YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO. As always, we will be focusing on creating community and offering activities that nurture your spirit, mind and body. Friday is an optional extra overnight; most activity will be on Saturday 2/2. Sign up sheets will be available late December. Need more information? Have ideas or want to help? Diane Peterson- dmpeterson3@gmail.com Amy Prater- amyhprater@gmail.com

7 p.!7 Denver Chorale There s no brighter way to weave in the holiday spirit: join the Denver Chorale for A Holiday Tapestry of Song in two concerts: Sat., Dec. 1, 7:30 pm & Sun., Dec. 2, 2 pm. Ring in the season with favorites: O Holy Night, I Wonder as I Wander, Auld Lang Syne and Handel s Messiah, including the rousing Hallelujah Chorus -- something for all, at this uplifting holiday concert! Tickets (denverchorale.org): $20; students/seniors/veterans $17; children $10 (5 and under, free). Ticket prices increase by $3 day of concert. Stella Nova returns to CMA with lyrical, uplifting, candlelit a capella vocal and instrumental offerings Sat., Dec. 8th, 5 pm CMA is honored to host this soul-filling annual celebration. A generous portion of donation proceeds benefit Wash Park UCC. No advance tickets; donation at the door. Come early, please, for best seating. Winter s Warmth: Songs, Poems, and Carols to Drive the Cold Winter Away Fri., Dec. 14th, 7 pm (**New Date**) WPUCC s Music Director Eric McEuen is collaborating with Jeremy McLeod and Jennifer Simon to present an intimate evening of seasonal music and words: old and new, familiar and unfamiliar, religious and nonreligious, serious and nonserious Donations welcome at the door ($15 suggested). We Three Sing! (**New Date**) Sat., Dec. 15th, 4 pm Sopranos Christiana McMullen and Jovahnna Barboa, tenor Matthew Slipp and pianist Cody Garrison will fill our space splendidly for their holiday recital classical vocal selections, traditional carols, lieder and art songs, musical theatre show tunes = what fun! Come hear these recent Lamont School of Music (at DU) graduates donations welcome at the door.

8 p. 8! DECEMBER 2018 SUNDAY MONDAY 2 Worship 10am 3 Hanging the Greens 11:15 Denver Chorale 2 pm tional Worship & Communion 10 am Make signs Christmas Pageant, 10am WEDS. THURSDAY FRIDAY Denver Chorale 7:30 pm 8 Stella Nova 5 pm Journey of the Spirit, 6:30 pm 9 Intergenera DIY TUESDAY Candlelight Vigil, 4-5:30 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 9 pm 30 Fifth Sunday 31 Winter s We Three Warmth Sing! Recital Concert 7 pm 4 pm Journey of the Spirit, 6:30 pm Book Club 23 Worship 10 am SATURDAY 25 Christmas JAN 1 26 JAN 2 JAN 3 JAN 4 JAN 5 New Year s Eve December Birthdays Richie Johnson John Liptak Kathryn Rodriguez Noelle Slocum Louise West Dick Davis Carol Williams Dana Dew Gloria Davis Marguerite Maggie West Max Hoffman Staff Bookkeeper Director of Music & Arts Minister of Spiritual Formation Senior Minister Center for Music & Arts Director & Office & Bldg. Use Manager Nancy Magliery Eric McEuen Nancy Rosas Todd Smiedendorf Eileen Abbattista Contact is published by Washington Park UCC. Deadline for submissions is the 25th of each month to: lkcarrasco@comcast.net or to washparkucc@gmail.com

9 We re on the Web! Washington Park United Church of Christ Washington Park United Church of Christ is an inclusive, progressive, loving and caring community rooted in a Christian faith that values varied pathways, spirituality and mission. We strive to embody peace, justice and harmony for all of God s creation and actively work in the world to further these values. We like to have a good time in the process! Celebration worship is held every Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m.. Church school for children and youth is offered during the worship time. Infant care is offered during worship times and for all other church events upon request. A progressive Christian Church in Denver, CO Washington Park UCC 400 S. Williams St. Denver, Co Phone: office@washparkucc. org.