From the Pastor s Desk

Transcription

1 January 2018 First Congregational UCC 80 Market Street, Platteville From the Pastor s Desk Beloved, While I am writing this letter to you the week before Christmas, I want to reflect on something that will have happened before this first newsletter of 2018 is scheduled to go out. In worship on Sunday, December 31st, we will gather to once again tell the story of Christ s birth as we have told it so many times before. You might be questioning that date, but let me assure you that the 12 days of Christmas do indeed BEGIN on December 25th, not end. Served by: Reverend Zayna Thomley But, as I m apt to be, things will be a little different this year with our Impromptu Come-As-You-Are Christmas Pageant. We ll have told the story this year with a special focus on a few characters; those Wise Ones who came from afar bearing gifts for the newly born Emmanuel God-With-Us. And, they will come bearing gifts for us too. You see, it was those Wise Ones who first noticed what a true gift the world had received in the birth of the Christ-Child. They knew things would never be the same that a God who chose to put on flesh and walk around in our joy and suffering, a God who came along side of us, was the kind of God who would do wonderful things for the whole of creation. In receiving such a gift they only knew one way to respond: by bringing their own gifts in return. This year, our Wise Ones will also distribute gifts to all of us in the form of star words. In worship on December 31st everyone will pick up a small paper star with a single word on it. This word, which could be one of hundreds, is a gift for you from God and is meant to serve as a guiding star as you move through the year to come. Throughout 2018, I will encourage you to regularly reflect upon your star gift. Like any other gift, these can either be received with joy or discarded and forgotten. It is up to you to be intentional about your response to such a gift as this. It might get stuffed into a pocket or jammed into the bottom of a purse, never to be considered again. Or your word might be considered an opportunity a chance to reflect on how God speaks to God s people. What might we each learn from just one word? What new ideas might evolve, what treasured wisdom might resurface? Epiphany (which comes at the end of our 12 days of Christmas) is the celebration of God s presence breaking through to shine as a light in the shadows. This year might we rejoice this the reminder of our generous, giving God one star at a time. Peace to You, Pastor Zayna p.s. It is not too late to get your star word! me and I ll get one to you right away so that you can begin to reflect on God s work for you in this new year. pastor@uccplatt.org

2 January 2018 Page 2 Wednesday, January 24th 5:30-7:00 PM (includes free dinner!) Messy Church offers an unconventional worship experience for all ages. Bring your child, grandchild, or inner child. Reclaim the sacred stories that once sang in your heart. 5:30-6:00 - dinner and gathering 6:00-6:15 - storytelling 6:15-6:45 - hands-on activities 6:45-7:00 - closing with prayer and song Messy Church happens on the 4th Wednesday of the month. We really do mean messy. Please don't dress up! Paint and glue will be a regular part of the fun. First Congregational United Church of Christ 110 Market Street, Platteville

3 January 2018 Page 3 Still Speaking Daily Devotional The UCC Daily Devotional is available at UCC.org/stillpeaking Ridiculous Stories Originally published: December 19, 2017 God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her." Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said to himself, "Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?"- Genesis 17:15-17 There are some truly ridiculous stories in Scripture. This is one of them. A couple that has been unable to bear children, and who have accepted this fact in their elder years, suddenly find out that they are going to have a child. Abraham's reaction is a logical one: he laughs so hard that he falls down. Thousands of years later, the announcement of another baby's coming birth drew astonishment too. Mary was told she was pregnant, which was more than a little surprising given the circumstances. Then she was told that this baby was going to change everything. There's a fair amount of debate over whether or not Mary was really a virgin. Those who say she was say that this fact is indisputable and essential to the story. Those who say she was not focus on the unbelievable aspect of the whole story. How can a virgin have a baby? I think both are missing the point. Could Mary have been a virgin? I believe all is possible with God, so I believe yes. But was it essential? That's where I'm not sure. But I also don't really care much because, quite frankly, Jesus' conception is less miraculous than his life. Jesus was the Prince of Peace come to earth, the promise of God's love for us and our reconciliation with God. We don't have to have every detail of the story down pat before we can recognize how amazing that is for all of us. How Jesus came into this life is a far distant concern than what Jesus came to do in life, and to the life that Jesus promises us all, even now. Prayer Blessed Jesus, be born anew in all of our hearts as we wait for your joyful nativity. About the Author... Emily C. Heath is the Senior Pastor of The Congregational Church in Exeter (New Hampshire) and the author most recently of Courageous Faith: How to Rise and Resist in a Time of Fear.

4 January 2018 Page 4 Rooted in God. Reaching out in Love. Embracing All. The United Church of Christ in Platteville JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 02 Seth Wilson 03 Kimberley Zielinski 04 Sue Strickler 05 Maxine Haney-Goss 07 Christal Swigart 11 Ceila Artz 12 Joshua Propst 13 Ramona Orton 14 Jody Tenfel 16 Jeremy Richardson Jeff Scott 17 Brady Eastlick 18 Laura Hoppe 20 Jodi Bast Emily Rose Tenfel 23 Russ Burgett 25 Eva Snider 26 Rick Weiland 27 Tyler McClain 30 Ben Kleefisch Liam Peterson 31 Karen Rundell Mark Spensley JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES 11 Paul & Joanne Reese Purpose: (who we are) Rooted in a deep love of God and Neighbor, the community of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Platteville is a spiritual home for people seeking to follow Jesus. Mission: (what we do) We care for one another by providing an open and affirming environment for all people who seek the love of God in community. Strengthened by our differences, we unite to serve God s people and work toward a more just and generous world. Values: (how we do it) We are a community of extravagant welcome. No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey, you are welcome here. We say it every Sunday, and we mean it. We are a community of progress. We believe that God is Still Speaking and strive to be a people who are still listening, so that we might come to further know and extend Christ s realm of justice, peace, and love. We are a community that embraces transformation. We hold space for everyone's hopes, passions, ideas, questions, doubts, and fears. We believe it is here that the Spirit leads us into growth.

5 January 2018 Page 5 After 41 years of faithful service, Betty and Paul Pluemer will fully retire from their positions as our trusted custodians. For over four decade, the Pluemers have cared for our buildings and grounds, going above and beyond to create a clean and welcoming atmosphere for all who have come through our doors. Words will never fully express how grateful we are for their years of service. But we re going to try! Help us to say THANK YOU throughout the month of January by sending Betty and Paul note of thanks through a CARD SHOWER. Whether you know them or not, these two have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, supporting our mission of radical hospitality. Here s where you can send your thanks: Betty and Paul Pluemer 1130 N Elm St. Platteville, WI Help! Don t know if you ve heard, but our custodians of 41 years are retiring as of December 31st! We re in need of volunteers to help clean the Sanctuary after worship on the following Sundays: January 3rd January 21st January 14th January 28th If you are interested in helping, please let the office know. We ll also be looking to fill this position by February. If you know of a reliable, hard working community member looking for part time cleaning work with a competitive wage, please let Pastor Zayne or a member of SaLT know. By policy, SaLT will not be considering church members for this role.

6 January 2018 Page 6 STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT FIRST January Worship Volunteer List: Worship volunteers for the month of January (including Coffee, Hospitality Team, and Liturgists) will be contacted personally this month! Stone Soup Offerings Each week in worship, our youth collect a special loose change offering which is sent to organizations we care passionately about. January s Stone Soup offerings will be given to: 1/7 Family Advocates 1/14 Family Connections 1/21 Family Promise 1/28 Food Pantry This year we have collected $1, It costs approximately $11,647 each month for us to carry on our ministry in the community. This covers everything from pastoral salary and staff pay, to building upkeep and outreach for families in need plus so much more. The total offering received in the month of November was: $11, After the December 10 worship service and fellowship, 12 people enjoyed a soup lunch, decorated the Cunningham House tree, and frosted/decorated cookies. They then visited and caroled at Park Place, Hearthside apartments and at Bears Court. A small group had a joyous spirit. The Caring Ministry The Caring Ministry seeks to provide assistance to friends and members of the congregation when needed. We want all to know that they are being remembered and in our prayers. In November the team carried out the following acts of kindness: Visits: 29 Cards Sent: 28 Transportation: 14 Phone Calls: 31 If you are interested in joining the Caring Ministry Team, please contact Jean Sanders at

7 January 2018 SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT 10:45 Worship :00 pm- Planned CH Happy New Year Office Closed 8 OFFICE CLOSED 3 6:00 pm-girls night House of Peace Community Room :00 pm Worship Team Parsonage 6:30 Co-Op Update at Parsonage 2:00 Film Group 12:00-Out To Lunch Café on Main and Second 2:00 Film :45 Worship :00 Bible Study at Hearthside 16 4:30 pm Messy Church Team Cunningham House OFFICE CLOSED 17 2:00-5:00 Pastor Zayna at Badger Brothers 2:00 Film Group :45 Worship :00-5:00 Pastor Zayna at Badger Brothers 5:30-7 pm Messy Church!! 2:00 Film Group :45 Worship pm SaLT Team Cunningham House :00-5:00 Pastor Zayna at Badger Brothers FOOD PANTRY COLLECTION WILL BE THE FOURTH SUNDAY THIS MONTH

8 First Congregational UCC 80 Market Street Office at 110 Market St Platteville, WI PO Box 406 Platteville, WI Phone: January 2018 Rooted in God. Reaching out in Love. Embracing All. The United Church of Christ in Platteville Join us for worship every Sunday at 10:45 followed by coffee fellowship. We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month. All are welcome. We really mean it. Our Staff and Leadership Pastor: Rev. Zayna Thomley Music Director: Kristi Hart Office: Fern Nall Student Pastor: Maggie Lewis Custodians : Paul and Betty Pluemer Moderator: Ann Dolan Office Hours: Monday Friday 8:30-12:00pm Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 8:30-2:30pm