Third Sunday of Advent John Rutter’s Gloria December 11, 2016

11:00 AM Worship

 

No matter who you are, No matter where you are On life’s journey, You are welcome here.

Worship begins with chimes. The prelude is a time of reflection and preparation for the worship of God.

Please silence cell phones. Bibles for use during worship are available at each entrance to the Sanctuary.

THOUGHT FOR PREPARATION

"One cannot know that God exists and not rejoice." - Alexander Schmemann PRELUDE Fanfare from La Peri Paul Dukas

Brass and Percussion Ensemble Sarah Good Mosley, conductor

CHIMES CHORAL INTROIT Of The Father’s Love Begotten Plainsong

Chancel Choir WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Avena Ward

* WELCOMING EACH OTHER

* CALL TO WORSHIP One: We, the unsuspecting and unlikely, are drawn here together by a promise. All: Jesus is coming. One: An unwed pregnant teenager’s fears diminished with the angel’s promise. All: Jesus is coming. One: A baby in a womb leapt for joy. All: Jesus is coming. One: Two thousand years ago, from the depths of a people’s memory, the words of a promise resounded. All: Jesus is coming.

*Please stand if you are able to do so.

 

HYMN O Come All Ye Faithful Red Hymnal No. 89 O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold him, born the King of angels; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord! O Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, Sing all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord! Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, to thee be all glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Matt Fitzgerald

God of love, we pursue power and money, yet you came in weakness, as a child.

We want more stuff, yet what we need is more of you. Forgive us for reducing Christmas to plastic, tinsel and colored lights. Through the work of our Lord Jesus,

crack open our hearts and shine within us the true light. Then open our lips,

that we may joyfully sing "Glory to God in the highest" with the angels. Amen.

MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER WORDS OF ASSURANCE RESPONSE Black Hymnal No. 133

Oh holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell, O come to us, abide with us, Lord Emmanuel.

 

ANTHEM Gloria from Gloria John Rutter Chancel Choir Brass and Percussion Ensemble

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis Laudamus te. Benedicimus te. Adoramus te. Glorificamus te.

Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam.

Glory to God in the highest And on earth peace to all those of good will.

We praise thee. We bless thee. We worship thee. We glorify thee.

We give thanks to thee according to thy great glory. THE BIBLICAL WORD FOR THIS DAY Rick Newbury Isaiah 35:1-10

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

 

* A STATEMENT OF FAITH We believe in God who has created and is creating, who has come to us in Jesus Christ to reconcile and make us new, who works in us and others by the Holy Spirit. We trust God. God calls us to be the Church, to celebrate God’s presence, to love and serve others, to care for creation, to seek justice and to resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life and death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God! (adapted from the United Church of Canada)

* RESPONSE Black Hymnal No. 133 For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love. No one discerns Gods coming, but in this world of sin, Where yearning souls long to be whole the dear Christ enters in.

SERMON “Tickled Pink” Jeff Carlson

* RESPONSE How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts the glorious love of heaven. O morning stars together proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing, and voices ring with peace to all on earth.

 

OFFERTORY Domine Deus from Gloria John Rutter Jennifer Kew, soprano soloist

Kecia Waldschmidt, Kimberly Lueck, and Nancy Pifer, trio

Domine Deus, Rex coelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens. Domine Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe

Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris Qui tollis peccata mundi,

Miserere nobis. Qui tollis peccata mundi,

Suscipe deprecationem nostram. Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris,

Miserere nobis.

Lord God, Heavenly King, God the Father almighty. Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son.

Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father. Thou who takest away the sins of the world,

Have mercy upon us. Thou who takest away the sins of the world,

Receive our prayer. Thou who sittest at the right hand of the Father,

Have mercy upon us.

* FESTIVAL DOXOLOGY Praise God from Whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below, Alleluia, Alleluia! Praise God above, ye heavenly host, Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia, Alleluia! Amen!

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Sarah Garcia THE LORD’S PRAYER

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.

 

ANTHEM Quoniam tu solus sanctus from Gloria John Rutter

Quoniam tu solus sanctus. Tu solus Dominus. Tu solus altissimus, Jesu Christe.

Cum Sancto Spiritu in gloria Dei Patris. Amen.

For thou alone art holy. Thou alone art the Lord. Thou alone art the most high, Jesus Christ.

With the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

* BENEDICTION

* CHORAL BENEDICTION Rejoice, Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel.

POSTLUDE Hark The Herald Angels Sing Felix Mendelssohn Brass and Percussion Ensemble arr. David Lovien

Mark Mosley, conductor

Following Worship, all are invited for coffee and snacks downstairs in the Social Hall.

TODAY’S WORSHIP LEADERS: Head Usher: Beatrice Jaji Ushers: David Baker, Doug Clark, Jen Luerssen, Bruce Voice Acolyte Coordinators: Micki Fayhee, Cindy Zinn Ball Head Greeter: Greg Mooney Special Accommodations: Dodd Brown A donation was made to the Sam Hill Music Fund in memory of Hal Raiman by his family. TODAY’S MUSIC - The Gloria by John Rutter is offered today in memory of Melvin Olson. Mel was the church choir director at Dundee Presbyterian Church in Omaha, Nebraska where Kurt R. Hansen grew up. John Rutter was introduced to an American audience by Mel Olson. Rutter dedicated the work to Mel who commissioned the work in 1974 for The Voices of Mel Olson. His daughters Christine and Erica survive their father and send their love to the congregation of St. Pauls.

 

We are honored to have members of the Windy City Winds form the backbone of today's brass and percussion ensemble. Thanks to those instrumentalists that have augmented the Windy City Winds players. We are equally happy that the founders and conductors, Sarah and Mark Mosley will also conduct the Prelude and Postlude respectively. ADVENT WREATH - Each week during Advent we light another candle in our advent wreath to anticipate the coming of Christ, the light of the world. These candles symbolize the gifts of hope, love, joy and peace that Christ's coming brings. This year our Advent wreath is being lit by St. Pauls Stephen Ministers, lay people who have been trained to bring God’s gifts to people needing someone to walk with them through difficult passages in their lives. Today, Karin Magnuson lights the candle of joy at the 9:30 service and Peg Wander at the 11 AM service.

 

Chancel Choir Kurt R. Hansen, Music Director

Kevin Dzierzawski, Organist

Soprano Alto Shannon Banjavcic Cindy Ball Sandra Benedict Amy Barton Christie DeForest Lois Basil Gay Kelly Amy Beck Jennifer Kew Denise Beitelschmidt Becky Kornick Carrie Bettler Nancy Krueger Carrie Bruggers Kimberly Lueck Beanna Coe+ Karin Magnuson Micki Fayhee Kate Mahon Terry Hansen Nancy Pifer+ Karen Johnson Lisa Soard Winnie Kearns Grace Stauskas Patricia Mayer Kecia Waldschmidt Jana O’Brien Avena Ward Becky Stretch

Pamela Woll Tenor Bass Scott Banjavcic Larry Butcher Chris Bettler Todd Coe Jay Blackwell Andy Davis Bill Borden Gordon Fishburn, Librarian Jim Brandt Doug Heyboer Jeff Carlson Mark Lueck Allen Heinemann Ryan Pederson Mark Huddle Rick Reterson Julian Jarzebowski Nathan Streeter+ Lee Lichamer+ Mark Mosley Mark Swanson + Section leaders/Soloists

 

Instrumentalists including members of Windy City Winds

Sarah and Mark Mosley, founders and conductors

Trumpet Horn Sylvia Carson Katherine Lucena Alex Szasz Josh Pfeffer Jim Brandt Marit Johnson Sean Prislinger Breanna Coe Trombone Euphonium Dave Wernette Eon Cooper Lorne Frank Mike McCain Tuba Timpani and Xylophone Emily Carter Shanie Klas Percussion Sarah Good Mosley

Mark Swanson

 

BORN THIS WEEK IN DECEMBER Donations to the Birthday Fund support A Just Harvest

We celebrate and give thanks for your life at St. Pauls.

December 11: Cindy Ball, John Gallemore, Grayson Glomp, Hugo Osorio December 12: Jake Gentzen December 13: Heidi Gillmore, Finn Granzetto, Julia Mercer, Tom Palkon December 14: David Baker, Evelyn Dimmitt, Thomas VandenBerk December 15: Amy Hofer, Evert Martin December 16 Carrie Bruggers, Karen Cardarelli, Samuel Gibson, Tyler Raiman December 17: Tiscia Eicher, Elizabeth Gillmore, David Mussatt

ANNOUNCEMENTS TODAY - Our Chancel Choir with brass and percussion from Windy City Winds will present Gloria by John Rutter during the 11:00 AM worship service. Don't miss this joyful pre-Christmas musical offering. ALL CHURCH ADVENT PARTY, Friday, December 16 , 6:30 PM in the Parlor and Chapel An evening potluck and carol sing-a-long with drinks and merriment. Bring heavy hors d’oeuvres to pass. DECEMBER 18 - We will have one worship service at 10:00 AM. Join us for Readings and Carols, along with the commissioning of four Stephen Ministers. NIGHT MINISTRY STOCKINGS - Our annual stocking stuffer drive for the youth staying at the Crib shelter has begun. Please return your stocking stuffer by return to the church by December 18th. SAVE THE DATE! POLAR PEACE MARCH® TO BENEFIT UCAN on Sunday, January 15. This family friendly event will start at 4:00 PM with a program in the Sanctuary honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy of peace followed by the 1.5 mile March. The evening concludes with a cup of soup in the Gym. St. Pauls members and friends are invited to walk, raise pledges for UCAN, and volunteer on the day of the event. Invite friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to be a part of your team for this fun and inspirational event. Funds raised will benefit UCAN and its violence prevention initiative in Chicago. We can make a difference! Register by December 31, 2016 for a chance to win a $500 Target gift card at www.polarpeacemarch.org. Raise $100 in donations by January 13, 2017 for a chance to win 4 tickets behind home plate to see the 2016 World Series Champion CHICAGO CUBS on July 4, 2017. For more information contact Jan Bail at janbail@msn.com. To volunteer, contact Sheryl Mooney at sherylmooney@gmail.com. SYRIAN REFUGEE FAMILY UPDATE - The Karnaba family is adapting to their new life. However, the parents need employment right away. Aiman, the father, has carpentry/home and furniture repair skills. Basema, the mother, is interested in working in a hair salon. If you have any potential leads that do not require strong English skills please contact Pastor Jeff jcarlson@spucc.org.

 

VIOLIN RECITAL - On Tuesday, December 13 at 6:00 PM, five-year-old St. Pauls member Sylvia Pine will be giving a violin recital in the Chapel, accompanied by her mother, violinist Rachel Barton Pine. Her program will include works by J.S. Bach, R. Schumann, and F. Gossec. A post-concert reception will be held in the Parlor. WEIGHT LOSS MEETUP - Take charge and make 2017 your healthiest year ever! Join the Chicago Weight Loss Meetup on Thursday, December 15 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the Conference Room. We’ll develop your personal strategic plan for mind, body and spirit for 2017. We meet the third Thursday every month. Led by St. Pauls Member and Stephen Ministry Leader, Diana Laskaris. Sign up at https://www.meetup.com/the-chicago-weight-loss-meetup/ or RSVP Diana at diana@dianalaskaris.com. ITEMS NEEDED FOR ST. PAULS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MARKET - December 18 after 10:00 AM service. St. Pauls Annual Christmas Market will support the UCAN Polar Peace March®. If you have items you would like to donate, please drop them off in the office prior to December 13 or in the Gym before the 10:00 service. New or gently used items are welcome. ADVENT LABYRINTH MEDITATION - Wednesday, December 21, 6:00 PM in the Gym. Take a meditative walk into the heart of the Labyrinth on the Winter Solstice. With this meditation we carry our desires and anticipation of the Light coming into the world into the center of the Labyrinth (symbolizing the heart of God) and return bearing a lit candle (symbolizing the incarnation of Christ for our world). Enjoy fellowship and a cookie reception afterwards. ALL CHURCH RETREAT - SIGN UP NOW - August 4-6, 2017 at the beautiful Lakeside Inn in Lakeside, MI. A weekend of fun, relaxation and bonding with your church family. All ages welcome. $300 per room includes 2 nights lodging, 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts. Financial assistance available. Sign up by December 15 on our website. Contact Pastor Sarah sgarcia@spucc.org for more information. CONSTRUCTION UPDATE - We will continue to pass along information in our Friday emails regarding the CMH Redevelopment. If you would like to receive up-to-the-minute information from the McCaffrey website, you can do so by visiting mi-cmh.com and clicking on project updates in the top right corner. The "Lincoln Common" parking lot (formerly known as the CMH parking lot) is now a pay lot. However, St. Pauls worshippers are able to park free of charge from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Sundays. The pay terminal has now been installed in the parking lot but will not be monitored between those hours. We will receive instructions from the parking garage about how to validate parking for St. Pauls members. If you park in the lot before 8:00 AM or after 1:00 PM you will be required to pay. GET YOUR NEW NAMETAG! - Wearing a name tag is one of the most faithful things you can do on Sunday morning! Forgetting someone's name is so uncomfortable. And when we squirm in church we don't experience God's love clearly. Help our guests and members get closer to God. Tell them your name with a Saint Pauls name tag. To get a new name tag sign up on the table in the Narthex or email Maribell at mruiz@spucc.org in the church office.

 

BOOK NOOK - Please help yourself to any of the books on the book case in the Social Hall. There is no need to return the book after you’ve read it – simply pass it on to someone else. If you want to donate a book, place it on the top shelves labeled “New Arrivals.” However, we cannot accommodate more than one bag of books from any one donor. General fiction, broad interest non-fiction, youth and children books are ideal. Audio and large print books are always appreciated. If you have any questions or comments, contact Tilly Wilhoite at Tilly1017@gmail.com WANT MORE VARIETY AT COFFEE HOUR? - Sign up to bring it at http://bit.ly/1RtSUuH. ALTAR FLOWER SIGN UP - If you would like to purchase flowers for the altar please go to our link at http://tinyurl.com/h55pl82 and sign up. Thank you!

JOINING ST. PAULS CHURCH ONE-SESSION NEW MEMBER CLASS - January 29, 2017, 12:30 PM in the Parlor. Learn more about St. Pauls’ 173-year ministry of Making a Joyful Sound in the City, meet others exploring membership, find out what we believe and how you can become more engaged. New Members join on February 12, 2017. Contact Pastor Matt at mfitzgerald@spucc.org to be registered.

FAITH FORMATION SUNDAYS, 9:30 AM, Adult Faith Formation in the Parlor:

•   TODAY THRU JANUARY 1 - NO SUNDAY MORNING FAITH FORMATION NEW BOOK STUDY, LUTHER: BETWEEN GOD AND THE DEVIL starting January 14, 2017 and every second Saturday until May 13, 10:00 AM in the Parlor. Marking the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, Harvard historian Heiko Oberman’s book helps us gain perspective on what is enduring about Luther and the Reformation and what is not. Steve Peterson will lead us in a discussion of music, vitriolic polemic, grace, nationalism, views on Islam, social media, church and anxiety. Like Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, only on Luther and without the dancing. Part I, pp. 1-110. RSVP to Steve Peterson at sspeterson01@gmail.com. SATURDAY BIBLE STUDY- MICAH  -­  This prophet goes barefoot and naked to get the attention of corrupt politicians, corrupt courts, and corrupt clergy. You're welcome to come fully clothed to our study of Micah, famous for the words we hear at Christmas that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Saturday December 17th, 10:00 AM in the Parlor.  THE REALLY LONG, WORTHWHILE NOVEL READING GROUP - (AKA I Will if You Will) - will be reading through Moby Dick and Anna Karenina in 2017, six months with each. First discussion of Moby Dick will be on Tuesday, January 24. If you'd like to join the group please contact Pastor Jeff Carlson, jcarlson@spucc.org. FOOD FOR THOUGHT - Visit our Food for Thought blog to find a weekly thought provoking article at http://www.spucc.org/blogs/food-for-thought.

 

UCC DAILY DEVOTIONAL - The UCC publishes a daily online devotional that arrives in your inbox today, tomorrow, every single day! Devotions are short, fewer than 300 words, and feature some of the UCC's most insightful voices, including our own Pastor Matt. To register for the Still Speaking Daily Devotional: http://www.ucc.org/daily_devotional

CHILDREN AND YOUTH THIRD AND FOURTH GRADE SERVICE PROJECT - TODAY, December 11 from 3:00 to 5:30 PM. Our 3rd and 4th graders and their parents are invited to help prepare and serve the Sunday afternoon Community Engagement Project meal for people in need. We need families to sign up to bring ingredients and prepare and serve the food. Contact Pastor Sarah for more info sgarcia@spucc.org. YOUTH ROCK CLIMBING NIGHT, December 18, 4:00 - 6:00 PM at First Ascent, 3516 North Spaulding Ave., Chicago, IL. Contact Pastor Sarah at sgarcia@spucc.org. LITTLE LIGHTS is a preschool program in a progressive Christian environment. Classes for 2 and 3-year-olds meet at St. Pauls Nursery. We are a program built to encourage independence, socialization, and introduce basic classroom routine to prepare for further education. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. We currently have only 2 spaces available for January 2017. For more information, or to download the application, visit http://www.spucc.org/littlelights or email Leigh Borge at lborge@spucc.org. WATERPARK WINTER RETREAT – 8-12 graders, February 24 – 25. Meet at church at 5:00 PM on Friday, February 24. We will return by 8:00 PM the following day. For more information, contact Pastor Sarah, sgarcia@spucc.org.

PARENTS OF LITTLE ONES For more information contact, Corie Gallemore at corie.gallemore@gmail.com.

ST. PAULS PLAY GROUP for children from birth to 3-years-old in the church Nursery and Toddler Room. Drop in anytime from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Wednesdays. CHRISTMAS COOKIE EXCHANGE – December 13 at 8:00 PM in the Social Hall. Bring a batch of cookies and a container to take some home.

YOUNG ADULTS A group for fun and fellowship for folks in their twenties and thirties. All are welcome!

Email youngadults@spucc.org to be added to the mailing list. MONTHLY BRUNCH – Sunday, January 22, 12:00 PM – Join us for brunch after the 11:00 AM service. We are resuming our monthly brunches after the holiday season. We will gather during Social Hour and walk to Hopcat, 2577 N. Clark Street. Contact Hannah Basil at youngadults@spucc.org with questions and to RSVP.

 

FUTURE EVENTS – Volunteers needed! Do you have ideas for an event you'd like to organize? Maybe it's exploring a new neighborhood, seeing a show, hosting a game night, attending a wine tasting or completing a 5K. The group needs your help. At this point, no events beyond what you are currently reading about are planned. Pick a date, coordinate the details, write a description for the bulletin and newsletters and share with Hannah Basil at youngadults@spucc.org. She will promote to the wider group and help make the event a success!

LAY CARE GIVING CONNECTORS provide networking and support for members and friends of St. Pauls. We send cards and care packages, make telephone calls, provide food and meals, give rides to doctor’s appointments and the store. Membership is open to all who have the time and the inclination to help. Meetings are held once a month, except in July and December.

STEPHEN MINISTRY COMMISSIONING - Four new Stephen Ministers are being commissioned on December 18 at the 10:00 AM worship service. Please come and celebrate with us as we affirm the call to be God's Love in Action at St. Pauls of these four people: Michael Stensaas, Karin Magnuson, Peg Wander and Joe Womack. For more information or to find out about becoming a Stephen Minister contact Pastor Avena (award@spucc.org).

OUTREACH SPONSOR VIOLENCE PREVENTION - Does your employer make grants to charitable organizations doing good work in Chicago? We are looking for sponsors for our January 15th Polar Peace March to support the violence prevention initiatives of UCAN. For more information, contact Jan Bail janbail@me.com or Pastor Jeff Carlson jcarlson@spucc.org. EMERGENCY DISASTER ASSISTANCE is being solicited to areas affected by Hurricane Matthew. The UCC Disaster Response Network is helping. If you can contribute go to https://transactions.ucc.org/CampaignForm/UCChrist/emergency_usa or mail a check to United Church of Christ, c/o Financial Services Office, 700 Prospect Ave, Cleveland OH 44115. LINCOLN PARK COMMUNITY SHELTER NEEDS OVERNIGHT VOLUNTEERS - You aren’t expected to stay up all night: you can choose to sleep or use the late-night time to catch up on quiet projects. We have several open shifts (9:00 PM - 6:30 AM weekdays, 9:00 PM – 8:00 AM weekends) in the next few weeks. Contact the Volunteer Manager, Fawn O’Brien, to sign up: volunteer@lpcsonline.org 773-549-6111. FEED THE HUNGRY - Community Engagement Project (CEP) Sunday Supper - Each week St. Pauls welcomes homeless and hungry people to Sunday dinner. As an outreach program of the Lincoln Park Community Shelter, this meal is for those on the LPCS waiting list and others struggling with housing. St. Pauls provides volunteers to prepare and serve about 40 people every week! If you would like to cook and serve, contact Brent Carstensen at bcarstensen@ameritech.net. Volunteers arrive at 3:00 PM, serve at 4:30 PM, and clean up by 5:00 PM - no experience required. Childcare is provided for those who need it at the church every second Sunday. To sign up for a Sunday with childcare, contact Pastor Sarah at sgarcia@spucc.org.

 

SARAH’S SISTERS gather every Wednesday morning to make 40 bag lunches to be distributed to the homeless at the Fullerton Avenue door. Come to the church kitchen at 9:30 AM, no need to RSVP. COLLEEN HENRY WRITING CENTER NEEDS A FEW TUTORS - CAN YOU VOLUNTEER? Do you like to be with high school students? Do you remember how hard it was to get started writing an essay? We could really use you if you have some time to give to the Writing Center at Lincoln Park High School, where kids learn to do the kind of writing that will help them in college and in the workplace. Training is available. And the payback comes from the faces of the students when they "get it." If you can help with this project initiated by St. Pauls, please contact St. Pauls member Nancy Brandt, nhbrandt@sbcglobal.net.

FAITH AND PUBLIC ISSUES DISCUSS FENCES WITH LINCOLN PARK HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS, Tuesday evening, February 7 at LPHS – St. Pauls members purchased copies of August Wilson’s play Fences for the English Department at LPHS and now we have an opportunity to discuss the play with the teachers before they work with the students who will read it. This conversation will continue our understanding of the impact of race as a social construction. To join the conversation RSVP to Toby Rogers (toby@rogers-home.com). PUBLIC ISSUES THAT MAKE US THINK - Our Faith and Public Issues Task Force plans Sunday afternoon programs in the fall and spring. If you would like to join the Task Force and help us plan, please contact co-chair Toby Rogers, toby@rogershome.com. PUBLIC ISSUES TO PONDER - Check the Public Issues rack on the bulletin board in the hallway outside the Sanctuary for articles relating to emergent public issues.

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS CALENDAR  TODAY, DECEMBER 11 Third Sunday of Advent - Lighting the Candle of Joy

9:30 AM Worship is the 1st & 2nd grade Christmas play in the Gym.

11:00 AM Worship & Choir Cantata, Rutter’s Gloria FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 All Church Advent Party, 6:30 PM in the Parlor and Chapel An evening potluck and carol sing-a-long with drinks and

merriment. Bring heavy hors d’oeuvres to pass. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 Fourth Sunday of Advent - Lighting the Candle of Love

ONE SERVICE 9:00AM Christmas Re-Gifting Market Proceeds will benefit the Polar Peace March. 10:00 AM One Service: Reading and Carols No Church School Commissioning Stephen Ministers

 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 Winter Solstice and Labyrinth Walk, 6:00 PM in the Gym SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 Christmas Eve 5:00 PM Christmas Family Service Homemade Nativity, carols and a chance for

children to become part of the Christmas story. Invite a friend!

9:00 PM Candlelight Service Christmas story, carols, candles, sermon and choir. Invite a friend!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25 Christmas Day ONE SERVICE 10:00 AM One Worship Service No Church School SUNDAY, JANUARY 1 New Years Day ONE SERVICE 10:00 AM One Worship Service No Church School SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 Polar Peace March, 4:00 PM in the Sanctuary & Gym

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS Please send any announcements you would like in the following week’s bulletin to announcements@spucc.org no later than 10:00 AM on Tuesday. Please limit announcements to 70 words. Thank you.

 

SAINT PAULS PRAYS •  Charles May at the death of his father. •  Jennifer Heiney and her family at the passing of her grandmother. •  Jan Womack as her mother enters hospice. •  Prayer for Edward Wosylus’ brother, Bill, on the loss of his wife. •  Rob and Shannon Castle at the death of Rob’s father on Thanksgiving. •  Mike Brill and his family as he enters hospice. •  Cheryl Kennedy’s brother in law, Jim. •  Betty Voice, after additional surgery on her knee. •  Dirk R. and family, uncle of Laura Nowack, who has multiple myeloma. •  Betty Beckers recovering from an infection. •  Abby, granddaughter of Penny Trowbridge’s friend Dorne, who has leukemia and is in hospice. •  Sylvia Pine’s grandfather, Terry Barton, recovering from strokes. •  Edith, Anita, Kim and all others who struggle with chronic pain and progressive illnesses. •  Carlos and Cynthia Cata’s friend, a mother of three with stage 4 lung cancer. •  Candi Huber's niece, Kathryn, continuing treatments for cancer. •  Juanita Barlow’s aunt, Sol; her grandchildren’s other grandmother, Rose, with cancer. •  Michelle’s friends Michael, Chris and Jerry, all sick with chronic illnesses. •  Diane Massie’s friend, Ashley, battling brain cancer and in need of a miracle. •  Lorri Gunn Wirsum, for her husband, Karl Wirsum, and her brother, Jim. •  Mary Train and her nephew Carl and family. •  Philip Smedley’s father, for health issues. •  Jonah, Sean and Kevin and all homeless individuals with mental illness living in this city. •  For all those touched by violence in Chicago. •  The Renfrow family as they walk with Wayne, in hospice care. •  Ed Zasadil at a care facility after several falls. •  Del Arsenault, in hospice care at home. •  Carole Crowley recovering from a stroke. •  Steve Warsh, undergoing chemotherapy. •  Tom Palkon being treated for cancer. •  For young adults as they try to make their way in life moving away (physically) from family. •  For those involved in research trying to find a cure for cancer. •  Those killed and injured in terrorist attacks around the world and all others in need of prayer. •  All service members and their loved ones before, during and after deployment. (Prayer cards are available in the pew racks. Fill one out and drop it in the offering plate.)

NEARLY 1 IN 5 ADULTS STRUGGLE WITH A MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE. Contact one of the pastors today for information about mental healthcare advocacy and resources that can help you and your loved ones. Contact information for the pastors is at the back of this bulletin.

 

ABOUT ST. PAULS

Making a joyful sound in the city

Saint Pauls UCC has a vibrant history in the city of Chicago. Founded in 1843, we are one of the city's oldest churches. In 1989 we became one of America's first congregations to declare ourselves "Open to and Affirming of” LGBT women and men.

From founding Chicago's largest provider of social services to at-risk children to starting a home for the elderly, from housing protestors at the 1968 Democratic Convention to hosting Lincoln Park's first MLK day march against violence on Chicago's streets we are proud to make a joyful sound in the city.

Most importantly, over the past 172 years we are glad to have introduced thousands of children and adults to the amazing, inclusive, life changing, uplifting love of God. We do so in worship that is traditional, but far from conventional.

St. Pauls United Church of Christ 2335 North Orchard Street Chicago, Illinois 60614

(773) 348-3829 FAX (773) 348-3858 www.spucc.org

Matt Fitzgerald, Senior Pastor, mfitzgerald@spucc.org

Avena Ward, Associate Pastor, award@spucc.org Jeff Carlson, Associate Pastor, jcarlson@spucc.org

Sarah Garcia, Associate Pastor for Children and Youth, sgarcia@spucc.org Tom Henry, Pastor Emeritus, emeritushenry@gmail.com

Kurt R. Hansen, Music Director, kurtsingsbach@gmail.com Kevin Dzierzawski, Organist, kdzierza@att.net

Brendan Henry, Pianist, brendanphenry@hotmail.com Nancy Voigts, Children’s Choir Director, nvoigtsgod@att.net

Kecia Waldschmidt, Youth Choir Director, keciagerman@hotmail.com Karen E. Johnson, Joyful Sounds Choir Director, kejpiano@aol.com

Mark Mosley, Intergenerational Orchestra Director, mwmosley@gmail.com Kevin O’Brien, Lay Liturgical Administrator, kob48@att.net

Free Parking is available on Sundays at Children’s Memorial Hospital

2300 Block of North Lincoln Ave. – Vouchers Not Needed

 

WELCOME TO SAINT PAULS UCC!

Welcome to those whose hearts are on fire with faith, and to those who bring their doubt inside our doors.

Welcome to our first time guests and our longtime members.

Welcome to single people, tiny children, grandparents and families of all configurations.

Welcome to those who rejoice and to those who grieve. Welcome to each and to everyone.

We are an Open and Affirming church. We welcome all.

We are blessed by your presence and we are glad you are here!