Worship Services at 9:30 and 11:15 AM​

December 8, 2024

"Jesus Against Empire"

Rev. Thom Belote, preaching

The story of the Gospels is a story of an unlikely clash with empire.

This morning, we’ll turn to the Gospel stories of the season to see what they have to say about the power that overcomes empire.

MUSIC NOTES: This Sunday, the Community Church Singers, along with the House Band, will sing two songs with “rising” in the title. The first, by Josiah & Laura Weiss, reminds us that “our power is our light, and the strength to say what’s right.” And the second, by Saro Lynch-Thomason, tells us that though there are “more waters rising”, we must “wade through the waters." We’ll precede the service with a Hymn Sing, accompanied by the House Band.

LIVESTREAMING IN-PERSON SUNDAY SERVICES We livestream the in-person worship service each Sunday. View the livestream, on the church's YouTube channel. In case the livestream is interrupted, a recording of the service will be posted following the service.

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

9 AM: 

• Live Children's Religious Education Service on Zoom

9:30 AM:

• Livestreamed and in-person service
• Nursery and Toddler Childcare
• Pre-K and Elementary Religious Education

11:15 AM:

• Livestreamed and in-person service
• Nursery and Toddler Childcare
• Pre-K, Elementary and Middle School Religious Education

THIS SATURDAY -- DECEMBER 7!

ALL-CHURCH GREENING AND CHILI POTLUCK

The Worship Associates will host this annual event to transform the Sanctuary and Commons with greenery and lights. GREENING (4:30 PM); Festoon our church with trees, wreaths, garlands, and bows to herald the season! CHILI POTLUCK (5:30 PM): Bring chili or a side for a potluck supper in the Jones Building. HOLIDAY SING-ALONG (6:30 PM): songs of the season led by the UUkes.

Please join us at the all-church event!

Questions? Email Bonnie Crotty Nelson or call 919-724-3926.

MEMORIAL FOR SHANNON RICHARDS - DECEMBER 7, 10 AM

We will be holding a service celebrating Shannon's life on Saturday, December 7, at 10 AM with social time to follow.

Shannon died peacefully on Saturday, October 19, at the SECU Jim and Betsy Bryan Hospice Home in Pittsboro. Shannon served for many years as a devoted member of our church's Caring Ministry and also played with the UUkes. Shannon was a leader in our church's outreach to the Inter-Faith Council for Social Services. 

Learn more about Shannon's life.

THIS SUNDAY! DECEMBER 8

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING SERVICES

HOLIDAY MARKET

NEW: DONATE BAKED GOODS - WELCOMING MINISTRY WILL DONATE 100% OF PROFITS TO THE CHURCH

Contact Rachel Rose for details!

Participate in the life of our church by helping folks support the Creatives and Artists within our beloved community! Please join Welcoming Ministry in a Holiday Market, where folks are invited to showcase and sell their work, and support the church (20% of proceeds are donated to our church)!

WHO: Creatives & Artists in the The Community Church of Chapel Hill community

WHAT: Holiday Market - - where Creatives & Artists connect with the rest of our community, and members of our congregation do holiday shopping - supporting the Arts & the church!

WHERE: The Community Church Community Room (and possibly the kast Courtyard)

WHEN: December 8, following both the 9:30AM and 11:15AM services during the Sunday Socials

HOW: SHOPPERS - simply join us after services! VENDORS - Complete this form.

THANKS TO:

• Welcoming Ministry, especially Ellie Speh, Chris Speh, Dean Peterson, Nancy Ovaska, Laura Weiser & Jonathan Price for hosting the All-Church Day-After-Thanksgiving Potluck, as well as all who brought delicious food to share. It was a gratitude-filled time of fellowship.

• The children of The Community Church who made new ornaments for the church Christmas trees. We are grateful for the beauty they bestow on our community.

DURING THE SUNDAY SOCIALS:

• HOLIDAY MARKET!

featuring:

Music - Pottery - Earrings - Knitted hats, scarves & baby blankets - Beaded jewelry - Cute knitted snowpeople - Books - Lanyard keychains - Fresh chicken eggs - Cookies - Assorted crafts - and more!



WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK IN CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRY?

In December, children are exploring PRESENCE as their Soul Matters theme on Zoom at 9 AM and in person at 9:30 AM and 11:15 AM. 5th Grade OWL finishes this week and 8th Grade OWL continues. For more information about our Religious Education Program, please contact Kat Good.

CONTRIBUTIONS NEEDED FOR GREENING SERVICE PROJECT & CHILI POTLUCK Greening Service Project for Women’s HomeStart Facility - A few more Walmart Gift Cards ($25) and bound Journals with pens are still needed from the Giving Tree.

Chili Potluck - A few more pots of chili or pans of (corn)bread or bowls of salad are still needed for our shared meal after the Greening.

If you can contribute, please bring your item to the church at 4:30 PM this Saturday, 12/7. Questions? Email Bonnie Crotty Nelson or call 919-724-3926.

HELP MAKE OUR SERVICES EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL - DONATE CUETLAXOCHITL IN DECEMBER December is usually a month "off" for the Flower Committee, with  cuetlaxochitl ("kwe-tla-SHO-chee-tl") (formerly known as poinsettias) serving as the Sunday flowers for the whole month of December. TO CONTRIBUTE, PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM.

QUUILTERS Our regular monthly meeting is Saturday morning, December 7, 9 - 11:30 AM, in the Gathering Room. We finish up quilts for Western NC and turn our energy to making placemats for Meals on Wheels participants. Our check-in time is 9:30 to share progress on community service projects as well as personal projects. Fabric, batting, and instructions are available to take home to work on or you may bring your machine to get started. Join our email list.

OUTDOOR CONNECTIONS: ANNUAL PLANNING MEETING BY ZOOM, SAT. DEC. 7, 1 PM Where would you like to go, what would you like to do? What activities would help you renew old friendships and nurture new ones? What would enrich your own connections with the natural world? We’ll meet by Zoom to allow everyone to attend. Prospective members are welcome to join us, too. A link will be sent to those who RSVP.

DONATE YOUR BAKED TREATS TO THE DEC 8 HOLIDAY MARKET - 100% OF PROFITS GO TO CHURCH Want to participate in the Holiday Market, but don't want a booth? Donate your baked goods, and Welcoming Ministry will sell them for you - 100% of profits will go to our church! Contact Rachel Rose for details.

SHARE THE PLATE: INTER-FAITH COUNCIL FOR SOCIAL SERVICES On December 8, there will be a Share the Plate in support of the Inter-Faith Council for Social Services. For nearly 60 years, our church, through its volunteer and financial support, has played an important role in making the IFC the community leader in addressing food insecurity and homelessness. The December 8 presentation will focus on a timely topic for the Holiday Season. Learn more.

BLUE HOLIDAY -- THURS. DEC 12 AT 7 PM The holiday season can be a difficult time for many of us. Blue Holiday is an alternative holiday event that makes space for sadness and provides an opportunity for sharing and togetherness. All are welcome. Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 7-8:30 PM in the Living Room. Led by Jenn Kapranov. REGISTER. Email Jenn or call (203)640-7677 for more info.

20s AND 30s GAME NIGHT & HOLIDAY POTLUCK DEC. 20 - The last 20s and 30s Game Night of 2024 will be on Friday, December 20 from 6-9PM in the Community Room. Join us for a laid-back night of board games, holiday food and good cheer. RSVP or contact Laura Weiser for more information.

SOLSTICE LANTERN WALK AND CHILI DINNER -- DEC 21, 5:30 AT THE LAVINDERS Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a traditional Lantern Walk in the Woods. The walk will take place at the Lavinders' home. We will gather at 5:30 PM to start the walk. Then, each person will start on the trail through the woods. It is a 20-minute trail. It will be dark and mysterious and magical. We gather at the end of the walk for a bonfire and vegetarian chili, cornbread and cider. Important Note: The trail is uneven. RSVP to join in the magic. Contact Kat Good for more information.

SHARE THE PLATE The Share the Plate collection on Christmas Eve, December 24, will support the Benevolence / Minister’s Discretionary Funds. These funds are designed to meet the financial needs of those in our congregation who have serious financial needs. They also provide funds, often confidential, to meet the financial needs that are related to the church’s mission. The needs funded are often emergencies and usually one-time. Please support the Share the Plate at the services on December 24 or online. Read about Share the Plate.

CONGREGATION CHOOSES PETERSON, HENDEE, & O’CONNOR FOR BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Community Church Nominating Committee proudly announces our congregation has chosen the following candidates for 3-year terms (2025-2027) on the Board of Trustees: DEAN PETERSON (Vice President), PETER HENDEE (At-Large), and HEATHER O’CONNOR (At-Large). Comments: “A great slate.” “Impressive candidates.” Thanks to the candidates for being willing to do this important work for our church. And special thanks to Rachel Rose for managing all aspects of the voting. Questions? Contact Nominating Committee.

CHALICE CIRCLES IN 2025 -- NEW FORMAT Chalice Circles will be offered 2x month, on the 3rd Thursdays and the 4th Saturdays. Chalice Circles will begin with Chalice lighting and a reading. Then, we will break out into small groups for an hour or sobefore returning to the large group for a closing. Chalice Circles are an opportunity for connection that emphasizes the practices of deep listening and vulnerable sharing around a monthly spiritual topic. Topics for the first three months:

Thursday, January 16 and Saturday, January 2: Hope -- REGISTER

Thursday, February 20 and Saturday, February 22: Ancestors -- REGISTER

Thursday, March 20 and Saturday, March 22: Peace -- REGISTER

STRENGTHEN OUR MISSION AND LEGACY! Contributions to our Endowment Fund are a lasting gift to the church. They can be made at any time and are tax deductible. If you've already included the church in your plans, let us know. Your commitment qualifies you for membership in the Legacy Society - our way of thanking you for your generosity. For more information, please email Charles Lee, Chair of the Endowment Committee.

COMMUNITY CHURCH IN ACTION

BEWARE -- SCAM ALERT Scams targeting religious communities are increasing.

Scammers create fake email addresses (and sometimes phone numbers) impersonating the minister, staff members or lay leaders and contact congregants -- asking for contact information, login credentials, the Directory, etc., or to buy gift cards. Rachel Rose (Directory, contact info) and Franklin Hirsch (Finances) are the best people to help with these requests - they will always have the latest versions of our secure documents and are happy to help. If you receive a scam email, phone call or text, please report and delete it. If you're unsure, call Rev. Thom at (919)259-2009 or Rachel Rose at (919)283-1796 and see if the communication is legitimate.



TEXT ALERTS SIGN-UP: Would you like to receive a text in case of weather-related or other church closures and/or delays? If so, please fill out this form: we need to have your current cell phone number *and carrier*.

SHE? HE? THEY? OR, SOMETHING ELSE? PRONOUN STICKERS FOR NAME BADGES AVAILABLE All Members & Associates with permanent name badges are welcome to participate (or not!) Pronoun stickers (she/her, he/him, they/them, etc.) are available at the Visitor's Desk in the Commons / the Welcoming Table in the Community Room on Sunday mornings - Simply peel & stick to affirm and promote the worth and dignity of every person! Learn more about why pronouns are important, how to use pronouns, what to do when you or others make mistakes, and how to ask about people's pronouns.

SUNDAY PARKING Parking can be tight on Sunday mornings, but there is plentiful parking available just a short walk from the church. Parking is free on Sundays in the small Mason Farm lot, the Hibbard Drive lot, and along Hibbard Drive. Please consider using these spaces if you are able to. Parking at Kehillah Synagogue is not allowed on Sunday morning.

SUNDAY SERVICES FLOWER DONATIONS Would you like to donate flowers for The Community Church Sunday Services? Flowers can be shared to commemorate an anniversary, remember a loved one, or celebrate an important occasion. Please use this form to donate flowers to help make our Services more beautiful. Thank you!

SUNDAY TABLING: Tabling is an opportunity to share your group's activity with our congregation during Sunday Socials on Sunday mornings. Please sign up by Wednesdays at noon for the following Sunday. Here is the form.

COMMUNITY SERVICE MINISTRY Containers for donations to the IFC Community Market have been set up in The Commons so that the collection of food and personal hygiene items can resume. (NEW) MOST NEEDED: UNEXPIRED & UNOPENED pasta, pasta sauce, soup, canned or dry fruit, cereal, juice, bar soap, and liquid dish soap. Church volunteers will take the donations to the Inter-Faith Council for Social Services Community Market on Main Street in Carrboro.

FEATURED EVENTS IN THE ORDER OF SERVICE: These are the "ads" in the paper Order of Service we hand to parishioners on Sundays for Services. Submissions are due by noon on Wednesdays for the following Sunday. Please include any preferred images in a separate email to Rachel Rose, here. For convenience, here is the form. 

RESERVE SPACE ON THE CHURCH CALENDAR Please check our Building Use Policy and our Calendar, then reserve space for your group or event! Complete this form to make your CALENDAR REQUESTS.

DOOR SIGNS Signs on the doors to the Sanctuary and Jones Buildings is an opportunity to share your group's activity with our congregation during the week, and on Sundays. Please sign up by Wednesdays at noon for the following Sunday. To let folks about your event, complete the sign up form.

CHILDREN'S ART SHOW IN THE SANCTUARY -- BIKINI BOTTOM This summer, the children of our church created art projects to decorate for this Fall's production, "SpongeBob the Musical." Watch through November as the underwater world of Bikini Bottom transforms the back of the Sanctuary. First, you will see the ocean and then every Sunday, more and more sea creatures made by our kids will inhabit the waters -- fish, squid, shells, urchins and coral. The Summer Art Project is an annual program is sponsored by The Children's Ministry. Contact Marion Hirsch or Kat Good for more info.

LECTIO MEDITATION GROUP We meet at 12 noon every Friday on Zoom. Using readings from poetry and the sacred traditions of world religions, we practice meditation through deep listening. If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, contact Barb Chapman. (Please put LECTIO in the subject line of your email.) All are welcome!

Most BLUE text is clickable! Blue text links to outside websites or to an email address. Example: email admin@c3huu.org for rentals.  

Please submit Weekly Announcements contributions HERE.

Announcements are due by noon Wednesday, prior to Friday's issue.

The Community Church Board of Trustees wants to hear from you! Contact them here.

Learn more about the Board.