Happening in Our Church!

MIDDWeek Morning Prayer

Each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. we have MIDDWeek Morning Prayer via Zoom. During this service, we share prayer concerns, meditate on scripture, and listen to centering music.

Zoom link

You can also call in at 929-436-2866, with meeting ID 865 4123 2698. All are welcome!

Epiphany Stars

On January 5th, we distributed "Epiphany Stars" with special words printed on them. This tradition invites you to reflect on this word as a guide throughout the season of Epiphany—or even the entire year.

If you missed the star distribution, don’t worry! You can stop by the church office, or send us your address and we will gladly send stars to you. You can also pick one up at worship this coming Sunday. May God bless and guide us all as we journey together!

Parent Playdate

Our monthly Parent Playdate is happening Saturday, January 11 from 4-6 p.m. This group is for parents of children 4 and under to connect, support one another, and build community. They meet for a meal and conversation, while their little ones enjoy playing in the nursery. Please RSVP to Elizabeth at elizabeth@midducc.org.

One Year Anniversary of Online Fellowship!

Happy New Year and Blessings!

On Sunday January 12th there will be a meet & greet from 11:00 a.m. (or immediately following the service) until noon. Come as you are from wherever you are!

Hal and Jean will lead us in sharing the good things that are happening in our lives, while connecting as a beloved community. It will be the same Zoom link every time.

Zoom link

Meeting ID: 876 3774 4686

Passcode: 063702

We're Hiring-- Spread the Word!

The Congregational Church of Middlebury, UCC is seeking a part-time Building Manager to oversee the care and use of our church facilities. The facilities include an historic 215-year-old church building where an active congregation worships each Sunday, and an addition which hosts staff offices and a childcare center and serves as a meeting place for the community.

We are looking for someone who has strong communication and problem-solving skills. Attention to detail, organizational savvy, the ability to work collaboratively, and a willingness to learn basic monitoring of mechanical systems are a must; the ability to perform minor repairs would be helpful but not required. Responsibilities include preparing rooms for church events and outside groups, responding to staff and tenant needs, monitoring the Church’s mechanical systems, and overseeing contracted service work. Up to 30 hours a week. Please reach out to Dan Brown at dbrown9926@gmail.com to apply or learn more about the position.

Walking Group

Walking Group: Let's meet at Church parking lot opposite Fire Station at 9 a.m. on Monday, January 13th, weather permitting. We will choose a route around Middlebury; leashed dogs ok; dress for weather.

Call Lois @ 802-989-7279 before 8:30 if questions.

January Green Team Meeting

The Green Team will be meeting on Wednesday, January 15 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. If you are interested in being a part of fulfilling our mission as a Creation Justice Church we would love to welcome you to our team! Contact any of our members (Eliana Cañas Parra, Diana Davidson, Hal Colston, Judy Jessup, Leanna Maglienti, Su Reid-St. John, Paige Russell, or the office) if you would like to be involved or learn more about our work.

Justice, Compassion, Democracy in 2025 & Beyond

What role, if any, should the Church have in engaging social and political issues in the public domain? Religious leaders are calling for varied responses to the emerging policies of our national government, and to rising Christian nationalism. On January 5, around 60 people explored an article by Robin Meyers, that is sharply self-critical of responses by the Church and its pastors.

On Sunday, January 19, following worship, we will continue our discussion. Together, we’ll ask, “Where do we go from here (or not)?” Pastor Elizabeth will participate in the discussion, with John Emerson facilitating and posing key questions to guide our conversation.

PREPARING FOR THE CONVERSATION

Please read Other Progressive Clergy’s Views (along with an outline for January 19) in advance and reflect on these questions:

Should the Church (and our Church) be engaging these issues at all?
Have we already taken steps to engage them? When? How? Are we comfortable or uncomfortable with these activities?
What constructive steps might we take in the coming months to work for justice, compassion, and peace – as Jesus instructed? How, without crossing a line that some might see as being too explicitly political?

Join us at 11:30 a.m. in Unity Hall on January 19.

You may also join us on Zoom.

La Comunidad

La Comunidad is an outreach program of The Congregational Church of Middlebury that consists of a free, monthly meal for local, Spanish-speaking people—migrant workers, families of migrant workers, and others unaffiliated with farms. It offers a gathering point and as the name suggests, a focal point for community. This month, La Comunidad will happen on January 19th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. We welcome volunteers to come and join the dinner, play with kids in the nursery, clean up or offer rides for our guests. Contact May Poduschnick (may@midducc.org) if you would like to be involved. Spanish not necessary although helpful.

Join Us for Prayer and Poetry for These Times

This year, January 20th marks both Inauguration Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day—a day when we may find ourselves feeling a mixture of hope, uncertainty, and longing for peace. Now, more than ever, we need moments of prayer, reflection, and connection.

On Monday January 20th from 12:30-3:00 p.m. in Unity Hall, we invite you to step into a space of quiet, community, contemplation for Prayer and Poetry for These Times. Whether you stay for 5 minutes, an hour, or the entire time, come and experience poetry, scripture, silence, and prayer. Bring your whole self, just as you are, and find rest in the presence of others. All are welcome.

Taizé

Please join us on January 26th at 4:00 p.m. in Unity Hall for one hour of meditative Taizé singing, silence, prayers, and lighting of candles. Music Director Ronnie Romano will lead the singing; Pastor Andy will share readings and invite us into prayer. This is an ecumenical service open to all—please invite anyone you think might be interested to join us. You can read more about this special monthly service here.

Please help!

Our Friday night Community Suppers continue to grow. We have a core group of volunteers who serve our guests. But we need more! The commitment is only about 2 hours on Friday night and as frequent or infrequent as you want. The work is not hard but so important: set tables, serve food, clean up afterwards.

Looking for a way to help out at church? Have flexible hours? We are looking for volunteers to join our Hospitality team! You would be welcoming groups using our building during off hours. If interested, please contact Mira Cabrera at office@midducc.org or Jeff Ellison at buildingmanager@midducc.org