"I will put my teaching in their minds and write it on their hearts..."
Jeremiah 31:33
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Calendar of Upcoming Events | |
Below are the weekly programs. You can find brief descriptions of these weekly programs on our website. Clickable links are in blue and italicized. | |
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SUNDAY Choir Practice, 9 am in person, Sanctuary
Contact Tom Ludwig, if interested
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Below are the upcoming non-weekly events on the calendar happening at McFarland UCC for about the next month. All events are on the McFarland UCC calendar with Zoom links and additional information in the details/description area. Click the event on the McFarland UCC calendar to see the details. | |
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Tuesday, October 22, 6:30 - 8:00 pm, Creation Care Team Meeting, (In person & Online), Multipurpose Room
Wednesday, October 23, 6:30 - 8:00 pm, Befrienders Training-last class, (In person & Online), Multipurpose Room
Sunday, November 3, 10:00 am, Birthday & Communion Sunday (Daylight Savings Time ends)
Sunday, November 3, 5:30 - 7:00 pm, Teen Youth Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, November 5, 6:30 - 8:00 pm, Racial Justice Care Team Monthly Meeting, (In person & Online), Multipurpose Room
Wednesday, November 13, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, Healing Prayer Service (In person & Online), Sanctuary
Thursday, November 14, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, SaLT Monthly Meeting, (In person & Online), Multipurpose Room
Sunday, November 10, 5:30 - 6:45 pm, Monthly Younger Youth Meeting
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News at McFarland UCC
(Note: Clickable links are blue and italicized.)
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Highlights of the event: Ben Wikler, John Nickols, Patty Loew, Paul DeMain, Sheri Carter, & 3 Award-winning Authors!
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Interesting Fact: On September 15, 1987, the 100th Congress passed a resolution acknowledging the influence of the Iroquois Confederacy's political system, often referred to as the "Seeds of Democracy," on the development of the United States Constitution, recognizing the Iroquois Confederacy as one of the oldest living democracies on Earth, dating back to 1142.
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CROP Hunger Walk
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Over the years, McFarland UCC has supported John and Jean Sheild and their commitment to the CROP Hunger Walk. Just as last year they are doing a "virtual" walk to raise money. If you choose to support John and Jean Sheild and the CROP Hunger Walk, you may donate online with the link below or mail a check made out to CROP to First Congregational Church, Attn: Jeff Rabe/John & Jean Shield, 1609 University Ave., Madison, WI 53726 by Wed., October 16. Jeff Rabe is the chair of the Madison Area CROP Walk and has agreed to take care of the "paperwork" for John & Jean. Questions? Jeff Rabe 608-232-2142 or jrabe@firstcongmadison.org.
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SaLT Spot - Meeting Highlights October 10, 2024
- The annual Christmas meal is being planned once again. Lynn Belleau has agreed to take the lead on this event.
- Colleen has been working on policy development including a Resource Use policy and Memorial Donation Policy.
- National UCC is requesting to survey congregations, seeking information on the impact of the pandemic on churches. SaLT agreed to voluntary participation.
- SaLT has open positions. If any members of the congregation are interested in serving, contact a SaLT member for more information.
- Financials information below.
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Get-Out-The-Vote Postcards Sent!
Many thanks to everyone who helped write, address, stamp, and mail GOTV (Get Out The Vote) postcards this election cycle! We sent a total of 500 postcards -- 230 to Texas and 270 to South Carolina -- encouraging underrepresented voters to vote.
We again partnered with Reclaim Our Vote, which is a grassroots, primarily volunteer-run campaign that focuses on increasing BIPOC voter turnout through postcarding, texting, and phone banking.
How effective are GOTV postcards in encouraging voting? From the Reclaim Our Vote website: “Hard data from the last several years of our postcarding work have yielded the encouraging fact that... yes! Postcarding increases voter engagement, and reaches voters who do not have a phone number on file, or may not have mobile phones for texting outreach.” Click here for more specific information.
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A Research Survey - Add Your Voice!
Our congregation has been asked to participate in a national survey to gather information about churches and their congregations post-pandemic.
SaLT and Pastor Bryan encourage your participation this survey. Everyone is asked to complete a 10-15 minute survey. Surveys may be completed online or a printed version may be obtained at church or by requesting a copy from the office. To watch a short informational video about this survey, click here. Viewing is optional. We think McFarland UCC is unique and our input would add value to the research because we are a thriving church. Next year results will be shared with us. Click here if you'd like more information before completing the survey.
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UCC Disaster Relief
Bucket Brigade & Hygiene Kit Campaign for the Wisconsin Conference
After disasters strike often our compassion and need to help others kicks in. As a congregation, we are probably looking for ways to help. Yes, McFarland UCC can indeed get involved to aid those affected by the recent hurricanes Helene and Milton with related flooding and tornadoes. The UCC through Church World Service is providing opportunities for our participation.
One way is to participate in a Bucket Brigade and Hygiene Kit campaign. These kits will be deployed to areas affected by the hurricanes. Each type of kit requires specific items. Through input from SaLT and others, it was decided MUCC’s efforts are best suited to providing hygiene kits. Our decision is due to the short turn. This campaign only runs until Nov. 2. We are asking members to consider making a financial donation to the Kit
campaign. That way items can be purchased in quantities which is more cost effective. And as part of the campaign process there is a cost per kit to ship. The MUCC kits will be assembled next week and delivered to Salem UCC in Verona. When giving, please designate ”Kit Campaign” with your donation.
Another way for your involvement is to make a donation to the link directly. This information was announced in the Pulse last week as a way to give financial support. The Wisconsin Conference is accepting donations to support the recovery efforts in the Southeast in the aftermath of hurricanes
Helene and Milton. Funds donated to the Conference will be forwarded to Church World Service. Donate today to the Conference appeal.
Thank you for considering to make a donation to help in the Hurricane Disaster Relief.
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Looking for a new home...
McFarland UCC has 4-8 ft metal tables that are looking to be rehomed. They are very heavy! Contact the office by Friday, Oct. 25 if you are interested or have questions.
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Weekly Creation Care Tips
Reduce/Reuse/Recycle
Is STYROFOAM recyclable?
Answer: If taken to the right place. DO NOT put Styrofoam/polystyrene in your city/village recycle bin.
What styrofoam (polystyrene) can be recycled? Block polystyrene (packaging used around computers, electronics, and other items), clean Styrofoam cups, coolers, egg cartons, food containers, and clean meat trays. Packing peanuts that dissolve are NOT recyclable, but peanuts that float are (bag them).
Where?
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For anyone: Reynolds Urethane Recycling, 2701 Progress Road, Madison (just north of McFarland) Bins outside for 24-hour drop-off
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For City of Madison residents: Any City of Madison drop-off site
Click here to learn 31 facts about Styrofoam. Ex: Styrofoam fills up 25 to 30 percent of landfill space globally.
While Styrofoam is a type of plastic, per Techie Scientist, Styrofoam is worse for the environment than general plastic.
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Pastor Bryan Away
October 15 - October 30
Lynn Belleau to preach 10/20
Tom Ludwig to preach 10/27
If pastoral support is needed, contact
In case of more extreme emergencies, Pastor Kris Gorton of Memorial UCC in Fitchburg will also be available (608-438-6307).
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