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Today Is The First Sunday Of Advent!
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Today's 10am sanctuary worship will take place in person and be live-streamed on YouTube.
You can launch the livestream video of today's 10am worship by clicking the gray button.
Please find our 10am online worship bulletin by clicking the blue button.
There will be no Sunday School or childcare today. Children are welcome to remain in worship.
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Our Advent Theme: "One Christ, Many Cultures"
Each year during the Advent Season, we anticipate and celebrate the coming of Christ. We often employ traditions and cultures in our congregations that give our celebrations depth and meaning. Do Christians around the world all celebrate Advent and Christmas in the same way? Could learning about their traditions make our Advent more meaningful? This year, we are honoring the ways that different cultures celebrate Christmas. What can we learn about God through their traditions? What will we see when the love of Advent is embodied in someone else’s celebration? Can we examine our own biases and privileges? Can we deepen our own faith? Join us for One Christ, Many Cultures!
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Week 1
The first Sunday of Advent is about keeping watch, looking through the night to find a small candle. With our Advent theme, One Christ, Many Cultures, we will learn about how the people of Sweden look for life in their cold, dark winter season with their celebration of St. Lucia Day. They light candles and spread lingonberry branches on the snow to remember St. Lucia, an early Christian martyr, and to stir hope for the long winter. How does this celebration inspire you?
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After Worship: Inquirer's Session For Those Considering Membership (And The Curious) With Rev. Katrina
Are you interested in taking the next step in your spiritual journey at Union Congregational Church? We warmly invite you to our Inquirer’s Session hosted by our lead minister Rev. Katrina. This is a wonderful, small group opportunity to learn more about becoming a member of the church, learn about Union Cong’s history and mission, or seek a deeper connection within the Union Cong community. If you have been joining us for worship or small group events and feel a tug towards deeper involvement, this session is for you!
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"Light from Afar" Advent Devotionals Are Available In The Back Of The Sanctuary
Light from Afar is a daily Advent devotional that illuminates the season through the unforgettable stories and reflections of four writers from around the world. Authors Nadiyka Gerbish (Ukraine), Joel Bengbeng (Philippines), Cláudio Carvalhaes (Brazil), and Sidwell Mokgothu (South Africa) share cultural and religious traditions of the Advent season in their daily reflections. Each day's meditation includes a scripture reading, a prayer, an opportunity for reflection, and a link to a song from the author’s home country.
Take one for your spiritual practice during Advent. Available on Sundays or arrange to pickup from the church office.
Cost to the church was $13/book. We invite you to donate what you are able (select "Advent devotional" as purpose).
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This Week
Tuesday, December 2nd
12:30pm Daytime Bible Study In The Guild Room
Wednesday, December 3
10:30am Chair Yoga is every Wednesday (Alternates Guild Room/Zoom)
Email Sara T. (sgtamargo@gmail.com) for location.
Noon Union Sages will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 3rd in the Guild Room.
7pm Handbell Rehearsal takes place every Wednesday in the Sanctuary.
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Next Weekend!
Saturday, December 6th
At 8am: Men's Breakfast
Please join the Men of Union for a traditional Danish breakfast prepared by Torben Winther on Saturday morning, December 6th at 8am in the Assembly Room. Torben is looking for 3 or 4 volunteers to arrive at 6:45am and help prepare the breakfast. After breakfast at 10am, all gathered will help decorate the interior and exterior of the church for Christmas including the traditional raising of the wreath on the tower.
Please RSVP to Torben if you can attend at winther100@gmail.com. Let him know if you are able to come early to help with prep.
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Saturday, December 6th
At 10am: All Church "Deck The Halls" Decorating Party
Lend a hand to decorate the Sanctuary and Assembly Room for Advent and Christmas.
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Saturday, December 6th, 2pm-4:30pm
Essex Together "United and Finding Hope: Action on Affordable and Supportive Housing"
Essex Together – a citizen power organization of congregations and nonprofits dedicated to social justice – will convene at 345-357 South 10th Street, Newark, a site on which 42 affordable housing units will soon be built. Carpooling will be provided to additional sites in Montclair highlighting our commitment to work across Essex County. Testimonies and project overviews will be provided at each stop, which in Montclair will showcase two opportunities for housing on faith community properties. Essex Together has planned this action to declare that we will not be divided, but will strengthen the bonds between our diverse communities. Our shared commitment to equity in housing in our hope and our power. We are looking for at least ten members and friends from the church to attend this event. For more information, speak to Rev. Katrina or email RevAnya@uumontclair.org.
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Sunday, December 7th, 3pm-5pm
Annual Advent Wreath Lighting Celebration
Join us for a festive event to mark the Advent season. We will have crafts, cookie decorating and snacks from Christmas traditions around the world. Our handbell choir will lead us in carols and interactive music games, before we hear a Christmas story and head outside to light the wreath on the church tower. We will have snacks, but if you wish to order a slice or two of pizza to supplement, click here. Be sure to order pizza by noon on December 5.
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We extend our continued, heartfelt gratitude to all who have made their pledges. These vital commitments are a beautiful embodiment of the church's call to love our neighbor.
If you would like to pledge, please click here or click the Pledge button on the front page of the church website: www.unioncong.org.
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