Epiphany Stars!

January 5th

On January 5th, we will celebrate Epiphany Sunday and continue our cherished tradition of offering "Epiphany Stars" to anyone in the congregation who would like one. Each star has a word printed on it, and you are invited to reflect on this word as a guide throughout the season of Epiphany—or even the entire year. 

Just as the magi followed a star to find Jesus, we hope these stars will help guide us closer to God in the year ahead. We encourage you to place your star in a spot where you will see it regularly—on your refrigerator, bathroom mirror, car dashboard, work cubicle, or even tucked in your wallet—somewhere it can inspire and remind you of your spiritual journey. 

May God bless and guide us all as we journey together!

Big Meeting!

January 5th

What is Big Meeting? 

Big Meeting is a time when all the church school aged children/youth can meet in one big group and have a worship time that is tailored for a younger audience. 

Big Meeting happens the first Sunday of each month during our program year (Sept – June), which is also Communion Sundays. Children and youth are dismissed after the passing of peace and will reconvene in Unity Hall with May Poduschnick. During our Big Meeting time, we will have a mini-service, following the liturgy of the main service but shorter and with more opportunities for questions and dialogue. After our time of prayer and lighting of candles, we will rejoin the main service for Communion and kids will find their parents/guardians to sit until the end of the service. 

Online Fellowship

January 5th

Join us for Online Fellowship immediately after worship. 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

Justice, Compassion, Democracy in 2025 & Beyond

January 5th

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. Robin Meyers, a respected UCC pastor, has written an article that is sharply self-critical of responses by the Church and its pastors. 

On two Sundays, January 5 and 19, following worship, we will discuss Meyers’s perspectives and explore alternative approaches. Together, we’ll ask, “Where do we go from here (or not)?” Our pastors will participate in the discussion, with John Emerson facilitating and posing key questions to guide our conversation. 

PREPARING FOR THE CONVERSATION

Please read Reverend Robin Meyers’s article in advance and reflect on these questions: 

• Which points in Meyers’s essay resonate with you? 
• Where, if at all, do you disagree? 
• Do the Bible and our faith traditions inform these issues? 
• Should the Church (our Church) engage these matters publicly? 

 Join us at 11:30 a.m. in Unity Hall on January 5 and January 19.

You may also join us on Zoom.

Taking Down the Greens

January 6th

I hope you and your family enjoyed a Merry Christmas!

It will soon be time to take down the greens in the sanctuary in order to get ready for the season of Epiphany. Along with the Helping Hands Crew, we'll need others to join us, so we'd love to have your help. We'll meet on Monday, January 6, at 10:00 a.m.

Contact Dorothy Douglas, 388-6257 or jdmamidd@comcast.net.

MIDDWeek Morning Prayer

January 8th

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. All are welcome!

Zoom link

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

Parent Playdate

January 11th

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. If you want to provide lasagna for the gathering, please also email Elizabeth! 

Do You Like to Make Lasagna?

Are you a fan of making lasagna? The parents in the newly formed "Parent Playdate" group would greatly appreciate your help with a meal for their next gathering on 1/11! We're in need of 2 pans of lasagna and a few sides. If you're able to contribute, please email Elizabeth at elizabeth@midducc.org. Thank you so much in advance!

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.

Join Us for Prayer and Poetry for These Times

January 20th

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.

Help for HOPE

HOPE is urgently in need of certain food items. While you're at the grocery store, consider picking up a few of these items! list here.

Hospitality Team

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 the office at office@midducc.org or Jeff Ellison at buildingmanager@midducc.org

Help Still Needed!

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.

Please sign up!

From the Deacons...

Copies of the Upper Room and These Days devotional guides are on the Communications table at the rear of the sanctuary.  Please take one if you would like!

Click to sign up...

Greeter

Fellowship Hour Hosts

Community Supper