“We believe that it is our calling as people of faith to respond to the God who loves us, and who loves the earth and all its creatures, by protecting our planet and all its inhabitants. I don’t know what effect it will have, but my hope and my faith tell me it’s important for all of us to raise our voices.” …Barbara Darling, chair of Environmental Ministries for the Massachusetts Conference
UCC
In partnership with God and each other…. we are ordinary people working hard to accomplish extraordinary things. (from Ebenezer’s Identity Statement)
New Life, New Energy: Listen as Jen gives testimony to her life-changing participation in local Refugee Resettlement efforts.
Today, we dedicated Thanksgiving food baskets and prayer shawls and blankets: “May we, and these gifts, serve you, Loving God. May they bring comfort, change, and hope.” The photos show only two of the many, beautifully-made prayer shawls, throws, and blankets. Thanks to all who lovingly crafted them. And thanks to those who purchased items for the food baskets and those who del
ivered them today.
Living in a democracy is a precious gift, and as Christians we understand ourselves to be stewards of the gifts God has given us. With the right to participate in the political process comes the responsibility to exercise that gift on behalf of the common good.
Helpful Information for the 2016 Elections
Made available by Wisconsin Council of Churches
Wisconsin Council of Churches website-www.wichurches.org/resources/voter-resource
Nathan Athorp was ordai
ned as Pastor of Outdoor Ministries in April during a service held at Pilgrim Center of the United Church of Christ on Green Lake, Wisconsin. Pilgrim Center’s outdoor ministry provides a unique and sacred setting in which participants of all ages can explore God in their lives. The facility provides year-round camping, retreats, and meeting space. Nathan explained, “As the camp chaplain, I have the privilege of having sacred conversations with (those experiencing our outdoor ministry), accompanying them along their unique spiritual journey. It is both exciting and challenging to explore new methods of ministry within the camp setting.”
“Chaplaincy is sitting with the most unfathomable and unimaginable times in other’s lives and holding all as sacred space, place and time.” The ordination of Lex Cade-White this afternoon was a spirit-filled service with calling of ancestors, mixing of the sands of her life, laying on of hands, reflective and joyous singing, and sharing of Communion. Reverend Cade-White will serve the church as Pastor of Hospice Ministries through her work as a hospice chaplain. The special service included the Conference Minister of the Southeast Conference of the UCC, Rev. June Boutwell, representing the ordaining body, and the Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Jane Anderson, of the UCC Wisconsin Conference performing the installation.
We are filled with HOPE that God’s promises, made long ago, will continue to come true in our experience of the world. The colors of our Advent candles, going from purple to dark blue, light blue, and rose, represent the sky at dawn and the hope of a new day. The flickering flame of the candle reminds us that our hope is lived out in prayer and action as we journey toward Christmas … together – knowing that God journeys with us.
from Advent Candle Lighting Liturgy
photo by Ruth Harker
Matthew 4:18-22
“You have come down to the lakeshore
Seeking neither the wise nor the wealthy,
But only asking for me to follow.
O Jesus, you have looked into my eyes;
Kindly smiling, you’ve called out my name.
On the sand I have abandoned my small boat;
Now with you I will seek other seas.”
( Words by Cesareo Gabarain)
(Photo by Ruth Harker)
