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D ec em be r 20 16 U nion C on gr e ga tion al U nit ed C hu rc h o f Ch ri st | S t . Loui s P ar k, M N

Worship 10:00 a.m. Sundays

Fellowship Time Following Worship

Ministries & Mission with a faithful heart

Worship Opportunities

Sunday, December 4 Communion Sunday

Wisdom: Birth the Realm of God Isaiah 11:1-10; Matthew 3:1-12

Sunday, December 11 Dayspring: Birth the Realm of God

Luke 1: 47-55

Sunday, December 18 Adonai: Birth the Realm of God

Matthew 1:18-25

Saturday, December 24

4:00 pm Intergenerational Worship 10:00 pm Lessons & Carols

Both are candlelight services

Sunday, December 25 10:00 am Worship

John 1:1-14

A Just Peace, Open and Affirming Church

u

Join us on Christmas Eve

for the 4:00 p.m. or the

10:00 p.m. Service

and the Christmas

Day Service at

10:00 a.m.

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From the Pastor I’m writing this article a couple weeks before you will read it, and despite the consistently pleasant fall

temperatures without snow, I’m more aware of life’s fragility than ever. Climate change has delivered the

warmest year on record; the hateful aftermath of the Presidential election reveals America’s ugly underbelly;

marginalized youth and adults from all walks of life are afraid of the future.

And yet, I have hope. Hope is so irrational. Even after a good cry, hope-filled feelings will bubble up inside

and offer solace. Even when I’ve been reading yet another story of hate personified, loving kindness shows up

as a plate of cookies from a neighbor. Even when I wonder how to be the church today, a small group of us

attended an ISAIAH workshop with plans to mobilize 1500 people of faith on January 28th to present our faith

-based, economic agenda to our governor and legislative leaders. And groups of justice-minded folks in St.

Louis Park are reaching out to the church to have ally meetings and community-building conversations. I have

hope. How about you?

I’m looking forward to Advent and its irrational hope. A baby born to unmarried peasant parents will

become a controversial model of extravagant inclusion and radical love. Irrational hope! Deep in the midst of

the darkest time of the year, there is hope. It’s a fact that light seems more prevalent and brighter in the dark.

Consider this quote from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Strangely enough, I would turn to the Almighty and say, 'If you allow me to live

just a few years in the second half of the twentieth century, I will be happy'. Now

that's a strange statement to make because the world is all messed up, the nation

is sick, trouble is in the land, confusion all around ... that's a strange statement. But

I know somehow that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.”

Our Advent theme this year is: “Birth the Realm of God.” Like our fall theme, “Make Real the Realm of

God,” these words are a call to action. To birth the realm of God means to bring forth new life in the midst of

chaos. To birth the realm of God means stimulating and nurturing growth of an active and passionate faith. To

birth the realm of God means to labor for the causes of justice in a hurting world. What is your hope? Where

does it come from?

Join us for creative worship this season. Invite your friends and neighbors to a magically musical worship on

December 11th with the Copper Street Brass Quintet. Art Clyde has composed a new work, “Seven O

Antiphons: O Come, Emmanuel,” for choir, organ, timpani, and brass. Come early! Prelude music begins at

9:50 am.

After being charged up by great music and worship, we’ll go caroling at Tower Light so we can spread the

joy.

It may be irrational, but I have hope.

Shalom, Pr. Barb

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Faith Formation Ministry

Faith Formation

Bible Study Wednesdays in the Library

10:30 - 11:45 a.m. In the Library

We are reading and discussing the lectionary - the Bible readings

for Sunday. It will get your mind

working so you’ll get more out of

worship!

All ideas welcomed and respected.

Godly Play For All Ages

Sundays | 9:10 a.m.

Join us as we look at the story of

the Nativity and reproduce it in

painting. Led by Christina

Garcia and Dawn Holzer.

Everyone is invited!

Adult Education Sundays | 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

In the Library

Continuing study of John Shelby

Spong's new book Biblical Literalism:

A Gentile Heresy.

Come every week or once in a while.

Coffee will be ready!

All points of view respected!

All are welcome.

For all ages

From the Director of Faith Formation Leah Springer

You often read in this space how relationship building across the generations and faith formation

growth go hand in hand. The Faith Formation Board is providing two fun opportunities in the

coming months. Please find time in your holiday schedules to join everyone at Union!

Solstice Celebration *stargazing *sparklers *luminaria making Wednesday, Dec. 21 *star ornaments *hot chocolate 5:45 p.m. *star themed dinner *Quiet reflection in sanctuary

Epiphany Celebration January 6, dinner 6 p.m., and the movie Amahl and the

Night Visitors at 6:30 p.m. Kids - come in your PJs! Popcorn and refreshments served during the movie.

(Following worship, we’ll have a

quick Fellowship Time, then walk together to TowerLight Senior Living to spread some cheer!) Music provided, and fun for all ages!

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Are you interested in bringing calm focus into your life? Are you interested in building strength and

flexibility? If so, Tuesday Yoga may be for you!

Tuesday Yoga will meet in the downstairs space at 6:45 for an hour of yoga practice, guided by Becky

Goldberg. A Pilates and yoga instructor, Becky is also certified in Thai Yoga Massage. She combines her

knowledge of the body with a keen eye for detail to teach with a focus on alignment and mind-body

connection. She strongly believes in the power of mindful movement, breath, and positive thinking to heal

and unite the body and the mind, and her wish is to share this faith in movement, along with a great love of

life and laughter, with you.

This is a medium intensity class for all levels of experience with yoga. Becky will provide adaptations and

options for the moves to accommodate any restrictions you may have. However, you need to be able to get

up and down from the floor with ease.

The cost per class is based on the number of participants. We will split the $100 cost across the number of

participants up to 10 people, anyone after 10 will pay $10 (with the additional fees going to the instructor).

If you are interested, please contact Cyndi Olson (cyndi.gustobt@gmail.com) and she will add you to the

email list. Each week, participants confirm who will be attending, so we know how many to plan for. If

there are fewer than 5 participants, we won’t have class. This process may change in the future

once we have a committed number of people.

Tuesday Yoga Details

Tuesdays, 6:45 – 7:45 p.m.

Basement at Union

Bring a mat, blocks, straps or whatever you need for your yoga practice. You may want to

bring water, too.

Cost is dependent on number of participants

From the Moderator Carol Birkland

Ending and Beginnings

This past year has been a busy one for all of Union’s boards and committees and for the newly created Mov-

ing Off the Map Team. To all the people who have volunteered and working to maintain and expand the

ministries and missions of our church, thank you. Detailed accounts of their extensive work will be outlined

in the Annual Report coming out in January.

As for the future, I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight the work of the Moving Off the Map Team

who is working on evaluating your thoughts and dreams regarding our revitalization of ministry at Union.

The Team has used the book Moving Off the Map to develop focus group discussion questions, some of

which were covered in our Sunday morning focus group sessions during fellowship hour this fall. The re-

mainder of the questions and discussion are scheduled for spring. We will follow-up with feedback for the

congregation and more opportunities for those who wish to be involved.

This process is meant to stretch our imaginations capitalizing on the lessons and successes of our past and

applying those to our dreams for the future. I think our ever-changing world is teaching us that no church or

institution can remain the same and thrive. We need to be open to new challenges. This is an exciting time. I

encourage all of you to be involved in our process as we move forward.

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STEP (St. Louis Park Emergency Program) With Christmas fast approaching, people are getting in a festive mood,

wanting to bake their cookies, cakes, and other pastries. So for the

month of December, STEP has requested essential baking items -

oils, flour, and sugar. Also, different breakfast cereals are needed,

especially those the kids love (even if they contain sugar)!

Thank you again for your generous donations so that our friends at STEP can have Happy Holidays!

Also, please don’t forget the toilet paper! Toilet paper is essential and cannot be purchased with food

stamps. There is a constant need for this at STEP. Please drop off a single roll, four pack or larger!

REFUGEE SERVICES Refugee News and Needs from the Minnesota

Council of Churches (MCC)

Over 20 resettlements per week! Cleaning

Supplies needed! To meet the needs of many new

refugee families, the Minnesota Council of

Churches has a great need for hygiene and cleaning

items. Shampoo and soap, cleaning spray, and

laundry and dish soaps are all needed URGENTLY.

Please drop off your donations at Union Church in

the blue MCC refugee box in the narthex or take

your items to the Minnesota Church Center, 122

West Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis.

DECEMBER LOOSE COIN Sojourner Project

December Loose Coin Offering will be given in

support of the Sojourner Project. This agency

supports individuals and families victimized by

domestic violence and abuse move from fear to

hope. Their residential services include:

♦ 24 hour crisis / help line legal advocacy

♦ immediate safety planning ♦ support groups

♦ emergency shelter ♦ life skill groups

♦ individual and group therapy

Their work is enhanced by dedicated volunteers

committed to making a difference in our

community.

Alternative Christmas Giving Ideas These have been vetted and approved by the

Benevolence and Community Outreach Board

SEVA Foundation www.seva.org gifts of eyesight services around the world

Global Ministries Support for UCC mission partners www.globalministries.org/alternative-christmas

Heifer International The gift of farm animals to eliminate poverty across the world www.heifer.org

One World Fair Trade www.oneworldfairtrade.net “We celebrate the contribution and value of all people. … deeply committed to being fair and responsible …socially, economically, and environmentally…”

From War to Peace www.fromwartopeace.com Socially-conscious jewelry and accessories forged from disarmed and recycled American weapons of war.

Interfaith Power & Light – Gift of Trees www.co2covenant.org/give-the-gift-of-trees-this-holiday Gifts to developing counties and faith groups in developing nations who are working on the ground to combat climate change and deforestation.

Sojourners Magazine www.sojo.net The gift of good reading with faith related justice and peace articles. “We seek to inspire hope and build a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world.”

www.standwithstandingrock.net

www.nativeorganizing.org (site for the Native Organizing Alliance.)

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"Really Fun Band" Rehearsals and Performance

For everyone who has ever played ANY

instrument, we'd like you to join us when we

rehearse Christmas Carols right after our worship

service in the sanctuary December 4. We'll be

playing during Fellowship Hour on December 18!

Just bring your instrument and a music stand.

Carol Svanoe will provide the music. Call Carol at

952-797-9852 so she is sure to have music for your

instrument!

ALL ages and ALL instruments

are needed and welcome!

F C R and B eally un hristmas

JOYS AND CONCERNS

Tass Hawkinson is at home, recovering from two

broken vertebrae. 11400 4th St. N, #207D,

Minnetonka, 55343. (952)283-2678. Calls and

cards welcome!

Marc Svanoe, Carol’s son, now living at the

Danforth Sober House in Roseville.

Barb Courts’ family as they grieve her death in

November.

Harvey Arvidson who is struggling with

leukemia. 1900 Central Ave. NE, #401,

Minneapolis 55418.

Tom Holzer is living at Bethel Care Center, 420

Marshall Ave, St. Paul, 55102; (612) 423-0452.

We ask for continued prayers for Dan Morseth,

Evelyn Tollefson, Marty Knecht, and all those

who are homebound or in nursing care.

healing and hope

Please try to get your

Annual Report articles

into the office by

December 19.

Also, if possible, please

try to keep your reports

to one page!?!

Thank you!

It’s that time again!

**Annual Report Articles**

Union Congregational United Church of Christ

ANNUAL

REPORT

2016

Activate your Inner Activist!

Pr. Barb has spoken widely about the faith-based

advocacy group called ISAIAH. This is a great way

to get involved in doing justice at a critical time in

our history. YOU can get involved by attending a

meeting of lay leaders on Saturday, December

10th 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Cross of Glory

Lutheran Church at 5929 Brooklyn Boulevard in

Brooklyn Center.

Find out what ISAIAH is doing and why it is so

crucial for you to get involved. See Pr. Barb,

Michael Beasley, Marv Bunnell, Randy Pratt, or

Christina Garcia for more information.

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December 12/19 Ruth Erdahl

Caroline Hackel

Dawn Holzer

Kirk Shoger

12/21 Judi Harvey

12/23 Sally Nelson

12/24 Roger Randall

12/25 Shirley Bachman

12/28 Arthur Clyde

12/29 Sara Wakefield

12/01 Denise Heinbuch

Carol Svanoe

Marcus Wakefield

- Trinh

12/02 Janet Midtbo

12/04 Jean Fitzer

12/05 Cindy Budd

12/06 Carol Birkland

12/12 Frank Uecker

12/13 Katrina McHenry

12/14 Camille Kvenvold

Birthdays

Around the Church THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS

FROM THE THANKSGIVING DAY FREE STORE

A big thank you to the many volunteers who

helped make this year’s Free Store a huge success.

Due to your efforts, we were able to provide much

needed winter gear and other items to some of the

most vulnerable folks in our community. Thanks

to everyone who donated time, merchandise,

money, or support in any way during the past

year.

Book Club

Breakfast Club

Crafters Club

The Book Club will not be meeting in December. We will resume in January. A book will be chosen and printed in the January edition of the Uniter!

CHEERS

& HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Join us for breakfast, fun, and fellowship on Thursday, December 15 at 9:00 a.m. at Perkins on Highway 7 and County Road 73.

It’s a fun way to start your day!

Pastor Barb will be there, too.

The Crafters will not be meeting this month. See you next year!!

… is it for you?

In the rapid pace daily life, when do you take time

to consider your faith? What does your adult faith

formation look like if you can’t attend any other

gathering at church?

Join us for Bible & Brew McCoy’s Public House

(3801 Grand Way, SLP) on Thursday, December

15th 6:00-8:00 p.m. We will take a look at some

of the scripture texts for Advent and Christmas.

We’ll have a little Bible 101 about the Biblical

narrative of Jesus’ birth.

See you there! Pr. Barb

Bible and Brew

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UNION CONGREGATIONAL UCC 3700 Alabama Avenue South St. Louis Park MN 55416 A Just Peace, Open and Affirming Church (952)929-8566 Email: info@unionslp.com www.unionslp.com

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

December 2016 ┌ ┐

└ ┘

Union UCC Staff

Pastor Director of Faith Formation: Adult Choir Director: Organist, Bell Choirs & Children’s Choir:

Barbara Martin Leah Springer Art Clyde Peggy Johnson

Maintenance: Office Admin: Finance Secretary:

Wes Bue and Bill Jones Maria Mastro Katrina Holthus

Union UCC Officers

Moderator: Vice-Moderator:

Carol Birkland Kirk Shoger

Treasurer: Clerk:

Allen Alm Lisanne Oster

Union UCC Board Chairs/Representatives

Benv. & Comm. Outreach: Faith Formation:

Michael Beasley Barb Johnson

Diaconate: Finance:

Lori Yalch Randy Pratt

Building & Grounds: Memb./Church Growth:

Ben Cleveland

Pastoral Relations: Personnel:

Barb Johnson Helen McEvoy-Freese

What’s Happening

December 4 Really Fun Band Rehearsal December 6 SLP Woman’s Club December 8 Allies in SLP (a community meeting) December 11 Copper Street Brass Caroling at TowerLight December 15 Breakfast Club Bible & Brew December 18 Really Fun Band Performance December 21 Winter Solstice December 24 4pm & 10pm Worship Services December 25 10am Worship Service December 31 New Year’s Eve!

Like us on Facebook!

For a full calendar of events , go to: www.unionslp.com