1

December 6 Highlights at First Congregational TODAY: Virtual Fellowship with Rev. Steve Savides .................................. p. 6 TODAY: Sanctuary Choir Major Works in Worship ................................... p. 12 TODAY: Advent Mission Extravaganza - Gifts of Toys Collection ...... p. 13-14 TODAY: Drive-thru Communion (11:00 AM-12:00 in Main Parking Lot) TODAY: Sunday School at Home Kit Distribution ..................................... p. 11 TODAY: Congregational Meeting ................................................................ p. 6 TODAY: Fleece Pick-up for Gifts of Warmth Collection ........................... p. 14 December 13: Advent Mission Extravaganza - Gifts of Warmth Collection ...... p. 14 December 13: Hanging of the Greens ................................................................. p. 12 December 14: Grief Support Group ...................................................................... p. 10 December 17: “Blue Christmas” Service on Facebook Live at 7:00 PM .......... p. 13

Donating to First Congregational UCC You are invited to donate via virtual offering. Please visit our webpage and click “Give” to make your weekly offering, or text FCUCC GIVE to 73256. Checks can also still be mailed to the church.

References to God References to God in traditional prayers, readings, and hymns in our worship may sometimes be gender specific. As we pray and sing together, you are invited to substitute terms that reflect your understanding of the full inclusiveness of the spirit of God.

Land Acknowledgement Our church is located on the ancestral homelands of the Menominee Nation. We acknowledge this indigenous community who stewarded this land throughout the generations and pay respect to their elders past and present.

Online Streaming and Podcasting Audio and video recordings of our sermons and a written transcript are accessible at www.firstcongoappleton.org/sermons.

You can watch a live stream of First Congo services on Facebook.com/1stCongo or at www.firstcongoappleton.org/worship-with-us/livestream.

Online Documents and Information Official documents of First Congregational and links to announcements, news and other information reside on our website: www.firstcongoappleton.org.

2

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT; SANCTUARY CHOIR MAJOR WORKS

December 6, 2020 9:30 AM Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Savides, Senior Pastor

Rev. Nicholas J. Hatch, Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries Rev. Laurie Lyter Bright, Interim Pastor for Congregational Care and Missions

PRELUDE A Nativity Suite Wilbur Held

Shelley Nulton, assistant organist

RINGING OF CHURCH BELL

YOUTH PRAYER Jackson Wildes WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

MISSION MOMENT Advent Mission Extravaganza – Food Drive

CALL TO WORSHIP “In December Darkness” by Ann Weems

Leader: The whole world waits in December darkness For a glimpse of the Light of God.

People: Even those who snarl “Humbug!” and chase away the carolers

have been seen looking toward the skies.

Leader: The one who declared he never would forgive has forgiven,

People: and those who left home have returned,

Leader: and even wars are halted, if briefly, as the whole world looks starward.

People: In the December darkness we peer from our windows

Leader: watching for an angel with rainbow wings

All: to announce the Hope of the World.

3

OPENING CAROL MEDLEY Praeludium Noël Randol Alan Bass

The Sanctuary Choir, Brass, Organ, Percussion and Congregation (as indicated below.) (Recorded in worship December 10, 2017)

A carol medley: Masters in This Hall (Choir) Rejoice, Rejoice Believers (Choir)

Gentle Mary Laid Her Child (St. 1 & 2 – Choir)

St. 3 – ALL, as printed below: Gentle Mary laid he child lowly in a manger:

He is still the undefiled, but no more a stranger. Son of God of humble birth, beautiful the story;

Praise his name in all the earth: Hail the King of Glory!

In the Bleak Midwinter (St. 1 – Choir)

St. 2 – ALL, as printed below: What can I give Him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man, I would do my part; Yet, what I can I give Him: give my heart.

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (St. 1-3, Choir)

St. 4 – ALL, as printed below: At His feet the six-wing-ed Seraph; cherubim, with sleepless eye, Veil their faces to the presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry:

Alleluia, Al-le-lu--ia, Alleluia, Lord Most High.

LIGHTING OF THE SECOND ADVENT CANDLE - PEACE Tina Metzner

INTRODUCTORY SENTENCES

READING OF SCRIPTURE Isaiah 9:6-7

LIGHTING OF THE CANDLE

UNISON PRAYER

Eternal God, we thank you that through all the years you have given peace to your people. Help us to have your peace in our lives. We pray that, in this Advent season, we may, by what we do, show your presence to the sick, to the hungry, and to the lonely, so that they too may have peace. Amen.

4

RESPONSE (Sung by ALL – see bulletin, p. 7)

Light the Candle of Peace Today C. Schalk

CHILDREN’S SERMON

OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 40:1-11

GOSPEL READING Mark 1:1-11

MEDITATION “The Jesus We Don’t Choose” Rev. Steve Savides MUSICAL REFLECTION Gloria, RV589 Vivaldi

I. Gloria in excelsis Deo Glory be to God in the highest Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra

(Recorded in worship on Dec. 8, 2019) (During this time, you are invited to a virtual offering. Please visit our webpage and click “Give”

to make your weekly offering, or text FCUCC GIVE to 73256).

CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION

You are invited to hold your communion supplies and we will partake of them together as instructed.

INVITATION GREAT THANKSGIVING

Leader: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Leader: Lift up your hearts.

People: We lift them up to the Lord.

Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Leader: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere… As the angels sang glory to you in the highest and peace to your people on earth, so with your people of earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

5

All: Holy, holy holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Leader: Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ… And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving, as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.

People: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER (in unison) Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

BREAKING THE BREAD/POURING THE CUP

SHARING THE ELEMENTS

UNISON PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION We give you thanks, most gracious God, for allowing us to share in this feast

as your family, gathered around our own family tables, and to be fed with the bread of heaven; give us grace that we all may grow in love, glorifying you in all things, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CLOSING WORDS

CLOSING CAROL #132 (see bulletin, p. 8)

O Come, All Ye Faithful ADESTE FIDELES

(Recorded in worship Dec. 10, 2017) arr. Ferguson/Willcocks

Sanctuary Choir, Brass, Organ, Percussion and Congregation

Please join in singing with the recording!

6

BRIEF CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Nominated Slate of Church Officers for 2021 Bill Ritcey, Church Moderator

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Christmas Angels arr. Lloyd Larson

Kristen Henke, trumpet

TODAY’S MUSICIANS Shelley Nulton, assistant organist Kristen Henke, trumpet Sanctuary Choir (from previously recorded major works & carols) John Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries, baritone

Thank you to Dave Frederick for serving as our lay reader this morning!

Permission to stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, # A-714899. All rights reserved.

Join us for a Zoom Fellowship and Talk Back with Rev. Steve Savides immediately after worship today at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84850672863

OFFICIAL NOTICE There will be a brief Congregational meeting during our livestream worship service

TODAY for the purpose of voting on the 2021 Church Officers.

Upcoming Worship Schedule December 13, 2020 Third Sunday of Advent, Hanging of the Greens Rev. Nick Hatch Scriptures: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 Music: Jazz Trio - John Harmon, piano; John Toussaint, trumpet; Sue Toussaint, vocals Lay Reader: Susan McFadden

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84850672863

7

Repr

inte

d un

der O

neLi

cens

e.ne

t #A

-714

899

8

9

JOYS AND CONCERNS OF OUR FAITH COMMUNITY Members of our church family benefit from our prayers, support, and words of encouragement as they celebrate special times or struggle with difficulties in their lives. Please keep these people in your prayers and greet them with a loving word when you see them.

If you are in the hospital, please let the church know, as we are not always notified. In cases of a pastoral emergency, please call (920) 810-2600.

All pregnancies to be safe and guided by our faith in God

Jill Anthony’s sister Jill Anthony’s nephew, Darryl Sherry Bassett Paul Bauman Katie Behl Barbara Ann Behl, Katie’s sister Arlene Beyer Clair Brown Judy Burdick, Megan Burdick-Grade’s mother Olive Bopp Alyssa Villarreal Brooks Don Brittnacher Charlie and Britt Carlson and infant son, Miller

Stephen Carlson Sara Companik Dick Casperson Steve Chapin Lynn Cook Karen Crawford Dana and Tony who are battling cancer Michael, Dick and Kathy Devries’ son-in-law Ralph DiBiasio-Snyder Jim Edwards and Rachel DeMoss Edwards Friend of Pat Severin who is facing a serious

health issue Esther Gehrt Ken Geiger Lynn Hanna Maggie Hendrick Ken Hocking Ron Hurm Immigrants/refugees seeking a better life Jean Jepson

Our Kenyan partners and friends Allen Korth Rick Kramer, Richard Miller’s son-in law Jennifer Lemmert Lindsey, friend of Kristen Scheuerman Jim Malin Mike Mathews Shari Mitchell Family of Ellie Olson upon her death Mory, Anthony Padilla’s son Families and children of Palestine Our country’s military around the world Diane Ragus Steve Reinkober, brother of Chris Brittnacher Ken Rheingans Don Roehrborn Mary Rowland Frank Severin Jake Smasal Cole Stoffel All those in need of suicide prevention and

compassionate caregivers Sue, friend of Mark Yonan Jack Thiel Peter Thiel Brenda Timm James Totzke and his mother, Leah Totzke Beverly Trombla Don Utschig Jean Van Wagenin Mya Wardle, Brian and Lecia Wardle’s daughter Jean Wegner Paris Wicker Jennifer Wild

10

Congregational Life Embracing God, welcoming others,

knowing ourselves.

Alternative Christmas Market is Online and Open

We are celebrating the 28th year of the Alternative Christmas Market with an online market. You can help by making a donation in honor of someone on your holiday gift list. If you have shopped at our market in past years, you'll notice that this year's gifts are direct donations to organizations and projects that serve the most vulnerable among us. These organizations are responding quickly to COVID-19 cases and adjusting their services.

1. Browse the ACM catalog located on our website at: https://www.firstcongoappleton.org/mission-service/alternative-christmas-market/ to find an organization or project you would like to support with your gift.

2. Click on the organization or project you wish to support. With a few exceptions, such as the Kenya Partnership, you will be sent to the organization’s website to process your donation.

3. Return to the catalog to download and print a description of your donation to give to the recipient of your gift.

Grief Support Group Mondays, December 14-February 8

6:00-7:30 PM (on Zoom)

All of us have suffered losses through this time of pandemic: loss of jobs, loss of loving social contact, loss of loved ones, loss of the everyday pleasures and freedoms that so enrich our lives. For many of us, that grief has led to loneliness, isolation, and depression.

To help us with that, First Congo is teaming up with Samaritan Counsel Center of the Fox Valley. Led by a Samaritan counselor, Elysabeth Meehan, we will be offering a Grief Support Group over Zoom on Monday evenings from 6:00-7:30 PM, December 14 through February 8. Feel free to invite a friend to join with you. There is no charge to take part in the group. First Congo and Samaritan are joining together to provide this service.

We all need some extra loving support to help us face these difficult times. If you’re interested, please email Elysabeth at emeehan@samaritan-counseling.com to receive further information and to get registered for the group. A Zoom link to join the group will be provided once you are registered.

May God bless us as we seek to support one another!

11

Stewardship Putting faith into action with our time,

passion, skills and financial gifts.

2020 Stewardship Campaign We are now four weeks into our 2021 stewardship campaign and have already received 216 responses.

With just ten days left until the official end of the campaign, we are praying that those of you we have not heard from yet will be able to join in helping provide financial support in the upcoming year.

2020 has been a year no one will ever forget, and we look forward to a more joyful 2021. Sustaining the life and mission of First Congo is the goal of the annual stewardship campaign and has been successful in the past because of the members of this great church. We are hoping that we will be able to continue that tradition in 2021.

Thank you for any way that you are able to provide support. “Beloved, let us love one another.” May much love be in your lives today and every day.

Youth and Families Faith, fun and service.

Sunday School at Home Kits "Sunday School at Home" kits will be handed out TODAY, December 6 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM in the First Congo main parking lot. The kits will contain items to be used during the December 13 and December 20 "Sunday School at Home" lessons that air at 10:30 AM via Facebook Live. If for some reason you are unable to make kit distribution, there will be additional kits available in the front office. You can pick them up Monday through Thursday between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Arrangements can also be made for contactless pick up by emailing Colleen Berry at cberry@firstcongoappleton.org.

Visits from Pastor Nick First Congo misses our youth and wants to support them through this difficult time! Pastor Nick is doing socially distanced, masked, at-home visits for youth (grades 7-12) from the driveway or front yard. He will also bring you a treat of your choice from Starbucks or Happy Bellies Bake Shop.

12

If would like a visit, please use the sign-up link found in the Youth Newsletters. Don’t get the newsletter or can’t find the link? Email the office staff and we will get it to you!

Hanging of the Greens 2020 Sunday • December 13

We invite all of you to join us virtually during a special Hanging of the Greens service on Sunday, December 13 at 9:30 AM. The children and youth made stars, angels and crosses from pre-packaged kits, but we encouraged all members of the congregation to create ornaments from their own materials. All of these creations will be hung on the trees in our Sanctuary and will be shared during the service on December 13. Please join us at home and celebrate the coming birth of Jesus with your family (and church family) through scripture, prayer and song!

Worship and Music A diverse community practicing faith,

finding spiritual connection and experiencing the Holy through artful sound.

Celebrate December with Music! The glorious music of Advent and Christmas continues to bring hope in these challenging times. Our plans at First Congregational include: December 6 – Recorded excerpts from major works sung by our Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra, along with trumpet and organ music from Kris Henke and Shelley Nulton. December 13 - A jazz trio of John Harmon (piano), John Toussaint (trumpet), and Sue Toussaint (vocals) complements our “Hanging of the Greens” service. Thursday, December 17, 7:00 PM – Jann Kostecke (flute), David Cook (piano) and John Albrecht (baritone) help lead a “Blue Christmas” service, recognizing times of loss. December 20 – Andy Schmidt (baritone horn) and organist Shelley Nulton complement our Zoom Church School Christmas Pageant directed by Dee Savides. December 24, 4:00 PM – Elizabeth Melchert (organ and piano) and Kris Henke (trumpet) complement our “Christmas in a Box” Family Service. December 24, 7:00 PM – The Lori & Jeff Murphy Family (violin, tenors, baritones, pianist) join David Cook (organist) and Karen Leigh-Post & Ashleigh Kreider

13

(vocal duet) complement our Service of Candle-lighting and Carols. December 27 – David Cook (organist) accompanies this service including Congregational Carol Singing. You are invited to sing carols in our parking lot as you donate to the Advent Mission Extravaganza each Sunday in Advent from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM. A special thanks to “Karma’s Mailbox” and Sanctuary Choir members for their generous leadership. Wishing you “tidings of comfort and joy!” John Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries

Blue Christmas Service Thursday • December 17

7:00 PM on Facebook Live

The Christmas season is especially challenging this year amid the pandemic. Many are grieving the loss of loved ones or simply the idea they are forced to spend the holiday alone. We invite you to join us via Facebook Live on Thursday, December 17 at 7:00 PM for a special Blue Christmas service.

Here you will find quiet time for worship, a chance to renew your spirit and prepare yourself to hear the good news that Christ is born for you. If you find the holiday season leaves you feeling empty, if you need time to center your soul around thoughts of peace and hope, or if you just want a "time out" from everything being asked of you, please consider attending this special service.

Invite a friend – all are welcome!

Mission and Service Building relationships, serving others,

pursuing justice.

Gifts of Food Collection Update Thanks a ton….literally! The first Advent Mission Extravaganza, a Drive-Up Food Collection for St. Joe's Food Pantry, brought in over half a ton of food - 1,100 lbs. to be exact. We also collected $330 in cash, check and gift card donations! The Mission and Service Committee is so grateful to our church community for their expression of love for their neighbors.

Advent Mission Extravaganza Sundays during Advent

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Our 2020 Advent Mission Extravaganza extends the reach of our Alternative Christmas Market by targeting specific needs that can be met immediately through in-kind donations. Each Sunday in Advent, you can drive through the church parking lot from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM and donate an item that will be delivered to local organizations by our Mission and Service team. If you’d like to make your donation in honor of someone on your Christmas list, we’ll provide a description of your donation for you to give to the recipient.

December 6: Gifts of Toys Then he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. (Mark 10:16)

14

Your donation of a new, unwrapped toy will be delivered to Harbor House or the Salvation Army. Toys for any age and gender are welcome for the Toys for Tots program at the Salvation Army. Harbor House requests are: • gift cards to Target, Walmart,

Amazon, VISA, Woodman's and Pick n’ Save

• family board games • art and craft supplies • baby dolls (all races) • LEGOS • picture frames • adult crafting kits • science kits

December 13: Gifts of Warmth Happy are those who consider the poor; the Lord delivers them in the day of trouble. (Psalm 41:1)

In anticipation of our Gifts of Warmth collection on December 13, we encourage our knitters to knit hats, mittens, scarves and prayer shawls; our sewers to sew protective face masks; and our crafters to craft fleece blankets. The rest of us are encouraged to purchase hats, mittens, scarves or face masks for this special drive. Materials for blankets will be available for pick up from the church on December 6. We ask that you bring finished blankets back to church the following Sunday, December 13. Limit: two blanket kits per family. We will collect all gifts of warmth on Sunday, December 13 in the church

parking lot between 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Please wear a mask! These gifts will be delivered to Pillars and Harbor House. Some of the fleece blankets will be reserved for later distribution to Habitat for Humanity homes. Your donation of handmade or purchased hats, mittens, scarves, face masks, fleece blankets, and prayer shawls will be delivered to a variety of local agencies.

December 20: Gifts for a Home “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23)

Your donation of twin sheets, twin mattress pads and waterproof covers, pillows, laundry baskets, and laundry detergent will be donated to Pillars and Project NOAHH. *** If you prefer to make a cash donation to an organization that serves people in our local community, across the country, and around the world, see the online Alternative Christmas Market.

TODAY: Virtual Fellowship with Rev. Steve Savides p. 6TODAY: Sanctuary Choir Major Works in Worship p. 12TODAY: Advent Mission Extravaganza - Gifts of Toys Collection p. 13-14TODAY: Drive-thru Communion (11:00 AM-12:00 in Main Parking Lot)TODAY: Sunday School at Home Kit Distribution p. 11TODAY: Congregational Meeting p. 6TODAY: Fleece Pick-up for Gifts of Warmth Collection p. 14December 13: Advent Mission Extravaganza - Gifts of Warmth Collection p. 14December 13: Hanging of the Greens p. 12December 14: Grief Support Group p. 10December 17: “Blue Christmas” Service on Facebook Live at 7:00 PM p. 13Donating to First Congregational UCCLand AcknowledgementOnline Streaming and PodcastingOnline Documents and InformationThe Order of WorshipINTRODUCTORY SENTENCESREADING OF SCRIPTURE Isaiah 9:6-7LIGHTING OF THE CANDLEUNISON PRAYERJoin us for a Zoom Fellowship and Talk Back with Rev. Steve Savides immediately after worship today at:OFFICIAL NOTICEGrief Support GroupAdvent Mission Extravaganza Sundays during Advent 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM