Fourth Sunday of Advent Service of Readings & Carols

December 18, 2016 10:00 AM Worship

No matter who you are, No matter where you are On life’s journey, You are welcome here.

Worship begins with chimes. The prelude is a time of reflection and preparation for the worship of God.

Please silence cell phones. Bibles for use during worship are available at each entrance to the Sanctuary.

THOUGHT FOR PREPARATION

“The mystery of God only grows at Christmas. For the most mysterious person is not the one furthest from us, but the one right at our side.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

PRELUDE Infant Holy, Infant Lowly K. Chapman Kevin Dzierzawski, organ

CHIMES CHORAL INTROIT The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns Irish Carol Chancel Choir

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Jeff Carlson

* WELCOMING EACH OTHER * CALL TO WORSHIP

One: Have no fear! All: Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all people. One: Good will visit us! Day will dawn upon us! All: A child shall be born unto us! One: Christ the Lord, the light of the world! All: It is almost Christmas! Christmas is almost here. Amen.

* Please stand if you are able to do so.

* HYMN The First Nowell The first Nowell, the angels did say, was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel. They looked up and saw a star shining in the east, beyond them far, And to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel. And by the light of that same star three wise men came from country far; To seek for a king was there intent, and to follow the star wherever it went. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell. Born is the King of Israel. This star drew nigh to the northwest, O’er Bethlehem it took its rest, And there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel. Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heav’nly Lord, That hath made heav’n and earth of naught, And with his blood mankind hath bought. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell. Born is the King of Israel.

ANTHEM Away in a Manger Traditional Carol

Kinderchapel Singers

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby wakes

But little Lord Jesus no crying He makes I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky

And stay by my side 'til morning is nigh. SCRIPTURE Luke 1:25-35; 2:1-7

CAROL Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by: Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light; The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

ANTHEM Baby in a Manger J. Paul Williams Children's Choir and Douglas Nolan Nancy Voigts, director; Karen Johnson, piano

Baby, lying in a manger, Cradled on a bed of straw. Baby, lying in a manger, Jesus, the Lord of all.

Angels on that night, robed with heaven's light, Sang the news in one accord.

Come and see the baby in a manger, Christ the Lord.

Baby, lying in a manger, As the prophets had foretold. Baby, lying in a manger, Soon the world would know.

As the angels sing, Earth receives her King. Peace and joy are now restored.

Come and see the baby in a manger, Christ the Lord.

O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him.

O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Come and see the baby in a manger, Christ the Lord. Christ the Lord.

READING “Christmas Angels” Avena Ward SCRIPTURE Luke 2:8-14

* CAROL It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth, to touch their harps of gold: “Peace on the earth, good will to all, from heaven’s all gracious King.” The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.

ANTHEM Born In Bethlehem arr. Mary McDonald Pauls People Kecia Waldschmidt, director

There's a star in the East on Christmas morn, Rise up, shepherd, and follow that star.

Shepherd, go where I send thee.

How shall I send thee? I'm gonna send thee one by one,

One for the little bitty baby Born, born in Bethlehem.

Shepherd, go where I send thee.

How shall I send thee? I'm gonna send thee two by two,

Two for Mary and Joseph, One for the little bitty baby Born, born in Bethlehem.

Shepherd, go where I send thee.

How shall I send thee? I'm gonna send thee three by three,

Three for the magi from the East, Two for Mary and Joseph,

One for the little bitty baby Born, born in Bethlehem.

Follow, rise up, shepherd and follow.

Follow the star to the tiny baby, Born, born in the Bethlehem.

Shepherd, go where I send thee. How shall I send thee?

I'm gonna send you four by four, Four for the angels and so much more.

I'm gonna send thee three by three, Three for the magi from the East,

Two for Mary and Joseph,

One for the little bitty baby Born, born in Bethlehem. He was born, born in Bethlehem!

READING “Henry and Otis” Jeff Carlson CAROL Silent Night

Silent night, holy night, all is calm; all is bright. ‘Round yon virgin, mother and child, holy infant so tender and mild; Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

SCRIPTURE Luke 2:15-20

* CAROL Angels We Have Heard on High Angels we have heard on high sweetly singing o'er the plains, and the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains. Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be, which inspire your heavenly song? Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing, Come, adore on bended knee, Christ, the Lord, the newborn King. Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

READING “Mistakes are Better” Matt Fitzgerald CAROL O Christmas Tree

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches! O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches! In beauty green will always grow through summer sun and winter snow. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches!

ANTHEM Rejoice! Richard Smallwood Joyful Sounds Brendan Henry and Kris Hansen, directors

Refrain - Rejoice! Rejoice!

For unto you this day, in the City of Judah,

Is born a Savior, which is Christ, the Lord. And the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name is Wonderful Counselor! Refrain

He is born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger. He's the Son of David, the seed of Abraham.

He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the everlasting Father! Refrain

He is the mighty God, our strong Deliverer.

He is the Prince of Peace, our newborn Savior. He is the mighty God, our strong Deliverer.

He is the Prince of Peace, our newborn Savior.

Refrain Rejoice! Rejoice! (All ye people)

Rejoice! Ev'rybody, ev'rybody, rejoice!

SCRIPTURE Matthew 2:1-12 READING “The Best Present” Sarah Garcia

* CAROL Hark the Herald Angels Sing Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth, and mercy mild; God and sinners reconciled.” Joyful all ye nations rise; Join the triumph of the skies; With th’angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem” Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new born King.”

OFFERTORY I Believe This Is Jesus African-American Spiritual Nathan Streeter, tenor arr. Undine Smith Moore Chancel Choir

I believe this is Jesus;

Come and see, come and see.

The light of God shines in his face, Come and see, come and see.

He offers all his pardoning grace; Come and see, come and see.

I believe this is Jesus;

Come and see, come and see. COMMISSIONING OF STEPHEN MINISTERS PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Avena Ward THE LORD’S PRAYER

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.

HYMN Good Christian Friends, Rejoice Black Hymnal No. 129

Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice, Give you heed to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today! Ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now. Christ is born today! Christ is born today!

Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; Now you know of endless bliss; Jesus Christ was born for this! God has opened Heaven’s door and you are blessed forevermore. Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this! Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; Now you need not fear the grave. Jesus Christ was born to save! Calls you one and calls you all to gain his everlasting hall!

Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save! * BENEDICTION * CHORAL BENEDICTION

Joy to the world! The Lord is come. Let earth receive her King; Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room;

And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n and nature sing. And heav’n and heav’n and nature sing.

POSTLUDE Vom Himmel Hoch J. Pachelbel Kevin Dzierzawski, organ

Following Worship, all are invited for coffee and snacks downstairs in the Social Hall.

TODAY’S WORSHIP LEADERS: Head Usher: Beatrice Jaji Ushers: Gloria Joseph, Fred Pearson, Bruce Voice Acolyte Coordinators: Micki Fayhee, Cindy Zinn Ball Acolytes: Hannah Fitzgerald, Isaiah Fitzgerald Head Greeter: Greg Mooney Special Accommodations: Dodd Brown ADVENT WREATH - Each week during Advent we light another candle in our advent wreath to anticipate the coming of Christ, the light of the world. These candles symbolize the gifts of hope, love, joy and peace that Christ's coming brings. This year our Advent wreath is being lit by St. Pauls Stephen Ministers, lay people who have been trained to bring God’s gifts to people needing someone to walk with them through difficult passages in their lives. Today, Barb Kaiser lights the candle of Love at the 10:00 AM service.

BORN THIS WEEK IN DECEMBER

Donations to the Birthday Fund support A Just Harvest

We celebrate and give thanks for your life at St. Pauls.

December 18: Susanne Baker, Irene Beck, Joyce Groth, Brooke McGuire, Clark Tavas

December 19: Nancy Brandt, Lynsey Honegger

December 20: Lydia Miller

December 21: Sara Nagy

December 22: Kristie Bergeron

December 23 Heather Cerkan, John Cochran, Kristy Combs, Dale Smith

December 24: Amy Gollins, Ainslie Granzetto, McKenzie Liebergen, Elsie Wachter

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE CHURCH BUILDING WILL BE CLOSED on December 26-27 in observance of the

Christmas holiday.

VISIT ST. PAULS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MARKET TODAY after the 10:00 service of

Readings and Carols. We have a wonderful selection of new (with tags still on) stuffed animals and

dolls. Also be sure to visit the Polar Peace March Photo Booth. Grab one of our “Start the Love”

signs and take your photo with the Polar Peace Bear to post on social media. It’s a great way to invite

your friends to join us on January 15 for our 1.5 mile March through Lincoln Park honoring Dr.

Martin Luther King and his legacy of peace while raising awareness of the good work UCAN is doing

in Chicago.

NIGHT MINISTRY STOCKINGS - Our annual stocking stuffer drive for the youth staying at the

Crib shelter has ended. Please return your stocking stuffer to the office, TODAY.

ST. PAULS SOCIAL - Are you interested in getting better acquainted with other adults at St.

Pauls? "St. Pauls Social" is starting up in 2017, and we're hoping to have one social event planned

each month for adults of all ages. Interested in planning one month's event? Think easy, inexpensive

and casual like game night, ice skating, movie night, bowling, wine tasting. If you'd like to get

involved or find out more, contact Jen Luerssen, jenluerssen@yahoo.com and stay tuned for our first

event!

POLAR PEACE MARCH® TO BENEFIT UCAN on Sunday, January 15, 2017. This family

friendly event will start at 4:00 PM with a program in the Sanctuary honoring Dr. Martin Luther

King, Jr. and his legacy of peace followed by the 1.5 mile March. The evening concludes with a cup

of soup in the Gym. Invite friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to be a part of your team for

this fun and inspirational event. Funds raised will benefit UCAN and its violence prevention

initiative in Chicago. We can make a difference!

Go to www.polarpeacemarch.org by December 31, 2016 to register for a chance to win a

$500 Target gift card!

Raise $100 in donations by January 13, 2017 for a chance to win 4 tickets behind home

plate to see the 2016 World Series Champion CHICAGO CUBS on July 4, 2017!

You can also volunteer, start or join a team for the March, donate, or get more

information about UCAN.

SYRIAN REFUGEE FAMILY UPDATE - The Karnaba family is adapting to their new life.

However, the parents need employment right away. Aiman, the father, has carpentry/home and

furniture repair skills. Basema, the mother, is interested in working in a hair salon. If you have any

potential leads that do not require strong English skills please contact Pastor Jeff

jcarlson@spucc.org.

ADVENT LABYRINTH MEDITATION - Wednesday, December 21, 6:00 PM in the Gym. Take a

meditative walk into the heart of the Labyrinth on the Winter Solstice. With this meditation we carry

our desires and anticipation of the Light coming into the world into the center of the Labyrinth

(symbolizing the heart of God) and return bearing a lit candle (symbolizing the incarnation of Christ

for our world). Enjoy fellowship and a cookie reception afterwards

FIRST WEDNESDAY LUNCH will resume in February 2017.

ALL CHURCH RETREAT - SIGN UP NOW - August 4-6, 2017 at the beautiful Lakeside Inn in

Lakeside, MI. A weekend of fun, relaxation and bonding with your church family. All ages

welcome. $300 per room includes 2 nights lodging, 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts. Financial assistance

available. Sign up by December 15 on our website. Contact Pastor Sarah sgarcia@spucc.org for

more information.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE - We will continue to pass along information in our Friday emails

regarding the CMH Redevelopment. If you would like to receive up-to-the-minute information from

the McCaffrey website, you can do so by visiting mi-cmh.com and clicking on project updates in the

top right corner.

The "Lincoln Common" parking lot (formerly known as the CMH parking lot) is now a pay lot.

However, St. Pauls worshippers are able to park free of charge from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM on

Sundays. The pay terminal has now been installed in the parking lot but will not be monitored

between those hours. We will receive instructions from the parking garage about how to validate

parking for St. Pauls members. If you park in the lot before 8:00 AM or after 1:00 PM you will be

required to pay.

GET YOUR NEW NAMETAG! - Wearing a name tag is one of the most faithful things you can do

on Sunday morning! Forgetting someone's name is so uncomfortable. And when we squirm in church

we don't experience God's love clearly. Help our guests and members get closer to God. Tell them

your name with a Saint Pauls name tag. To get a new name tag sign up on the table in the Narthex or

email Maribell at mruiz@spucc.org in the church office.

BOOK NOOK - Please help yourself to any of the books on the book case in the Social Hall.

There is no need to return the book after you’ve read it – simply pass it on to someone else. If you

want to donate a book, place it on the top shelves labeled “New Arrivals.” However, we cannot

accommodate more than one bag of books from any one donor. General fiction, broad interest non-

fiction, youth and children books are ideal. Audio and large print books are always appreciated. If

you have any questions or comments, contact Tilly Wilhoite at Tilly1017@gmail.com

WANT MORE VARIETY AT COFFEE HOUR? - Sign up to bring it at http://bit.ly/1RtSUuH.

ALTAR FLOWER SIGN UP - If you would like to purchase flowers for the altar please go to our

link at http://tinyurl.com/h55pl82 and sign up. Thank you!

JOINING ST. PAULS CHURCH

ONE-SESSION NEW MEMBER CLASS - January 29, 2017, 12:30 PM in the Parlor. Learn more

about St. Pauls’ 173-year ministry of Making a Joyful Sound in the City, meet others exploring

membership, find out what we believe and how you can become more engaged. New Members join

on February 12, 2017. The next class is scheduled for Sunday, March 19, 2017. Contact Pastor Matt at

mfitzgerald@spucc.org to be registered.

FAITH FORMATION

SUNDAYS, 9:30 AM, Adult Faith Formation in the Parlor:

TODAY THRU JANUARY 1 - NO SUNDAY MORNING FAITH FORMATION

NEW BOOK STUDY, LUTHER: BETWEEN GOD AND THE DEVIL starts January 14, 2017 and

occurs monthly, every second Saturday until May 13, 10:00 AM in the Parlor. Marking the

500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, Harvard historian Heiko Oberman’s book helps us

gain perspective on what is enduring about Luther and the Reformation and what is not. Steve

Peterson will lead us in a discussion of music, vitriolic polemic, grace, nationalism, views on Islam,

social media, church and anxiety. Like Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, only on Luther and without

the dancing. Part I, pp. 1-110. RSVP to Steve Peterson at sspeterson01@gmail.com.

SATURDAY BIBLE STUDY- MICAH - This prophet goes barefoot and naked to get the attention

of corrupt politicians, corrupt courts, and corrupt clergy. You're welcome to come fully clothed to our

study of Micah, famous for the words we hear at Christmas that the Messiah would be born in

Bethlehem. Saturday January, 10:00 AM in the Parlor.

THE REALLY LONG, WORTHWHILE NOVEL READING GROUP - (AKA I Will if You

Will) - will be reading through Moby Dick and Anna Karenina in 2017, six months with each. First

discussion of Moby Dick will be on Tuesday, January 24. If you'd like to join the group please

contact Pastor Jeff Carlson, jcarlson@spucc.org.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT - Visit our Food for Thought blog to find a weekly thought provoking

article at http://www.spucc.org/blogs/food-for-thought.

UCC DAILY DEVOTIONAL - The UCC publishes a daily online devotional that arrives in your

inbox today, tomorrow, every single day! Devotions are short, fewer than 300 words, and feature

some of the UCC's most insightful voices, including our own Pastor Matt. To register for the Still

Speaking Daily Devotional: http://www.ucc.org/daily_devotional.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

NO CHURCH SCHOOL OR CHILDCARE on December 25. Children are invited to attend to

worship and are encourage to come in their cozy pajamas. Childcare will be available on New Years

Day but there will not be Church School.

BIBLE STORY THEATRE rehearsals will begin January 8 and take place each Sunday morning

from 9:45 to 11:00 AM, leading up to the performance on February 5. All students in junior

kindergarten up through high school are encouraged to be part of this creative adventure, where we

will bring the story of Tobit to life through song, dance and drama.

YOUTH MISSION TRIP - You chose South Dakota!!! Youth in 8th through 12th grade are invited

to be part of this awesome adventure to serve those in need on the Lakota reservation in South

Dakota. Trip dates are June 24 to July 2, 2017. Contact Pastor Sarah to apply sgarcia@spucc.org.

YOUTH ROCK CLIMBING NIGHT is being rescheduled for Thursday, January 5, 2:00 - 4:00 PM

at First Ascent, 3516 North Spaulding Ave., Chicago, IL. Contact Pastor Sarah at sgarcia@spucc.org.

LITTLE LIGHTS is a preschool program in a progressive Christian environment. Classes for 2 and

3-year-olds meet at St. Pauls Nursery. We are a program built to encourage independence,

socialization, and introduce basic classroom routine to prepare for further education. Classes are held

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. We currently have only 2 spaces available for

January 2017. For more information, or to download the application,

visit http://www.spucc.org/littlelights or email Leigh Borge at lborge@spucc.org.

WATERPARK WINTER RETREAT – 8-12 graders, February 24 – 25. Meet at church at 5:00 PM

on Friday, February 24. We will return by 8:00 PM the following day. For more information, contact

Pastor Sarah, sgarcia@spucc.org.

PARENTS OF LITTLE ONES

For more information contact, Corie Gallemore at corie.gallemore@gmail.com.

ST. PAULS PLAY GROUP for children from birth to 3-years-old in the church Nursery and

Toddler Room. Drop in anytime from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Wednesdays.

YOUNG ADULTS

A group for fun and fellowship for folks in their twenties and thirties. All are welcome!

Email youngadults@spucc.org to be added to the mailing list.

CRAFT BEER NIGHT - Saturday, January 21, 7:30 PM - Come join us as we sample a variety of

craft beers at Jen Kew and Jon Pagac's place. They'll provide the beer - please bring a snack to share.

If you have a beer you've been wanting to share with fellow beer nerds, you can bring it but please

bring no more than one beer. RSVP to the Punchbowl invitation, which also has the address. If you

did not receive an evite or have questions, please email youngadults@spucc.org.

MONTHLY BRUNCH – Sunday, January 22, 12:00 PM – Join us for brunch after the 11:00 AM

service. We are resuming our monthly brunches after the holiday season. We will gather during Social

Hour and walk to Hopcat, 2577 N. Clark Street. Contact Hannah Basil at youngadults@spucc.org

with questions and to RSVP.

FUTURE EVENTS – Volunteers needed! Do you have ideas for an event you'd like to organize?

Maybe it's exploring a new neighborhood, seeing a show, hosting a game night, attending a wine

tasting or completing a 5K. The group needs your help. At this point, no events beyond what you are

currently reading about are planned. Pick a date, coordinate the details, write a description for the

bulletin and newsletters and share with Hannah Basil at youngadults@spucc.org. She will promote to

the wider group and help make the event a success!

LAY CARE GIVING

STEPHEN MINISTRY AT ST. PAULS - Today we commission four new Stephen Ministers,

making a total of 10 serving our congregation of nearly 1200 persons. Those who’ve completed the

50 hours of training and are serving the congregation say their faith has deepened as a result. If you’re

feeling called to explore Stephen Ministry speak to Pastor Avena (award@spucc,org) or one of the

Stephen Leaders, Marti Pechnyo (mpechnyo@gmail.com) or Diana Laskaris

(dianaminlead@gmail.com).

CONNECTORS provide networking and support for members and friends of St. Pauls. We send

cards and care packages, make telephone calls, provide food and meals, give rides to doctor’s

appointments and the store. Membership is open to all who have the time and the inclination to help.

Meetings are held once a month, except in July and December.

OUTREACH

SPONSOR VIOLENCE PREVENTION - Does your employer make grants to charitable

organizations doing good work in Chicago? We are looking for sponsors for our January 15th Polar

Peace March to support the violence prevention initiatives of UCAN. For more information, contact

Jan Bail janbail@me.com or Pastor Jeff Carlson jcarlson@spucc.org.

EMERGENCY DISASTER ASSISTANCE is being solicited to areas affected by Hurricane

Matthew. The UCC Disaster Response Network is helping. If you can contribute go to

https://transactions.ucc.org/CampaignForm/UCChrist/emergency_usa or mail a check to United

Church of Christ, c/o Financial Services Office, 700 Prospect Ave, Cleveland OH 44115.

LINCOLN PARK COMMUNITY SHELTER NEEDS OVERNIGHT VOLUNTEERS -

You aren’t expected to stay up all night: you can choose to sleep or use the late-night time to catch up

on quiet projects. We have several open shifts (9:00 PM - 6:30 AM weekdays, 9:00 PM – 8:00 AM

weekends) in the next few weeks. Contact the Volunteer Manager, Fawn O’Brien, to sign up:

volunteer@lpcsonline.org 773-549-6111.

FEED THE HUNGRY - Community Engagement Project (CEP) Sunday Supper - Each week St.

Pauls welcomes homeless and hungry people to Sunday dinner. As an outreach program of the

Lincoln Park Community Shelter, this meal is for those on the LPCS waiting list and others struggling

with housing.

St. Pauls provides volunteers to prepare and serve about 40 people every week! If you would like to

cook and serve, contact Brent Carstensen at bcarstensen@ameritech.net. Volunteers arrive at 3:00

PM, serve at 4:30 PM, and clean up by 5:00 PM - no experience required. Childcare is provided for

those who need it at the church every second Sunday. To sign up for a Sunday with childcare, contact

Pastor Sarah at sgarcia@spucc.org.

SARAH’S SISTERS gather every Wednesday morning to make 40 bag lunches to be distributed to

the homeless at the Fullerton Avenue door. Come to the church kitchen at 9:30 AM, no need to

RSVP.

COLLEEN HENRY WRITING CENTER NEEDS A FEW TUTORS - CAN YOU

VOLUNTEER? Do you like to be with high school students? Do you remember how hard it was to

get started writing an essay? We could really use you if you have some time to give to the Writing

Center at Lincoln Park High School, where kids learn to do the kind of writing that will help them in

college and in the workplace. Training is available. And the payback comes from the faces of the

students when they "get it." If you can help with this project initiated by St. Pauls, please contact St.

Pauls member Nancy Brandt, nhbrandt@sbcglobal.net.

FAITH AND PUBLIC ISSUES

DISCUSS FENCES WITH LINCOLN PARK HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS, Tuesday evening,

February 7 at LPHS. St. Pauls members purchased copies of August Wilson’s play Fences for the

English Department at LPHS and now we have an opportunity to discuss the play with the teachers

before they work with the students who will read it. This conversation will continue our

understanding of the impact of race as a social construction. In preparation, read Fences at St.

Pauls on Friday, January 20, 6:00 PM with members of Faith and Public Issues. To join the

conversation RSVP to Toby Rogers (toby@rogers-home.com).

PUBLIC ISSUES THAT MAKE US THINK - Our Faith and Public Issues Task Force

plans Sunday afternoon programs in the fall and spring. If you would like to join the Task Force

and help us plan, please contact co-chair Toby Rogers, toby@rogershome.com.

PUBLIC ISSUES TO PONDER - Check the Public Issues rack on the bulletin board in the

hallway outside the Sanctuary for articles relating to emergent public issues.

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS CALENDAR

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 TODAY Fourth Sunday of Advent - Lighting the Candle of Love

ONE SERVICE 9:00AM Christmas Re-Gifting Market

Proceeds will benefit the Polar Peace March.

10:00 AM One Service: Reading and Carols

No Church School

Commissioning Stephen Ministers

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 Winter Solstice and Labyrinth Walk, 6:00 PM in the Gym

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 Christmas Eve

5:00 PM Christmas Family Service

Homemade Nativity, carols and a chance for

children to become part of the Christmas story.

Invite a friend!

9:00 PM Candlelight Service

Christmas story, carols, candles, sermon and

choir. Invite a friend!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25 Christmas Day

ONE SERVICE 10:00 AM One Worship Service

No Church School/Nursery Closed

Children are invited to wear their pajamas.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1 New Years Day

ONE SERVICE 10:00 AM One Worship Service

No Church School

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 Polar Peace March, 4:00 PM in the Sanctuary & Gym

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS

Please send any announcements you would like in the following week’s bulletin to

announcements@spucc.org no later than 10:00 AM on Tuesday. Please limit announcements to

70 words. Thank you.

SAINT PAULS PRAYS

• Animals suffering in the cold.

• Bonnie, Rafa, and Brandon Brill at the death of husband and father, Mike Brill.

• Ed Zasadil recovering from another fall.

• Charles May at the death of his father.

• Jennifer Heiney and her family at the passing of her grandmother.

• Jan Womack as her mother enters hospice.

• Prayer for Edward Wosylus’ brother, Bill, on the loss of his wife.

• Rob and Shannon Castle at the death of Rob’s father on Thanksgiving.

• Cheryl Kennedy’s brother in law, Jim.

• Betty Voice, at St. Pauls House, after additional surgery on her knee.

• Dirk R. and family, uncle of Laura Nowack, who has multiple myeloma.

• Betty Beckers recovering from an infection.

• Abby, granddaughter of Penny Trowbridge’s friend Dorne, who has leukemia and is in hospice.

• Sylvia Pine’s grandfather, Terry Barton, recovering from strokes.

• Edith, Anita, Kim and all others who struggle with chronic pain and progressive illnesses.

• Carlos and Cynthia Cata’s friend, a mother of three with stage 4 lung cancer.

• Candi Huber's niece, Kathryn, continuing treatments for cancer.

• Juanita Barlow’s aunt, Sol; her grandchildren’s other grandmother, Rose, with cancer.

• Michelle’s friends Michael, Chris and Jerry, all sick with chronic illnesses.

• Diane Massie’s friend, Ashley, battling brain cancer and in need of a miracle.

• Lorri Gunn Wirsum, for her husband, Karl Wirsum, and her brother, Jim.

• Mary Train and her nephew Carl and family.

• Philip Smedley’s father, for health issues.

• Jonah, Sean and Kevin and all homeless individuals with mental illness living in this city.

• For all those touched by violence in Chicago.

• The Renfrow family as they walk with Wayne, in hospice care.

• Del Arsenault, in hospice care at home.

• Carole Crowley recovering from a stroke.

• Steve Warsh, undergoing chemotherapy.

• Tom Palkon being treated for cancer.

• For young adults as they try to make their way in life moving away (physically) from family.

• For those involved in research trying to find a cure for cancer.

• Those killed and injured in terrorist attacks around the world and all others in need of prayer.

• All service members and their loved ones before, during and after deployment.

(Prayer cards are available in the pew racks. Fill one out and drop it in the offering plate.)

NEARLY 1 IN 5 ADULTS STRUGGLE WITH A MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE. Contact one of

the pastors today for information about mental healthcare advocacy and resources that can help you

and your loved ones. Contact information for the pastors is at the back of this bulletin.

NOTES

ABOUT ST. PAULS Making a joyful sound in the city

Saint Pauls UCC has a vibrant history in the city of Chicago. Founded in 1843,

we are one of the city's oldest churches. In 1989 we became one of America's

first congregations to declare ourselves "Open to and Affirming of” LGBT

women and men.

From founding Chicago's largest provider of social services to at-risk children

to starting a home for the elderly, from housing protestors at the 1968

Democratic Convention to hosting Lincoln Park's first MLK day march against

violence on Chicago's streets we are proud to make a joyful sound in the city.

Most importantly, over the past 172 years we are glad to have introduced

thousands of children and adults to the amazing, inclusive, life changing,

uplifting love of God. We do so in worship that is traditional, but far from

conventional.

St. Pauls United Church of Christ 2335 North Orchard Street Chicago, Illinois 60614

(773) 348-3829 FAX (773) 348-3858

www.spucc.org

Matt Fitzgerald, Senior Pastor, mfitzgerald@spucc.org

Avena Ward, Associate Pastor, award@spucc.org

Jeff Carlson, Associate Pastor, jcarlson@spucc.org

Sarah Garcia, Associate Pastor for Children and Youth, sgarcia@spucc.org

Tom Henry, Pastor Emeritus, emeritushenry@gmail.com

Kurt R. Hansen, Music Director, kurtsingsbach@gmail.com

Kevin Dzierzawski, Organist, kdzierza@att.net

Brendan Henry, Pianist, brendanphenry@hotmail.com

Nancy Voigts, Children’s Choir Director, nvoigtsgod@att.net

Kecia Waldschmidt, Youth Choir Director, keciagerman@hotmail.com

Karen E. Johnson, Joyful Sounds Choir Director, kejpiano@aol.com

Mark Mosley, Intergenerational Orchestra Director, mwmosley@gmail.com

Kevin O’Brien, Lay Liturgical Administrator, kob48@att.net

Free Parking is available on Sundays at Children’s Memorial Hospital

2300 Block of North Lincoln Ave. – Vouchers Not Needed

WELCOME TO SAINT PAULS UCC!

Welcome to those whose hearts are on fire with faith,

and to those who bring their doubt inside our doors.

Welcome to our first time guests and

our longtime members.

Welcome to single people, tiny children,

grandparents and families of all configurations.

Welcome to those who rejoice and to those who grieve.

Welcome to each and to everyone.

We are an Open and Affirming church.

We welcome all.

We are blessed by your presence and

we are glad you are here!