Upcoming Sundays at UPUCC

December 4 The Sunday of Peace- “Let no man pull you low enough to hate him.” (Doug looks to the words, life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. on this Sunday we seek the coming of peace.) Communion will be celebrated. December 11 The Sunday of Joy- Traditionally, Epiphany is the season that we celebrate the ‘manifestation’ of the Christ-child to all the world. On December 11, we have a foretaste. Rumor has it there will be much joy shared in special song. And a special forum follows in which Deborah Royals (Artistic Director of The Justice Theater Project) leads in a discussion of Langston Hughes and “Black Nativity.” December 18 The Sunday of Love- Children’s Pageant. Children and youth will lead the telling of the story for all to hear and see how the light of God’s love shines through the faces of our children. More details on page four. December 24 Lessons, Carols and Candlelight- 5 p.m. Our traditional service of readings and Christmas carols telling the story of Jesus’ birth. The UPUCC Choir will provide special music. December 25 An Intimate Gathering on Christmas Morning Given the Christmas Eve Service the evening prior and the reality that many families celebrate Christmas morning in their homes, we are assuming our worship attendance this day will be relatively small. Still, we invite all who choose to gather for an intimate circle of song, sharing and special music. January 1 New Year’s Communion- What more appropriate way to begin the New Year? We join in communion with God and each other, resolving to better ‘live out’ our Covenant in 2017.

December 2016 8208 Brownleigh Drive

Raleigh, NC 27617

www.upucc.org

umstead park U N I T E D C H U R C H o f C H R I S T a thoughtful and progressive community of faith F

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UPUCC Faith in Action

Hurricane Matthew Clean Up

We plan to spend the day in and around Lumberton, NC.

Saturday, December 3 8:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

Start and end at the UPUCC parking lot. Can you assist?

Sign Up Genius click here

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from doug

A Plea for Civility, a Call to Vigilance, and a determination to “Be the Church!”

(The following summarizes Doug Long’s sermon from November 20th. To find that sermon in full, link here.)

I will not beat around the bush. The recent election has upended progressive persons of faith. There can be no denying that our spirits are deeply troubled. …and where do we go from here?

May I be so bold as to suggest that the progressive church must take a stance of civil vigilance?

We cannot expect civility from those who disagree with us if we are not willing to offer civility ourselves. And here’s the thing… not all persons who voted for Trump embraced everything Trump said.

Like it or not, President-elect Trump crafted a message that included more than bigotry. -He galvanized persons from the rust belt concerned about their livelihood

and persons with a grave distrust of all things Washington and people fearful of ISIS

and more.

As Rupert Nacoste said, “Mr. Trump crafted a message that tapped into all of that. But since it was that complex, we must accept that not all those who voted for Mr. Trump voted to support his bigotry. It’s just not that simple.” https://www.thenubianmessage.com/2016/11/16/guest-column-trump-wins-hell-handbasket/

In our conversations with those who voted otherwise, we must be civil.

But civility alone is not enough. Civility alone is extremely dangerous. …because civility alone can lead to a gradual

acceptance and normalcy that we just have a disagreement of opinions. The progressive church cannot be so complacent as to allow this election to lead to a new normal. Because… we have now elected a voice that in many ways is anti to the Christ that we proclaim.

That may sound harsh… particularly in light of what I’ve just said about being civil, but hear me out.

The question now, post-election, is how we in the progressive church will forthrightly address the issues that rest deep

within the core of our souls.

Let us be clear: some of the rhetoric of Donald Trump has been antithetical to our proclamations of faith. Much of the United Church of Christ celebrated the articulation of “Being the Church” with the now well-known ‘Be the

Church’ banner. This banner has hung prominently in our worship space for more than a year.

Choose just a few of the points as they are ordered there and see how they stack up to the Trump rhetoric:

Protect the Environment.

-Said the President Elect… Global warming is a hoax… made up by China. Says www.Nasa.Gov. “Multiple studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals show that 97 percent or

more of actively publishing climate scientists agree: Climate-warming trends over the past century are

extremely likely due to human activities.”

Reject Racism.

President Elect Trump quickly appointed Stephen Bannon as chief White House strategist and senior counselor. Bannon is among the foremost voices of white nationalism now alive.

continued on next page

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continued from previous page

Embrace Diversity. Build a wall along the Mexican border? Deport all undocumented persons? Set up a registry for Muslims?

I’m not arguing that everything Trump has said or is saying is ludicrous… Let us be civil but let us also be clear that there are many crucially important issues that we will watch with vigilance.

The rhetoric has been too strong to ignore.

-The Vice President Elect has supported conversion therapy for the LGBT community. (…and he’s wasn’t talking about a religious conversion.)

-There can be no acceptance of women treated as subservient, sexual objects…

“Just rhetoric” some say… Then we must be vigilant that it remain ‘just’ rhetoric.

People of God… We cannot Be this Church and be complicit with much of the President-Elect’s rhetoric and action.

And here’s an important truth where civility and vigilance meet… If indeed, there are persons who support Trump, but not all of his bigotry, then we need to engage constructively those very persons so that together we can make sure

that the vulgar and bigoted rhetoric remains just rhetoric.

Recently a Serenity Prayer 2.0 has emerged. I don’t know the author but I’m drawn to its sentiment: “We no longer accept the things we cannot change.

We are changing the things we cannot accept.”

Civil Vigilance. And “What then?” you ask… “What comes after the vigilance?”

This is a good and appropriate question. And here’s my answer: I don’t know… yet. I invite you to help figure that out. The Adult Education Committee has carved out two formal times for us to struggle

with that… forums preceding worship on Dec. 4th and Dec. 18th.

Because we are now about the task of “changing the things we cannot accept.”

May God help us.

Amen.

December Forums Childcare provided for children under age six in the nursery.

December 4 - 9:30 a.m.

Post Election: America Divided, Part 1 We will gather to discuss the presidential election which

has left many Americans fearful and confused. What are

our immediate concerns as a faith community? How do

we assure that our space is safe for us as well as those

we welcome into our midst? How do we honor one

another’s voices, opinions and thoughts? How do we find

ways to support a just world for all? Doug Long

facilitating.

December 11 following worship

Sermon Talk Back: Black Nativity by Langston Hughes

Deb Royals, Artistic Director of The Justice Theater

Project facilitating. Langston Hughes was one of the most

important writers and thinkers of the Harlem Renaissance,

which was the African American artistic movement of the

1920s that celebrated black life and culture. Through his

poetry, novels, play, essays and children’s books, he

promoted equality, condemned racism and injustice and

celebrated African American humor, spirituality and life.

Potluck lunch co-sponsored by Fellowship and Adult Ed

committees– please bring enough food to share.

December 18 - 9:30 a.m.

Post Election: America Divided Part 2 We will continue our discussion from December 4, as well

as consider emergent events that could impact our

community, our state and our nation. Doug Long

facilitating.

December 25: Forum will not be held on Christmas

Day.

adult education

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upucc children & youth

Christmas Pageant, December 18 This Advent, our children and youth will offer their voices and presence during the December 18 worship service. Our production is adapted from a traditional Nativity pageant, "I

Will Play My Part," and we hope impresses on each and everyone

watching that we all have a part in the ongoing Christmas story.

Rehearsals will continue during Children's Church time (December 4 and 11), and at 9:30 a.m. on December 18. Following the program (incorporated into worship), our Fellowship Committee will provide a small reception so members and friends can greet the children. We would be delighted if your children would like to be included! If you have not already done so, Please email Rebecca at rebeccalvandorsten@gmail.com indicating your child(ren)'s interest in one of the following parts: If you have your own costume, please indicate such. We are hoping a few more animal costumes will emerge.

This is where we learn

more about God:

that God loves us and

cares for us;

and also the place

where we learn what

God wants us to do:

love each other and

take care of other

people. Every single person is

important to God.

-from the UPUCC

Children’s Covenant

Youth Schedule

Sunday, December 4 Middle School Youth 12-1:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 11

6:00-8:00 p.m. - High School Youth

Sunday, December 18

Youth Christmas Party-TBD

Sunday, December 25 No Youth Group. Merry Christmas!

Angel Magi Shepherd Animal Joseph Speaking Part Mary

building & grounds

Closing out 2016!

Stewardship and Finance Committee is closing out 2016. Contributions have been strong, and if November

and December work out as expected, we hope to finish the year with about $315-320,000 in donations.

That puts us on track toward rebuilding our Operating Fund balance. Thank you very much for your support.

And if anyone wants to make a final extra contribution, now is the time to do it to take the deduction on

your 2016 taxes!

Pledges continue to roll in. We have had 72 pledges for a total of about $217,000. We think there are 25-35

pledges still out there. (If you are a sustainer on automatic draft, we still need a confirmation of your

pledge.) Once we think we've gotten all our pledges in, we will put together a budget for 2017 to share with

the congregation. Refer to UPUCC.org/donate for pledge forms and time and talent forms.

And one last thing... If you would like to be recognized as a founder of the UPUCC Endowment Fund, we are

still taking donations. Special envelopes are available in the sanctuary. Minimum donation of $25 is

suggested.

Thanks to everyone for all of your financial and volunteering support in 2016! Happy holidays and Merry

Christmas!

Mark Stevens, Chair of Stewardship & Finance Committee

stewardship & finance

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Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Last month we heard lots of info about our budget and began our annual stewardship campaign. As Mark

Stevens so eloquently stated during his stewardship talk, use of our building is one of the ways we serve

our community. So please know that paying the bills is not just about "us" (UPUCC ) it's also about

"us" (our community and outreach).

In addition to the many projects we completed at the 10/15 Clean Up day, we have also recently:

Replaced the batteries in all of our emergency lights, repaired a leaky toilet in the nursery, patched a leak

on the roof (ladies restroom tiles will be replaced soon), repaired a rusted exterior door (rear of sanctuary),

had our carpets cleaned, and had a part replaced in the heating unit for the classrooms/offices. (this fix

was $1,100).

Since January 1, 2016 we have spent over $8,000 to maintain and repair our HVAC units. And we need to

patch areas of our parking lot, and repaint lines, but currently do not feel we have funds for this.

We also need to begin setting aside funds for new HVAC units. (BBH, our building partner, has already

replaced theirs). We have two units to replace. We are currently working to obtain a quote and will share

that with you ASAP.

I am telling you all of this, so you are in the loop, and can prayerfully considered your support of our

ministries, which includes making sure our space is maintained.

Sarah Hogan, Chair of Building & Grounds Committee

P.S. We save hundreds of dollars each month by cleaning our own space and making basic repairs. Thanks

to everyone who helps with these efforts!!

— 6 —

December 24 • 5:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve

Worship Service

Lessons, Carols & Candles

Caroling

Start tuning up your best

Christmas Carol voice, because

on December 18 at 5:30 p.m.

we will gather at UPUCC to

walk down the road to Healing

Transitions for a fun

evening of singing and cheer with the women there.

The more the merrier! Join us and get to know

friends from UPUCC and The Healing Place while

singing some of your favorite Christmas Carols.

Please bring cookies to share - bake or buy your

favorites and bring them along.

music and worship

We do not walk alone. God is present with us. We have not yet arrived. God continues to beckon. We seek no destination. The sacred journey is our home.

creativity group

Creativity Group

Thank you for all the October donations for our cards.

We are proud to have been able to contribute $500 to

help the Mastick family. Bulk orders for Christmas cards

will be accepted through December 4th. One of a kind

Christmas cards, as well as cards for other occasions,

are also available at our table. A few “extra” things to

purchase may also appear on our table from time to

time. Our table will be set out on Dec. 4, 11, and 18.

December donations will go towards the LGBTQ Center

in Durham and the LGBT Center in Raleigh to help cover

direct care needs.

We continue our monthly visits with the Healing

Transitions ladies. If you would like to be part of this

effort or learn more, please contact one of us to find out

the particular Wednesday afternoon we share time

there.

Janie Anderson Tricia Andrews Gail Holden Alice Jermyn Linda Parrish Marcia Welsh

fellowship

— 7—

Twenty Four Days of

Faith In Action for Advent

There are many ways to participate in

Advent - the season of waiting and

preparation for the celebration of the

Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. This year,

we have an opportunity to participate in a

way that shows our commitment to putting

our faith into action here at UPUCC.

We encourage all who wish to participate

(adults, children or families as a group) to

spend each day of Advent performing a

"faith in action" activity, no matter how

small this act may initially seem. See a

sample list of ideas (right) and feel free to

be creative in determining how you can

put your faith into action each day. There

will be a space here at UPUCC throughout

Advent to record what you've done the

prior week if you wish to share with

others. You are welcome to post notes or

even photos of your Advent service

activities for the prior week.

Neighbors in Need Update http://www.ucc.org/nin

On World Communion Sunday (October 2, 2016), UPUCC participated in the UCC Neighbors in Need special offering to

support ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. We are pleased to report that we collected

$507 to include in this offering. One-third of these funds will be used to support the Council for American Indian Ministry.

Two-thirds of the 2016 offering will be used by the UCC's Justice & Witness Ministries to support projects

addressing the issue of child hunger.

Healing Transitions Toy Drive Gift Ideas

Ages 5-6 Years: Dinosaur figures, Excavation kit, Racetrack, Princess doll, Playmobile, Dress up clothes/play jewelry, Legos, board games, books

Ages 7-10: Barbie, Apples to Apples (game), Boggle (game), Beads, Sleeping Pets, toy trucks, stuffed animals, dolls, friendship bracelet kits, action figures, Matchbox cars

Ages 11-13: Video games, football, basketball, soccer ball, model cars, remote control cars, makeup kits, jewelry,

hair accessories, manicure / pedicure kits, Young Adult books Ages 14-18: Books, Bocce ball set, football, basketball, soccer ball, video games, scrapbooking items, bath & shower

sets, jewelry, Gift Cards (Target, iTunes, etc.)

Healing Transitions Toy Drive

Last month, we announced our annual toy drive to benefit the children of Healing Transitions clients. If you took one of

the tags representing a child, please don't forget to bring that gift in by December 11th. Return your UNWRAPPED gift with the tag attached and place it under the tree in the atrium.

Remember the unwrapped aspect is the key. This gives the mothers the opportunity to pick out the gift they want

for their child and wrap it themselves. We are appreciative of the members of the UPUCC Creativity Group, who worked with the mothers at Healing Transitions to create this year's tags.

faith in action

all in the family

-Recognize our identity as global citizens, intimately tied to and partnered with all of God's children in every land;

-Demonstrate our concern for neighbor through service and prophetic voice; -Claim our inescapable connection with the sacred earth and all of creation; -Live justice as the social expression of love, and peace as the present manifestation of the world to come.

— 8 —

Newcomers & Inquirers Session December 4

For all curious people, Membership & Publicity Committee hosts a 30-minute session immediately following

the worship service in the church library. There will be a short presentation of the history of the UCC as well

as information about Umstead Park United Church of Christ. (These discussions are held most first Sundays

of the month. )

New Covenant Partners Look for more information about our new members in upcoming newsletters! Joining on November 27 were:

The UPUCC Youth Director Search Task Force is off and running and has now begun seeking

candidates for the position of part time youth director. In addition to traditional sources (The Southern

Conference UCC, area progressive churches and Divinity Schools) they seek your help in distributing a job

description to qualified applicants. The job description is posted on the UPUCC website.

The Task Force hopes to receive applications by December 10th and begin conducting interviews shortly

thereafter. …and you may be curious to know the makeup of the task force: Chairperson Amily McCool,

Greg Howes, two youth representatives, Lisa Hoskins, Paul Foglia, Margaret Gruen, Suzanne Ladd, and

Doug Long, ex officio.

upucc youth director search

membership & publicity

Bridget and Brian Spears Family

Keith and Julie Huestis Family

Alisa and Roma DeJoseph Family

— 9 —

Some Special Dates in the New Year

Interspiritual Contemplative Prayer Series Whether this last year was tumultuous or tremendous for you, January is a

good time to center deeply in the Oneness that is always present. At the

core of the Wisdom traditions are shared prayer practices leading to a deep

peace that renews us from the inside out. Beginning with a mini retreat and

followed by six weekly sessions, each meeting will explore a different

pathway and draw inspiration from a variety of faith traditions. No

experience necessary and open to friends and family from any (or no) faith.

Because each session builds upon the others, attendance for the whole

series is strongly requested.

For more information and to reserve your place, contact lynnmariecoye@gmail.com.

Schedule:

Lynn Coye is a ‘contemplative creative’ currently enrolled in One Spirit Interfaith Seminary. She leads workshops and retreats on creativity, spirituality, and life purpose that help people embrace the sacred, healing magic within and among us.

Saturday, January 21 Invitation to Join Women’s March on Washington

A mini-bus has been reserved to take all who are interested for a day trip to the Women's March on

Washington, Saturday, Jan 21, 2017. The cost is $73/seat. If cost is an issue but passion is not, we

have donations to cover a number of attendees. Reserve a seat now: lynnmariecoye@gmail.com.

Provide cash or check payable to Lynn Coye before December 20 to confirm your reservation. Again,

if you need financial assistance, don't hesitate to contact Lynn.

Sunday, January 28

Save the Date: Beyond Gun Violence

Details will be posted soon, but the Saturday workshop will feature local and national speakers. This is

a portion of a larger weekend of preaching and teaching around the cost of gun violence to our nation

and how we can bring about change. The Sat. event will take place at United Church Chapel Hill.

Sunday, January 29 - UPUCC Congregational Meeting

Following a potluck lunch, the congregation will be presented with the 2017 UPUCC Budget and several other items on which to discuss and vote.

looking ahead to 2017

Saturday, Jan. 7, 9:30 am–3:00 p.m. Opening Contemplative Retreat with brown-bag lunch

Saturday, January 14 10 a.m.-noon Contemplation through interior image

Friday, January 20 10 a.m.-noon Contemplation through scripture

Saturday, January 28 10 a.m.-noon Contemplation through movement

Saturday, February 4 10 a.m.0noon Contemplation through sound

Saturday, February 11 10 a.m.-noon Contemplation through doodling

Saturday, February 18 10 a.m.-noon Contemplation through visual image

— 10 —

December 4 Altar Prep: Eleanor Smith Communion Prep: Gwen Vass Coffee Set-Up: Philip Laura & Thaddeus Winbush Greeters: Chris Ousley, Learla Stefanics Ushers: Bill Yoder, Paul Buschkemper Sound System: Mark DeMario Auditor: Dan Harrell Assistant Treasurer: Tim Champion Clean-Team: Leslie & Mike Heavey, Edward McFarland, Phyllis Mueller, Miles Schumacher

December 11 Altar Prep: Leslie Heavey Coffee Set-Up: Miles & Julie Schumacher Greeters: TBD Ushers: Sally Bean & Todd Smith Sound System: Frank McKay Auditor: Martha Eller Assistant Treasurer: Gwen Vass Clean-Team: Mark DeMario, Dawn McCarthy, Chris Wilms, Marcia Welsh, Mary Pat Peters

December 18 Altar Prep: Eleanor Smith Coffee Set-Up: Roberta Ouellette Greeters: Learla Stefanics Ushers: Jeff & Gail Holden Sound System: Kristen Larsen Auditor: Betty Gatano Assistant Treasurer: Tim Champion Clean-Team: Tim Champion & Dan Harrell, Chris Ousley, Ada & Colin McKerrell

December 24-Christmas Eve Service 5:00 p.m. Ushers: TBD Assistant Treasurer: Chris Ousley

December 25 Altar Prep: Michael Lester Greeters: Miles & Julie Schumacher Ushers: TBD Sound System: Nevin Fouts Auditor: TBD Assistant Treasurer: Chris Ousley Clean-Team: Nevin & Carol Fouts, Scott Pope, Chuck Givens

sunday service calendar at upucc

Five Performances:

December 17-19

Stewart Theatre, NC State University

http://

www.thejusticetheaterproject.org/

-Seek, in our quest for truth, the presence of the divine: in worship and prayer;

in all of creation; in every person, sacred in worth; and in faiths and traditions other than our own;

while always appreciating with awe the mysteries inherent in life.

Black Nativity

by Langston Hughes

our wider community

— 11 —

First, a thank you to the many UPUCC volunteers who make Sunday mornings a pleasure!

Second, a request for those who might be available to increase our pool of Sunday and during-the-week volunteers especially for: Clean Team, Children’s Church and Coffee Prep.

Third (as noted on the calendar), please postmark all contributions by December 31, 2016 to be counted in your

2016 donations.

Last but not least! Abbreviated newsletter for January- The Christmas holidays make the end of the month newsletter deadline especially challenging. For the January Church newsletter, anticipate an abbreviated format with

only the most essential information. Submissions for the January edition should be in by December 15.

Sat. Dec. 3 9:30 a.m. Yoga in the library.

Sun. Dec. 4 9:30 a.m. Forum: Post Election Part 1. See page three.

10:30 a.m. Second Sunday of Advent Worship & Communion: Peace. “Let no man pull you low enough to hate him,” Doug Long preaching. See page one.

Following worship: Newcomers & Inquirers Session in the library. See page eight.

12:00-1:30 p.m. Middle School Youth meet.

Tues. Dec. 6 9:30-11:30 a.m. Creativity Group meets in the library.

Wed. Dec. 7 7:00 p.m. UPUCC Choir rehearsal in the worship space.

Thurs. Dec. 8 7:00 p.m. Coordinating Council meets in the library.

Sat. Dec. 10 9:30 a.m. Yoga in the library.

Sun. Dec. 11 9:30 a.m. Committee Meeting Time.

10:30 a.m. Third Sunday of Advent Worship: Joy. “Black Nativity.” See page one.

Following worship: Potluck and Talk Back Session on Langston Hughes with Deb Royals. See page one.

6:00-8:00 p.m. High School Youth meet.

Mon. Dec. 12 6:30 p.m. Evening Creativity Group meets in the library.

Wed. Dec. 14 7:00 p.m. UPUCC Choir rehearsal in the worship space.

Thurs. Dec. 15 Midnight Deadline for January Newsletter.

Sat. Dec. 17 9:30 a.m. Yoga with Ellen Beidler in the worship space.

Sun. Dec.18 9:30 a.m. Children rehearse and prepare for the Children’s Program.

9:30 a.m. Forum: Post Election Part 2. See page three.

10:30 a.m. Fourth Sunday of Advent Worship: Love. Children’s Pageant. See page four.

TBD Youth Christmas Party

5:30 p.m. Caroling at Healing Transitions. See page six.

Tues. Dec. 20 9:30-11:30 a.m. Creativity Group meets in the library.

Wed. Dec. 21 7:00 p.m. UPUCC Choir rehearsal in the worship space.

Sat. Dec. 24 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service of Candles, Lessons and Carols.

Sun. Dec. 25 10:30 a.m. Christmas Morning Worship. Special music by David Wilson. See page one.

Wed. Dec. 28 7:00 p.m. UPUCC Choir rehearsal in the worship space.

Sat. Dec. 31 Contributions must be postmarked on this date to be counted as a 2016 contribution.

december calendar at upucc

administrative items