Longnight Service Friday, 7:00 pm. Those missing loved ones, those whose relationship has ended or is struggling, those who have lost work, or just had a hard, hard year can find it very difficult to be in touch with “merry and bright.”
For just that kind of healing, Union Church is again opening our doors for a service of prayer and “come as you emotionally are” Christmas. You, a friend, or anyone in the community who is having a blue Christmas is welcome to come, be surrounded with gentle music, and reminders that the Light of the world is a healer of hearts.
The simple service will be held in Cowan Chapel. With readings, with songs, with prayer we’ll simply hold those in need in the Light of God’s love. For those who wish, there will be communion and personal prayers for healing of body, mind, and spirit. Please join us for this special reminder of the “reason for the season.”
Last call!! Dancers of all abilities and skills are enthusiastically invited to help us dance in the light on Christmas Eve. Dancers begin the service with slow and lovely music as we light the worship candles for the service. If you would like to join (no experience necessary), contact Maggie Park — 330-277-7738 or maggiecatherinepark@gmail.com . Rehearsals to begin VERY soon! We’ve love to include male and female dancers in the group!
Candle-lit Christmas Eve Services at Union Church
Early: 5:00 pm-6:30 pm Candle-lit service with Music of the Season, Christmas Story, and finger food reception afterwards.
Late: 11:00 pm. Quiet Intimate Service in Cowan Chapel with Holy Communion.
Bless Your Creche! We have learned of a South American custom of bringing the babies from family nativities to the church to be blessed on Christmas Eve. If you would like to participate in a Union Church version of this custom, bring your Christ Child to the 5:30 pm Christmas Eve service.
Online Alternative Giving Market. What to get that friend or family member for the holidays? Does your sister really need another sweater? Why not give alternative gifts this year that reach toward your loved ones’ hopes and dreams for a better world? Maybe what your friends and family really want for this year is health care, food and housing for those in need – or maybe disaster relief. Visit https://union-church.org/donate/acm2018/ and shop for that alternative gift for your loved ones.
Looking for Help? If you´re looking for help checking everything off your list this holiday season I am looking to work for you! I can help with cleaning/organi-zing, errand running present wrapping, decorating, childcare or house sitting between December 19 and January 12! Please contact me at (859)-582-3220 or dellaw98@gmail.com. Thanks – Della Walters
Have a Heart For Fellowship, Communication and Welcoming New Members? We Need 3! The Community Life and Growth Board of the church helps “outsiders” become “insiders” by helping Rev. Kent welcome new members, get people acquainted with each other for ministry and spiritual support, and oversees our website, social media, and media outreach (advertisements, banners, webcasts, etc). We need three people to help fulfill this vital work with our pastor. Is one of them you? Please contact Carla Gilbert of the Nominating Board: carla_gilbert@ windstream.net or call the church office!
LOOKING AHEAD:
Ordination Service of Leslie Small Stokes, here at her home church! January 6, 4:00 pm. The service will be followed by a reception. Can you help? Call Mary Lou Wiese at 260-571-4959. Thanks!
On Jan. 22, the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy will hold their annual conference from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at Embassy Suites Lexington, 1801 Newtown Pike. It will be a full day of presentations and discussions about the issues facing Kentucky during the 2019 General Assembly and beyond. Keynote speaker will be Mehrsa Baradaran, author of How the Other Half Banks and The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap. For more information, go to https://kypolicy.org/events/Registration fee is $25. Scholarships are available by contacting Sarah Zeller at sarah@kypolicy.org.
Please Sign up to Read Scripture or to Help Greet and Usher! Please use our electronic sign up system at union-church.org, and click on “Volunteer.” You can pick a date that works for you! OR you can also call the office and we’ll get you on the lists.
The Light of Joy
Let this time of waiting—this Advent season
be filled with the Light of Joy
Be still… and let Joy flow
Unleashed,
Joy—like water—finds a way
Place a rock in its course, Joy flows around
Build a dam, Joy tunnels under, or spills over
Joy weaves a determined course
Be still… and let Joy flow
As these days grow shorter
And nights grow longer
Be still
As the Holy One draws near
Step into the stream
Offer your truest gift—your unique Light
to the unceasing flow
And as each stream converges—
as our tributaries flow into the larger beloved community—
Be still and know
That all those bobbing bubbles of Light
are the Light of Joy
In the Light of Hope,
And arising from the Light of Peace,
The Light of Joy—already ours—
spills into our gathered midst
Be still… and let Joy flow
— Jennifer Even Melton
After Zephaniah 3:14-20
From the midnight-dark,
sleep-drunk brain, when
worries erupt and spin
their ceaseless, spiked wheels,
Hold the warmth
of small gifts given—
the joyful eyes first
beholding the new born,
miles of crows-feet played
above the smiles of
fingers grasped, that
first passing of the peace
No less has it been,
will it be, is it now,
as you, walking in
kindness, have sparks
lifting from the puzzle
of your days, through
whose cracks angels
are cheering, like
when you walk into this
sanctuary how they
just start carrying on,
exalting, all the light
of the windows but
a glimmer of God’s gladness
and belief in your goodness
that mixes with all the doings
of those who have passed,
and are with us still,
all they brought, and bring—
They rejoice and dance
in the harbor of all that
your heart and hopes hold,
each twinkling, each embrace,
all whooping and stamping
for God’s got a party alright,
eternal, and here and now,
and then, and will be, and you—
it’s for you, because God’s always-
already got right with the world,
and, rolling on your pillow,
you’re beyond all bounds
from this long arriving,
and have heard
and have wondered
of a gathering in the cold,
hands given to hands,
so go with haste and find
Mary and Joseph,
the child lying in the manger.
— Chris Green
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