Dear Folks,
The Advent light increases. May it illuminate the hope, peace, joy, and love we have in Christ.
This Sunday, December 18, is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The scripture is Isaiah 52:7-10. The special Christmas program will be: "Is It or Isn't It?". We will be lighting the Advent candle of "Love". The service will be on-site and Facebook live-streamed. Sunday school will be held during the service.
Following Sunday's service, the Choir and the Sacred Dancers will be practicing. Confirmation Class will be also meeting.
DECEMBER 18: THE 2022 CHRISTMAS FUND/VETERANS OF THE CROSS OFFERING: The Christmas Fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years, providing emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks each December to our lower-income retirees. Envelopes will be available as in the pews and in the Alcove. You may also give via our website: www.huntingtonucc.org
December 21st is the longest night of the year. For many people, the lack of light is symbolic of the harsh things of life. And those harsh things become more evident in the light of the "shoulds" of Christmas time: we should be happy, we should be glad, we should be joyful. But sometimes life is not conducive to the shoulds: we lost a loved one, or a relationship, or a job, or whatever. We don't feel joyful. The Longest Night Service is a time for us to face the darkness, but also look to the Nativity for hope and light. This service will be held at 6:30 p.m., on-site and Facebook live stream.
Our Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols & Candlelight will be held at 4 p.m., on-site and Facebook live stream.
VALLEY REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROJECT is ready to settle a well vetted refugee family! Volunteers needed! Donations are welcome! Please drop your donation in the basket on Sundays or use the on-line option on our website. For more info, contact the church.
CWS CLEAN-UP BUCKETS NEEDED! Women’s Fellowship is collecting monetary donations for Church World Service Clean up buckets. Checks may be made out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line. You can drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays or you can use the on-line option on our website. The need now is urgent. Thank you.
The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House Items Needed: shelf stable milk and powdered milk, pancake mix and syrup, peanut butter and jelly, canned fruit and applesauce, garbanzo and navy beans, canned tuna and chicken, oatmeal and other cereals, and pasta sauce. There is a box in the Alcove and the “wishing well” in Fellowship Hall for donations. Also, our Blessing Box needs to be stocked, but for the winter, please only put in items that are not canned or in glass or would be harmed if frozen. Please be generous!
Thank you to everyone who has returned their Faith Promise cards. If you have not, please do so as soon as possible. It really helps in planning the 2023 budget. Thank you for your faithfulness!
Please continue to support HCCUCC with your contributions. Now more than ever, our mission of being the beacon of love and light on the Huntington Green and beyond is vital. Contributions sent in by mail are welcome. Please consider donating at our website, www.huntingtonucc.org. Electronic Fund Transfer giving is also available. Please email the church, hcc@snet.net if you would like a form to set that up. Any way you give is a blessing and is greatly appreciated.
Let us pray. Holy God, may we open our hearts to the gifts you offer us this season and always. May we be filled with compassion, generosity, and joy. Amen.
In Christ's love,
Rev. Lucille
