The Advent theme at First Congregational UCC in Albuquerque is "Those Who Dream." An invitation went out to the congregation asking them to write a reflection on the theme. Their reflections were shared in their December newsletter. What wonderful pieces!
Need a Holiday Boost? Folks can grab a hot cup of cocoa, a candy cane or two and curl up on the couch every Wednesday evening at 7 pm for a 1/2 hour of holiday music and sing-alongs led by Beatitudes Music Director, Stephen Schermitzler and friends.
On Christmas Eve, to compensate for not being together, Rincon's music director is putting together a virtual singing of Silent Night. All members of Rincon (not just choir members) are invited to participate. Folks just need to create an AUDIO recording while singing ANY part they wish- even just the melody!
Thanks to Taos UCC, along with eleven other interfaith spiritual communities working together, 621 people in Taos County received letters telling them that their medical debt to Holy Cross Hospital had been purchased and cancelled. Together the group bought and cancelled 1.3 million dollars of medical debt. Who says there are no miracles?
Under Wraps is an all-church Advent experience at Desert Heritage that explores the character of God described in the Old Testament and then revealed through Jesus Christ. Through small group resources for all ages, teaching video, worship ideas and visuals, sermon lead-in videos, and preaching guides, all areas of church life weave together for an exciting, new Advent celebration. Each week centers on a keyword that describes a characteristic of God that is evidenced in the Old Testament and then seen more clearly through Jesus: faithful, dangerous, expectant, and jealous.
On Dec 19th, Scottsdale UCC will hold a "Reverse Parade." Those who have decorated the exterior of their homes for Christmas will send their addresses in, a route will be developed, and a "car parade" will journey to see the lights.
Although the main service on Christmas Eve at Desert Palm will be a drive-in style worship service at 7 PM, for those that don't drive at night and would like to attend church on the 24th, there will be a small, simple daylight service at 1 PM on the West Patio. The group's size will be capped at eight people in hopes of doing this safely (outside, masked, distanced, etc.).
From Church of the Palms to brighten your day:
Q. Which of Santa's reindeer has the worst manners?
A. RUDE-olph, of course!
Q. How do Christmas angels greet each other?
A. "Halo!"
Q. What's a sheep's favorite Christmas song?
A. "Fleece Navidad!"