Waiting on a Mystery


For Christians, this is the first Sunday of Advent, the season of waiting and preparation for the birth of their Savior.  It is a time of deep hope, and it begins with the story/mystery of a woman being told by an angel that she would be the mother of the Son of God.  This morning, we’ll explore the sense of anticipation that comes from knowing something special is going to happen, but not how or even exactly what. 

This Sunday will be a multigenerational service with RE for all after the service. Elementary aged children will meet in the front classroom, youth will meet with Genevieve in the youth room, and adults will meet with Karen in the sanctuary for a workshop. 

This will be a follow-up to the workshop led by Rev. Kerri Parker in October, and we’ll reflect on the spiritual grounding for reparations and consider concrete actions we might take as a congregation.

Image: “The Annunciation” by Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1898

  • The Share the Plate recipient for Sunday 12/3/2023 and 12/10/2023 is Four Lakes Welcome Corps. Welcome Corps is a federal program which empowers everyday Americans to welcome refugees arriving through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Four Lakes Welcome Corps (the Madison area chapter) is a group of neighbors and friends working together to welcome refugees seeking freedom and safety. The group was nominated by Kelly Kearns. 

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This Week’s Newsletter

Order of Service

  • Gathering Song  “Come, Come, Whoever You Are” #188

  • Welcome

  • Prelude  “El botón es flor mañana” by Natalie Sleeth, trans. Oscar L. RodrÍguez

  • Call to Worship

  • Lighting the Chalice and Musical Response

  • Shared Music  “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” #225 (gray hymnal) 

  • Time for All Ages  “Hide and Seek with God” By Mary Ann Moore

  • Shared Music  “All Beautiful the March of Days” #57 (gray hymnal) 

  • Wisdom from the World’s Traditions “Gabriel’s Annunciation” by Jan Richardson

  • Reflection 

  • Offering  “Oh ven, oh ven, Emanuel” Latin, c. 9th cent., trans. Federico J. Paguara

  • Joys and Sorrows

  • Shared Music  “People, Look East” #226 (gray hymnal)

  • Extinguishing the Chalice and Benediction

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