The Congregational Church of Wells, 
United Church of Christ 
November 28, 2016
Friends, 

Advent began, Sunday, November 27th! We opened our ears, opened our hearts, and opened our minds to God's presence and peace, transforming our community and our own self.  We discovered that because the kingdom of Heaven does not work like our economy--we do not reap what we sow. If it did, we would not attain God's grace--it would be unattainable and impossible to enter the kingdom of God.  This is why God continually reaches out to us, even when we pull away or do not follow God's way and true. 

But our hearts ache for God's peace in a world where there are conflicts and fears. And our hearts ring want to ring out and speak truth about a world that can be transformed through this Christ Child. And all will be welcomed and loved! Even though you may think how can God love this scrooge... me or someone else... How can God bring peace to someone who is often stingy, greedy, and generally in a terrible mood. But God loves this person and desires to bring peace to someone who is stuck in a place of pain and restlessness. God desires to bring peace to all. "If Scrooge can be redeemed, then so can we." Our first step toward a merry Christmas is to look at those who are suffering and, quite simply, to see and to listen. And to recognize how we can be transformed and to share this transformation with others. 
This Sunday, we will be filled with hope! A gift from God in a world where worries are real. We see how Scrooge will need courage to allow the past, which is filled with sadness to bring hope to his present and future.  We look and accept our imperfections and allow God to transform these things into good works for not just our own self interest, but the interest of others. 

How will we be inspired to share in the hope in the midst of the world's heartache? How will we be able to accept that the world is not perfect, but God's grace is sufficient? God makes room for us to share in hope even when we have sadness.  No one can take away your hope because it is a gift from God! We will have communion to together as a sign of us sharing in the sorrows and the hopes of the world! We live in hope! 

"The miracle has just begun in YOU! God Bless Us Everyone!"

God Bless Us Everyone! 
Rev. Charity Omartian

Why do we sing "Carols"? at Christmas? 

Have you ever wondered what is so special about carols? What makes a carol a carol?

Carol means to dance or a song of praise and joy! 

The songs usually referred to the holy family and Bethlehem. 

These songs were very popular dance song, sung by a minstrel or in a religious procession.  Some are as old at 12th century, but they were most popular in the 14th century. 

"Hymns tend to be more formal and church-centered and from particular composer in a particular place and time. Carols just spring up among the people and it's common to find many different versions handed down from generation to generation." ( http://www.tmatt.net/columns/2003/12/what-is-a-carol-anyway)

Carols were not usually in a "church sanctuaries, but in marketplaces, in homes and in taverns" until many centuries later. 

These songs of the people were banned in the 15th century to regulate these songs and the stories and spirit that they captured. But in the 18th century, these carols were brought back to the people to bring them hope, inspiring them to see that because of the Christ Child transformation and change was possible.

So next time you are singing a Christmas Carols, I want to encourage you to think about how you feel when you sing these songs of how your life is truly changed by the birth of Jesus Christ! 

Carols lighten our hearts inviting us to dance and celebrate God's love! 

Advent Worship Series

The series is based on The book:  The Redemption of Scrooge by Matt Rawle. I encourage you to read the book this advent. You can find a paperback copy at Cokesbury or Barnes and Noble. I have 6 paperback copies available. There are electronic versions as well. I can make more purchases for the book by request only. I invite you to join in our bible study on Sunday Mornings following coffee hour on December 4th, 11th, and 18th. All are welcome. Keep Watch for Videos and other ways to worship throughout the week on our facebook page. 

This Worship Series is the work of the people. What to expect: Dramatic readings by our Youth; an amazing Christmas Pageant on December 18th; Jack Berg doing a shorten stanza from Dickens' A Christmas Carol; Choir praising God in Song; Banners made by three different people; Bells ringing out God's truth; and families beginning in the lantern symbolizing the light of Christ entering in our sacred space and lighting the Advent Candles of peace, hope, love, and joy.  Keep Watch on our facebook page for ways to worship during this Advent Season.  

My hope that this advent we will be transformed by hearing, see ing, and immersing ourselves in the true meaning of Christmas which is the coming of Jesus Christ, the light of the world! 

Upcoming Events
 
What a wonderful way to start the Advent Season! 

Dec. 4th 11 a.m Wrapping Christmas Gifts
Dec. 4th 11 a.m. Bible Study 
Dec. 4th, 5 p.m. Christmas Choir Concert 
Dec. 9th, 7 p.m. Community Christmas Concert at St. Mary's 
Dec. 11th  11 a.m. Bible Study 
Dec. 11th, 2 p.m. Christmas Parade 
Dec. 17th, 10 a.m. Pageant Rehearsal 
Dec. 18th, 9:30 a.m. Pageant and Worship 
Dec. 18th, 11 a.m Bible Study 
Dec. 24th. 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship Service 
Dec. 25th, 9:30 a.m. Carols and Lessons Worship Service 
Jan. 1st, 9:30 a.m. The twelve Days of Christmas Worship Service  

   Our Staff                                                                
Pastor:                                                                                   Rev. Charity Omartian                              
Pastor Emeritus:                                                                Rev. George Fowler, DD                              
Administrative Assistant:                                                                   Cathy Goodwin                             
Music Director/Organist:                                                                            Greg Hall                              
Director of Christian Education:                                                 Traci Avery-Pardoe                              
Director of YSOC (Children's Choir):                                             Dianne Smallidge                             
Custodian:                                                                                              Lori Edgerly                             
Coordinator of Volunteers                                                                   JoAnn Dodd 

Congregational Church of Wells, UCC 
1695 Post Road 
PO Box 759
Wells, Maine 04090
 
Worship Services 9:30AM
Sunday School 9:30 AM Sept. 14 - June 14
Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9:00 AM to 12 Noon
Pastor Office Hours:  Thursday and Friday from 9-11. 
Phone: (207) 646-4309 
Emergency Phone: (207) 360 0252
http://wellscongregational.org
Pastor's office hours are times when people can drop in and find me in the office. It is recommended that you call ahead to make sure that the pastor is not already meeting with someone or responding to an emergency. There are other available times for visits. Please contact the pastor for availability. Please know that we can meet either at the church or another location. This email goes directly to the pastor.