Vision & Transition Report

Thank you to all of you who shared your thoughts and assisted in South Church's Transition process.  As you know when Carlos moved on to pastor the Pelham Congregational Church, that triggered the UCC’s “transition process.”  Simply put, that is the time a church has a real opportunity to explore its future vision, calling, and ministry needs.  An “Interim Minister,” who has had training in guiding a congregation through this transition process, serves temporarily with the church to help the church family look deeply at itself, its work, the community around it and to be prayerfully open to what the Spirit is calling us to do.  Rev. Sean Dunker-Bendigo is our Interim Minister.

A key part of this transition process is to hear from each person in our congregation.  Since July, there have been open discussion groups held in a wide range of locations, included Zoom opportunities and at a range of times.  In addition, for the past month, the 5 transition questions have been available on the website, and through South Church text messages gathering more responses.  In total 75 people have responded.  All those responses were captured. Check out the summary of responses.

Christmas Poisettias

Once again we will be celebrating, honoring, and remembering our loved ones this Christmas season with flowers.  The deadline has been extended to Monday, November 22.  If you wish to purchase a poinsettia, please fill out an order form available in the church office and Fellowship Hall or order online.  The cost of each plant is $15.  Flowers and names will be displayed on for our Christmas Eve worship services.  If you have any questions call or e-mail Kayla Pingree. 

Outdoor Advent-ure

Kick off the Advent season early with other South Church members on Sunday, November 21 at 1 p.m. for a local hike at the New Hampshire Audubon Center in Concord.  For more information, contact Lorens Jorgensen.

Advent Wreath Making

We will be making Christmas wreaths using embroidery hoops or metal wires, traditional greenery and ribbon on Sunday, November 28 at 3 p.m. These wreaths will add a little flare to your Advent season.  To register for this event, check out this link.  

Advent Card Making

We will be making and writing cards for members of our congregation on Sunday, December 12 at 3 p.m.  To register for this event, check out this link.  

Advent Booklets

Hope for Christmas Past, Present and Future written by Stephenie Hovland, celebrates the eternal gift of hope found in the past, present and future presence of Lord and Savior, Jesus!  This booklet of daily Advent prayers focuses on the long ago promise of the coming of Christ, the present coming of Christ into our daily lives and the hope of Christ's glorious return and our eternal home.  These prayers lift one's spirit throughout the Advent season with a daily reminder of the infinite ways God has, is and will continue to bless us all.  These booklets are available in Fellowship Hall.

Epiphany Tableau

This year we will performing Once Upon a Manger written by Tracy Wells.  We will bring the story of the birth of Jesus to life!  This easy-to-stage Christmas performance has a role for everyone, including members of the congregation!  Guided by a storyteller, participants get in on the act in this memorable pageant celebrating Jesus’ birth.

All children ages four and older are welcome to participate in this performance.  Our first rehearsal will be on Sunday, November 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Youth Space or virtual.  The performance will be a part of the worship service on Sunday, January 9 at 10 a.m. If your child is interested in being a part of this production, please e-mail Alison Nyhan.

Upcoming Discussions

What is the Doctrine of Discovery? 

Tuesday, November 23 - 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

In their own voices, First Nations Indigenous People will discuss the destructiveness of the Doctrine of Discovery on their peoples in what is presently known as the Americas and the Caribbean. To register for this event, check out this link.  

Let’s Talk About Abortion

Tuesday, November 30 - 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Abortion access is an issue of faith! The United Church of Christ has had a strong history of supporting access to safe and healthy abortion since before Roe V. Wade. UCC Clergy have been advocating for the women and people who need abortions for decades!

Join for a conversation with Elaina Ramsey, Ohio Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice; Sandy Sorenson, UCC DC Team Leader; and Rev. Dr. Chris Davies, advocate for abortion access in Ohio.  To register for this event, check out this link.  

Purple Church 

Thursday, December 2 - 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

The UCC contains people with a wide spectrum of theological beliefs and political alignment. People who choose to be in a church that holds differences of opinion often do so with a few different strategies of love and conflict management.

In this conversation, we will hear from leaders of Purple Churches, or churches that have members across the theological/social/political lines, about how they show up authentically with each other in the midst of difference.  To register for this event, check out this link.

A Million Thanks

Join the A Million Thanks organization in kicking off their Veteran’s Holiday appreciation writing campaign! This allows us to thank those who have made daily sacrifices on our behalf.  The goal is to collect 1,000 letters by the end of November.  Simply write a letter of appreciation and drop it off at Crossroads Chiropractic located at 556 Pembroke Street in Pembroke.  For more information check out their website.

Walker Series

Brent Winebrenner

Wednesday, December 1

Guatemala, Land of the Maya: Guatemala is a land of amazing natural and cultural diversity that is just beginning to emerge from the shadow of a long civil war.  A high-definition and beautiful travelogue, this film begins by exploring the achievements of the ancient Maya by visiting fabled places like El Mirador, Tikal, and Yaxha.  The film examines the historic tension between Mayan traditions and Spanish colonialism, using the religious pageantry of Antigua's Easter Week celebration to provide a cinematic backdrop for the fascinating conversation.  An excursion to Lake Atitlan shows Mayan culture where weavers spin cotton by hand and rely on natural dyes and backstrap looms to create world-class textiles.  This documentary provides important context for understanding and exploring the fascinating Land of the Maya.

All Walker performances are free and open to the public; no tickets or reservations are required.  Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and doors open 30 minutes prior to programs.  All shows are held at the Concord City Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.  For a complete season schedule, visit their website.