CHRISTMAS TEA 2020 = D-TCBP-U*
In these COVID times, the Membership and Pastoral Care committee, with support from the Worship committee, is offering an alternative to our usual Daytime Christmas Tea. We have organized a *Drive-Thru Cookie Box Pick-Up event to be held on Wednesday, December 9 in the church parking lot from 2 until 3 p.m. If you usually attend the Daytime Christmas Tea, we want to sweeten your holiday season.
Ho - ho – ho!
Advent's Lament: A Blue Christmas worship gathering with Moderator Richard Bott
December 9, 2020 at 7:30pm
Christmas can often be a difficult time for many of us. Usually, the world is in a grand celebratory mode, and doesn't make much space for people who are grieving, or are feeling sadness, anxiety, frustration, or loss. Many communities of faith gather for a time of worship "when Christmas doesn't feel like Christmas." This year, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, many of these feelings are stronger, and many more people are struggling with Christmas. As we mark one year of changed life because of Covid-19, the United Church’s “United in Learning” group is offering a denomination-wide service of Lament for Advent. (If you've got one, you might want to bring a candle - battery or match operated - for this time of prayer, reflection, and song.)
Online Concerts to Enjoy this Season
If you would like to view and listen to this virtual concert as a way to celebrate the season, then see some suggestions below:
A Tafelmusik Christmas - Thursday December 10th @ 8 pm $25
Once a ticket is purchased the link to YouTube will be sent to you two days before the concert via email.
Angel City Chorale from Los Angeles
On December 12 at 6:00 pm Pacific Standard Time there is a free online concert. Go to www.angelcitychorale.org and register on this website. (There is an RSVP button.)
Tafelmusik Online Sing-Along Messiah on YouTube December 17 at 7pm EST(then available from Dec. 18-26). See the following link for information. Free.
Affirming Working Group - We Need to Hear from You
Over the last few weeks, an announcement about EMUC becoming an Affirming Ministry within the United Church of Canada has been circulated through the Friday message. We hope you have had a chance to read it. Perhaps you have even visited the Affirm United website and explored the Open Hearts document. As we mentioned, much of this work will require face to face discussions and in person workshops. When we are back together, this work will go ahead.
Thankfully, there are a few things we can invite you to help us with right now. Please consider thinking about and responding to the following questions. Your answers are so important to help our working group move forward in planning the education process around our Affirming mission.
1. Why should EMUC consider becoming an affirming congregation?
2. What are your concerns/questions around becoming an affirming congregation?
3. With consideration of the various learning styles that individuals have, which educational method do you find most beneficial? (i.e. reading material, movies, workshops, guest speakers, etc.)
We invite you to email anyone on our working group with your responses and any other feedback that may be helpful as we move forward in this process.
Thank you in advance for your participation,
Amnesty International Write for Rights 2020
Every year, leading up to International Human Rights Day on December 10, Amnesty International organizes Write for Rights Events. They identify people and communities at risk of human rights abuses world-wide and join them in solidarity to seek justice. This year the Interfaith Peace and Justice Committee is asking you to visit the write-a-thon website and participate individually.
