December 20, 2020
“Magnificat” by John Rutter
The Community Church Choir, conducted by Glenn Mehrbach
Months ago, in late summer, as I was considering what to choose for our December “Choir Sunday,” and not knowing what the coming months would bring, I decided on John Rutter’s “Magnificat.” I thought that if everything had gone our way, and the virus had been vanquished, the sunny mood and joyous rhythms would mirror that moment. But if the opposite were true, I thought having a piece that exuded brightness and positivity would be a welcome respite from what might be a great darkness. As it turns out, there’s a little of both, isn’t there? So, whether you are feeling hopeful about the future, or are depressed and resigned about the dark months ahead, I hope this music will speak to you. The Community Church Choir has worked hard, through many (frankly, problematic) Zoom rehearsals, to learn this music and bring it as our Christmas gift to the congregation.
Here’s what Mr. Rutter himself said about the work: "In countries such as Spain, Mexico and Puerto Rico, feast days of the Virgin are joyous opportunities for people to take to the streets and celebrate with singing, dancing and processions. These images of outdoor celebration were, I think, somewhere in my mind as I wrote.” So, while we may be confined to our own homes, let’s let this music take us to that place of outdoor celebration, even if only in our minds.
And, not to worry, this week's virtual choir will still be leading you in two well-known Christmas hymns. - Glenn Mehrbach, Music Director
If you wish to have a joy or sorrow named in the service,
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Watch Virtual Worship Service On Demand!
10am: Live Religious Education Service on Zoom
11am: Live Community Coffee Hour on Zoom
&
7pm: High School & Middle School Youth Group
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MESSAGE REGARDING COVID-19:
The building may be closed, but the church is OPEN!
Though most in-person programming is suspended for the safety of our community,
we continue to offer worship, religious education, spiritual growth,
social justice, and fellowship.
Join us as we grow our spirits, care for one another,
and change the world with our love.
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CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE - December 24, 7PM
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CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE This year, we will hold one service on Christmas Eve. Join us on Thursday, December 24, at 7PM for a service featuring familiar hymns and a Christmas reflection from Rev. Thom. You're welcome to light your own candle and join us in singing Silent Night. Please watch for an all-church email early next week with information about how to watch the service.
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THANK YOU to:
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The many, many parents and children who made theis year's Virtual Children's Pageant happen - it was truly a community effort!
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Gail McKinley, Brad Kosiba, Maggie Scarborough, and Bill Poteat for creating a virtual tour of construction of the new wing of the Jones Building.
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WHAT’S NEW THIS WEEK WITH OUR NEW BUILDING CONSTRUCTION? In the twenty-fifth week, exterior work continues on masonry, shingling, siding, soffits and trim. Inside, the framing is ready to accept insulation as soon as the remaining rough-ins (electrical and mechanical) have been completed and passed inspection. Take a peek at ongoing work via weekly-updated photos and mini-video here.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK IN CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRY? In December, children and youth in Religious Education are studying STILLNESS. This week, we will talk about stillness and light, and watch flames jump like hope. We will continue our time of Family Fellowship on Sunday mornings, where we can share joys and sorrows. Middle School and High School youth groups will gather virtually on Sunday evening. The Family Fun Event on Saturday is a lantern walk! For more information about our Religious Education Program, contact Marion Hirsch or Kat Good.
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"WHITE GLOVE DELIVERY" OF COMMUNITY CHURCH COOKBOOKS: GET YOURS WHILE THEY LAST! Gail McKinley is offering FREE “white-glove” pre-Christmas delivery to anyone within a 15-minute drive of the church who orders and prepays by Sunday, Dec. 20. Order here through the church website: scroll down to “Cook Book” under “One-Time Donation.” Then, send Gail an email here with your name, address, phone number & number of cookbooks you purchased, and Gail will arrange to deliver your books to your doorstep!
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COMMUNITY CHURCH COOKBOOK 2020 - LIMITED SUPPLY! Stop by and pick up your Community Church Cookbook 2020 at the church office on Tuesday, 12/22, from 10AM -2PM. Pre-pay, or bring your checkbook and buy one -or more!- on the spot. Each cookbook is $15, & profits go to Closing the Gap for our Building Project. Questions? please email us here.
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RARE WOMEN – AGING IN PLACE Several members of Rare Women are interested in exploring the possibilities for and the challenges to “Aging in Place.” Members and friends of The Community Church are invited to join our discussions about how the pandemic has affected our plans for aging (see this article). We have also begun to accumulate resources, which can be found under “Aging in Place” HERE. Our next Zoom meeting, here, will be from 1:30-3:30pm on Wednesday, December 23rd. Questions? Contact us here.
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CHRISTMAS EVE SHARE THE PLATE (STP) FOR MINISTER'S DISCRETIONARY & BENEVOLENCE FUNDS We will honor our church’s commitment to “support and care for each other” through the 12/24 Christmas Eve Share The Plate collection for the Minister’s Discretionary & Benevolence Funds. These funds help members or friends who have serious financial needs or needs related to our church’s mission. This Share The Plate is an important way in which we can support and care for each other and bring our mission alive. If you would like more information , please contact Barb Chapman, here or Rev. Thom Belote, here
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TAX-YEAR-END INFO FROM THE TREASURER This year, a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is not required from qualified retirement accounts, though distributions from such accounts are allowed at any time. They are usually taxable. One exception to avoid taxes on such distributions is the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). QCD donations to the church to fulfill a pledge or make a new donation may be right for you, especially if you take the standard deduction on Federal Taxes. More information on the QCD here.
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COME TO THE ZUULE BALL -- SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 6-7:30 PM This is our 2nd annual Hogwarts-themed Yule Ball. It’s a “zUUle Ball” because this year, it’s on Zoom. And the "UUs" are for UUs, of course. The Ball will be fun for all ages! There will be (optional) dancing, and a costume parade for Ball-goers who have opted for wizarding regalia. There will be time to visit the House Common Rooms for conversation, Fortune-Telling and Games. Games! Chat with the Sorting Hat and find out your Hogwarts house. Proceeds go to the Close the Gap Fund. RSVP and order your ticket here. Questions: Contact Headmistress Selden Holt
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EXPLORING MEMBERSHIP 1/14 & 21, 7PM Are you considering Membership? Interested in learning more about Unitarian Universalism, or our church community? On Thursday evenings, January 14 & 21, we'll offer a two-part Exploring Membership class, via Zoom. The class will provide an introduction to Unitarian Universalism and our congregation, the meaning of Membership, provide an opportunity for reflecting on our spiritual journeys, and give you a chance to meet others who are newer to The Community Church. Classes will be held from 7:00PM to 8:15PM via Zoom. Please RSVP by sending an email to Rachel Rose.
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YOU ARE INVITED TO A BRAND-NEW, VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR! On a crisp, clear December 6 afternoon, the Building Task Force conducted a mid-construction video tour of the new building. Tour leader Brad Kosiba and supporting cast Maggie Scarborough walked the imagined audience through the building’s interior spaces and around the outside, informally commenting on the features of each space. The audience is YOU, whenever you have 12 minutes to enjoy this tour via the Building Project webpage!
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PLEASE NOTE: EARLY DEADLINE for the 12/25 Weekly Announcements: 12/22 at noon, to allow for the 12/23 Staff Holiday.
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THERE WILL BE NO WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS 1/1/21. Happy New Year!
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DELAYS IN MAIL - HARD-COPY PHOTO DIRECTORIES ARE ON THEIR WAY! All pre-paid Photo Directories were shipped promptly, but - as with many organizations these days - USPS is facing challenges. Sadly, that means that some Directories are taking longer than expected to arrive. If you paid for a hard-copy Photo Directory and it hasn't yet arrived, please let Rachel Rose know.
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SIGN UP FOR PAPER ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION STATEMENT In mid-January, The Community Church will be emailing out contribution statements showing households' contributions for the annual year from January 1, 2020 - December 31st, 2020. We will be sending these statements using the email address we have on file for you. If you are interested in receiving a paper copy of your contribution statement in the mail, please fill out this form by January 25th, 2020. Email Dana here or call 919-229-9452 with questions.
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SCAM ALERT Several members of the church received email from an address imitating Rev. Thom's, or those of other staff members. These messages ask people to purchase gift cards to give to people in the hospital, or something similar. These messages are a scam. If you receive them, please report them and delete them. If you have any concerns, please email Rev. Thom here. Please know that Rev. Thom and the staff of The Community Church will never send out email solicitations asking people to purchase gift cards.
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2020 DIGITAL PHOTO DIRECTORY IS HERE! Members and Associates of The Community Church, your free, digital copy of The Community Church Photo Directory 2020 is waiting for you! Simply request your copy, and it will be sent right to your inbox!
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INFORMATION
Most BLUE text is clickable! Blue text links to outside websites or to an email address. Example: email c3hfinance@gmail.com for rentals.
Please submit Weekly Announcements contributions HERE.
Announcements are due by noon Wednesday, prior to Friday's issue.
Event submissions may be run up to two times.
Please include contact information.
The Community Church Board wants to hear from you!
Click here to share with us your thoughts, comments, concerns, and questions. Click here to learn more about the Board, including viewing the Board and Congregational Meeting minutes.
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