Sunday, November 29, 2020
"My Favorite Parable"
Rev. Thom Belote, preaching
The parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) may not be as well-known as the stories of the good Samaritan or the prodigal son. But, it is a powerful and challenging and disruptive story that demands that we rethink some of the things we may already think. On the first Sunday in Advent, we'll explore some different interpretations of this parable.
MUSIC NOTES: This week, we have a special treat. Cellist and congregation member Debbie Davis will perform a complete sonata by Alessandro Scarlatti, in two sections, accompanied by Glenn Mehrbach on piano. This week’s virtual choir will sing two songs of the season, including one for the first Sunday of Advent, and one about harvest time, which I’ve been assured by none other than Mary LeMay that we’ve never sung in a service before.
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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A holly, jolly thank you to Becky Waibel and Susie Hafer for greening parts of the sanctuary with holiday decorations. Watch for the "spruced up" sanctuary in worship recordings starting this Sunday.
- An enormous thank you to the 21(!) volunteer callers making reach-out calls to our membership. Thanks to: Joan Shier, Peter Witt, Shannon Richards, Susie Hafer, Elsbeth van Tongeren, Aline Dawson, Joann Haggerty, Jillian Geneve, Lisa Epner, Ivy Brezina, Laurence Kirsch, Caroline Sherman, Dawn Carney-Meriweather, Gail McKinley, Rita White, Larry Ross, Deb Ross, Carol Genovese, Ellie Speh, and Susan Blanchard.
- Thank you to Bill Poteat for researching our energy use and negotiating with Duke Energy to secure our church over $1,500 in savings.
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WHAT’S NEW THIS WEEK WITH OUR NEW BUILDING CONSTRUCTION? In the twenty-second week, rough-ins have progressed for plumbing, mechanical and electrical installations. Exterior walls have been weatherproofed with Tyvek panels. The site has been rough-graded, with remaining excess soil trucked away. Shingling has begun on the roof. You can take a virtual peek at the ongoing work here via weekly-updated photos and video.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK IN CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRY? In November, children and youth in Religious Education are studying HEALING. This week, we will finish up by learning about comforting. 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 Comfort Food Stories. For more information about our Religious Education Program, contact Marion Hirsch or Kat Good.
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COMMUNITY CHURCH COOKBOOKS ARE HERE! Pre-paid? Pick up your Community Church Cookbook 2020 at the church office on Tuesday, 12/1, from 10AM -2PM. Also, you can just 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. Order here through the church website: scroll down to “Cook Book” under “One-Time Donation.” Or, just mail/bring a check. Questions? please email us here.
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COMMUNITY CLICKERS DECEMBER 2 Clickers will meet at 2PM in the courtyard for either a drop-off meeting, to collect blocks and shawls and to swap yarn and blocks, or a working meeting to create shawls and chat. The determining factor will be the weather. Look for an email for clarification closer to the date. Check out the Clickers webpage here.
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PANEL ON FAITH -- WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? 12/3, 7 PM As UUs, we are encouraged to spiritual growth and a full and responsible search for truth and meaning. But, what does that look like in personal practice? Join us for our first-ever Panel on Faith and hear members of our congregation share their personal perspectives and practices of faith, spirituality, and/or belief. This panel will be moderated by Rev. Thom, and include a Q&A session and time for brief, small-group discussions. Register to attend here. For more information please contact Krista Westervelt, here, David Klibanow, here or Marion Hirsch, here.
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RARE WOMEN We are Rare Women who meet via Zoom to discuss the gifts, myths, and challenges of aging. On Thursday, December 3rd, Bonnie Gilliom’s group, here, (10am-noon) will continue discussing Chapters 10-11 from Mary Pipher’s book, Women Rowing North, or a different topic. That afternoon, Susan Blanchard’s group, here (1:30-3:30pm) will begin discussing Chapters 12-13. On Monday, December 7th, Joann Haggerty’s group, here, (2-4pm) will discuss those same chapters. Discussion questions are HERE. Contact us here with questions.
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DECK THE DOORS! Saturday, Dec. 5, 10am-12 or 12 pm-2: It's time for Greening, and making wreaths to cheer the doorways at church. If you can donate greens (pine, holly, ivy, or any other evergreen) or come to an outdoor, masked and distanced wreath-making session, sign up here. No special experience required, but you will want work gloves.
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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 is here.
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THE COMMUNITY CHURCH IN ACTION
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CONSTRUCTION TASK FORCE: SITE VISIT
On November 10, 2020, Construction Task Force members Brad Kosiba, Anna Waller, Josh Socolar, Tracy Kuhlman and (behind camera) Maggie Scarborough made a visit to the church's construction site to observe the amazing progress!
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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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BEYOND OUR WALLS
EVENTS & MORE, SUGGESTED BY MEMBERS & GROUPS
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BINKLEY BAPTIST CHURCH'S WEEKLY BLACK LIVES MATTER SATURDAY VIGILS Weekly Saturday vigils are now being held from 12-1pm during winter months. Meet at the main entrance to church for vigils along Fordham Blvd (US 15-501) that were started after the murder of George Floyd. Signs are available with the names of black men, women & children who have lost their lives at the hands of police & other civil law enforcement agents. Strict rules on face masks and social distancing are observed. More info here. Submitted by Joy Blevins
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CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO NAACP BRANCH INFO: CHAPEL HILL CLIMATE CHANGE ACTIONThe branch is urging community members provide input on the Town of Chapel Hill's 2020 climate action plan. Feedback due by Dec. 18 & can be made on the town’s online tool.The plan charts a course for how our community can work together to reduce the emissions that cause climate change & build resilience to the stressors coming with a changing climate. For Community Church members interested on ongoing environmental justice work, the branch has a Environmental & Climate Justice Committee. More info here. Submitted by Joy Blevins
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ART IN THE SANCTUARY The art team is pleased to announce that new art has been hung on the wall in the sanctuary that's visible during virtual services. The paintings are by James Keul. Thanks to Bonnie Gilliom for arranging this exhibit. And thanks to Thom for making a video of the paintings which is now viewable on the "Art in the Sanctuary" page of the church website here.
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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.
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Event submissions may be run up to two times.
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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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