SERVICE OF READINGS & CAROLS

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

DECEMBER 13, 2015

10:00 AM

No matter who you are, Service of Readings & Carols No matter where you are On life’s journey, You are welcome here.

Worship begins with chimes.

The prelude is a time of reflection and preparation for the worship of God.

Please silence cell phones.

Bibles for use during worship are available at each entrance to the sanctuary.

THOUGHT FOR PREPARATION “The mystery of God only grows at Christmas. For the most mysterious person is not the

one furthest from us, but the one right at our side.”

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

PRELUDE 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime/O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Gospel Trio Medley

CHIMES CHORAL INTROIT Advent Introit Chant

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Matt Fitzgerald

* WELCOMING EACH OTHER

KINDERCHAPEL SINGERS Away In a Manger Traditional

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,

The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,

The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

* CALL TO WORSHIP

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE OF JOYOne: Now is the time for watching and waiting.

All: This is the season of Advent.

One: We light our path toward Christmas with candles,

as we prepare for the coming of the Light of the World.

All: We have lit the Candles of Hope and Peace.

One: Today we light the Candle of Joy.

All: Fear not! For behold we bring you good news of great joy!

* HYMN The First Nowell

The first Nowell, the angel did say, Was to certain poor shepherds

in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,

On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star Shining in the east, beyond them far,

And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued both day and night.

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel.

And by the light of that same start Three wise men came from country far;

To seek for a king was there intent, And to follow the star wherever it went.

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell. Born is the King of Israel.

This star drew nigh to the north west, O’re Bethlehem it took its rest,

And there it did both top and sta, Right over the place where Jesus lay.

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell. Born is the King of Israel.

Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heav’nly Lord,

That hath made heav’n and earth of naught,

And with his blood mankind hath bought.

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell. Born is the King of Israel.

CHILDRENS CHOIR Huddle Close Hank Beebe

Huddle close! Huddle close!

Be you cattle or sheep, huddle close for the babe in our manager asleep.

Gather 'round, all around, as we do in a storm, so the heat from our bodies

will keep the child warm.

Make a ring 'round the babe, be you donkey or goat.

If I could, I would give him my warm furry coat.

But we can come together like bees in a swarm: huddle close!

Huddle close and we'll keep the child warm.

*Please stand if you are able to do so.

See that star shining bright; never saw one shine more:

never was so much light on our manager before, shining down, in the midst of the

circle we form:

Huddle close and we'll keep the child warm.

SCRIPTURE Luke 1: 39-55; 2: 1-7

CAROL Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by:

Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light;

The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

READING "Christmas Day in the Morning". Jeff Carlson

by Pearl S. Buck

CAROL Little Town of Bethlehem

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,

While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.

O morning stars together proclaim the holy birth!

And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.

PAULS PEOPLE All Through the Night Sleep, my child, and peace attend thee

All through the night

Guardian angels God will send thee All through the night

Soft the drowsy hours are creeping

Hill and dale in slumber sleeping

God his loving vigil keeping

All through the night

While the moon her watch is keeping

All through the night

While the weary world is sleeping

All through the night

Through your dreams you're swiftly stealing

Visions of delight revealing

Christmastime is so appealing

All through the night

You, my God, a Babe of wonder

All through the night

Dreams you dream can't break from thunder

All through the night

Children's dreams cannot be broken

Life is but a lovely token

Christmas should be softly spoken

All through the night

SCRIPTURE Luke 2: 8-14

CAROL It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

It came upon the midnight clear,

That glorious song of old,

From angels bending near the earth

To touch their harps of gold:

“Peace on the earth, good will to all,

From heaven’s all gracious King.”

The world in solemn stillness lay

To hear the angels sing.

READING “Christmas Eve Radio Broadcast" Avena Ward

St. Pauls Archives

CAROL Silent Night

Silent night, holy night, all is calm; all is bright.

‘Round yon virgin, mother and child, holy infant so tender and mild;

Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

SCRIPTURE Luke 2: 15-20

* CAROL Good Christians All Rejoice

Good Christians all, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice;

Give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today;

Ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now.

Christ is born today! Christ is born today.

Good Christians all, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice;

Now ye hear of endless bliss; Jesus Christ was born for this!

He has opened heaven’s door, and we are blest forever more.

Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this! Good Christians all, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice;

Now ye need not fear the grave; Jesus Christ was born to save!

Calls you one and calls you all, to gain his everlasting hall.

Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!

READING “Alfie The Christmas Tree”” Sarah Garcia

by John Denver

CAROL O Christmas Tree

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree,

How lovely are your branches!

In beauty green will always grow

Through summer sun and winter snow.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,

How lovely are your branches!

JOYFUL SOUNDS Christmas Grace Ruth Elaine Schram

To take God's Son from heaven,

to turn the Lord of all into a helpless infant, a baby weak and small;

to give to our Creator a fully human face!

This, this is Christmas grace.

The feet that walked in splendor on streets of purest gold,

now wrapped in humble swaddling, now shiver from the cold.

The hand that Mary holds hung the moon and stars in space.

This, this is Christmas grace.

Grace to share our frailty, understand our fragile lot;

Jesus laid aside His power to be helped, trained, and taught.

To know the sting of hunger, feel the pain of grief and loss,

God's Son allowed Himself to be born for us!

He traded heaven's majesty, He left His glorious throne for wood and hay and rubble,

a shell of flesh and bone; the Lord Almighty locked in a single time and place.

This, this is Christmas grace.

This, this is Christmas grace. Christmas Grace!

SCRIPTURE Matthew 2: 1-12

READING “Gate A-4” Matt Fitzgerald

by Naomi Shihab Nye

CAROL Hark, the Herald Angels Sing

Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth, and mercy mild; God and sinners reconciled.”

Joyful all ye nations rise; Join the triumph of the skies;

With th’angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem”

Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new born King.”

COMMISSIONING OF STEPHEN MINISTERS Avena Ward

OFFERTORY O magnum mysterium Morton Lauridsen

Chancel Choir

O great mystery, and wondrous sacrament,

That animals should see the newborn Lord lying in the manger!

Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia!

O Lord, I heard your prophecy and I was afraid;

I considered your works, and I trembled in the midst of the animals.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Jeff Carlson THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will

be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us

our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us

from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

BENEDICTION John 1:1-5; 14

* CHORAL BENEDICTION Joy to the World

Joy to the world! The Lord is come!

Let earth receive its King: Let every heart prepare Him room,

And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns!

Let us our songs employ: While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains

Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

POSTLUDE Carol of the Bells

Gospel Trio

Following worship, all are invited for coffee and snacks

downstairs in the Social Hall

TODAY’S WORSHIP LEADERS: Head Ushers: Beatrice Jaji, Cathy Clarke

Ushers: Cheryl Kennedy, Brian Hafner, Rod Sippy, Polly Sippy, Bruce Voice, Ninon

Freeman, Tim Nowack

Head Greeter: Greg Mooney

Special Accommodations: Dodd Brown

Acolyte Coordinators: Micki Fayhee, Cindy Zinn Ball

Acolytes: Olivia Weglarz and Isaiah Fitzgerald

CHRISTMAS GIFT-GIVING AT ST. PAULS NIGHT MINISTRY STOCKINGS We have one more opportunity for our congregation to give

to at-risk youth over the holidays. Our annual stocking-stuffer drive for the youth staying at the

Crib shelter begins today.

THANK YOU to all who donated to provide 150 gifts for the youth in the UCAN foster care

program!

THE CHRISTMAS MARKET

SHOP THE CHRISTMAS MARKET TODAY! St. Pauls’ Christmas Market will be open after

today’s service of readings and carols. Come shop the market - you may find a treasure for that

special person on your Christmas list. Money raised supports the UCAN Polar Peace March.

ST. PAULS CHRISTMAS POTLUCK

COME TO SAINT PAULS CHRISTMAS PARTY- Friday, December 18 6:30 PM All

Church Advent Potluck. We’ll have carols, a delicious potluck, beer, wine, hot chocolate and

cider. Bring a dish to pass. Last names A-D appetizers/salads, Last names E-K side dishes, Last

names L-Z deserts, Hams will be provided.

STEPHEN MINISTRY AT ST. PAULS

TODAY we celebrate the commissioning of our first six Ministers: Mary Brown, Betty (Kirk)

Chernansky, Kristy Combs, Deon Fayhee, Barbara Kaiser, Lorri Gunn Wirsum. If you would like

to explore becoming a Stephen Minister talk to one of our Stephen Leaders: Joseph JaQuay,

Diana Laskaris, Marti Pechnyo, or Pastor Avena. If you would like to be matched with a Stephen

Minister contact Pastor Avena Ward.

POLAR PEACE MARCH TO BENEFIT UCAN SAVE THE DATE! Join us as we honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and take a

stand against guns and violence on SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016. The 1 mile walk benefits

UCAN and its violence prevention initiative in Chicago. This family-friendly event will start

at 4:00 PM and conclude with a cup of soup in the gym. St.Pauls members and friends are invited

to walk, raise pledges for UCAN and volunteer on the day of the event. We CAN make a more

peaceful Chicago. To learn more about the Polar Peace March visit PolarPeaceMarch.org. To

volunteer, contact Meggan Runner at meggan.runner@gmail.com or call 312.810.6507.

.

FAITH FORMATION (Adult Ed’s New Name)

SUNDAYS, 9:30 AM in the Parlor

Today, 11:30 AM The Poetry of Christmas. Pastor Matt will lead a discussion of 5

wonderful, tough, silly and moving Christmas poems.

December 20 Enjoying the holidays with the people we love (and those we find difficult to

love) The holidays can bring anxiety and conflict when families and friends reunite around

the table. In this two-part series we'll explore ways that we can respond to events, traditions,

and people that will contribute to our sense of peace and wellness.

SATURDAY BIBLE STUDY December 19, 10-11:45 AM in the Parlor.Comfort ye my people!

Every valley shall be exalted! And the Glory of the Lord shall be revealed! Our study of Isaiah

continues with these beautiful texts of comfort, known to us best from Handel's Messiah. Join us

as we dig into these words of hope for people who walk in darkness. Newcomers are always

welcome. RSVP Pastor Jeff, jcarlson@spucc.org.

THEOLOGY READING GROUP "The Givenness of Things" by Marilynne Robinson.

Wednesday, January 27th, 7:00 in the Parlor. Join the Saint Pauls Reading Group for a discussion

of Marilyn Robinson's brilliant new book of essays. Robinson aims to reclaim the Protestant

tradition from politically conservative fundamentalists while also rebutting what she sees as the

narrowly materialistic world view of some scientists. You'll love this book.

A YEAR WITH MARILYNNE ROBINSON - A group is forming to read the four, fine novels

of this Pulitzer prize-winning and UCC author in 2016, with quarterly discussions. We'll begin

with her first novel Housekeeping. Read one or all. RSVP to Jeff Carlson, jcarlson@spucc.org.

CHRISTIAN-BUDDHIST STUDY GROUP, an interfaith dialogue. Meets at the home of

Pastor Avena and her husband, Tom Corbett, 1613 N Mohawk St., Chicago IL. If you'd like to be

on the email list for periodic updates contact Pastor Avena atAward@spucc.org.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT, Visit our Food for Thought blog to find a weekly thought provoking

article at http://www.spucc.org/blogs/food-for-thought

PREACHERS ON PREACHING - Did you know Pastor Matt has a podcast? It’s sponsored by

the Christian Century. Each episode Matt interviews one of America's most interesting preachers.

Past episodes include conversations with Otis Moss, Jim Wallis, William Willimon, Mary Luti

and others. You can find it on iTunes, or at http://www.christiancentury.org/.

UCC DAILY DEVOTIONAL Did you know that the UCC publishes a daily online devotional?

It arrives in your inbox today, tomorrow, every single day! Devotions are short, less than 300

words, and feature some of the UCC's most insightful voices, including our own Pastor Matt. To

register for the Still Speaking Daily Devotional: http://www.ucc.org/daily_devotional.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH CHURCH NURSERY. Every Sunday at both services we offer child care for infants through

toddlers (birth to 2 year olds) by caring, experienced, professional childcare workers in our cozy

and fun nursery which is on the lower level off of the social hall.

CHURCH SCHOOL. Every Sunday AM we have church school for toddlers to teenagers at

9:30 AM and for 0 to 6 year olds at 11 AM. Children in Jr. Kindergarten through 6th grade are

asked to come to worship first and will then be dismissed to their classrooms. To register your

child for church school please go to spucc.org/churchschool.

NOURISH – EXPLORE – LEARN – PLAY: ST. PAULS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM-

ACT II! Looking for an affordable, convenient After School Program? With tasty snacks,

performing arts focused sessions, homework time, as well as games/free play, Act II at St. Pauls

can be the solution for you and your child at the end of the school day! ACT II is a safe, fun,

educational environment to nurture your child’s overall development from Monday-

Thursday. It’s also flexible; sign up for one, two, three or four days per week. Winter 2016

Session: January 3 to March 10 and Spring 2016 Session: March 14 to May 26. For more

information and to register visit ACT II, www.spucc.org/act2. Space is limited. (Scholarships

available for any family in need)

NEW MOMS GROUP STARTING IN JANUARY; Sunday’s from 10:20-11 AM in the

nursery. If you are a mom of a young child and you would like to meet others facing the same

joys and challenges come on by.

ALL ARE INVITED TO MAKE A JOYFUL SOUND IN OUR MUSIC PROGRAM. There

are no auditions! Contact the choir leaders for more information.

Kinderchapel Singers - Ages 3 to 6, Nancy Voigts, director nvoigtsgod@att.net

Children's Choir - 1st Grade - 3rd Grade, Nancy Voigts, director nvoigtsgod@att.net

Pauls People - 4th Grade - 8th Grade, Kecia Waldschmidt, director keciagerman@hotmail.com

Joyful Sounds - High School, Karen Johnson, director kejpiano@aol.com.

ST. PAULS PLAY GROUP for children 0-3 years old in the church nursey. Drop in anytime

from 10:30 AM -12 PM Wednesdays.

YOUTH GROUPS for 5th through 8

th graders meet on Tuesday’s from 5-7 PM with dinner.

YOUTH MISSION TRIP- All youth in 8th-12

th grade are invited to participate in our youth

missions program June 25–July 2, 2016. We’ll build an entire house in one week for a family in

need in Ciudad Acuna, Mexico. We’ll also learn about the struggles and challenges of immigrants

along the border of the US and Mexico. Contact Pastor Sarah and visit the website

http://www.spucc.org/connect-learn/youth-mission-trips for more information.

YOUTH MISSION TRIP UPDATE Hello,

On behalf of the youth Education Committee, I am excited to announce some new initiatives

within the youth mission trip program at Saint Paul’s. The Youth Education Committee is

planning to enrich our Mission Trip program by developing a rotating model, where the youth

would alternate years working with different issue/region driven locations.

This year we are planning to focus on the issue of immigration with our youth, helping them to

explore the experience that millions of people are struggling with around the world. We have

chosen to partner with Casas por Cristo, an organization dedicated to helping families in Mexico

struggling to survive along the U.S. Mexico border. We believe that this will provide an

extraordinary opportunity for youth to learn first-hand about the immigration experience from

people on both sides of the border, while continuing the tradition of home building. Our mission

team will have the opportunity to build an entire home in one week.

Going forward, the Youth Education Committee will also be striving to compliment the trip

experience with several local projects or cultural exchanges right here in our own city. Chicago

is incredibly rich with immigrant groups and organizations, and we will develop learning and

exchange opportunities designed to build the team and deepen the learning experience abroad.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Youth Mission Trip. We welcome your feedback

about these plans. Please feel free to contact me at:

wdunn@depaul.edu

With gratitude,

Winnie Kearns

On behalf of the Youth Education Committee

Which includes Kristin Mack, Michael Sanders, Peg Wander, Emily Citadine, Sue Finkle

ADULT MISSION TRIP We are currently exploring opportunities to return to Haiti for missions work in February. If you

are interested in this trip, please contact Pastor Sarah.

.

YOUNG ADULTS CHRISTIANITY 101 (Animate:Practices) - Monday, January 4, 7PM – Parlor. How does our

Christian faith enter into our day-to-day lives - like our relationship to money, food, others? Join

Pastor Jeff and fellow young adults for a lively discussion of real-life questions.

Animate:Practices begins with a creative, edgy, 10-minute video followed by questions and

discussion about the topic. No book or preparation required. Please contact Hannah Basil

athannahbasil@gmail.com with questions and to RSVP.

KARAOKE NIGHT - Friday, January 22, 8PM. Lincoln Karaoke, 5526 N Lincoln Ave. Save

the date! This event was such a hit last year, we are doing it again! Come join us at Lincoln

Karaoke, Chicago's premiere Private-Room Karaoke, complete with flat-panel televisions and

comfy sofas, and get ready to sing your hearts out! We will reserve a large room which can

accommodate up to 30 people. If you've never experienced private-room karaoke, it's a blast! It

will be just us in the room, which means we get to sing as much as we want. Cost per person will

be $20, plus food and drinks. More details and an Evite coming out soon.

MONTHLY BRUNCH - Sunday, January 24, 12PM. Join us for brunch after the 11am service.

We will gather during Social Hour and walk somewhere close. Look for the St Pauls Young

Adults chalice! Have an idea of where we should go? Email spuccyoungadultsl@gmail.com with

your suggestion.

LAY CARE GIVING CONNECTORS reach out providing networking and support for members and friends of St.

Pauls. We send cards, make telephone calls, provide food and meals, give rides to doctor’s

appointments and the store. Membership is open to all who have the time and the inclination to

help. Meetings are held once a month, except in July and December. Contact Avena Ward for

more information.

STEPHEN MINISTRY trains people to give one-to-one confidential care to people who are

hurting. To find out more about Stephen Ministry at St. Pauls go to our website:

www.SPUCC.org/StephenMinistry.

OUTREACH LINCOLN PARK COMMUNITY SHELTER NEEDS OVERNIGHT VOLUNTEERS.

You aren’t expected to stay up all night: you can choose to sleep or use the late-night time to

catch up on quiet projects. We have several open shifts (9 PM - 6:30 AM weekdays, 9 PM - 8

AM weekends) in the next few weeks. Contact the Volunteer Manager, Fawn O’Brien, to get

signed up: volunteer@lpcsonline.org 773-549-6111.

LINCOLN PARK COMMUNITY SHELTER DINNER. There are three opportunities each

month to serve: The first Wednesday of each month from 6 to 8 PM, St. Pauls volunteers provide,

prepare, and serve dinner for 40 live-in guests of the interim housing program.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS SUNDAY SUPPERS. The second and fourth

Sundays of each month at St. Pauls. Arrival is 2:00 PM, dinner is served at 3:30, and cleanup is

done by 4:00. RSVP to Brent at bcarstensen@ameritech.net.

SARAH’S SISTERS gather every Wednesday morning to make 40 bag lunches to be distributed

to the homeless at the Fullerton Avenue door. Meet at the church at 9:30 AM, no need to RSVP.

COLLEEN HENRY WRITING CENTER NEEDS A FEW TUTORS. CAN YOU

VOLUNTEER? Do you like to be with high school students? Do you remember how hard it was

to get started when writing an essay? We could really use you if you have some time to give to

the Writing Center at Lincoln Park High School, where kids learn to do the kind of writing that

will help them in college and in the workplace. Training is available. And the pay comes from

the faces of the students when they "get it." If you can help with this project initiated by St. Pauls,

please contact St, Pauls member Nancy Brandt, nhbrandt@sbcglobal.net.

COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB. As a thanks to the St. Pauls UCC for setting up the Writing

Center and recruiting tutors, the Lincoln Park High School English Department teachers

have invited us discuss Black Boy with them and the CHWC. Copies of the book can be

requested from the Chicago Public Library

WHEN: Monday, January 11, Refreshments 5:30 PM – Discussion 6-7:30 PM

WHERE: Lincoln Park High School – location at the high school TBA

RSVP: Nancy Brandt, nhbrandt@sbcglobal.net

ST PAULS BASKETBALL will resume January January 6, 2016! Join St. Pauls members and

friends for basketball every Wednesday evening, 7 PM - 9 PM. All are welcome! Contact Pastor

Matt if you are interested at mfitzgerald@spucc.org.

ST. PAULS MEMBER INFORMATION

MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF ST. PAULS, in a continuing effort to update our database so

we can provide you with the most current contact information please stop by the table in the

Narthex and complete a member profile form. Please complete a form for each family member.

When you have completed it, please place it in the bin on the table. We appreciate your help.

JOINING ST. PAULS CHURCH

NEW MEMBER CLASSES are held throughout the year. Learn more about St. Pauls 172 year

ministry of making a joyful sound in the city, meet others exploring membership, find out what

we believe and how you can become more engaged. Next classes: January 10, 2016, April 10,

2016 and June 5, 2016 at 12:30 PM. Contact Pastor Matt mfitzgerald@spucc.org to be registered

BORN THIS WEEK IN DECEMEBER

Donations to the Birthday Fund support A Just Harvest We celebrate and give thanks for your life at St Pauls. A perfect way to celebrate

and help St Pauls: give one dollar for each year of your life to our Birthday Fund.

December 8: Greta and Maria Schmahl; December 9: Julia Campbell, Kitty Egan, Alex Nagle;

December 10: Judy Dorrell, Ginna Gentzen, Lisa Soard December 11: Cindy Ball, Grayson

Glomp, Hugo Osorio; December 12: Jake Gentzen; December 13: Heidi Gillmore, Tom Palkon.

ST. PAULS ADVENT CALENDAR

Sunday, December 13

LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF JOY-Third Sunday of Advent

9 AM and 11 AM Christmas Market.

10 AM Worship – Readings and Carols and Commissioning of Stephens Ministers.

11:30 AM = The Poetry of Christmas - Parlor

Friday, December 18

6:30 PM ALL CHURCH CHRISTMAS POTLUCK

Sunday, December 20

LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF LOVE - Fourth Sunday of Advent

9:30 AM Church School and Early Worship

11 AM Worship

4 PM Advent Labyrinth Walk with Christmas Cookie Reception

Thursday, December 24

5 PM CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY SERVICE – Interactive Worship Service

9 PM CANDLELIGHT SERVICE - Christmas Story, Carols and Worship

Sunday, December 27

NO 9:30 AM Worship, Faith Formation or Church School

11 AM Worship

SAINT PAULS PRAYS

• Barb Javorcic at the death of her father.

• Rodney Higginbotham, admitted to Swedish Covenant Hospital on Saturday for a cardiac

workup.

• Violence Interrupters and Cure Violence that they can bring their skills to gang filled

neighborhoods and reach kids who are afraid and need options.

• The Renfrow family as they cope with the death of David, who passed on Thanksgiving, and

Wayne, who has entered hospice.

• Dan Vaughn at the death of his father.

• Troy Meinder’s sister, Trisha, diagnosed with cancer.

• A family mourning the death of Aunt Marj and the anniversary of their mother’s death this

week.

• Carole Knuti recovering from hip replacement surgery.

• Connie Dec, dealing with some significant setbacks and health issues.

• Sol Angelica Roldan, Juanita Barlow’s aunt in Puerto Rico, being treated for esophageal

cancer.

• Anson Kendall recovering from a concussion.

• Janice Keeler and family at the death of her mother and for her aunt who is in the hospital.

• Betty Beckers for health issues.

• Jeff Barlow’s godfather’s sister.

• Nancy Heffernan's friend Robert, with spine cancer that has spread.

• Rick Bail's mother Katherine, in hospice care.

• Ed Zasadil, suffering from eczema, causing complete body itch, for which there is no cure.

• Nancy Heffernan’s friend Leona, with aggressive cancer.

• Del Arsenault, in hospice care, at home.

• Carole Crowley recovering from a stroke at home.

• Ivy Sanz’ nephew T.J.

• Shane Gentzen’s cousin, Jerry, diagnosed with ALS.

• Wendi Mancini, living with cancer.

• Steve Warsh, undergoing chemotherapy.

• Tom Palkon being treated for cancer.

• Beatrice Jaji’s brother, Jacob, healing for his kidneys.

• Family of Lorri Gunn Wirsum: her husband, Karl Wirsum, living with cancer; her daughter-in-

law, Lauren, being treated for rheumatoid arthritis; & her brother, Jim, being treated for cancer.

• Mary Train’s nephew Carl and family.

• All service members and their loved ones before, during and after deployment.

• All others in need of prayer.

(Prayer cards are available in the pew racks) NEARLY 1 IN 5 ADULTS STRUGGLE WITH A MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE. Contact one

of the pastors today for information about mental healthcare advocacy and resources that can help

you and your loved ones. Contact information for the pastors is at the back of this bulletin.

ABOUT ST. PAULS

ST. PAULS HAS A VIBRANT HISTORY in the city of Chicago. Founded by German

immigrants in 1843, we moved from our original location at LaSalle and Ohio Streets to Lincoln

Park in 1898. Through two fires, civil and world wars and constant urban change, we’ve

remained committed to joyfully serving God and neighbor in the city. We welcome you to join us

in following Jesus into the 21st Century!

WE WELCOME YOU TO WORSHIP. If you are our guest and want more information about

St. Pauls, please fill out the fellowship card in the pew rack and drop it in the offering plate. Also,

please join us after worship downstairs for a cup of coffee. We want to meet you.

ACTIVITY PACKETS, Just for You, are available for children who attend worship and are

filled with worship-related activities. Please return the folders to the boxes after the service.

Children may keep their activity sheets.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT US see our website, www.spucc.org.

St. Pauls United Church of Christ 2335 North Orchard Street Chicago, Illinois 60614

(773) 348-3829 FAX (773) 348-3858

www.spucc.org

Matt Fitzgerald, Senior Pastor mfitzgerald@spucc.org

Avena Ward, Associate Pastor award@spucc.org

Jeff Carlson, Associate Pastor jcarlson@spucc.org

Sarah Garcia, Associate Pastor for Children and Youth sgarcia@spucc.org Tom Henry, Pastor Emeritus emeritushenry@gmail.com

Kurt R. Hansen, Music Director kurtsingsbach@gmail.com

Kevin Dzierzawski, Organist kdzierza@att.net

Brendan Henry, Pianist brendanphenry@hotmail.com

Nancy Voigts, Children’s Choir Director nvoigtsgod@att.net

Kecia Waldschmidt, Youth Choir Director keciagerman@hotmail.com

Karen E. Johnson, Joyful Sounds Choir Director kejpiano@aol.com Mark Mosley, Intergenerational Orchestra Director mwmosley@gmail.com

Kevin O’Brien, Lay Liturgical Administrator kob48@att.net

Free Parking is available on Sundays at Children’s Memorial Hospital 2300 block of North Lincoln Ave.

VOUCHERS NOT NEEDED

Welcome to those whose hearts are on fire with faith, and to those who bring their doubt inside our doors.

Welcome to our first time guests and our longtime members.

Welcome to single people, tiny children, grandparents and families of all configurations.

Welcome to those who rejoice and to those who grieve. Welcome to each and to everyone.

We are an Open and Affirming church. We welcome all.

We are blessed by your presence and we are glad you are here.