A celebration of Fred’s life will be held in our sanctuary at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 19, with a reception to follow. Come honor the incredible life of our dear friend and church member.

Join Habitat for Humanity of Addison County for an Alternative Gift Fair on Sunday, December 22nd during coffee hour. This event offers a unique opportunity to support Habitat for Humanity while giving a meaningful gift to someone you love. When you make a donation, Habitat will provide you with a card to give to your friends or relatives, letting them know that, in their honor, you have donated items like roofing shingles, wallboard, or nails. It's a wonderful way to give two gifts in one! Don't miss the chance to shop at the Habitat Alternative Gift Fair.

i.e. sugar, flour, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, vanilla, spices, oil, boxed milk, cookie decorations, coffee, tea, hot chocolate

We are now only 175 pounds from reaching our 3-ton goal for the year!

What role, if any, should the Church have in engaging social and political issues in the public domain? Religious leaders are calling for varied responses to the emerging policies of our national government, and to rising Christian nationalism. Robin Meyers, a respected UCC pastor, has written an article that is sharply self-critical of responses by the Church and its pastors. 

On two Sundays, January 5 and 19, following worship, we will discuss Meyers’s perspectives and explore alternative approaches. Together, we’ll ask, “Where do we go from here (or not)?” Our pastors will participate in the discussion, with John Emerson facilitating and posing key questions to guide our conversation. 

PREPARING FOR THE CONVERSATION

Please read Reverend Robin Meyers’s article in advance and reflect on these questions: 

- Which points in Meyers’s essay resonate with you? 

- Where, if at all, do you disagree? 

- Do the Bible and our faith traditions inform these issues? 

- Should the Church (our Church) engage these matters publicly? 

Join us at 11:30 a.m. in Unity Hall on January 5 and January 19.

Experience fellowship online with Hal and Jean each Sunday immediately after worship! They are originally from Vermont now exploring their church membership from Aruba. There are others who join in each week from across the country. Each week we welcome you to share our churches open and affirming commitment to each other. Click on the link to share and discover new friendships. 

Zoom link

Meeting ID: 876 3774 4686
Passcode: 063702

The Community Supper Team provides meals to over 300 individuals each week. Meals are delivered to homes in the Addison area as well as available for dine in or take out in Fellowship Hall. As we strive to bring even more joy to all of our families and individuals this holiday season, your help in reaching our goal of 80 pies is appreciated and valued! If you are able to bake a pie (any amount is so appreciated!) please email Lilly Devlin at lilly@quimbycountry.com or call at 207-841-6250. We ask for pumpkin, berry, apple and just a few pecan pies. We are accepting pie drop off donations on Tuesday, December 24th between 10-2pm and Wednesday, December 25th between 1-2:30pm. If you are not able to make one of these times, please let Lilly know and she can coordinate a time that works for you. Thank you so much for your support and consideration!

It is our Church's turn to provide the dessert cookies for the Community Supper this Friday, December 20. Please take a break from your busy holiday schedules to bake a batch of cookies/brownies/cupcakes (no nuts or peanut butter) for the Supper. You can drop them off during the week in the Fellowship Hall kitchen in the mornings, or before 3 pm on Friday on the cart at the Seymour Street entrance. We really need them for the Supper dessert this week! Thank you so much!

Stretching back to the first Christmas, there have always been notes of sadness and grief within this season of joy. This Thursday, December 19th at 7:00 p.m., all are welcome to attend a Blue Christmas Service at the Vergennes Congregational Church. It will be led by Rev. Elliott Munn and Lisa Bessette. This communion service will celebrate Christ’s birth with a gentleness that holds space to remember loved ones we’ve lost. Accompanied by the music of Sue Rakowski, we will open our hearts to the light that shines in the darkness.