“Bethlehem, the Morning After”Third Sunday in Advent at the United Church of Gainesville Sunday, December 17, 2023 – 10:00 a.m. Our live stream begins at 10 a.m. Click here to join.

WELCOME, PRAYERS, and BIRTHDAYS – Rev. Talia Raymond LIGHTING THE THIRD CANDLE OF THE ADVENT WREATH – The Candle of Joy – Vivian Gutierrez, Berta Hernandez-Truyol, & Nadal and Natalia Gutierrez-Hernandez PRELUDE – Christmas Carol Sing-along with the All-Church Band, directed by Larry ReimerCHRISTMAS PAGEANT – “Bethlehem: The Morning After” – written by our United Tribes children and Rev. Talia Raymond

OPENING SONG – “Star Carol”‘Twas on a night like this a little babe was born.The shepherds gathered round  to guard him ‘til the dawn.Above them shone a star,  A star so wondrous bright.That never once in all these years   have we seen one half so bright. Chorus:  Shining so brightly  Shining so truly  Guiding our footsteps from afar  it led us through the night.  The path to love and peace my friends  by following its light. Oh come with us tonight  and join us on our way,for we have found again that star  to guide a better day.And though throughout the land  we search the skies in vainyet turned our glance within our hearts  we would find that star again.Chorus:As you are with us online, while all in-person attendees make their way through the pageant stations and return to the Sanctuary, you are invited to enjoy music by our Entr’acte Players including (but not limited to): Nan Ryan and Shirell Hix, Daniel Horák, Laurie Alsobrook, Shelby Havens, Jeff Shapiro, Angela Mickle, and the Dalirusa Quartet: Sally Simonis, Lisa McElwee-White, David Turner, and Ruth Saunders Please come back after 3 p.m. and click here to enjoy a recorded version of the pageant, including live animals.OFFERING – Phillip Herr-KlepackiYour gifts support all facets of the UCG community. You can also give online: bit.ly/ucgplate CLOSING HYMN – “Go Tell It on the Mountain” BENEDICTION  BENEDICTION RESPONSE O Come, O Come, O Adonai, who came to all on Sinai high,And from its peak a single law, proclaimed in majesty and awe.Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel! POSTLUDE

Bethlehem: The Morning After Cast and Crew

Guiding Star:                     Gloria Burger

Innkeepers:                      Finn DeMouey and Georgia Vanover

King Herod:                       Eliot Mathis

Magi:                                Oak Tudeen and Koa Larson

Shepherds:                       Brook Mathis, Olivia Mickle, Aubrey Ingram, Emi Maxwell, Elizabeth Dixon,                                               Devin Smith-Lopez, Johan Telg, Adelyn Ansley

Angels:                             Janie Nall, Addyson Lee, Frida Barros, Mia Mickle, Alyssa Collins,                                                               RJ Barton, Oliver Nall, Aaliyah Baxter, Kayla Barton

Mary:                                Vivienne Larson

Joseph:                             Ana White

Stable Animals:                 Nursery and Preschool Friends

Directed by:                      Rhonda Baxter, Julia Crawford, Fiona Hammond, Mira Lemstrom,                                                            Rev. Talia Raymond, and Lucy Stein, supported by our amazing childcare staff

Angel Choreography:        Shay Smith

Costumes:                        Rhonda Baxter

Here are our UCG friends celebrating a birthday this week!

Tenley

Hemmerich-Sullivan

12/18

Janie

Nall

12/19

Mark

Burlingame

12/21

Stephanie

Escue-Milch

12/21

Susan

James

12/21

Abby

Dreher

12/21

Tessa

Frenchman

12/22

Peggy

Mixon

12/22

Sofia

White

12/22

Holly

Collins

12/23

Kristin

Larsen

12/23

Holly

Prugh

12/23

Jim

Sarisky

12/23

Today at UCGThird Sunday in Advent 

 9:15 a.m.       All-Church Band Rehearsal 9:45 a.m.       Childcare                          Puzzle Exchange10:00 a.m.     Worship — “Bethlehem, the Morning After” 11:00 a.m.     Fellowship and Beverages                        Women’s Retreat Registration 11:30 a.m.     Lively Arts meeting6:00 p.m.       Youth Christmas party

Advent Devotional Book — Make your way through Advent guided by the voices of our community. Copies are available at church, in the mail (by contacting the office), or print a copy here.  Puzzle Day Today — Stop by the table in the courtyard outside Seminar B and pick up some new puzzles for the holidays.The church office will be closed from December 26 through January 1. The front office answering machine will be checked for messages. If you need emergency assistance, please contact a minister directly. Registration for “Reflections: Friendships and Moonbeams” Continues. Registration for the Women’s Overnight Retreat at Camp Weed (January 19-21 in Live Oak, FL) continues online through December 17 at https://bit.ly/womens24. We will also be in the library following the service today to assist and answer questions. If motel rooms remain available, we will extend registration through early January. If you planned for this January event, please register now. Saturday-only registration continues through January 5. Email Laura Robertson at alurajuly@gmail.com or Jane Emmerée at emmeree@gmail.com with questions. The Racial Justice Committee will be in the courtyard selling BLM shirts every Sunday until January 14. Save the date and plan to join us for the annual Martin Luther King event on Monday, January 15.Blue Christmas Service — December 21 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary.  A service of grief, loss, reflection, and quiet hope. All are welcome and childcare is provided, with a light reception following.All Ages Skating at Skate Station – Join Shanna Swiers for a Wacky Wednesday evening of skating at Skate Station on Wednesday, December 27, from 5 – 8 p.m. All ages and skills are welcome. $5 (+ tax) admission includes skate rental. Extra charge for rollerblades or bring your own skates.

Next Sunday, December 24Fourth Sunday in Advent

9:45 a.m.       Childcare  10:00 a.m.     Worship — “Poetry, PJs, and Carols”11:00 a.m.     Fellowship and Beverages   

Candlelight Christmas Eve Services Sunday, December 24, 2023
  • 4:30 p.m.    A multi-sensory service for all ages.
  • 8:00 p.m.    Special music from the choir and others, and a sermon from Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan.
  • 11:00 p.m.  This special service ends just after midnight, with the ringing in of Christmas Day. Bring a bell!
All services conclude with the candlelit singing of “Silent Night” in the courtyard.

 

December 15 COVID Update

The number of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 in the United States has risen sharply in the past week. In addition, all Alachua County wastewater samples contain the COVID-19 virus at levels that are the highest they have been in the past 2 years. This data suggests that a large portion of the population is susceptible to infection with the current strain of the virus and that the COVID-19 virus is spreading without control. Vaccination remains the best defense. People over age 65 and people with compromised immunity are encouraged to get the updated mRNA vaccine two or more weeks before attending any social gatherings.

The wearing of masks in the Sanctuary is highly recommended. People with respiratory symptoms should remain at home. People over age 65, people at risk for serious illness from COVID, and people who live with someone at increased risk are encouraged to wear an N-95 or KN-95 mask. KN-95 masks are available in the foyer to the Sanctuary