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http://bradforducc.org bradfordvtucc@gmail.com

Dear Church Family,

If you love beautiful church music and candlelight, if you love the children’s

Christmas pageant and the church full of greens, if you love Christmas

carols and familiar Bible passages foretelling or recounting Jesus’ birth, then

every Sunday in December and the first half of January will be a treat for

you, and the 6:00 PM Christmas Eve service best of all.

Also, between Sundays, you can see our website for an expanding list of

Advent music to listen to and books to read. Please let us know if you have

favorite ones that we could add to the resources at

http://bradforducc.org/category/advent-resources/.

If you feel drawn to live more simply in this complex and troubling world, if

you feel scattered and long to be more centered, if you feel empty or lonely,

or if you yearn for a closer connection to God, then the Advent course we

are offering could be helpful for you. (Please see the article below about the

course, and get in touch with me right away if you would like to participate!)

And if you are one of the many who struggle during the holidays, the church

has something to offer you during this time, as well.

Exactly a year ago we were studying the comments many of us made about

this congregation in the questionnaire and small groups—the ones that

shaped our Identity and Aspiration Statement (http://bradforducc.org/).

We found that the number one thing that people love and appreciate is how

they feel here when the church is at its best. As the Statement puts it, we are

See us on Facebook!

December, 2015

striving “to be a loving church family where everyone feels welcome and at

home, appreciated and supported. We want our faith community to be a safe,

comfortable place.”

So if this is a season when you struggle, please know that you do not have to

avoid coming to

church, nor do you

have to hide the

truth if you are

feeling down. We

want to walk with

you through the

coming weeks

whatever shape

you are in, and

wherever your path

may lead. The

congregation wants

to support you and

surround you with

our love and care,

and the Deacons and I are available to talk one on one with you anytime.

Please do not hesitate to speak with us after worship or email or call. It is

what we are here to do. Christ came to love and serve those who were

suffering in body, mind, heart or soul. He calls us to do the same.

One of the marks of Advent spiritual wisdom is to know that when you are

in a dark night of soul, when it seems as if there is no light in the universe

and never was and never will be, when God feels absent, right then is a time

to turn to the light in faith as if it were within you and all around you. It is

the time to increase your prayer and worship and spiritual practice of all

kinds. As the 20th Century Trappist monk and author, Thomas Merton, said,

“Pure love and prayer are learned in the hour when prayer has become

impossible and your heart has turned to stone.” We transform our suffering

to wisdom and our struggle to peace when we turn to God in those worst

moments.

One of the traditional marks of spiritual maturity is the ability to feel a

fullness of sorrow and fullness of joy at the same time. That is what Advent

is all about. It is full of the grief and longing of

“O come, O come, Emmanuel,

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here,

Until the Son of God appear,”

and at the same time full of the hope, peace, joy and love that sings out in

the next breath,

“Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.”

Please do not misunderstand me. Like anyone else, the spiritually mature

person can experience extremes of grief or joy that drive the other out, or

can suffer mental illness that controls the experience of grief or joy and is a

matter of body chemistry requiring therapies and medications in order to

restore balance.

As a season, though, Advent gives us the opportunity to practice living

faithfully in a world in which there is reason for both grief and joy at the

same time. There is room for us all in Advent, wherever we are on that

continuum.

Advent offers us the opportunity to grow in spiritual wisdom and maturity,

and to grow closer as a loving community. All we need to do is carve out

the time and make the effort to show up, and the Spirit of Christ will do the

rest, working in our

hearts through the

church and the Advent

words and music of

the ages, and through

all we do to support

one another here and

serve those in need

outside our doors.

Taking Advent seriously is important for this congregation in this interim

time because the Spirit of Christ that we open to now is the same one we

depend on to lead us into the next chapter of our history. Keep that in mind

as you wait and watch and pray. You are doing it for us all, to help us

follow the star on the path ahead.

Thank you for being part of this loving community. May your Advent and

Christmas be blessed with

Hope, peace, joy and love,

Tom

Advent Mindfulness and Simplicity: A Course on The Practice of the

Presence of God

Meeting Thursdays December 3rd, 10th and 17th from 5:30 to 6:50 PM at

the Bradford Congregational Church

parsonage, 258 North Main Street,

Bradford, Vermont.

This course is designed to help make

Advent a time of spiritual deepening,

preparing us for the coming of Christ at

Christmas and in our hearts at any time

through the ancient Christian disciplines

of simplicity and watchfulness.

Our text will be the 17th Century spiritual

classic, The Practice of the Presence of

God by Brother Lawrence of the

Resurrection. We will be reading the

Image edition translated and with an

excellent introduction by John J. Delaney,

and with a foreword by Henri J. M.

Nouwen.

Brother Lawrence developed a simple and

powerful spiritual practice of being

mindful of God as many moments every

day as he could. It filled his life with hope, peace, joy and love. It has done

the same for thousands of others over the centuries.

The course will include discussion as well as mindfulness practice for all

levels of experience including beginner.

Participants are requested to read the Foreword, Introduction and First

Conversation before meeting on December 3rd if possible.

The course is free, but please register in advance by writing to

rev.thomas.cary.kinder@gmail.com. Feel free to ask any questions you have

about the course, and also let us know if you would like us to provide a copy

of the book for you. The cost of the book is $9.00, scholarships available by

request.

Advent Colors I have asked the Diaconate to use the Advent vestment color on

communion Sunday. This is a departure from tradition in this congregation,

but in most congregations this is standard. For instance, in all the

denominations that celebrate communion weekly, the colors of the season

are always used—otherwise they would have only white all the year round.

The reason why Advent is so important to keep in the violet, purple or blue

vestment is that it is all about waiting in the darkness for the coming of the

light—waiting for the change to white at Christmas. Advent colors

symbolize our preparing for the light of Christ in hope and a spirit of

metanoia (that Greek word meaning turning our hearts, minds and spirits

back to God that is translated inadequately

as “repentance”). If you are uncomfortable

with the absence of white vestments on

communion Sunday, you can reflect on the

discomfort of Mary on the hard journey to

Bethlehem. She, too, longed for the coming

of the light.

New Christmas Eve Service Time

Please note on your calendars that the

Christmas Eve Service will be at 6:00 PM this

year. We hope the earlier time will enable

more families with young children to attend as

well as people who have a traditional

gathering that evening.

Prayer requests may be directed to martinastever@yahoo.com

It is our privilege to pray for you and those you care about.

Our Prayer Team first formed many years ago when a member’s

daughter was undergoing major surgery. From that initial prayer

vigil gathering grew the current team, composed of those who lift

up in daily prayer all who ask, all who are facing difficulties, all

who are worried or scared or anxious. We pray for caregivers,

medical teams, those who are ill, those who grieve, families, and

communities.

And we pray for each other,

without ceasing

Your prayer requests are held

in strict confidence.

24 questions, one per day, starting with December 1st

Lectionary Readings for DECEMBER November 29 – 1st

Sunday of Advent

Jeremiah 33:14-16

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Psalm 25:1-10

Luke 21:25-36

December 6 – 2nd Sunday of

Advent

Baruch 5:1-9 or Malachi 3:1-14

Luke 1:68-79

Philippians 1:3-11

Luke 3:1-6

December 13 – 3rd Sunday of

Advent

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Philippians 4:4-7

Isaiah 12:2-6

Luke 3:7-18

December 20 – Christmas

Sunday

Micah 5:2-5a

Hebrews 10:5-10

Luke 1:46b-55 or Psalm 80:1-7

Luke 1:39-45

Christmas

Isaiah 9:2-7

Titus 2:11-14

Psalm 96

Luke 2:1-14

Or

Isaiah 62:6-12

Psalm 97

Titus 3:4-7

Luke 2:8-20

Or

Isaiah 52:7-10

Hebrews 1:1-4

Psalm 98

John 1:1-14

December 27 – 1st Sunday after

Christmas

1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26

Psalm 148

Colossians 3:12-17

Luke 2:41-52

January 1 – New Year’s Day

Numbers 6:22-27

Psalm 8

Galatians 4:4-7 or Philippians 2:5-

11 or Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

Luke 2:15-21

Revelation 21:1-6a

Matthew 25:31-46

January 3 – Epiphany Sunday

Jeremiah 31:7-14 or Sirach 24:1-

12

Psalm 147:12-20 or Wisdom of

Solomon 10:15-21

Ephesians 1:3-14

John 1:10-18

Advent – Christmas – Epiphany

Lectionary Selections

9

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar

Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when

Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own

city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto

the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and

lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she

should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in

swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in

the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over

their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of

the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said

unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall

be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling

clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising

God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward

men.”

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the

shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing

which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with

haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they

had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this

child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the

shepherds.

10

Neighbors in Need is a

special mission offering of

the UCC that supports

ministries of justice and

compassion through out the

United States.

One-third of the NIN funds

support the Council for

American Indian Ministries

(CAM). Two-thirds of the

offering is used by the UCC's

Justice and Witness

Ministries (JWM) to support

a variety of justice initiatives,

advocacy efforts, and direct service projects.

NIN contributions can be made on-line at any time here. Or you can place it in the

Sunday offering plate with “NIN” on the check’s memo line.

A donation for the Christmas Fund, formerly known as

Veterans on the Cross, can also be made at any time.

These donations go towards helping retired clergy.

You may donate through the Sunday offering by writing “Christmas Fund”

on the memo line of the check.

11

a Mission opportunity through Inter Church Council

12

Our Community Supper

We will have our monthly

community supper on December 16

at 6:00. Starting in January we will

go back to the fourth Wednesday of

the month.

Do you have holiday

tablecloths and centerpieces

you could share with us that

evening? Please contact

Marcia or call at 802-449-

4689.

See You There!

13

A History for Our Youngest and Newest

Members:

Merry Christmas to everyone from sunny

Florida. You cannot believe the Christmas

lights and decorations here. We have whole

streets where every house is professionally

decorated – darkened homes, lights and

huge decorations on palm trees, shrubbery,

walkways, lawns and roof tops! They

really go all out here BUT no snow. They

even have music, refreshments, and visit

with the strollers. Lines and lines of cars go

by! Fun, fun, fun!!

It occurred to me that our church children

may have questions about the decorations

on our sanctuary Chrismon tree. So here

goes: an explanation of the significance of the Chrismons and for our older, newer

members, how we came to have a Chrismon tree and who made our first

Chrismons. I will ask someone to help explain them to you, children, during your

story hour.

Eris Eastman,

Historian

14

15

16

17

The Inter Church

Council is sponsoring

the annual coat drive to

assist Operation Santa.

Please drop off any new

or gently used coats of

any size to Odell

Insurance or Perry Oil.

The coat drive will be

held until Thursday

December 10th.

Also remember that it is that time of year

when the food shelf is really used. Please

bring in your usual donation of canned soups,

stews, peanut butter or tuna. Thank you for

your generous donations. And they can also

use disposable diapers, toilet paper, soap,

laundry detergent, paper towels, spices, juice

boxes, popcorn and crackers. Put anything

you want for the Food Shelf into the basket

at the entrance to the Sanctuary. Storme Odell

18

Members of our church are in

this chorus and hope some of

you will come to this wonderful

concert. The first half will

feature J.S. Bach’s “Magnificat

(click here to sample).” After

intermission is Matthew Harris’

cantata set to Dylan Thomas’

“Child’s Christmas in Wales.”

Here is a (brief sampling).

19

Memorial Poinsettias 2015 Order Form

Please place your order for this year's memorial poinsettias on or before December

15th. Christmas Sunday is December 20th.

1. $15.99 each in a 6 ½ inch pot with 5-8 blooms.

20% of the purchase is donated to the UCC Flower Fund by the florist.

2. Make your check out to: UCC Flower Fund.

3. Print the name of the person(s) it is to be in memory of (as you wish it to be

printed in the bulletin insert).

4. Print your name on the “from” line (also as you wish it to be printed in the

bulletin insert).

5. Print to whom the plant should be delivered and give instructions if needed.

6. We will have large name tags in each plant – please look for correct name.

7. Help will be needed to deliver plants.

8. Mail the check and this form to: Janice Larabee, P.O. Box 216, Bradford,

VT 05033

In Memory of:

From:

Deliver to:

Check here if you wish your plant to remain for the Christmas Eve

service, after which you will take it.

20

Hello Everyone,

Next year 2016 will be my last year as chair of the buffet table and making the

Gingerbread for Game Supper. It will be my 37th year as chair of the buffet table!!

Tina Towle is shadowing me this year and will try the buffet table with my help

next year. Then she will be ready to go on her own for 2017.

We have not been able to find anyone to

chair the Gingerbread. If you like to

cook, it is really not that hard a job. We

have a wonderful recipe and I have a step

by step list of the making and baking

directions. Your responsibility is Friday

afternoon before Game Supper from 2;30

to about 6:30. It works well to have 3

people help you up at the Oxbow kitchen.

If you might be interested in volunteering

please contact me at 222-9655 or speak with Dan or Tracy Smith.

Storme Odell

CHURCH COUNCIL 11/5/15

With ten members present following prayer we discussed the Search

Committees duties and qualifications. Each one submitted names and we

developed a list of candidates. We discussed each one and ended with a list of ten

people. Two members who couldn’t serve again agreed to contact the people

letting them know of what to expect and if they were interested in serving. They

will bring the results to council on Dec. 3rd for confirmation.

Trustees recommended we budget for two camp scholarships at $250 each for

next year. Also reported that the windows in the belfry were painted glass and

many panes were broken so not worth repairing and installing them in the Choir

room. They have hired a woman janitor. They didn’t feel it necessary to have a

kitchen committee. They are having Rev. Tom Kinder’s name printed for the sign

in front.

Bethanne Tillotson and Kim Merrill have agreed to put on the Christmas Dinner

this year.

Missions will be setting up a table at Midnight Madness.

Finance meeting for Budget is set for Jan 14th at 7 PM so all committees need to

get figures ready and bring them to the meeting.

Christmas Eve Service will be at 6:00 PM

Council Co-Chair, Daniel Perry

21

Hello everyone,

During Advent, I will be emphasizing chorale preludes based on “All Glory Be to

God on High” for the first two Sundays. The first Sunday I will include as prelude

a three part fugue on this hymn tune (BWV 716) which I will probably play at least

twice using very different organ combinations. I plan to begin it as a trio with a

single part given to each hand and pedal. It has taken me a while to master this, but

it is great exercise for hand-feet-eye coordination.

Later in Advent, I will feature “Joy of Man’s Desiring” of J.S. Bach which I have

been re-learning. The German chorale preludes seem best early in Advent, but I

will select more French pieces as Advent progresses. Thanks, Tom, so much for

the Advent plan! That is really helpful to establish the mood as musical context for

your messages.

John Atwood, Organist and Choir Director

A Portrait of Our Church

The publicity committee is beginning the process of sprucing up our bulletin

boards, and our first bulletin board project will feature portraits of the

congregation. During the month of December, Bridget Peters will have her

"studio" set up in the vestry during coffee hour each Sunday to take photos of

individuals, couples, or families. You do not need be a member to get your photo

taken, we want to include everyone! If you have your own photo that you would

prefer to be used on the bulletin board, please give it to Bridget.

Thank you from the Publicity Committee!

Sunday School

December is an exciting month for the children in our congregation! In their

home lives of course, they are thinking about Santa, presents, and family

gatherings, and in church, they are learning about Advent and the wonder of Jesus’

birth, and they get to be active participants in some of the special church rituals we

do this time of year.

They launch into this exciting season by singing “Light One Candle” with the

choir and lighting the first Advent candle on November 29th, after which they’ll go

downstairs and get ready to host coffee hour!

Please also mark your calendars for December 13th when they will perform the

annual Christmas pageant.