Worship This Sunday

In Hope

When God banishes Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, God tells them that out of dust they were made, and to dust they shall return. From that moment on, humans have profoundly wrestled with the cycles of life and death. This week we'll contemplate impermanence, as the second part of our Advent sermon series on the "three original wounds" in the story of Adam and Eve. 

Bulletin
Livestream

In Advent

On the 2nd Sunday of Advent, John the Baptist calls us to repent, and we’ll ponder what it means to live into the new age that Jesus brings to birth. The Advent liturgy includes communion.
Bulletin
Hymns
Livestream
Reading sheet 
 

 

MCC Announcements

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Adult Ed

Here’s the rest of our “semester” 9:00 Sunday Education Hour:
Dec. 7: Another in our series of impacts of current events, Meier will share about the Transgender community, along with an activity of support after Transgender Day of Remembrance (see below for more and how to participate)
Dec. 14: Homelessness in Dane County and the work of Porchlight, with Executive Director Karla Thennes and board member Kevin Huff
Dec. 21: A return to our Tools for Resilience series, we’ll have small circle sharing groups on Keeping Christmas Calm and Bright

 

Children & Family Ministry News

Dec. 7 - All ages (Birth-6th grade) will meet downstairs for faith formation 9-10am for youth led worship music, art, and costume fittings. 
Dec. 13  - Dress rehearsal for the Christmas pageant in the Blessing Room AND cookie decorating 9:00-Dec. 14 - Please arrive by 9:45am to get your costume on for the best service of the year!
*No Faith formation 12/21 or 12/28 but we're back in session on Jan 4th with Lisa J and King cake baking for Epiphany.
 
I hope you're all enjoying your Advent faith-at-home kits! If you haven't had a chance to pick one up, they are on the table downstairs. Thanks for your time and participation this busy time of year! Peace, Andrea

 

Advent Season

Midweek gatherings continue at 6:00 Wednesdays Dec. 10 & 17 in the Covenant Room. We’ll begin with worship, including your favorite carols, and then share soup supper prepared by pastors, finishing around 7:00.

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MCC Caroling

When - Monday, December 8th, 6:30-7:30
Where - Hebron Oaks (Oakwood West) - 510 Genomic Dr
What to bring - Festive attire, singing voices, holiday cheer!  Song sheets provided
 
Please join us after the singing at Karen and Brian Kuhn's house (114 S Owen Dr) for some holiday treats to share! Questions - Karen 608-609-4351

 

Chrismas Eve Early Service Prelude

It’s not too early to plan your Christmas Eve prelude music offering for the 4:00 pm service. The Christmas Eve prelude time, 3:30-4:00 PM, is a time when MCC members and their families provide special Christmas music or spoken art. We welcome family groups, individuals, instruments, vocals, and spoken word offerings such as poetry or a reading that is meaningful to you.

If you are interested in taking part in this meaningful tradition, contact Emily Wixson by Sunday, December 14. Please provide the name of your piece, musicians, duration (please - no more than 3 minutes), stand/amplification needs, and accompaniment needs. This prelude time fills up quickly, so contact Emily early.
New this year, we will offer 15 minutes of meditative, contemplative time accompanied by soft Christmas music provided by LisaAnn Trembath prior to the 7:30 PM service.

For questions about Christmas Eve music, please contact:
Early Service: Emily Wixson  
Late service: LisaAnn Trembath 

 

Support Triangle Ministries this Christmas

Through Sunday, we are collecting personal hygiene items to share with the residents at the Triangle: shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, disposable razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, nail clippers, nail files, bar soap, disposable razors, shaving cream, lotion, body wash, bath scrunchies.  You can also donate by check payable to the MCC with Triangle Christmas in the memo section. Lori DeMeuse will purchase items with any funds donated. The items will be shared with residents at Triangle Community Ministry’s (TCM) annual Christmas meal on Dec. 15 where they are able to choose from  the items in a shop-like setting. Please contact Lori DeMeuse for more information.  Our congregation supports TCM both financially and by providing four Monday Meals each year. 

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Confirmation Candy Sale

On Saturday, our Confirmation students and mentors are gathering for their annual candy making. Peppermint bark and dipped pretzel rods will be available on Sunday. Your donations fund their shopping trip in January for the Lussier Pantry.
 

Just Bakery is Here! 

For another good purchase on Sunday, buy some baked goods that support jobs and training for those returning to society after incarceration.

 

Dignity Mission Holiday Wish List

Many of you participated in our letter writing campaign and wrote notes that were included in the Dignity Kits for people stranded at the border.  They were so appreciated!  Joyce Anderson asked about holiday needs, and was told local churches are putting together string bags with goodies for the children.  What is needed are items for new moms and babies, the first nine (9) items at the top of their needs list.  You can purchase these at the site listed below and ship them directly to Eva Moya for the Dignity Project. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3A8N584B37L61?ref_=wl_share
Please ship any of these items to:
Dignity Mission
c/o Dr. Eva Moya
6520 La Cadena Dr.
El Paso, TX 79912
 

From Palestine

Olive oil and olive wood carvings are on sale for two more Sundays, Dec. 7 and 14. Consider for holiday gifting, or for enjoying with family and friends!  We take cash, check, and Venmo.

 

Mission Endowment Fund Accepting Applications

Hope and Advent members: Apply to the winter 2026 Advent Mission Endowment Fund by January 8, 2026.
Grant funds provide support for: activities of local and national faith-based social ministries serving basic human needs, new programs or ministry initiatives within the MCC, environmental stewardship ministries, and post-secondary education.

An example of a past grant: Larry Henning received funding for Opportunity Palestine, which supports four K-12 Lutheran schools in Bethlehem, Beit Sahour, Ramallah, and Beit Jala. Peace education and interfaith dialog are embedded in the curriculum.

Grant awards typically range from $200-$1,000. Click here for the online application or pick up a copy in the MCC office.  Submit paper applications at the MCC office or to Lori DeMeuse or Lisa Bauer.

 

Epiphany Choir

Click here for the Epiphany Choir Rehearsal Sign Up.  If you have any questions, contact Jen or Alyssa.  
Schedule: 
Sundays after worship, December 7, 14, 21, 28
"Dress" Rehearsal: Saturday, 1/3 10a-12p
Before worship Sunday,1/4 @ 8:30am; Worship @ 10:15am

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Judith Bible Study

Judith morning Bible study will meet on Tue Dec 9 at 9:30 am in the Covenant Room.  We will discuss the lesson from Sept/Oct/Nov issue of Gather magazine starting on p. 36.  It is the third session about Money, Stewardship and Generosity.  Looking forward to seeing you and a good discussion and fellowship.  All are welcome!  Contact Joyce Anderson for questions.

 

Cards of Hope around Transgender Day of Remembrance

In this time when our transgender family is facing not only violence from individuals but also societal and political violence, it is more important than ever for people rooted in faith to act in support, love, and justice. A note or letter could make a life-or-death difference. Through Meier, MCC is collecting the cards and letters from across the community. Thre will be an opportunity in adult ed Sunday, or you can mail or drop off at church. Click here for the full invitation letter, instructions, and ways to support.

 

 Koats for Kids   

A bin near the front doors is collecting for Koats for Kids.  Any coats for children can be left there and there are tax receipts attached to a clipboard for the donors to take. Betty Custer will get them to a collection site at Boys and Girls Club.

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Second Wind Band Concert at MCC

Broadway Tunes concert one week from tonight!  On Thurs, Dec 11, at 7pm  the MCC is hosting a performance of the Second Wind Band. The band features several of our own musicians. The concert is free and family friendly. If you like to listen to show tunes, this concert (and reception following) is for you!!

 

Volunteer for Congregational Care

Are you willing to help care for members in our congregation through childcare, running errands, doing laundry, providing meals, minor home repair, moving, shopping, or transportation? Please sign up in MSP (online volunteer tool), so care coordinators and staff can connect you. Sign up in your MSP profile  or contact Kaisa for help signing up. 

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Donation Updates & Thanks

Thanks to all who participated in providing gifts for children and teens via the Lussier Center Holiday program! We provided a tiny bit of joy for 61 families!! We supported 5% of the total 1,200 gifts Lussier was able to give youth. 

Thanks to all who donated to Maibritt and friends collection for the WayForward Food Pantry. This week, the girls delivered just under 1000 pounds of food and $1375!