# St. John's United Church of Christ **Chambersburg, PA** **December 14, 2025** ## Liturgical Context ### Christian Liturgical Calendar **Season**: Advent **Week**: Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday - "Rejoice Sunday") **Lectionary Year**: C **Liturgical Color**: Purple/Violet (some traditions use Rose/Pink for Gaudete Sunday) **Christian Observances Today**: The Third Sunday of Advent, traditionally called Gaudete Sunday (from the Latin "Gaudete" meaning "Rejoice"), marks a shift in the Advent season from penitential preparation to joyful anticipation. This Sunday emphasizes joy in the coming of Christ, as reflected in the lighting of the third Advent candle (the candle of joy). The theme "Unexpected Joy" connects to the biblical narratives of Mary's Magnificat and Isaiah's proclamation of good news to the oppressed. ### Jewish Calendar **Hebrew Date**: 23 Kislev 5786 **Month**: Kislev **Jewish Observances**: Hanukkah (Festival of Lights) begins at sundown on December 14, 2025. This eight-day festival commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. Hanukkah is a festival of light, religious freedom, and God's faithfulness to the covenant. ### Ecumenical & Global Observances No specific worldwide ecumenical observances fall on this date. ### Lectionary Readings (Revised Common Lectionary) **Hebrew Bible/Old Testament**: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 **Psalm**: Psalm 126 or Luke 1:46b-55 (Magnificat) **Epistle/New Testament**: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 **Gospel**: John 1:6-8, 19-28 _Note: This congregation used Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 and Luke 1:39-55_ ### Connection to Today's Message The Third Sunday of Advent's theme of "Unexpected Joy" resonates deeply with both the Christian and Jewish observances occurring this week. As Christians light the candle of joy and meditate on Mary's Magnificat—a song of revolutionary joy in God's justice—the Jewish community begins celebrating Hanukkah, another festival centered on light overcoming darkness. Isaiah 61's proclamation of good news to the oppressed and liberty to captives speaks to both traditions' emphasis on God's faithfulness in bringing hope and freedom to the vulnerable. The unexpected joy proclaimed in worship today mirrors the unexpected miracle of Hanukkah's oil and the unexpected nature of God choosing a young woman, Mary, to bear the Messiah. Both traditions celebrate light in darkness and God's surprising ways of bringing hope. --- ## Worship Order ### Gathering #### Gathering Song **"This is the Day"** #### Unison Welcome "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here" #### Announcements ### Opening Worship #### Chiming of the Trinity & Prelude #### Call to Worship _from "The Will to Dream"_ We gather together in this place: **prophets and dreamers, singers and poets,** we who dare to imagine a world renewed; **we who dare to dream God's dream.** We sing with Elizabeth and Mary. **Our spirits rejoice in God, our savior!** We bless the God of justice and joy, **who lifts up the lowly and vulnerable.** God's mercy is upon us all, **from generation to generation.** Come and worship, all you who dream and wait. **We have come to wonder and praise.** #### Hymn #79 **"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"** ### Advent Observance #### Lighting of the Advent Candles The birth of Jesus has been told and retold a thousand times in a thousand ways. Its impact cannot be contained in any one perspective. But who is telling the story changes how we hear it, how we imagine it, how we experience it. We light the candle of hope because hope creates a path for a new, unknown story to unfold. We light the candle of peace because peace requires us to pay attention to the needs of those around us. **Candle of Joy Reflection** (read by Speaker 7): Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine two cousins embracing and sharing life-changing news with one another. One older woman who knows the physical risk of bearing a child late in life. The other, a not yet married woman who was aware of the social stigma in her society. Yet each chose joy over fear. Imagine the pure joy of this wonderful occasion. Open your eyes. When Elizabeth shares her surprising news with Mary, her joy doubles upon hearing that Mary is also pregnant. The two women sing, sing of joy as they sense literally in their bodies that change is coming. A joy of defiance, that good news perseveres even in the most difficult of circumstances. From Messiah to Mary and Elizabeth, from biblical times to the present, joy can be found. Joy is not a denial of harm that is happening. It is the refusal to let injustice define all reality. A joy that moves from personal experience to communal transformation. In the song that Elizabeth and Mary proclaimed, and we proclaimed today - a joy our world needs to experience this season. Not to hide from what's wrong, but to strengthen God's people to bear a world that is not right. (All): Today, we also light the candle of joy because joy sustains us in the midst of uncertainty. ### Confession and Assurance #### Call to Confession _from "The Will to Dream"_ Answering the invitation of God, who loves justice and promises us mercy, let us confess our sin. #### Prayer of Confession _from "The Will to Dream"_ God of joy, you created this world for joy and flourishing. We confess that we construct barriers to protect our happiness, even at the expense of others. We fill ourselves with good things, taking no heed of those who are left empty. We ignore oppression when it benefits our interests. We dismiss the brokenhearted when we feel inconvenienced. We crave power over liberation. Remember us in compassion and come to our aid. Tear down our dividing walls. Scatter our pride and reawaken the imagination of our hearts. Lead us again in the work of repair and restoration. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. #### Assurance of Grace _from "The Will to Dream"_ God clothes you in salvation and covers you with righteousness. Rejoice and take heart: in grace, you are forgiven, through the saving love of Jesus Christ. Amen. #### Passing of the Peace _from "The Will to Dream"_ Where two or three are gathered, the prophetic Spirit is among us, inspiring our imagination and creating peace in our midst. Greet your fellow travelers now with the peace of Christ, and let these small doses of repair and reconciliation ripple out into a world in need of transformation. May the peace of Christ be with you. **And also with you.** ### Scripture and Proclamation #### Scripture Reading **Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11** > The spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, to provide for those who mourn in Zion, to give them a garland instead of ashes. The oil of gladness instead of mourning the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord to display his glory, they shall build up the ancient ruins. They shall raise up the former devastations. They shall repair the ruin cities, the devastations of many generations. > > For I the Lord, love, justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully give them their recompense and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples, all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed. > > I will greatly rejoice in the Lord my whole being shall exalt in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation. He has covered me with the robe of righteousness. As a bridegroom, decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels for as the earth brings forth its shoots and as a garden causes what is sewn in it to spring up so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. #### Anthem **"Lift Up Your Eyes"** by Joel Raney Bell Ringers: Eric Wadel, Erin Wadel, Mitzi Wadel #### Children's Message **Roxanne Davenport** Roxanne began by asking the children about the caroling they did last Sunday afternoon with 17 carolers who visited shut-ins and nursing homes like Providence Place. She used this to teach about how singing brings joy to others and to ourselves. She told the story of Elizabeth and Mary's meeting, explaining that Elizabeth was very old and had never had children (which made her feel unimportant in those days), but now she was pregnant with John the Baptist. Mary was very young, not married, and also pregnant - both women were scared and uncertain. But when Elizabeth saw Mary, the baby inside her belly leaped for joy, and this gave Elizabeth courage and strength to celebrate. Elizabeth told Mary "you are blessed" - she realized both babies were very special. This gave Mary the courage and strength to feel happy about the birth. Mary then sang out with joy, praising God and telling what this baby would do for the world - how it would make a difference and change the world. Key point: "When we have the joy in our hearts that God gives us, that joy gives us the strength and the courage to go out and face the world and to make change. To be a part of that change, to look for that change. God is joyful. God loves us. God is within us and plants that joy in us because he wants us to be happy, but he also wants us to do what it takes to make joy happen." Roxanne emphasized that singing, praising God, and being joyful helps us bring light to a dark world. The children then went to the kitchen for a "really cool project." _Children's Corner will be offered following the Children's Message_ #### Scripture Reading **Luke 1:39-55** > Mary got up and hurried to a city in the Judean Highlands. She entered Zacharia's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit with a loud voice. She blurted out. God has blessed you above all women, and he has blessed the child you carry. Why do I have this honor that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her. > > Mary said, with all my heart, I glorify the Lord in the depths of who I am, I rejoice in God my savior. He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look, from now on, everyone will consider me highly favored because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name. He shows mercy to everyone from one generation to the next, who honors him as God. > > He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations. He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the low. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty handed. He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, remembering his mercy just as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to Abraham's descendants forever. #### Sermon **Rev. Caroline E. Saxton** ### Response to the Word #### Sharing of Joys and Concerns **Prayers Lifted Up:** - **John**: Thanksgiving for the trustees who installed many more lights in the sanctuary - difficult and dangerous work accomplished safely. A reminder of the physical and spiritual work of light shining in darkness. - **Aaron**: Prayer for the Reverse Advent Calendar Challenge - food donations being collected for blessing on Christmas Eve and delivery to Fayetteville Food Pantry. Prayer for generosity and compassion toward those in need in our community. - **Alan**: Joy that his sister-in-law Deb Aldridge is returning to Chambersburg after several decades away. "The Aldrich girls will be running Chambersburg once again." Thanksgiving that she has found a place she likes and will be moving. - **Allison**: Prayer for students at Brown University and their families following the shooting there this week. Prayer for all who have children or grandchildren on campuses - "it sends the chill." Prayer that "the shooting needs to stop" - for an end to gun violence. #### Prayers of the People and the Lord's Prayer (Debts) #### Invitation to Giving #### Offertory #### Offertory Response _from Touch Holiness: Resources for Worship_ Hope in the God who reigns above, who holds us all in steadfast love; whose spirit blows across the earth, preparing us for second birth. Amen. #### Prayer of Dedication _from "The Will to Dream"_ Holy God, we bring our gifts and offerings to you because the voices of the prophets remind us of something bigger, something greater than any system this world offers us. We believe when we trust you with our resources, the kin(g)dom of God comes much closer to reality on earth. Help us steward these gifts to create abundant life and love. Amen. ### Sending #### Hymn #106 (insert) **"My Heart Sings Out with Joyful Praise"** #### Affirmation of Joy _from "The Will to Dream" (on screen)_ We believe justice is the joy we give ourselves. Because God's joy dwells with the humble and is rooted in justice, we find its warmth and light shine brightest through shared witness and sacred disruption. We believe joy grows through blessing others and fostering authentic relationships. We believe joy is more than a feeling or the things that we possess. Joy is our faith made visible and something we share by choosing connection. We believe joy is truth and truth-telling. We believe joy is active resistance, spirit-filled solidarity, and the bringing of God's dream. We believe true joy is not the opposite of heartache, but lives right within the swirl of our grief and hardest emotions. We celebrate the depth of God's joy and how it can hold our pain. When we are filled with this kind of joy, we celebrate what God is birthing now, even amid a world where so much appears to be ending. We believe joy is freedom and healing, redemption and return. We believe joy comes from knowing God is close, even when life is hard. God's joy shows up not just in breathtaking beauty, but in moments we hurt so much we can't breathe. We choose justice. We choose love. We choose each other. We choose joy. #### Charge & Benediction _from "The Will to Dream"_ There is joy in centering the voices of those typically unheard. So go forth from this place with ears to hear and believe the cries of women, immigrants, elders, and all those who are vulnerable and silenced. May we be strengthened not just to hear and believe, but to act, for there is no greater joy than ensuring that all God's children need not cry out any longer. Go out in the world embracing the will to dream, and may joy wash over you, bringing renewed strength for the days ahead. God, bring to fruition your will for the earth, that no one shall hurt or destroy, that wisdom and justice shall reign in the land, and your people shall go forth in joy. #### Postlude (seated) --- ## Scripture and Sermon ### Scripture Reading **Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11** > The spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, to provide for those who mourn in Zion, to give them a garland instead of ashes. The oil of gladness instead of mourning the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord to display his glory, they shall build up the ancient ruins. They shall raise up the former devastations. They shall repair the ruin cities, the devastations of many generations. > > For I the Lord, love, justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully give them their recompense and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples, all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed. > > I will greatly rejoice in the Lord my whole being shall exalt in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation. He has covered me with the robe of righteousness. As a bridegroom, decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels for as the earth brings forth its shoots and as a garden causes what is sewn in it to spring up so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. ### Scripture Reading **Luke 1:39-55** > Mary got up and hurried to a city in the Judean Highlands. She entered Zacharia's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit with a loud voice. She blurted out. God has blessed you above all women, and he has blessed the child you carry. Why do I have this honor that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her. > > Mary said, with all my heart, I glorify the Lord in the depths of who I am, I rejoice in God my savior. He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look, from now on, everyone will consider me highly favored because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name. He shows mercy to everyone from one generation to the next, who honors him as God. > > He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations. He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the low. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty handed. He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, remembering his mercy just as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to Abraham's descendants forever. ### Sermon **Preacher**: Rev. Caroline E. Saxton **Title**: Unexpected Joy - Faith Made Visible **Theme**: Unexpected Joy #### Sermon Notes ##### Introduction Rev. Caroline began with an analogy from her high school teaching days: "While most academic institutions divide their year into semesters, my high school used trimesters. Each year felt somewhat like a pregnancy. The first trimester, you're all excited and happy. In the second there are some highs and lows, and finally in the third you just want it to be over." She acknowledged that while she's never been pregnant herself, she suspects the closer you get to the end, the more you're ready for it to be done. The sermon introduces Mary and Elizabeth at two very different points in their lives and pregnancies: Elizabeth is six months pregnant, advanced in age. Mary is young, unexpectedly pregnant, having given consent for things to proceed and unfold. **Core thesis**: "They come together trusting that God is near, proclaiming joy not as avoidance of pain, but as the response of a people who know God dwells with the lowly. Joy in the context of Advent is not escapism, pleasantry, or emotional detachment." ##### Main Points ###### Point 1: Joy as Prophetic Defiance Quote from "The Will to Dream": "As Elizabeth and Mary remind us, joy is prophetic defiance. They name what is wrong. They bless what is growing. They rejoice as an act of resistance." "In the midst of sorrow and disappointment, joy is still present. Unexpected joy becomes a theme of Advent - faith made visible." Mary travels to Elizabeth's home when her world changes because she needs support and encouragement - a safe place to land. Her cousin is that person for her. Elizabeth understands better than most, for her life too has turned upside down. ###### Point 2: Elizabeth's Radical Welcome "Elizabeth does not doubt Mary. She doesn't scold or shun or shame her. She praises her, as does the child in her womb, the child who will become John the Baptist. That was a radical act, one that remains radical today when we are faced with those in our lives who make decisions with which we disagree, disapprove, or don't understand." Elizabeth lived with barrenness at a time when her worth was defined by her womb - the ability to bear children. "But she resists those lies, the false stories of her day and time, the ones that tell her to be small and silent, to know her place." "Elizabeth is unafraid to speak, to affirm Mary's calling through trust and blessing, offering sacred proclamation: 'Blessed are you among women.' She exclaims, filled with the Holy Spirit." "In a world that mocks the hopeful and silences women's voices, Elizabeth speaks anyway. She sees. She names. She blesses. Elizabeth helped Mary to feel seen and brave." Caroline reflects on the power of that moment: "I cannot comprehend the fullness of that moment when Mary arrives on her doorstep and Elizabeth has one shot to get it right, to speak truth and affirmation, love in action. What a relief that must have been to walk in the door knowing that you are loved and not alone. What a joy must have filled at that moment to be seen and heard and celebrated." ###### Point 3: Mary's Magnificat - Powerful Prophetic Preaching "Mary's song may have been sung anyway, yet I suspect that she is able to sing it more boldly, more confidently because of her encounter with Elizabeth. The seeds of God's love already planted have been watered with affirmation, kindness, and compassion, with proclamations of blessing, justice, and joy." Mary is very aware that she's not the likely choice to bear God's child: "She is young, she is poor, she is Palestinian, she is unmarried. The list goes on. Yet she is who God lifts up. She is the one who has been chosen, given a choice and has said yes to God's call." "This young woman is the bearer of God's dream for the world, bringing the word into the world by the power of the Holy Spirit. Her preaching is powerful. It echoes the words of Isaiah. She says things that make the mighty and powerful shudder with fear. She says things about the poor that will make your heart burst with courage and joy." "We call her song The Magnificat, and it is indeed magnificent. For those who are wondering and waiting for the world to change, for the last and the least and the lowly to be lifted up, there is joy to be shared. Joy that inspires, that says you are welcome and wanted here." "It inspires us to dance, to offer our praise, to join together, to witness. For joy is not passive emotion, but active resistance, a spirit-filled practice of solidarity, blessing, and kingdom imagination. Elizabeth and Mary help us to get started. Without these women, where would we be?" **Summary statement**: "So joy is not found in perfection or possessions, but through blessing, connection, and hope - hope that is shared, peace that grows, and joy that comes from being seen and valued. Faith is made visible through unexpected joy." ##### Illustrations/Stories **The Candler Chapel Die-In (December 2014)** "It was during a service in Candler Chapel in Advent of 2014 that shouts of 'No justice, no peace' rang out during worship. I wasn't sure what was happening. I had not been privy to the planning of my colleagues to disrupt the status quo, to shake us up as a community of faith leaders after the lack of indictments for the killings of Eric Garner and Michael Brown." "I will never know what it means to be a person of color in this country, but I know that we are all connected to each other. It doesn't have to happen to me for it to matter to me." "I was the liturgist that day. I had just finished reading Mary's Magnificat and returned to my seat, but I couldn't stay there. Her prophetic words were echoed in the voices of my peers, my colleagues, as they invited us outside to participate in a die-in, an experience of witness so powerful that it changed my life." "That day in December 2014 was a starting point for me, a journey that continues today. The more I read, the longer I listen and learn and seek to understand and do better, the deeper my faith becomes. Because Jesus showed us that faith involves risk. It invites our courage and moral clarity." **The Two Women's Encounter** Caroline imagines the meeting: "I imagine there would have been tears and laughter and lots of hugs. These two women invite us to do the same - to name systems that break bodies and hearts and to celebrate those who resist them. Joy becomes both a communal practice, a spiritual practice, and a justice-filled act of recognition." **Each Woman's Testimony** "Each woman offers testimony that makes it clear they know this journey will not be easy. They're not naive, nor are they pessimistic. They do not avoid hard truths - they carry them in their bodies. They do not ignore injustice - they name it and dream beyond it. Their encounter is joy, not the absence of hardship, but in the inbreaking of God's kingdom through courageous solidarity." ##### Scripture Connections **Connection to Isaiah 61**: Mary's Magnificat echoes Isaiah's words. Both speak of good news to the oppressed, lifting up the lowly, bringing justice. Caroline notes that Mary's "preaching is powerful. It echoes the words of Isaiah." **The Prophetic Tradition**: References to Walter Brueggemann's "The Prophetic Imagination" and Gustavo Gutiérrez's "We Drink from Our Own Wells" - what they observed about the nature of God and the call to speak and serve is just as true as it was when they authored those books in the late sixties and early seventies. **Mary as Prophet**: Caroline describes Mary as Palestinian, young, poor, unmarried - yet chosen by God. Her song makes "the mighty and powerful shudder with fear" and makes hearts "burst with courage and joy." This connects to the prophetic tradition of speaking truth to power. **Elizabeth and Zechariah's Story**: Connection to John the Baptist's story, the baby who leaped in Elizabeth's womb at Mary's greeting. "The child who will become John the Baptist" - the one who prepares the way. **God's Preferential Option for the Lowly**: Both scriptures emphasize God's choice to work through the marginalized and oppressed - Elizabeth (barren and old), Mary (young, poor, unmarried, Palestinian). ##### Key Quotes "Joy in the context of Advent is not escapism, pleasantry, or emotional detachment... As Elizabeth and Mary remind us, joy is prophetic defiance." "Elizabeth does not doubt Mary. She doesn't scold or shun or shame her. She praises her." "What a relief that must have been to walk in the door knowing that you are loved and not alone." "Joy is not passive emotion, but active resistance, a spirit-filled practice of solidarity, blessing, and kingdom imagination." "Faith is made visible through unexpected joy." "Pray as if it all depends on God. Act as if it all depends on you." "If not now, then when? If not you, then who?" "Joy isn't simply happiness. It is shared struggle. It is solidarity." "Real joy is about love and justice." "It doesn't have to happen to me for it to matter to me." "The more I read, the longer I listen and learn and seek to understand and do better, the deeper my faith becomes. Because Jesus showed us that faith involves risk. It invites our courage and moral clarity." "Without these women, where would we be?" From the Affirmation of Joy: "We believe joy is active resistance, spirit-filled solidarity, and the bringing of God's dream." From the Benediction: "There is joy in centering the voices of those typically unheard. So go forth from this place with ears to hear and believe the cries of women, immigrants, elders, and all those who are vulnerable and silenced. May we be strengthened not just to hear and believe, but to act, for there is no greater joy than ensuring that all God's children need not cry out any longer." #### Personal Reflections ##### What spoke to me: ##### Questions raised: ##### Challenges/Convictions: ##### Liturgical Context Reflections: How does today's liturgical season/observance deepen my understanding of the message? The connection Caroline made between reading Mary's Magnificat and then being called to the die-in protest in 2014 shows how Advent's themes of prophetic justice aren't abstract - they call for action. The timing of Hanukkah (beginning tonight) with its themes of light overcoming darkness and religious freedom resonates with the sermon's call to resist empire and dehumanization. The Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday - "Rejoice") traditionally shifts from penitential purple to rose/pink, emphasizing joy. Caroline's framing of "unexpected joy" as "prophetic defiance" rather than mere happiness deepens this - we rejoice not because everything is fine, but because we trust God is at work even in darkness. Elizabeth and Mary's encounter happened in a time of occupation and oppression, much like the contexts that birthed both Hanukkah and the later Advent traditions. Their joy was resistance. #### Applications ##### This week I will: - [ ] Consider who in my life needs the kind of radical welcome Elizabeth gave Mary - [ ] Reflect on where I'm being called to "act as if it all depends on me" - [ ] Look for ways to center voices that are typically unheard - [ ] Practice joy as resistance rather than escapism ##### People to pray for: Students and families at Brown University and all affected by gun violence (lifted up in prayers) Those experiencing hunger in our community (Fayetteville Food Pantry recipients) LGBTQIA+, immigrant, and unhoused siblings mentioned in the sermon The Aldrich family as they return to Chambersburg ##### Follow-up study: Walter Brueggemann - "The Prophetic Imagination" Gustavo Gutiérrez - "We Drink from Our Own Wells" More study on Mary's Magnificat as revolutionary text Research the 2014 protests and die-ins following Eric Garner and Michael Brown killings Explore connections between Advent and prophetic justice #### Connections _Links to other sermons, books, or notes_ Connection to previous week's sermon on John the Baptist (referenced in children's message) The Advent liturgy "The Will to Dream" appears throughout - this resource from Illustrated Ministry is clearly shaping the worship and preaching Personal connection: Caroline's middle name is Elizabeth, her aunt is Gretchen Mary - she carries these women's names The 2014 Candler Chapel experience was clearly formative - would be worth tracking how this appears in other sermons Connection to current events: Brown University shooting mentioned in prayers, ongoing gun violence Social justice themes consistent across Caroline's preaching - LGBTQIA+ affirmation, immigration justice, care for unhoused The caroling to shut-ins mentioned in children's message (17 carolers visited Providence Place and others) --- ## Worship Leadership ### Worship Participants |Role|Name| |---|---| |Pastor|Rev. Caroline E. Saxton| |Organist|Barbara Motichka| |Deacon in Charge|Mike Blumberg| |Lector|Diana Kongkeattikul| |Children's Corner|Chani Wolfe| |Media Coordinators|Calvin Frantz, Neath Ham, Heidi Ramos| |Bulletin cover|John (traqair57) on flickr| **The Flowers at the Foot of the Cross** are given to the Glory of God. --- ## St. John's Vision and Mission ### St. John's Vision We are called to love, to learn, to worship and to witness in Christ as a congregation that welcomes everyone, and seeks service that will advance God's realm on earth. ### St. John's Mission To grow in love of God and neighbor --- ## Worship Resources **"The Will to Dream" Advent liturgy** © 2025 Illustrated Ministry **Touch Holiness: Resources for Worship**, edited by Ruth C. Duck and Maren C. Tirabassi --- ## Hymns ### Hymn #79: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel **ADVENT** **Verse 1:** O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear. **Refrain:** Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel! **Verse 2:** O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer our spirits by Thine advent here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death's dark shadows put to flight. **Refrain** **Verse 3:** O come, Thou Wisdom from on high, and order all things, far and nigh; to us the path of knowledge show, and cause us in her ways to go. **Refrain** **Verse 4:** O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind; bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease; fill all the world with heaven's peace. **Refrain** **WORDS**: Latin hymn; tr. John Mason Neale (sts. 1, 2), 1851; Henry Sloane Coffin (sts. 3, 4), 1916 **MUSIC**: Plainsong; adapt. Thomas Helmore, 1854 **Tune**: VENI EMMANUEL, LM with refrain --- ### Hymn #106: My Heart Sings Out with Joyful Praise **ADVENT** _Ruth Duck, 1985_ _Luke 1:46-55_ **Verse 1:** My heart sings out with joyful praise to God who raises me, The arm of God is strong and just to scatter all the proud. The promise made in ages past at last has come to be, for God has come in power to save, to set all people free. **Verse 2:** Who came to me when I was low and changed my destiny. The tyrants tumble from their thrones and vanish like a cloud. for God has come in power to save, to set all people free. **Verse 3:** The Holy One, the Living God, is always full of grace The hungry all are satisfied; the rich are sent away. Remembering those who wait to see salvation's dawning day, to those who seek their Maker's will in every time and place. **Verse 4:** The poor of earth who suffer long will welcome God's new day. Our Savior comes to all who weep to wipe their tears away. _The "Magnificat," a traditional text for evening prayer as well as Advent, is paraphrased here by Ruth Duck. She developed it to make the ancient rite of evening prayer available to her own worshipping communities._ **Words Copyright © 1992 by G.I.A. Publications, Inc.** **Tune**: MARIAS LOVSANG C.M.D. _Swedish folk melody_ **Alternate tunes**: ELLACOMBE, TALLIS' THIRD --- ## Birthdays This Week - 12/16 Judy Knepper - 12/17 Olivia Myers - 12/20 Roberta Peters - 12/21 Bernice Tosten --- ## News & Announcements ### This Week at St. John's #### Sunday, December 14 - **7:00 pm** Bell Fest – Sanctuary - **8:00 pm** Bible Study on the Book of Acts, Chapter 24 (Zoom - link in Friday e-blast) #### Monday, December 15 - **10:00 am** Chi Gong/Zazen silent body energy and soulful meditation – Parlor Room 104 - **1:30 pm** Monday Afternoon Book Study (Ch. 13) – Conference Room 111 - **6:30 pm** Bible & a Beer – Trojan Diner - **7:00 pm** Boy Scouts – Fellowship Hall #### Tuesday, December 16 - **5:30 pm** Yoga – Room 202 - **6:00 pm** NO Ladies' Bible Study – We'll resume Jan 6 - **6:30 pm** Cub Scouts – Fellowship Hall/then break into smaller groups #### Wednesday, December 17 - **6:30 pm** Council Meeting – Conference Room 111 - **7:00 pm** Midweek Advent Services – Scotland Fellowship Church (4040 Main St. Scotland, Pa 17254) #### Thursday, December 18 - **11:00 am** NETwork Ministries Meal Prep - Kitchen - **6:00 pm** Bell Choir Practice – Bell Room 117 - **7:15 pm** Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room 103 #### Sunday, December 21 - **8:45 am** Godly Play Class – Room 119 - **8:45 am** SPARK! Elementary Church School Class – Room 115 - **8:45 am** Teen Discussion Class – Room 206 - **8:45 am** Wired Word Church School Class – Room 116 - **10:00 am** Sunday Worship – Sanctuary - **3:00 pm** Blue Christmas – Sanctuary ### Congregational News #### Sunday Night Bible Study Will meet on December 14 at 8 pm and then pause until after the holidays. We will resume with Acts chapter 25 on Sunday, January 11, 2026. #### Christmas Eve Worship Will be at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, December 24 in the Sanctuary. The musical prelude featuring the choir and Bells of St. John's will begin at 6:15 pm. #### Blue Christmas This service aims to provide a space for quiet, contemplative worship for us to bring our sorrow, pain, or loneliness to a place where we can recognize that this holiday season can bring grief as well as joy, despair as well as hope. At Blue Christmas, we come where we can share our burdens, sadness, and fears, and gather courage to move onward and forward. The service aims to help us experience hope and healing in the midst of darkness. This year's Conococheague Mission Cooperative (CMC) Blue Christmas service will be Sunday, December 21, 3:00 pm here at St. John's UCC. Loretta McClure, CLM South Mountain Charge, will be speaking. #### Little Free Pantry Is located by parking lot B to help feed those in our neighborhood who are hungry. Donations of cash and/or nonperishable food items can be dropped off at the church office. Due to the cold temperatures, dry goods are preferable to canned goods. #### Parking Lot Progress The trees and islands in parking lot A have been removed and the initial repaving work is complete. Please continue to use caution as the ground settles. Thank you! #### Church Directory Update As we work to finalize our new photo directory, we need your updated contact information. If your address, phone number or email address has changed, please share this with the church office. If you have not yet submitted a photo or would like to have your picture taken, please contact the church office. Thank you! #### Reverse Advent Calendar Mission Challenge Helps us to share God's love through giving to others as we prepare to receive the gift of Jesus. Wrapped boxes with a calendar of desired items are available in both lobbies. These gifts of food will be dedicated on Christmas Eve. #### Silent Night, Holy Night Sign up on the youth bulletin or see Roxanne if you would like to help dramatize the Christmas story during the Christmas Eve service at 6:30 pm. #### December First Fruits Will go to support Salvation Army and continuing their work of helping those in our community who are struggling. Thank you for your generosity in supporting the Angel Tree and the many other ways they serve children and families in Chambersburg. #### United Way Winter Warmth Drive Is currently underway. Among the requested items to donate are healthy food and winter gear. A full listing of desired items can be found in the December Spirit. St. John's is a collection site; donation boxes are in both lobbies. Thank you for your support of these efforts to care for our neighbors, feeding the hungry and clothing the cold. #### November/December Upper Room Devotionals are currently available at the Welcome Center. We suggest a donation of $1 for small print/$2 for large print copies. If you would like to have a copy mailed to you, please contact the church office. #### Bible and a Beer Is an opportunity to talk about our faith in public. Join us on the 3rd Monday of the month at the Trojan Diner at 6:30 pm. Our next gathering will be December 15. #### Monday Afternoon Book Study Will finish "A People's History of Christianity" on 12/15. We will start our next book ("Love's Braided Dance" by Norman Wirzba) on January 12, 2026. ### Council Congregational Questionnaire **Greetings!** As we look toward the future, we want to be responsive to the needs of our congregation. A short 3-question questionnaire has been developed by the Church Council to help garner YOUR feedback in three areas of our ministry together: Community Engagement, Congregational Care, and Spiritual Life. Please, review the descriptions/responsibilities of each standing committee and the question they pose (this sheet is doubled sided to provide more space to respond to each question; please feel free to attach additional sheets if needed). Your ideas and feedback are incredibly valuable as we move forward and guide our future together. Please return this questionnaire to the church office (or reply to the email version) by December 30, 2025. -The Council of St. John's UCC and Pastor Caroline _(Current Council Members are: Harold Collier, Tom (Echo) Harrison, Diana Kongkeattikul, Jill Miller, Eileen Shaffer, Dale Myers, and Harold Wissinger)_ #### Community Engagement Committee The Community Engagement Committee is responsible for building relationships and maintaining engagement with our community, overseeing outreach to our local and global communities, and partnering with other churches and organizations as we remain faithful to our mission to grow in love of God and neighbor. **Question**: With many options and great needs in our community, where are the needs of our community most apparent to you? Who are the community partners, churches and/or organizations we may include in our efforts? _Questions re: Community Engagement can be directed to Harold Collier, Peg Bryner, or Tom (Echo) Harrison_ #### Congregational Care Committee The Congregational Care Committee works to nurture and promote a loving and caring culture to ensure a healthy and supportive congregation and live into our vision as a Christian church. **Question**: What kind of support do you need from your church family? _Questions re: Congregational Care can be directed to Eileen Shaffer, Jill Miller, or Connie Morrill-Hair_ #### Spiritual Life Committee The Spiritual Life Committee, with the help of the Worship Support Team, is responsible for worship, education, spiritual formation, and communion. The Spiritual Life Committee ensures our congregation establishes and lives a covenantal relationship with one another while nurturing a welcoming culture for visitors and members of the community. **Question**: Beyond the classes currently being offered, what adult Christian education/faith formation opportunities would you like to see, and participate in, if offered at St. John's? _Questions re: Spiritual Life can be directed to Dale Myers, Diana Kongkeattikul, or Lloyd Beers_ --- ## Contact Information **The Rev. Caroline E. Saxton**, [email protected], (641) 260-1868 (cell) **Tonya Schwartz**, Office Administrator, [email protected], (717) 263-8593 (office) **Gary Crum**, Music Director | **Barbara Motichka**, Organist **Roxanne Davenport**, Director of Children & Youth **The Rev. Stephen W. Hoffman**, Pastor Emeritus --- ## Notes _Please join us for coffee hour after worship!_ _The "Nursery Nook in the Narthex" quiet area and infant/toddler space in the Parlor are available for children and families to use during worship. Age-appropriate activity bags are also available. See the deacon for assistance._ --- _This bulletin is for personal notes and spiritual growth tracking, not for reproduction or distribution._