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Happy Thanks-Advent-Giving!

This year’s start to the holiday season finds many of us as disoriented as ever. It’s been one LONG year. We’ve adapted our worship and community life (how many times?), we’ve loved and lost, we’ve learned to read smiles in one another’s eyes. We join the world in waiting for hope, peace, joy, and love. This Advent, we embark on a spiritual journey in which our hope, peace, joy, and love will be found not in earthly things, but in the steadfast promises of God our Creator.

So as we turn over a new church calendar year this Sunday, join in our worship as we recenter on the painter of the skies. Take in the wonder our Creator daily provides. Pause and be mindful of the beauty that surrounds you. Give thanks as you stand in awe of the holy wonders our world holds- even within your own soul.

The lectionary guides us to Psalm 65 on Thanksgiving Day: “You are the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas. By your strength you established the mountains; you are girded with might. You silence the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples. Those who live at earth’s farthest bounds are awed by your signs; you make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy!”

Worship & Events

Sundays in Advent

On Nov. 29, We usher in hope, as we consider Isaiah 64: 1-9        What’s Your Sign of Hope?
Reminder to send-in or bring your 2021 pledge card!

On Dec. 6, We contemplate peace in Isaiah 40: 1-11 
 Our Prince of Peace Prepares the Way!

On Dec. 13, We proclaim justice as joy in Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11
Jesus Brings Joy To All Nations

On Dec. 20, We listen to the legacy of love in Luke 1: 26-38
Mary Carries Love Into The World

On Dec. 24, We will offer a 5pm & 7pm Christmas Eve Service
To plan adequate distancing, please RSVP below

Annual Election & Business Meeting

On Sunday Dec. 6, we vote in our new slate of leaders. If you worship in the pews, please plan to stay for our brief meeting. If you worship online, please plan to stay-tuned and “vote” with your comments.

On Sunday Jan 31st, we will hold our Congregational Annual Meeting via ZOOM so we can see as many faces as possible. Please reserve 12pm on Sunday, Jan. 31st for our Annual Meeting. More details to follow regarding the zoom link and how YOU can participate and vote.

For those who cannot access zoom at home, Pastor Emily will zoom from the church sanctuary. If it is safe for you to join the meeting in this way, you are most welcome.

Joys & Concerns

Lorena Reichert has graced our worship with her singing voice for a few years, and we say a bittersweet farewell as she has moved to Lincoln, NE to be with fiance Taylor. Come and visit, Lorena!

Merrie Miller sends word that Marshall has been placed on hospice, and the family is saying their final goodbyes. We grieve with Merrie and family as they face the hardest farewell of all.

Words of comfort can be sent to Merrie at:

1770 Tablerock Rd
Apt 304
Rapid City, SD 57701

Gail Newmann requests prayer for a difficult family dynamic that prevents her from seeing her grandchildren.

PILC (Pierre Indian Learning Center) Halloween Treats

Our Deacons (pictured below) filled nearly 150 Halloween treat bags to share with our young neighbors at PILC. Larry (Mr. C) and Cherlyn delivered the treats, and we received many thanks from the students!

Thank You From PILC Students

“Thank you church & don’t stop believing in him”

 Get Involved This Advent

Set your spirit on Advent with these creative practices for the season!

Living Our Mission

Placerville Year-End Gifts!

Our ministry partners at Placerville UCC Camp in the Hills are getting creative to sustain operations this fiscal year. If you’d like to help fill their 5th “virtual bus” as your year-end gift, each seat on the bus is worth $250! Whatever amount you can contribute will help ensure we have a thriving camp environment awaiting us again. Click on the bus below and designate your gift to Placerville.