Dear Friends,

We missed being together this morning! We hope you stayed safe and warm today, enjoying the beauty of the sparkling snow. In lieu of an in-person worship service, please enjoy the following devotional video prepared for you. This video is a 23-minute, mini-worship service for the first week of Advent. You can access this video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9pOarUCiPKo

During Advent we wait and anticipate the birth of Jesus, symbolizing life born anew into the world and into our hearts on Christmas Eve. Our theme for Advent this year is Mary’s Song. Mary’s prophetic song, called the Magnificat, is found in the Gospel of Luke 1:46-55.

Mary’s song is not a quaint and precious birth announcement, but a world-rocking proclamation of trust in what God has already done, and what God will do through the birth of this child, Jesus. The words of the Magnificat are sealed on many of our hearts, and we call on them often when we need a powerful word of hope.

Mary sings of rulers brought down from their thrones, and the lowly outcast lifted up and honored. She sings of justice and love; the holy reversals that Jesus will soon bring with his life and ministry. In a time where we worry and sometimes lose hope about the direction of the world, Mary’s Song can help us trust the promise that even in the darkest times, the act of singing praise to God’s mercy and steadfast love, can change the world.

Advent Blessings,

Pastor Kate and Pastor Julia

Upcoming Advent Opportunities:

• URGENT NEED: Neighborhood Gift Tree

Each year we have an opportunity to support neighborhood children with holiday gifts through a partnership with the Early Childhood Initiative and Joining Forces for Families. As we did not have a chance to pick up gift tags from the ORUCC Gift Tree this Sunday, please see this online document to sign up now!

All gifts should be wrapped, labeled with the child’s name and assigned number, and returned by December 14. The gift(s) purchased are not expected to exceed $40 total.

• Our Lady of Guadalupe: 9:00 a.m. Adult Ed, December 7th

We are honored to welcome UW Professor of Vilas Distinguished Achievement & English & Chicana/Latina Studies, Dr. Theresa Delgadillo to join us and share about Our Lady of Guadalupe.

• Words of Encouragement Project, December 7th

After worship on December 7, the Immigration Justice Mission Team will guide us in writing notes of encouragement to immigrants who are detained in the Dodgeville Detention Center.

• Christmas Card Sale, December 7th

Find a special selection of holiday cards in the Crossroads from our card sale ministry, which supports neighbors in need year-round.