A warm welcome to all visitors.  If the Pastor or any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or Rev. Harpster at
802-875-8895. His email is harpsterd@vermontel.net.  Please be sure to sign the guestbook located at the entrance to the church. 
  
Upcoming Meetings/Events 
-Women’s Group - Every Wednesday at 10:00 A.M.
-New Year’s Epiphany Communion – Sunday, January 6, 2019, 10:15 A.M.
-Executive Committee, Wednesday, January 9, 2019, 7:00 P.M. 
 
Weekly Offerings
Offerings and other cash receipts for the weeks ending December 23 and December 24 were $4,643.00.
Pastor’s Gift Offerings - $130 and Veterans of the Cross -  $25.
The costs for each week are $1,188.00. (derived by dividing the annual budget by
52 weeks).  
 
Altar Guild
Jean Eggleston and Linda Alexander will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of December.
 
Coffee Hour  
A time of fellowship following the service of worship is held in the social hall. Coffee, juice and refreshments will be served.
 
A New Year’s Vesper Service welcoming the beginning of 2019 will be held at the First Universalist Parish of Chester located at 211 North Street/Route 103, Chester, Vermont on December 31, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. 
 
This years’ service includes readings and prayers for the children of the world especially those suffering at the hands of war and civil unrest. 
 
Pastor Harpster will be participating in the service.  All are welcome to attend.
 

A warm welcome to all visitors.  If the Pastor or any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or Rev. Harpster at
802-875-8895. His email is harpsterd@vermontel.net.  Please be sure to sign the guestbook located at the entrance to the church. 
 
Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home
It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the pastor, Rev. Harpster. 
 
Upcoming Meetings/Events 
-Women’s Group - Every Wednesday at 10:00 A.M.
-Dedication of Christmas Fund Veterans of the Cross Offering – December 23 during the service.
-Christmas Eve Service – Monday, December 24, 7:30 P.M.
-New Year’s Epiphany Communion – Sunday, January 6, 2019, 10:15 A.M.
-Executive Committee, Wednesday, January 9, 2019,
7:00 P.M. 
 
Weekly Offerings
Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending December 16 were $1,823.00 ($1,060 General Offerings, $350 Pastors Gift, $353 Christmas Flowers, $60 Veterans of the Cross Fund)  The costs for each week are $1,188.00. (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks).  
 
 Season of Advent
The Advent Season, in preparation for the birth of our savior continues this Sunday.  Bob and Ginny Kottkamp will lead us in the lighting of the Fourth Advent Candle – Joy.
 
Altar Guild
Jean Eggleston and Linda Alexander will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of December.
 
Coffee Hour  
A time of fellowship following the service of worship is held in the social hall. Coffee, juice and refreshments will be served.  
 
2018 Christmas Fund for Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund
In this holy and joyous time of year, our thoughts turn to the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the light of the world. 
For 117 years, the Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund has been a way in which we, as members of the United Church of Christ and the predecessor denominations, reflect the love of Jesus Christ in the lives of the many women and men who have so faithfully and selflessly served, and who now find themselves facing unforeseen financial crises.
 
The offering will be dedicated on Sunday, December 23 during the service. An offering envelope is enclosed in the bulletin.
 
 
Joy, Wonder and Happiness 
Your generous gifts have been picked up and people have spent many days sorting, organizing and packing them with boxes of food for families in our area. Many in the United Church not only gave gifts but helped as the food and toys were delivered near and far on December 20th.
 
Parents will feel joy knowing they will be able to share a Christmas meal with their families and see the joy and wonder in their children’s eyes as they gaze at the presents under the tree. A day of happiness will be shared by many thanks to the efforts of our great community.
 
Thank you all from Black River Good Neighbors for sharing the joy and true meaning of the holiday season. 
 
 CHRISTMAS CHEER AT THE THOMSON’S 
George and Linda invite you and your family to enjoy some Christmas Cheer
at their home following the Christmas Eve Service December 24.
 
An RSVP would be helpful.
Thomson131VT@gmail.om  or 802-228-6275
 
CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIALS
 
            IN MEMORY OF  
      Mr. and Mrs. Victor E. Lucas
      Mr. and Mrs. Harry L. Harpster
      Mr. James E. Harpster
      Mrs. Johanna L. Harpster

   by: The Rev. Dr. Donald E. Harpster
         Mr. Benjamin E Harpster
         Mr. Matthew L. Harpster

      IN HONOR OF FRIEND AND FAMILY
    by: John and Carol Wu
 
        IN MEMORY OF OUR LOVED ONES
             Florence and Jack Stolp
             Susan Stolp Vieser
             Mary and Tom Dady
             James kennedy Dady
             Gwynne Galarneau

    by: Loren and Bernadine Stolp
     
      IN LOVING MEMORY OF  
             Jane Creaser
             Virginia and Donald Ellison
         by: Laura, Allison and Jesse
 
      IN MEMORY OF MARILYN TRICK  
    by: Penny Trick

      IN MEMORY OF OUR PARENTS
           Jud and Judy Nelson
         & George and Rose Macintyre
    by:  Marge and Gary Macintyre

      IN HONOR OF OUR FLOWER LADIES
            Jean and Laura 
     by:   Anonymous

     
      IN MEMORY OF DEPARTED
                  LOVED ONES
      by:  Robert and Sally Watts
            Jean Eggleston
            Janet and Ralph Pace

      IN MEMORY OF IGGY MATULONIS
      by:   Anne and Michele


      
 
        

 A warm welcome to all visitors.  If the Pastor or any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or Rev. Harpster at 802-875-8895. His email is harpsterd@vermontel.net.  Please be sure to sign the guestbook located at the entrance to the church. 
 
Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home
It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the pastor, Rev. Harpster. 
 
Upcoming Meetings/Events 
-Women’s Group - Every Wednesday at 10:00 A.M.
-Dedication of Christmas Fund Veterans of the Cross Offering – December 23 during the service.
-Christmas Eve Service – Monday, December 24, 7:30 P.M.
-New Year’s Epiphany Communion – Sunday- January 6, 2019, 10:15 A.M.
-Executive Committee, Wednesday-January 9, 2019, 7:00 P.M. 
 
Weekly Offerings
Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending December 9 were $2,585.00.  ($2,250 general offerings, $140 Pastor’s Gift and $195 Veterans of the Cross).
The costs for each week are $1,188.00. (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks).   
 
Season of Advent
The Advent Season, in preparation for the birth of our savior continues this Sunday.  Marge Macintyre and Penny Trick will lead us in the lighting of the Third Advent Candle – Love.
 
Altar Guild
Jean Eggleston and Linda Alexander will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of December.
 
Coffee Hour  
A time of fellowship following the service of worship is held in the social hall. Coffee, juice and refreshments will be served.
 
Christmas Flowers 
Christmas Season is approaching.  If you would like to make a donation for the Christmas flowers in memory or in honor of loved ones, please contact Linda Alexander or Jean Eggleston.
 
 TIS THE SEASON 
The tree in Fellowship Hall welcomes the holidays and is decorated with bows and bowties this year!
 
While most of us have just enjoyed the bounty of Thanksgiving and anticipate the joys of Christmas, many families in our community continue to struggle. Thus, on the back of every bowtie is the name of a child, his or her size and items on a wish list. Only suggestions; any item big or small is appreciated and needed, particularly warm clothing.
 
The United Church has always been most generous. If you select a child, please place the unwrapped  items in a bag with the bowtie attached under the tree by December 15th at the latest. Presents can then be delivered with Holiday Food Baskets from Black River Good Neighbors on December 20th.
 
If you are able to be a driver and help out with the deliveries on December 20th, please talk to Lee Potter, Bob Kottkamp or call Jane Pixley at 226-7622.
 
Black River Good Neighbors appreciates your spirit of generosity and wishes everyone a joyful Holiday Season with family and friends.
  
2018 Christmas Fund for Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund
In this holy and joyous time of year, our thoughts turn to the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the light of the world. 

For 117 years, the Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund has been a way in which we, as members of the United Church of Christ and the predecessor denominations, reflect the love of Jesus Christ in the lives of the many women and men who have so faithfully and selflessly served, and who now find themselves facing unforeseen financial crises.
 
The offering will be dedicated on Sunday, December 23 during the service. An offering envelope is enclosed in the bulletin.
                                     

A warm welcome to all visitors.  If the Pastor or any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or Rev. Harpster at 802-875-8895. His email is harpsterd@vermontel.net.  Please be sure to sign the guestbook located at the entrance to the church. 
 
Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home
It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the pastor, Rev. Harpster. 
 
Upcoming Meetings/Events 
-Women’s Group - Every Wednesday at 10:00 A.M.
-Dedication of Christmas Fund Veterans of the Cross Offering – December 23 during the service.
-Christmas Eve Service – Monday, December 24, 7:30 P.M.
-New Year’s Epiphany Communion – Sunday, January 6, 2019, 10:15 A.M.
-Executive Committee, Wednesday, January 9, 2019, 7:00 P.M. 
Weekly Offerings
Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending December 2 were $1,017.00. The costs for each week are $1,188.00. (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks).  
 
Season of Advent
The Advent Season, in preparation for the birth of our savior, begins this Sunday.  Jim and Sandy Peplau will lead us in the lighting of the Second Advent Candle – Peace.
 
Altar Guild
Jean Eggleston and Linda Alexander will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of December.
 
Coffee Hour  
A time of fellowship following the service of worship is held in the social hall. Coffee, juice and refreshments will be served. 
 
Christmas Flowers 
Christmas Season is approaching.  If you would like to make a donation for the Christmas flowers in memory or in honor of loved ones, please contact Linda Alexander or Jean Eggleston. 
 
TIS THE SEASON
The tree in Fellowship Hall welcomes the holidays and is decorated with bows and bowties this year!
 
While most of us have just enjoyed the bounty of Thanksgiving and anticipate the joys of Christmas, many families in our community continue to struggle. Thus, on the back of every bowtie is the name of a child, his or her size and items on a wish list. Only suggestions; any item big or small is appreciated and needed, particularly warm clothing.
 
The United Church has always been most generous. If you select a child, please place the unwrapped  items in a bag with the bowtie attached under the tree by December 8th or the 15th at the latest. Presents can then be delivered with Holiday Food Baskets from Black River Good Neighbors on December 20th.
 
If you are able to be a driver and help out with the deliveries on December 20th, please talk to Lee Potter, Bob Kottkamp or call Jane Pixley at 226-7622.
 
Black River Good Neighbors appreciates your spirit of generosity and wishes everyone a joyful Holiday Season with family and friends.
  
A COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Presented by FOLA 
Ludlow Town Hall at Heald Auditorium 
Friday, December 14 at 7:00 P.M. 
Come see Lisha, Fred, Dean, Andy and Sandra in some delightful performances. 
 
2018 Christmas Fund for Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund
In this holy and joyous time of year, our thoughts turn to the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the light of the world. 
For 117 years, the Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund has been a way in which we, as members of the United Church of Christ and the predecessor denominations, reflect the love of Jesus Christ in the lives of the many women and men who have so faithfully and selflessly served, and who now find themselves facing unforeseen financial crises.
 
The offering will be dedicated on Sunday, December 23 during the service. An offering envelope is enclosed in the bulletin.