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 Update and Resources
December 3, 2021
“Wrap the justice that comes from God around yourself like a robe.
    Place the eternal one’s glory   on your head like a crown.” ~ Baruch 5:2
Second Sunday of Advent Worship at 10am
Join us in our sanctuary for our 10am Advent of Peace worship, including Holy Communion, or via the live stream by clicking this link.  You can also view the service on our Kent UCC Video page at any time. Click here to print the bulletin for an order of worship for those worshiping online. For a children’s bulletin, please click here
To prepare for our in-person Sunday service:
  • We will partake of the Lord’s Supper. You may choose among three options to do so: 1) pick up a pre-packaged wafer and cup from the Deacons as you enter worship; 2) bring your own communion elements from home; or 3) practice “Inner Communion” without any physical elements. 
  • Please wear a mask that covers the nose, mouth and chin when inside our church building.  
  • Practice good hygiene and social distancing. Hand sanitizer and sanitizing products are readily available throughout the church. 
  • Please note that the windows must remain open for better ventilation and air flow in the sanctuary. Come prepared to withstand the potential chill. 
  • Ushers will seat you, but feel free to choose where you sit!
  • Bring your offerings to place in the secure containers in the narthex. 
  • There will be no childcare or Sunday School but there will be boxes for each child/family for use during worship in the pews. The lounge will be available for any parent or guardian in need of a quiet space.
  • We will stay in our pews but will turn to pass the peace of Christ.
  • There will be no greeting line after worship; the ushers will release you from your pews following the service. 
  • There will be no coffee hour or food or beverages consumed inside. 
  • As a covenantal community, our COVID Advisory Team and Council ask you to read and support our In Person Health and Safety Policy HERE
Advent Devotional
Our 2021 Advent devotional is a collaborative, ecumenical effort with our friends at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kent!  Contributing writers from both churches have shared reflections that will help us deepen our faith this Advent season. To honor our commitment to environmental justice, click HERE for your copy of the devotional. If you would prefer a hard copy, a limited number will be available in the narthex or contact the church office to have one mailed to you.
Christmas Tree Lighting TONIGHT!
Tonight, Friday, December 3 at 7pm, our Fellowship Ministry is hosting a family-friendly outdoor tree lighting event. We will again be decorating the outside evergreen with the ornaments you brought last year. If you would like to bring a new one to add to the tree this year, make sure it is weatherproof!  We are also asking participants to bring a canned good or two for Kent Social Services. There will be live caroling led by our music director, Corey Fowler. Hot drinks and treats will be served and there will be special activities for the kiddos. You will not want to miss this fun and meaningful kick off to the season of Advent!  
Poinsettia Orders Due TODAY!
Please order your poinsettias by TODAY at 3pm.
6” single stem poinsettias in either red or white may be purchased for $9.00 a plant in honor or memory of a loved one. Order forms are available HERE.  All orders must be paid in full and accompany an order form that indicates your name and the dedication.  Please make checks payable to Kent UCC no later than TODAY, Friday, December 3.  
A Message from Stewardship
To date, we have happily received 71 pledges from our congregation and give thanks for all those who have made a financial commitment toward the mission and ministry of our church! The ministry of our church happens only because of the spiritual and financial gifts our members and friends share. For those who have yet to make a pledge, we pray that you will consider offering a financial commitment. We will continue to receive your pledges throughout December. Pledge cards are in the narthex and church office. God has done and continues to do remarkable things through us and with us, in our community and beyond. Your participation is key to helping us advance our mission and journey of discipleship. Thank you!
Holiday Outreach Baskets for Sale this Sunday
Afghan refugees will be soon arriving in NE Ohio, and they need our help.  Thus, the Outreach Ministry has made holiday baskets full of fair trade and local items that will make great Christmas gifts.  They will be for sale this Sunday, December 5 and December 12 right after worship. Just look for them near the elevator!  All the money raised will be sent to the Living Water Association for our UCC support for our Afghan siblings. 
Giving Tree for the Haven
Our Giving Tree is up and decorated with tags listing the items needed by the Haven of Portage County. The Haven will be opening its doors to the homeless population in the near future. We encourage you to take a tag and purchase items (the Haven has requested new items only) and place them under our tree. Items should not be wrapped and need to be under the tree by January 2, Epiphany Sunday. Let us continue to serve compassionately, walk humbly, and witness boldly.
Festive Fa-La-La Fashion Photos due TODAY!
Do you have a festive holiday outfit, fun accessories, an ugly Christmas sweater, or matching family PJs? Here are two exciting ways to get involved and spread some holiday joy this season: 
 
  • Please take a picture* of yourself, you and your partner, or your whole family wearing your festive fashions and send them to Linnea Stafford or text the picture to Gayle Wall at 330-221-8001. Deadline for picture submission is TODAY. The Hospitality and Membership Committee will make a Kent UCC Family Christmas Album with our festive fashions for all to see!
*Submitting a picture means you are giving permission for your photo to be seen on YouTube and/or Kent UCC social media pages.
 
  • On Sunday, December 12, please wear your Festive Fa-la-la Fashions to church as we celebrate the Advent Sunday of JOY! It is our hope that everyone comes dressed up in ugly sweaters, Christmas clothes and accessories to SPREAD THE JOY together! We encourage everyone to participate online with pictures, in person, or BOTH. Surprise awards may be given. Kids and youth are encouraged to dress up too! 
Stuffed Animals for Children on our Border
Make room! Make room! This Advent we’re making room so we might house the Holy anew in our lives. We are collecting small (beanie baby sized) stuffed animals to send to children on the US-Mexico border.  Children at the border have come a long way and have nothing but the clothes on their backs. Often, they are distressed and tired, and having a small stuffed animal would bring them so much comfort and joy. Through December 26, we’ll be collecting new and gently used stuffed animals to send to the border, so make room in your homes and in your hearts for the Holy. Please place any stuffed animals in the bin near the children’s worship kits in the narthex or see Pastor Kim.  
Adult Education for Advent
Where might the Holy be born anew in us and in our church as we prepare to welcome the Christ Child? We will ponder this question this Advent season. You are invited to join us for a weekly adult education class, “The Inn” on Wednesday nights from 7-8 p.m. (December 1, 8, 15, and 22) on Zoom. To receive the Zoom link, sign up HERE.  For a sneak peek at this rich Advent study and accompanying resources, please click here.
Scouts Selling Christmas Cookies
Our Scout troops and their families are busy baking holiday cookie platters! Please click HERE for an order form. Orders will be accepted through December 15; cookie pick-up is on December 22 in our back parking lot. Please support our wonderful youth Scouts!  
Space for Grace Contemplative Prayer for Advent
Let every heart prepare Him room. This Advent, why not prepare for the birth of the Christ Child through contemplative prayer? Begin your Tuesday mornings with others seeking the Living God. We will pray with scripture, in silence, and with one another. Join us on Tuesday at 7:30am on Zoom. Please email Pastor Amy for the Zoom link.  
Flowers for Sunday Worship
You are invited to contribute flowers to adorn our worship space. We are all enriched by the beauty of God’s creation as expressed through flowers! Please consider remembering and honoring a loved one, celebrating a special occasion, lifting up someone in our church family, or simply sharing your joy. Please sign up HERE to save a date and make your dedication. Thank you so much!
Prayer List
If you would like to ask the entire congregation for prayer for yourself, someone else or for our community and world, please submit it on our new website by clicking the “Prayer Request” tab here, or by letting our church office, a Deacon, or Pastor Amy know. We will share the prayer list in our weekly updates, as you see below. 
In Our Prayers
Rudy Capece, grandson of Debbie and Al Barber
Bev Feher, long-time friend of Barb Marken
Tammy, niece of Linnea and Pat Ray
Pete Jones and family, friends of Leah Davis
Lydia Kittle, granddaughter of Lori and Steve Babbey
Bruce Moore
Billy O'Mally, nephew of Annie O'Malley
Lawrence Prichard
Mary Ryba, Lynn Gregor's aunt
Tallu Schuyler Quinn, friend of Pastor Amy
Terri, friend of Megan Snyder
Need Support?
The pandemic is not over. This continues to be a heartbreaking, anxiety-producing, exhausting and divisive time. All of us could use an extra dose of patience, grace, and loving kindness. Please know that you are not alone. Pastor Amy is available for spiritual care and prayer as are our lay leaders.
  • For confidential help and spiritual care needs, devotional materials, prayer, or just to talk this week, contact Pastor Amy, a Deacon or a Stephen Minister.
  • Contact Pastor Amy: [email protected] or (330) 673-9534
  • Contact a Deacon: [email protected]
  • Contact a Stephen Minister: [email protected] or (234) 417-2335
  • For free and confidential counsel from a mental health professional, please call the COVID Careline, 1-800-720-9616. The careline is open daily from 8am-8pm.
  • For financial assistance from our Congregational and Community Assistance Fund, please let Pastor Amy or the Deacons know. Our CCAF offerings are received every 5th Sunday.  
Looking Ahead
  • December 3 – Outdoor Christmas Tree Lighting 7pm
  • December 12 – Live Nativity Children’s Christmas program 4pm
  • December 19 – Lessons & Carols (virtual) 7pm
  • December 21 – Longest Night of the Year/Blue Christmas service 7pm
  • December 24 – Christmas Eve services at 7pm and 10pm
This Week’s Sacred Text
Baruch 5:1-5 (CEB)
Take off your mourning clothes
and oppression, Jerusalem!
    Dress yourself in the dignity
    of God’s glory forever.
Wrap the justice that comes from God around yourself like a robe.
    Place the eternal one’s glory
    on your head like a crown.
God will show your brilliance everywhere under heaven.
    God will give you this name
    by which to be called forever:
    The Peace That Comes from Justice,
    The Honor That Comes
    from Reverence for God!
Get up, Jerusalem!
    Stand on the high place,
    and look around to the east!
See your children gathered
from the west to the east
    by the holy one’s word,
    as they rejoice that God has remembered them.
Thanks be to God, who is still speaking!
Whoever you are, wherever you are on life's journey...
you're welcome here!
OUR MISSION:
Enlivened by the grace of Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit,
Kent United Church of Christ does justice, embraces faithful love, and walks humbly with our God to serve and transform lives, our community and the world. (Micah 6:8)