Advent (from Latin, adventus, meaning "coming towards") is a four-week season of preparation for Christmas. The First Sunday of Advent (November 30) marks the beginning of the church's year.
Advent and Christmas focus both on the past--the coming of Jesus as an infant born into poverty in Bethlehem, and the future--the coming of Christ in glory to fulfill God's loving purposes for humanity. This past and future orientation is reflected in the readings appointed in the church for each Sunday of Advent.
Advent this year comes at a time of anxiety and hope. Many of us are struggling and are afraid for our future. It's not easy to hope when times are bad. Mary, as she waited for the birth of her child into an uncertain world, knew how to live with hope--to believe the promises of God. So Advent is a time when we wait, with Mary, for the birth of new life into a world living in the shadows of death.
What can we do to make our church more...alive?
Come to God is still speaking, Ready Set Grow Vitality Training!
"What happens once they're in the door?" Stillspeaking presents ways for United Church of Christ congregations and members to establish a collective identity tell the world, who we are, and invite and welcome people. Ready, Set, Grow! excels at creating the culture of belonging. It's about keeping the church and newcomers engaged.
For 2008, we have sets of fund-raising materials on the theme, "The World of the Generous Gets Larger and Larger." Based on Proverbs 11:24 (The Message,) the materials include posters, bulletin inserts, time and talent cards, pledge cards, note cards, and stationary each with the inspiring theme and art work. Worship Resources for Stewardship Theme 2008 materials are coordinated with the theme materials and the lectionary readings for these Sundays.
To order a print version of the entire resource, call 800-537-3394 or visit to UCPress.com to order item SCSHG. Prices are $6.95 each or $4.95 each for three or more copies. Stewardship is always in Season
New Book! What Matters To You? Matters To Us - Engaging Six Vital Themes of Our Faith
What Matters to You? Matters to Us - Engaging Six Vital Themes of Our Faith is a new book that provides essential reflections on core themes of the United Church of Christ, while inviting new and long-standing members alike to consider their own identity and faith formation.
What Matters to You? Matters to Us - Engaging Six Vital Themes of Our Faith in both its on line and the new book version is adaptable to various congregational settings. View The User's Guide for ideas on how use this resource.
You can order the book by calling 800-537-3394 or from UCPress.com.
Caring for God's Good Earth: Vital Churches are Green Churches!
Is your church green? The fields filled with crops ready for harvest remind us of our dependence on the earth to feed a hungry world. But we, and our children, also need clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and energy for light and heat and transportation.
On a recent visit to the Church House in Cleveland, Richard Peace offered his workshop on Holy Conversation. The videos below offer brief insights into not only his book, but the very core of this project.
Enter here for additional information and questions to enhance your viewing.
What can we do to make our church more...alive?
New Book! What Matters To You? Matters To Us - Engaging Six Vital Themes of Our Faith 
The Green Season