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December Music Sunday: Wonder of Wonders December 4, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person Magnificat, attributed to Pergolesi and presented by the Unicantors with guest instrumentalists and soloists
Our theme for December is wonder, and we begin the month with a musical setting of a classic story from the Christian narrative. When Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she had been chosen to bear a son, she could hardly believe it. As recorded in the Latin version of the Christian scriptures, Mary responded to this news by saying, “Magnificat anima mea dominum,” or in the traditional English translation, “My soul doth magnify the Lord.” She responded with awe and wonder to this news, as we, too, are moved by the wonder of the miracle of birth whenever a child is born. As Sophia Lyon Fahs put it, “Every night a child is born is a holy night,” and indeed, it is so.
Many composers have set Mary’s response to music over the centuries. The version we will present in worship this Sunday has been attributed to Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710-1736), although some musicologists attribute the work to Pergolesi’s teacher, Francesco Durante (1684-1744). Whoever wrote it, the music is delightful, and our presentation of it will be greatly enriched by the guest musicians who will join the Unicantors for this special Sunday of music. We hope you will join us!
We will Share the Plate with Partner Church
Our Partner Church is one congregation in two buildings in Nadas and Pipe, two miles apart. Located in the Transylvanian part of Romania, the country is in the worst economic slump in three decades. In their economy, your $20 donation is like a needed $80. Thanks for your continued support for over the last 30 years. Click Here to Donate
Volunteers for Sunday, December 4
Ushers: We Need 2 Volunteers
Greeters: We Need 2 Volunteers
Guest Table: Gloria Perez & Rev. Joyce Palmer
Coffee Hosts: We Need 2 Volunteers
Please note that if you volunteer for coffee host you will need to clean up afterward and run the cups through the sanitizer. Reminder to coffee hour hosts: please make sure the heater is off and the machine master switch is off when you leave. Thank you!
Former member Bob Bowling died on November 29, 2022. Please keep his wife Ann and family in your thoughts and prayers.
Blue Christmas Service Wednesday, December 14 at 6pm
Prayers Harp Candles
Our Blue Christmas Service provides an opportunity to share the losses, vulnerabilities, and despair some of us experience at this time of year. We invite those who have a special need for comfort, hope, and healing to attend this service with a friend. Music provided by harpist Nanette Felix. Service leaders, Rev Joyce, and our Caring Team members.
If you would like a ride to the service, please let Rev Joyce know at revjoycepalmer@yahoo.com or 815-398-6322 ext. 3.
Church is More than The Big Picture
There are also small things.
Who runs around the office desk to open the locked door? With a smile.
Who puts our religious education programs together and runs Woodsong Monday – Friday?
Who runs the choir and finds all our wonderful music for us to hear on Sundays?
Who cleans up after Sunday service? Even if there is no coffee hour.
During this holiday season, would you like to remember the staff for the small details that make this church run? Add to the “Holiday Gift Fund” before December 14. Two ways:
Drop off a check to the office, or the Sunday offering, labeled “Holiday Gift Fund”.
On-Line. Go to Donate and make sure to select “Holiday Gift” as the fund.
Our MELD donation tree is back in the narthex this year! When you choose an ornament from the tree, you will find an item requested by a family listed on the back. You may choose more than one ornament. Once you have purchased the items listed on the ornament, place them in the bin in the Narthex designated for MELD donations. Please do not wrap the items that you donate.
Donations will be collected through Sunday, December 11.
If you are not able to select an ornament from the tree in person, you might consider ordering an item on Amazon and having it shipped directly to the MELD organization. Items can be shipped ℅ Terry Lynch 620 Kishwaukee St. Rockford, IL 61104. Items that are always in high demand are warm socks for babies, children, and adults.
Thank you for supporting Rockford MELD, a non-profit social service agency started in 1981. The organization provides programs and services for young parents and their children in the Rockford community. MELD offers emergency shelter and housing, parenting information, life and job skills training, support, resources, and prevention education.
Past Sunday Services
Did you know you can watch past Sunday services anytime? We have them on our website under past worship services so you never have to miss a Sunday! Click here to find a service that you haven’t seen yet! You can also always go to our Facebook and YouTube pages.
The Board of Trustees:
President: Judy Gustafson
Clerk: Bob Spelman
Vice-President: Spitty Tata
Treasurer: Steve Blomgren
Trustees: Sarah Greer, Jami Edmonds
The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL | 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107 | 815-398-6322 | uurockford.org |
