McFarland UCC has a December calendar of events that's all about building relationships inside and outside the building.
Christmas Caroling
Some church members tuned up their voices and sang Christmas carols to shut-ins Dec. 13. Tom Ludwig said the shut-ins are long-time members of MUCC located in a number of locations in the Madison area, including Monona, Fitchburg and Stoughton. Many of them are not able to attend services due to chronic health conditions.
“I think being a church with heart means much more than what goes on inside the walls,” he said. “These people have had a long-time connection, and it’s important to maintain those connections by reaching out to them when they can’t come and be inside our walls with us.”
“I think being a church with heart means much more than what goes on inside the walls,” he said. “These people have had a long-time connection, and it’s important to maintain those connections by reaching out to them when they can’t come and be inside our walls with us.”
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Tom says no one is judged by their singing ability. “We have a packet of Christmas Carol books, and they make it easier for members who want to sing melody or just want to sing parts,” he said. “We cater to a broad spectrum of musical abilities and interests. Ability is not an issue; anyone is welcome to join us.
I think the shut-ins look forward to it, and appreciate seeing members who are part of their long- term church family coming into their homes.”
I think the shut-ins look forward to it, and appreciate seeing members who are part of their long- term church family coming into their homes.”
Messy Church / Messy Christmas
Messy Church took place Dec. 14 in the late afternoon. Participants engaged the Christmas story through hands-on artistic adventures, making art for the sanctuary walls, creative take-home nativities, and decorating Christ candles. Worshipers ranged from infants to empty nesters.
No-Practice Christmas Pageant and Chili Lunch, Sunday December 21
The church will also be the site for a No-Practice Christmas Pageant December 21, an improvised spectacle that should provide fun and surprises for all ages. Afterwards, people are invited to enjoy a bowl of chili and the fun of an indoor tailgate party during the Green Bay Packers’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The cost is eight dollars, and the money will be used for future church youth programming.
“It’s December, it’s cold in Wisconsin, and chili is always a great option - very popular with the people here,” Gregg Krattiger said. “It’s a good staple fundraiser for us and an extra thing we can do during the holiday season to bring family and friends together. Every time we do a meal, it’s always a popular event.”
“We hope to have four or five different kinds to serve including vegetarian, beef, and chicken,” he said. “We may have some more mild versions, and some that makes smoke come out of your ears. "
“It’s December, it’s cold in Wisconsin, and chili is always a great option - very popular with the people here,” Gregg Krattiger said. “It’s a good staple fundraiser for us and an extra thing we can do during the holiday season to bring family and friends together. Every time we do a meal, it’s always a popular event.”
“We hope to have four or five different kinds to serve including vegetarian, beef, and chicken,” he said. “We may have some more mild versions, and some that makes smoke come out of your ears. "
Christmas Eve Worship
On December 24, the sanctuary will be filled with music beginning at 6:30 pm, until worship begins at 7 pm. "'The Music of Christmas' is our way of extending the celebration," said Pastor Kerri. "We know people like to arrive early to secure seats together as a family. There's so much musical talent in the congregation, we are able to offer musical preludes for a full half hour as people are arriving. We have an acapella men's quartet, a brother-sister duo performing on piano and violin, special pieces at the piano and organ, and the chance to lead into worship with the McFarland UCC Brass."
Christmas Eve worship will be a Lessons and Carols service, with traditional music and Christmas scripture readings combined with a warm family atmosphere. Communion will be offered. The service will conclude with the lighting of candles and singing Silent Night.
Christmas Eve worship will be a Lessons and Carols service, with traditional music and Christmas scripture readings combined with a warm family atmosphere. Communion will be offered. The service will conclude with the lighting of candles and singing Silent Night.
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