Pulse for November 14, 2025

[McFarland United Church of Christ]

MUCC News & Events

November 14, 2025 "I will put my teaching in their minds and write it on their hearts..." Jeremiah 31:33 mcfarlanducc.org Calendar of Upcoming MUCC Events Below are the weekly programs. Brief descriptions of these weekly programs are on our website. Clickable links are in blue, underlined, and italicized. SUNDAY Choir Practice Contact Tom Ludwig, if interested. Practice is 9-10am on Sundays before worship. SUNDAY Morning Worship, 10 am in person and via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/97010988439 Password: betogether SUNDAY, 11:30 am Bible Study in person and on Zoom https://zoom.us/j/262314649 MONDAY - FRIDAY, 8 am Morning Devotion on Zoom only https://zoom.us/j/94276813637 Below are the upcoming non-weekly events on the calendar happening at McFarland UCC for about the next month. All events are on the McFarland UCC calendar with Zoom links and additional information in the details/description area. Click the event on the McFarland UCC calendar to see the details. Wednesday, November 19, 6:30 - 8:00 pm, Befrienders Class (In person & Online), Multipurpose Room (last class) Saturday, November 22, 5:30-9:00 pm, Parents Night Out Fundraiser by MUCC Teen Group for Water for South Sudan Thursday, November 27, Office Closed - Happy Thanksgiving! Sunday, November 30, 1st Sunday of Advent Tuesday, December 2, Social Justice Collective Meeting(In person & Online), Multipurpose Room Wednesday, December 3, Outreach Funds Committee Quarterly Meeting(In person & Online), Multipurpose Room Sunday, December 7, Communion and Birthday Sunday, 2nd Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 7, 4:00 - 7:00 pm, Teen Meeting Wednesday, December 10, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, Contemplative Service with Prayers for Healing (In person & Online), Sanctuary Thursday, December 11, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, SaLT Monthly Meeting (In person & Online), Multipurpose Room Prayer Requests? Contact Jean Duchrow. Thank you to this weekend's volunteers! Greeters/Ushers: Carol & Bob Naylor Hospitality Hosts: Lynn Belleau, Cody DeWayne Worship Lead: Cameron Macdonald Sign up as Greeter/Usher Questions? Email Becky Cohen Sign up as Hospitality Host Questions? Email Joan Jacobsen Resolve to get involved at McFarland UCC! Volunteer on Sunday. Join a ministry such as Social Justice Collective, Creation Care, Befrienders Care Team, SaLT, Youth ministry, Building & Ground Team, or others. Find out more by clicking here. News at McFarland UCC Note: Clickable links are blue, underlined, and italicized. Just Bakery Coming Again! This Sunday (11/16) after worship In September, MUCC began our relationship with Just Bakery, a branch of Just Dane. Just Bakery is a training program for people with different barriers to employment, such as homelessness and previous incarceration. The program teaches a variety of skills, and participants can even earn up to 15 credits towards a Culinary degree at Madison College! MUCC GETS TO BENEFIT, TOO! On Sunday, November 16, Just Bakery will again sell delicious baked goods in the fellowship hall after worship service. They offer sweet and savory items, as well as vegan and gluten-free options, every other 3rd Sunday of the month. Payment accepted is cash, card, check, and (sometimes) Venmo. If you discover a favorite, you can make a request ahead of time. Giving Tree 2025 Submitted by Maryanne Raese Gift tags for the Giving Tree have arrived! These tags will include a recommendation for a local business gift card and the size of the family the gift is for. It is your choice on the gift card amount. Recommended, no less than $25. Sign-up starts this Sunday, November 16.   Please prayerfully consider making Christmas special for those in need. Any questions, see Maryanne Raese (mmr...@gmail.com, 608-333-7136), Amy Cavi, or Judy Tabor. Thank you all in advance! I know that our "Church with Heart" will come through with flying colors!! Parents: Enjoy a "Date Night" or "Shopping Night" Kids: Enjoy games, crafts, and a movie MUCC Teen Group fundraiser for Water for South Sudan Register for "Parent Night Out" Donation Request Now - Thanksgiving  Paul Hundt with the Madison Area Jail Ministry is requesting donations for the Dane County Jail Ministry.  IMMEDIATE NEEDS: new or gently used winter apparel that is clean, rip-free, and stain-free: Winter coats size L to 4X men’s and women’s Pants, sweatpants, or athletic pants, size medium to 3XL Shirts, sweaters, and sweatshirts size medium to 3XL Hats, scarves, and gloves, Shoes and boots of all sizes NEW ADDITIONAL REQUESTS THIS YEAR Blankets IN THEIR ORIGINAL PACKAGING: Socks  Men’s and women’s underwear Toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, and shampoo Please drop any donations at the McFarland Lutheran Church, 5529 Marsh Road, McFarland, at the church office during business hours Monday-Thursday 8 am-4 pm and Friday 8 am-12 pm before Thanksgiving. Donations may be left outside the office if you choose to drop off items on Saturdays, 5-6 pm, or Sundays, 7:30-11:30 am. The Madison Area Jail Ministry is an independent, non-denominational, non-profit Christian ministry operated by unpaid volunteers and two paid Chaplains. Monetary donations help the Madison Area Jail Ministry purchase Bibles and Christian materials that the jail ministry provides to those incarcerated in Dane County Jail who request them and support the Chaplain. The jail ministry is totally dependent on donations to cover these two costs. If you would like to pray for specific requests made by individuals incarcerated in Dane County Jail or have any questions, email Paul Hundt with the Madison Area Jail Ministry. Learn more or make monetary donation Weekly Creation Care Topic Reduce/Reuse/Recycle This week’s tip:  Environmental Justice: Per a UN report,  “For several years, South Sudan has faced an ongoing humanitarian crisis due to underdevelopment, disasters, and conflict that has displaced many communities. Recurrent floods have exacerbated this displacement, destroyed homes, and threatened livelihoods across the nation.” Water for South Sudan notes that 5 million people in South Sudan live without access to clean water. Children, often girls, walk 3.7 mi and carry 40 lbs of water, frequently multiple times/day, and only 10% have access to sanitation services. Watch for MUCC youth’s fundraiser 11/22/25, Parents Night Out. Earth Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images on Pixabay 608-838-9322  5710 Anthony St. McFarland WI 53558 Office Hours: Wednesdays & Thursdays 9am-1pm Ginger Hummer, Office Administrator gin...@mcfarlanducc.org --- For Pastoral Care, contact Jean Duchrow (608-335-3772, jeandu...@gmail.com) with the Befrienders Care Team. --- Servant and Leadership Team (SaLT): Moderator - Donna Grossman (do...@mcfarlanducc.org); Vice Moderator - Walt Jackson; Treasurer - Kathy Schwenn; Clerk - Diane Mikelbank; At-large members - Lynn Belleau, Colleen Krattiger, Lisa Schweitzer, Cody Dewayne Shingler, and Judy Taber --- McFarland UCC has an opt-out media policy. Click here to see the Media Policy. Visit our website Follow Us

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[McFarland United Church of Christ]

MUCC News & Events

November 21, 2025

"I will put my teaching in their minds and write it on their hearts..." Jeremiah 31:33 mcfarlanducc.org Calendar of Upcoming MUCC Events Below are the weekly programs. Brief descriptions of these weekly programs are on our website. Clickable links are in blue, underlined, and italicized. SUNDAY Choir Practice Contact Tom Ludwig, if interested. Practice is 9-10am on Sundays before worship. SUNDAY Morning Worship, 10 am in person and via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/97010988439 Password: betogether SUNDAY, 11:30 am Bible Study in person and on Zoom https://zoom.us/j/262314649 MONDAY - FRIDAY, 8 am Morning Devotion on Zoom only https://zoom.us/j/94276813637 Below are the upcoming non-weekly events on the calendar happening at McFarland UCC for about the next month. All events are on the McFarland UCC calendar with Zoom links and additional information in the details/description area. Click the event on the McFarland UCC calendar to see the details.

Saturday, November 22, 6:00-8:30 pm, Parents Night Out Fundraiser by MUCC Teen Group for Water for South Sudan, Drop off and pick up times 30 minutes before and after respectively

Thursday, November 27, Office Closed - Happy Thanksgiving! Sunday, November 30, 1st Sunday of Advent Tuesday, December 2, Social Justice Collective Meeting(In person & Online), Multipurpose Room

Wednesday, December 3, 6:00-7:30 pm, Outreach Funds Committee Quarterly Meeting(In person & Online), Multipurpose Room Sunday, December 7, Communion and Birthday Sunday, 2nd Sunday of Advent, Decorate the Christmas Tree after worship Sunday, December 7, 4:00 - 7:00 pm, Teen Meeting, meet at Target, 6321 McKee Rd, Fitchburg, then Memorial UCC, 5705 Lacy Rd, Fitchburg

Wednesday, December 10, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, Contemplative Service with Prayers for Healing (In person & Online), Sanctuary Thursday, December 11, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, SaLT Monthly Meeting (In person & Online), Multipurpose Room

Sunday, December 14, 3rd Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 21, 4th Sunday of Advent, The Christmas Fund Collection Wednesday, December 24, 5:00 pm, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Prayer Requests? Contact Jean Duchrow.

Thank you to this weekend's volunteers!

Greeters/Ushers: Becky Cohen, Rick Duchrow Hospitality Hosts: Amy & Peter Cavi Worship Lead: Rev. Robert Koepcke MUCC online calendar indicates leads.

Sign up as Greeter/Usher Questions? Email Becky Cohen Sign up as Hospitality Host Questions? Email Joan Jacobsen Resolve to get involved at McFarland UCC! Volunteer on Sunday. Join a ministry such as Social Justice Collective, Creation Care, Befrienders Care Team, SaLT, Youth ministry, Building & Ground Team, or others. Find out more by clicking here. News at McFarland UCC Note: Clickable links are blue, underlined, and italicized.

Register TODAY...There are still slots available!

Parents: Enjoy a "Date Night" or "Shopping Night" Kids: Enjoy games, crafts, and a movie MUCC Teen Group fundraiser for Water for South Sudan Register for "Parent Night Out"

Giving Tree 2025 Submitted by Maryanne Raese Gift tags for the Giving Tree have arrived, and there are a few left! These tags include a recommendation for a local business gift card and the size of the family the gift is for. It is your choice on how much to put on the gift card-Recommended, no less than $25/person. Sign up in the fellowship area after worship.

Please prayerfully consider making Christmas special for those in need. Any questions, see Maryanne Raese (mmr...@gmail.com, 608-333-7136), Amy Cavi, or Judy Tabor. Thank you all in advance! I know that our "Church with Heart" will come through with flying colors!!

Donation Request Now - Thanksgiving  Paul Hundt with the Madison Area Jail Ministry is requesting donations for the Dane County Jail Ministry.  IMMEDIATE NEEDS: new or gently used winter apparel that is clean, rip-free, and stain-free: Winter coats size L to 4X men’s and women’s Pants, sweatpants, or athletic pants, size medium to 3XL Shirts, sweaters, and sweatshirts size medium to 3XL Hats, scarves, and gloves, Shoes and boots of all sizes NEW ADDITIONAL REQUESTS THIS YEAR Blankets IN THEIR ORIGINAL PACKAGING: Socks  Men’s and women’s underwear Toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, and shampoo Please drop any donations at the McFarland Lutheran Church, 5529 Marsh Road, McFarland, at the church office during business hours Monday-Thursday 8 am-4 pm and Friday 8 am-12 pm before Thanksgiving. Donations may be left outside the office if you choose to drop off items on Saturdays, 5-6 pm, or Sundays, 7:30-11:30 am. The Madison Area Jail Ministry is an independent, non-denominational, non-profit Christian ministry operated by unpaid volunteers and two paid Chaplains. Monetary donations help the Madison Area Jail Ministry purchase Bibles and Christian materials that the jail ministry provides to those incarcerated in Dane County Jail who request them and support the Chaplain. The jail ministry is totally dependent on donations to cover these two costs. If you would like to pray for specific requests made by individuals incarcerated in Dane County Jail or have any questions, email Paul Hundt with the Madison Area Jail Ministry.

Learn more or make monetary donation

Advent at McFarland UCC This Advent season, you are invited to join in the watching and waiting together with church friends and loved ones. We have many opportunities for worship, fellowship, and service throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas. Rev. Susan Shands will join us again for the final three Sundays of Advent plus our Christmas Eve candlelight service. Please make plans to celebrate the season with us! Read on for a preview of events. Children's Activities Throughout Advent Advent season is drawing near! Time to prepare our hearts as we await the arrival of Christ. There are many opportunities for children and families to participate in the joy and wonder of the season, and we would love to see many young faces at church throughout Advent! Our first Sunday of Advent is on November 30th. We plan to start out by creating “Giving Mangers” as we talk about Hope. On December 7th, our advent theme will be Peace and we will once again be making Christingle (orange) candles to spread the light of love. We have a special song we’ll sing as we walk our candles into the sanctuary and we could use some child or teenage soloists if anyone is brave enough and loves to sing. Just let Sheryl know and she’ll get the music to you. Our first practice will be this Sunday morning at 9:00.  The third week of Advent, we’ll focus on Joy. We will have many projects the kids can create in the Fellowship Hall during the service. Our final week, on Dec. 21st is all about Love. As usual, we’ll have our no-practice pageant that day — a time for all to share the birth of Jesus with laughs, love and joy. Please join us for this festive and loving church season. Christmas Caroling On December 7th at 1:00 we’ve been invited to do a Christmas Carol-a-long at Charter Assisted Living, 5601 Burke Rd, Madison and a repeat “performance” at Drumlin Assisted Living, 139 E. Reynolds St., Cottage Grove at 2:00. Loretta Martin lives at Drumlin and would be pleased to see everyone. We'll carpool from church, leaving at 12:30 for those interested in doing so. We are hoping to have a nice group interested in going. Young or old are all welcome! If you plan on going or have questions, please contact Jean Duchrow in person or via email. Salt Spot Meeting highlights November 13, 2025 We heard from an organization for unhoused individuals about a drive for those who need assistance with supplies, especially following the closure of the Dairy Drive services. Memorial Designation Policy and Form were reviewed and approved with minor edits. Advent coverage involving children's activities was discussed. Discussion on Pastoral Transition was discussed with plans to keep the congregation informed of progress. Interim Search: On Sunday 11/16/25 I (Donna) gave an overview of the interim pastor search process and members of SaLT were available after the service to answer any questions people may have. We will also do this on Sunday 11/23. Of course we are glad to speak with you anytime! We have had eight applicants. Of those eight, we have interviewed seven individuals. Offers were made to two of that seven. Both offers were declined, the first because she got another offer that paid significantly more, and the second because the candidate accepted a position in Georgia, close to where their adult children and grandchildren live. We are all eager to get an interim in place. We haven’t had as many applicants as we’d hoped. We also asked Rev Susan Shands if she might be interested but she is not. Gratefully she will cover most of Advent and our Christmas Eve service. I will share with you what I remind myself of frequently. While we don’t know who our interim will be, God knows. So we will continue to pray and do the footwork needed.  Settled Pastor Search: The search team has been formed. Thank you to the seven people on the team and to the others that were willing to serve. It’s a big commitment and so important for all of us who are part of McFarland UCC. Of course, coordinating schedules for those seven and our UCC Association pastor Rev Rachel Bauman was the first challenge. The first meeting is set for December 7. While names and details of candidates are confidential, the members of the search team can answer questions about the process.  Our search team members are: Heather Blackmore, Patrick Broderick, Peter Cavi, Joan Jacobsen, Rachel Saladis, Chris Taber, and Kiley Timler. Donations for PSL Submitted by Donna Grossman A local PSL (Party for Socialism and Liberation) organization is helping the unhoused in our area. They’ve asked for help and SaLT definitely felt this is in alignment with what Jesus would do. There will be a box placed in the fellowship area (exact location not decided at this point) for donations. Here’s a list of most requested items Tents Sleeping bags Hand warmers Blankets Socks The member that contacted us lives in McFarland and will collect the items donated. The organization does not currently have non profit  501(c)(3) status so donations at this point are not tax deductible. They are looking into this and will keep us posted on their status.

Weekly Creation Care Topic Reduce/Reuse/Recycle

This week’s tip:  Reduce: As we give thanks for many things this coming week, give Mother Earth an extra blessing by taking time to reduce food waste. Per the University of MN, an estimated 305 million pounds of food are landfilled in the US from Thanksgiving dinner alone. The food on your table is the result of many resources: fresh water, energy, land, and labor, all used to create, process, transport, store, market, and prepare that food. Tips: plan your meal/shopping, store leftovers properly for later, be creative in using scraps and leftovers; turn stale buns into bread pudding, make broth from veggie scraps and turkey bones, make soup for the after-holiday weekend, donate to others, and of course, compost what you can. Learn more at the USDA website.

Earth Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images on Pixabay

608-838-9322  5710 Anthony St. McFarland WI 53558 Office Hours: Wednesdays & Thursdays 9am-1pm Ginger Hummer, Office Administrator gin...@mcfarlanducc.org --- For Pastoral Care, contact Jean Duchrow (608-335-3772, jeandu...@gmail.com) with the Befrienders Care Team. --- Servant and Leadership Team (SaLT): Moderator - Donna Grossman (do...@mcfarlanducc.org); Vice Moderator - Walt Jackson; Treasurer - Kathy Schwenn; Clerk - Diane Mikelbank; At-large members - Lynn Belleau, Colleen Krattiger, Lisa Schweitzer, Cody Dewayne Shingler, and Judy Taber --- McFarland UCC has an opt-out media policy. Click here to see the Media Policy. Visit our website Follow Us