The Union Church in Waban |
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Friday Updates, February 11, 2022 |
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Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Hybrid Service (In-person and Online)
February 13th,10:00 a.m.
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We will return to gathering in-person, along with our Zoom service this week! Please join us as we continue our series asking the question "Who Are We now?" On this Sunday, Pastor Amy will lead us in exploring the story and ministry of Stephen, and how, filled with wisdom and Spirit, he led the early church into ministries of care and service. We will also bless our Transition Team on this special day.
We look forward to seeing you on Zoom!
To join Sunday Worship at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom:
Meeting ID: 832 2059 8969
Passcode: 458322
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
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To connect to Sunday Worship or to any of our online offerings,
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Important Updates Phase Forward Team Updates
Hybrid services will resume this Sunday, February 13th
We are so grateful to our Phase Forward Team for helping us navigate these challenging days. The Team met on February 1st and Council agreed with new recommendations on February 2nd.
Based on a sustained decline in Covid in our community and being sensitive to the significant mental health needs of children, youth, and adults, we will open up the church for in person small group meetings immediately with Zoom connection available for those who cannot attend
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2021 End-of-Year Giving Statements e-mailed This Week
The Union Church, calendar Year-end giving statements were e-mailed this week to all those who have a valid e-mail address on record in our Breeze church database. Please check that you have received your copy. If you would prefer a paper copy mailed to you, or if you have a specific e-mail address that you would like us to use, please be in contact with our office manager Aidan Cunningham (ucw@ucw.org). Thank You
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Upcoming Sundays & Gatherings |
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Celebrating the Life of Beverly Hadley
We hold the Hadley family close in our heart and prayers following the passing of our beloved church member Beverly Hadley earlier this week (please see a notice sent to the church community yesterday). The family is currently planning a celebration of Bev's life for the middle of next week, and we hope to send an email with details shortly.
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Worship on February 20th - Hybrid
We will continue our series asking the question "Who Are We now?" On this Sunday, Pastor Wendy will lead us in exploring the story of the magician Simon and ponder the power of encounter. The Union Church has a history of creating spaces for encounter, how might we build upon that practice.
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Worship on February 27th - Hybrid
We will continue our series asking the question "Who Are We now?" On this Sunday, Pastor Wendy will lead us in meeting an interesting character in the Book of Acts - the Ethiopian eunuch. We will wonder together about coming alongside people on their spiritual journeys and how that shapes our ministry.
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Ash Wednesday- March 2 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
The season of Lent begins with a quiet worship practices in the Sanctuary. The Pastors will be available to distribute ashes starting at 6:00 p.m. You may come for self-guided moments and quiet community to begin this season of devotion and contemplation.
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Children, Youth & Families |
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Valentine's Day - Card and Cookie-Making - Youth Groups
This Sunday, February 13th, 11:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Pre-Super Bowl Valentines Day Cookie-Making and deliveries for UCW friends and Common Cathedral. We'll also sort donations to our CityReach (Common Cathedral) winter clothing drive.
Exploring Our Faith Mentors This Sunday & Calendar
Exploring Our Faith mentors are invited to gather from 1:30-2:30 p.m. THIS SUNDAY, February 13th in- person or online (email Pastor Amy, amy@ucw.org for the log-in details) to check-in and get oriented for the rest of the year. We are also pleased to share an updated calendar for the coming months, which you can see by clicking below:
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Children and Sunday School - Returning February 20th!
We are delighted that we are able to return to gathering in-person later this month, and in-person Sunday School will resume with Pastor Amy on February 20th. Weather permitting, we will spend time exploring outdoors, so please plan to bring warm layers!
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Advocates for Racial Justice |
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Segregated by Design
Two Opportunities for Film Night!
February 15th at 7:00 p.m. and/or March 1st 7:00 p.m.
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You are invited to watch together - and talk together - at Film Night at Union Church. Simply zoom* in and we can screen share to watch this 17 minute film, followed by a chance to discuss the surprising history of zoning.
We will watch Segregated By Design, an animated documentary on the history of how government unconstitutionally segregated the United States through law and policy.
Churches and Synagogues across Newton are collaborating with us to watch the film with their own Congregations. We are a part of Newton Interfaith Housing Coalition called by our faith to love our neighbors and become a welcoming community.
We hope you will join us!
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*If you are interested in attending please reach out to Nancy Zollers (dr.nancy.zollers@gmail.com ) to be added to the participant contact list.
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Adult Formation and Gatherings |
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UCW Book Group
Tuesday, February 22ndat 7:30 p.m.
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The Practicing Congregation:
Imagining a New Old Church
by Diana Butler Bass
Please join us on Tuesday, February 22nd at 7:30 p.m. for our next book group meeting. This month we will be reading The Practicing Congregation: Imagining a New Old Church by Diana Butler Bass. You will find a zoom link and sign-in information below. If you have any questions, please reach out to Alan Cody (almorrow@aol.com)
Meeting ID: 832 4667 4155
Passcode: 431699
Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
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Book Club Selections and Discussions for March & April:
“The Art of Living: Peace and Freedom in the Here and Now” by Thich Nhat Hanh
Tuesday, March 29th, 7:30PM
“Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion" By Gregory Boyle
Tuesday, April 26th ,7:30PM
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Greater Boston Interfaith Organization |
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GBIO Liaisons Kathy Malone and Brita Gill-Austern would like to invite anyone who would be interested in being a bit more involved in GBIO without heavy monthly commitment to join the CORE TEAM.
This team will help make the work of GBIO more visible in the congregation and help turn out people for the major assemblies. We will meet only a few times a year. If you are interested we would love to have you join us for a Core Team training from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday February 17th on zoom. Please let Kathy (j2kathleen@gmail.com) or Brita (bgillaustern@gmail.com) know if you are interested in joining us. You do not need to attend the zoom meeting on the 17th if you still want to be on Core Team and can't make it.
GBIO is a powerhouse grassroots organization and deeply satisfying to work with.
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Coat and Clothing Collection
for Common Cathedral
Bring Donations This Sunday! (or before February 17)
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As the cold weather continues, our partners at Common Cathedral are collecting warm coats, and durable clothing, boots, shoes, belts, bags, blankets and other items for their community members who live outdoors. New socks and men's underwear are also always in need!
For a full list of needed items please CLICK HERE.
In these weeks when we are gathering remotely, please contact Pastor Amy (amy@ucw.org) to arrange a drop-off or pick-up of clothing. We will also have bins available and be sorting clothes this Sunday, February 13th following worship. Pastor Amy and the youth will be at the church then to collect items. Thank you!
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Pastoral Care Connections
During this time of transition, please know that your church is here for you. Please don't hesitate to reach out to Revs. Wendy Vander Hart or Amy Clark Feldman for prayer or pastoral support:
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Pastor Wendy's email is seniorpastor@ucw.org and her office phone is 617-965-3893
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Pastor Amy's email is amy@ucw.org, and her cell phone for calls or texts is 617-938-8112.
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Note: Both of our pastors take Mondays off as a day of rest and Sabbath. If you are in need of urgent pastoral support on this coming Monday,, you can reach out to Pastor Wendy, who will be available for emergencies.
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Scripture Reader Sign-Up
If you are joining our Sunday worship, please consider signing up as a Scripture Reader for any of our upcoming services.
Scripture Reader Sign-up: HERE
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Our Covenant
We, the members of The Union Church in Waban, true to our founding principle of being an inclusive church, covenant together to nourish and to sustain in our common life and practice a fully welcoming and affirming church for all persons. Welcoming all persons who seek to join with us in a commitment to love God and our neighbors, affirming the inclusive love of Jesus, we are open to all, without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, nationality, ability or economic circumstance. We invite all to full participation in our worship, membership, leadership and life of this church.
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