The Union Church in Waban |
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Friday Updates, February 18, 2022 |
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Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany
Hybrid Service (In-person and Online)
February 20th,10:00 a.m.
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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?
Sunday School with Pastor Amy will also resume this Sunday for children and youth! See below for details.
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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Upcoming Sundays & Gatherings |
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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 2nd 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 contemplation. We will have a packet of Lenten devotional cards available to pick up or arrange delivery for a daily practice during the 40 days of the season.
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Sunday, March 6th - Hybrid
The season of Lent kicks off a series on the next question as part of our Transition journey - Who Is Our Neighbor? Pastor Amy will preach on the story of Saul and his life-changing experience on the road to Damascus. We will also celebrate communion.
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Children, Youth & Families |
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Children and Sunday School - Returning This Sunday, 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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Thank You for Sharing the LOVE!
Youth Cookie and Valentines
Thank you to all the youth and adults who gathered to bake cookies, and make and deliver Valentines. last Sunday, sharing love in our UCW community and beyond!
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Exploring Our Faith Calendar
We are also pleased to share an updated calendar for the coming months, which you can see by clicking below:
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Adult Formation and Gatherings |
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UCW Book Group
This Tuesday! February 22nd at 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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Advocates for Racial Justice |
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Segregated by Design
ARJ Film Night!
March 1st at 7:30 p.m.
(Please note: New time, different to previously posted)
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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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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. Please let Kathy (j2kathleen@gmail.com) or Brita (bgillaustern@gmail.com) know if you are interested in joining us. GBIO is a powerhouse grassroots organization and deeply satisfying to work with.
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Newton Freedge: Volunteers Needed!
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Despite Newton’s image as an affluent suburb, too many of our neighbors struggle to put food on their tables. The Newton Freedge is one way we can help. A free, 24/7 outdoor refrigerator and pantry, the Freedge provides free food and personal supplies to anyone who needs them. We are in need of more volunteers to help on Saturdays.
Union Church Freedge Sign-up: HERE
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Coat and Clothing Collection for Common Cathedral
Last chance for donations TODAY
(Delivery is tonight, Friday, Feb 18th, at 5:00 p.m.)
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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! |
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For a full list of needed items please CLICK HERE.
If anyone has a last-minute donation this Friday afternoon (TODAY), please feel free to leave them in a plastic bag on the bench outside the elevator lobby. Pastor Amy will be at the church around 5pm to collect items and bring them downtown for the 6:30 p.m. drop-off. Thank you!
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Important Updates Phase Forward Team Updates
Hybrid Services (In-person and Streaming Online) have resumed at the The Union Church
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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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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