The Union Church in Waban |
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Friday Updates, March 18, 2022 |
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Third Sunday in Lent - Stewardship Season
Hybrid Service (In-person and Online)
March 20th,10:00 a.m.
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This Sunday begins our Stewardship season, and we will gather in-person and online. A practice of Welcome and Testimony will be launched with a first offering by Jaap van Reijendam. As we continue exploring the question, "Who Is Our Neighbor," we will hear stories of how this church has shared God's love with its members and neighbors.
Our new Lenten Prayer Station, "God's Doors Are Open to All," will be available. Daily devotional practice cards are still available for pick-up and on our Facebook page.
Pastor Amy and our staff teacher, Olivia, will lead children and youth in exploring how they can share their gifts during Sunday School, and then kids will return to the sanctuary just before the time of offering.
Reception Time in-person has returned as we enjoy visiting with each other following worship. We look forward to seeing you!
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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The Union Church in Waban Annual Stewardship Campaign
Where Hope Thrives
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Our Stewardship Season launches this Sunday, March 20th – in the time of Lent with the horizon of Easter nearby. In many ways, our past year parallels this transition. From a time of scarcity and aloneness we find our way to each other. In time of quiet we find time to prepare. We look to the rejoining as a celebration of the community we are and all the potential we hold. And we realize, perhaps in a sudden or profound way, gratitude for this beloved and reviving faith community. We have always been together, even in our separation. Now we enter a time to rejoice in this. Union Church is indeed Where Hope Thrives!
Check your email for our appeal letter that was sent our earlier this week (copy also available HERE).
A link to our 2022-23 online pledge form can also be found HERE.
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Transition Team Work is Underway |
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The Transition Team has launched its work contributing to the search process for a new Senior Pastor. Meeting weekly on Thursday evenings, the Team assigned leadership roles to Anya Bassett as chairperson, Jane Purser as Assistant Chair, Alan Cody as Chaplain and Cindy Spertner as Scribe. The Team is undertaking Community Interviews in wider Newton among leaders like the Superintendent of Schools, Principals at local elementary schools, the Police Chief, and Mayor’s office to learn more about our neighbors. Alongside this task, the Team is crafting a congregation-wide survey and planning small group conversations to follow. You can join the process by praying for our work and watching for more updates. Thank you for your support! |
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The Transition Team has launched its work contributing to the search process for a new Senior Pastor. Meeting weekly on Thursday evenings, the Team assigned leadership roles to Anya Bassett as chairperson, Jane Purser as Assistant Chair, Alan Cody as Chaplain and Cindy Spertner as Scribe. The Team is undertaking Community Interviews in wider Newton among leaders like the Superintendent of Schools, Principals at local elementary schools, the Police Chief, and Mayor’s office to learn more about our neighbors. Alongside this task, the Team is crafting a congregation-wide survey and planning small group conversations to follow. You can join the process by praying for our work and watching for more updates. Thank you for your support! |
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Upcoming Sundays & Gatherings |
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Sunday, March 27th - Fourth Sunday in Lent - Stewardship Season Continues
We will hear the story of a squabble in the early church and how it was resolved by turning to discernment, encouragement and grace. Come hear how making it through a church fight is a healthy sign for us today!
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Sunday, April 3rd - Fifth Sunday in Lent - Commitment Sunday
Our Mission Team will take the lead in worship on this day - sharing stories of our partners in ministry and what we are learning about our neighbors as we serve. We will break bread in communion and prepare to dedicate our giving for the coming year for the Annual Campaign.
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Sunday, April 10th - Palm Sunday and Walk Through Holy Week
Our youth and children will help us enter Holy Week by leading worship. They will tell the story, in age appropriate ways, that began with Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on the day we recognize as Palm Sunday through to the events that led to his death on the cross. Watch for information on the special service of Maundy Thursday and observance of Good Friday.
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Adult Formation and Gatherings |
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Lunch Bunch
Wednesday, March 23rd, from Noon-1:00 p.m.
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Dear Lunch Bunchers,
Please join us for a time of sharing this Wednesday, March 23rd at noon. Come and reconnect with old friends and enjoy your soup and sandwich while chatting over zoom. Everyone is welcome! Whether you've never come to Lunch Bunch before or are a regular, we'd love to see you!
If you are interested in joining us please RSVP to Molly Owen-Kiritsy (mollymok4@gmail.com) to be added to our invitation list. As the date approaches we will send you an e-mail with the Zoom meeting connection details.
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Java Gents
Thursday, March 24th at 6:00 p.m. (on Zoom)
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Java Gents will be gathering again on Thursday, March 24th, 2022, on zoom. Buz will email the link to get on. Check your e-mail for the Zoom connection/link from Buz (buzbed@gmail.com) as the date approaches.
JAVA Gents is the informal get-together of the men of the UCW congregation (and community). The group aims to provide friendly fellowship and mutual support to the men. We will enjoy a lively and supportive discussion of timely topics as well as personal goings on in our lives. Newcomers are always welcome. Please contact either Jay (jayobeirne@gmail.com), or Buz (buzbed@gmail.com) if any questions or to be added the Java Gents mailing list.
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UCW Book Group
Tuesday, March 29th at 7:30 p.m.
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The Art of Living
Peace and Freedom in the Here and Now
by Thich Nhat Hann
Please join us on Tuesday, March 22nd at 7:30 p.m. for our next book group meeting. This month we will be reading The Art of Living: Peace and Freedom in the Here and Now by Thich Nhat Hann. 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 Selection and Discussion for April:
“Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion" By Gregory Boyle
Tuesday, April 26th, 7:30PM
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Fascinators for Easter Sunday!
Way back before the pandemic, some UCW members wore fascinators (clip on Easter hats) on Easter Sunday! We particularly remember our beloved Bev Hadley wearing one, in her signature light purple.
As we hope to be back celebrating this Easter, we invite you to wear a fascinator (or an Easter hat, or whatever suits your fancy!) this year! BUT because of the supply chain challenges, you'll need to order early!
Word in the church is that Etsy is a great place to buy them ... you can also get them on Amazon ...
Looking forward to seeing your colors!
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We are so grateful for all of the donations to the recent Winter Clothing collection for Common Cathedral and our unhoused siblings in downtown Boston.
The need is great, and our high schoolers will be
traveling to serve with CityReach on March 25th.
Please take a look in your closets for any clothing for late winter and spring that you might like to donate; including shoes, belts, bags and blankets. New men's underwear and socks, and women's underwear is also very appreciated!
Clothing should be sturdy and suitable for life outdoors. We'll have a collection box in the Memorial Chapel, or you can arrange a drop-off or pick-up anytime with Pastor Amy (amy@ucw.org) Thank you!
For a list of needed items, please click: HERE
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Newton Freedge: Urgent Need!
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The Union Church in Waban is a Freedge partner responsible for helping connect with local businesses, stock, and monitor this needed local resource two Saturdays a month. We are in urgent need of volunteers in the coming weeks.
The work is easy and rewarding, with multiple slots throughout the day. 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.
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Union Church Freedge Sign-up: HERE
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Children, Youth & Families |
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The Lenten Journey for Families - Sunday Mornings |
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We hope you and your kids will join us as we walk together through the six-week season of Lent toward the light and hope of Easter. Below is a full calendar of each Sunday in Lent. As gathering becomes safer as Covid numbers decrease and as the weather becomes nicer, we hope to offer even more gatherings for families and youth, so please stay tuned! |
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This Sunday - 3rd Sunday in Lent - Helping Hope Thrive by Sharing Our Gifts
- Join Pastor Amy and Olivia for a time of connection, hope and joy
- Kids will explore how they can share their gifts with the church, and return to be part of the time of offering
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Families - Observing Lent at Home
We have created special packets for you to use in your home and family this Lent that include:
- Sets of beautiful “Bless This Mess” devotional cards for each day of Lent;
- Daffodil bulbs for indoor growing
- Alleluia butterflies; and
- A finger labyrinth to color and use throughout the season
Packets will be available at the church this Sunday, March 20th, and we are also glad to bring them to your home! Just let Pastor Amy (amy@ucw.org) know if you’d like one!
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All High School Youth Groups
Join CityReach Service Trip on
March 25th-26th !
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All High Schoolers (Exploring Our Faith and older), and mentors are invited to join our CityReach service trip with the community of Common Cathedral. We'll learn from and serve with our unhoused siblings downtown. Please RSVP to Pastor Amy (amy@ucw.org or text/call 617-938-8112) if you are able to join this meaningful service trip!
For more information about our calendar for High Schoolers and our Exploring Our Faith program, please click on the button below.
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Middle School Youth Group
Amazing (Lenten) Race
Friday April 1st, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
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It's April Fools Day, but this is no joke! Middle Schoolers are invited to an awesome night of fun and connection. We'll have our own Amazing Race throughout the church, and do some preparing for our Palm Sunday Walk Through Holy Week service along the way. Middle School families should receive an Evite in their emails, but please be in touch with Pastor Amy with any questions (amy@ucw.org). See you there! |
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Advocates for Racial Justice |
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Newton History of Zoning and Housing |
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If you would like to learn more about ARJ activities at the Union Church 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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Core Team Forming
Your GBIO Liaisons Kathy Malone (j2kathleen@gmail.com) and Brita Gill-Austern (bgillaustern@gmail.com) are forming a congregation-level Core Team to 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 would like to join the UCW Core Team or be connected to GBIO’s action teams around reentry, mental health or affordable housing, please reach out to Kathy or Brita.
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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 Amy's email is amy@ucw.org, and her cell phone for calls or texts is 617-938-8112.
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Pastor Wendy's email is seniorpastor@ucw.org and her office phone is 617-965-3893
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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 Amy, who will be available for emergencies.
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Sunday Reception Sign-Up
We are restarting our after-service reception!
Please follow the link below and review the available slots to sign up. As we slowly come back to "new normal" the numbers of those attending reception will fluctuate from 25-40. Thank you!
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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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