The Union Church in Waban |
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Friday Updates, March 25, 2022 |
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Fourth Sunday in Lent - Stewardship Season Continues
Hybrid Service (In-person and Online)
March 27th,10:00 a.m.
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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!
Our 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 work together to do great things, as they begin planning our child and youth-led Palm Sunday service!
Reception Time in-person has returned as we enjoy visiting with each other following worship. We added a laptop to reception so we can be together there too. 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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Where Hope Thrives
The Union Church in Waban Annual Stewardship Campaign
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Rhythms of exile and return, diaspora and homecoming, have always been a part of Christian life. Even on our most “normal” days, our lives are a rhythm of gathering and dispersing, coming together and going apart, calls to worship and benedictions.
These have not been normal days. And through the difficult past two years, the Union Church and our beloved faith community has been there. A place and a people to return to. The lights have been on, prayers offered, worship shared. And now, as we come together again, we can celebrate that the Union Church is a place where hope has not only been maintained, but where it thrives.
Check your email for our appeal letter that was sent our recently (copy also available HERE).
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We conclude our Stewardship campaign receiving pledges on Sunday, April 3rd.
Thanks for your generous support!
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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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Upcoming Sundays & Gatherings |
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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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Sunday, April 17th - Easter- Sunrise and 10:00 a.m.
For the early risers, we will welcome Easter morning at 6 a.m. by gathering near the Charles River, more details to come. At the 10:00 a.m. worship service, we will introduce a flowering of the cross practice as well as receive the gift of special music, renewing our Alleluias and setting our welcome door wide open.
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Adult Formation and Gatherings |
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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 29th 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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Advocates for Racial Justice |
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Segregated By Design (In-person and Zoom)
Mon., April 11th, 7:00 –8:15 p.m.
Fellowship Hall, Second Church Newton, 60 Highland St, West Newton
If you missed our two recent film nights, here’s another opportunity. In observance of Fair Housing Month (April), Congregation Dorshei Tzedek is inviting Union Church and other congregations in the emergent Newton Interfaith Housing Coalition to…
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Come participate in a conversation about how housing and zoning policy drives residential racial segregation in Newton and throughout the Boston area—and about current opportunities for real change. Program:
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Screening of Segregated By Design, the 17-minute documentary version of Richard Rothstein’s The Color of Law
- Presentation by Henry Korman, General Counsel of 2Life Communities and former member of the Newton Fair Housing Committee and the Newton Housing Partnership
- Presentation by Shayok Chakraborty, GBIO Organizer
- Presentation Kathleen Hobson (UCW, Engine 6) about the Newton Interfaith Housing Coalition
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You can attend this event either in person or on Zoom, but advance registration is required.
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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 ) or Kathleen Hobson (khobson65@gmail.com).
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Please deliver any donations for CityReach
by 5:30 p.m. TONIGHT - Friday, March 25th.
The need is great, and our high schoolers will be
serving with CityReach and our unhoused siblings in downtown Boston
beginning Tonight 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. Pastor Amy will be at the church most of the afternoon. If she is out, please feel free to buzz the afterschool for entrance, or leave donations in bags outside the door to the Parish Hall (where the church mailbox is). 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 - Fourth Sunday in Lent - Better Together & Sharing the Story of Holy Week
- Join Pastor Amy and Olivia for a time of connection, hope and joy
- Kids will explore how we can do great things together!
- We'll also remember, in child-appropriate ways, the story of Holy Week, and begin looking at plans for our Palm Sunday child-and-youth-led service. This service, much like our Christmas Pageant, allows our kids to led worship and share God's story with the congregation. We hope your kids will join us!
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All High School Youth Groups
Join CityReach Service Trip Tonight!
March 25th-26th
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All High Schoolers (Exploring Our Faith and older), and mentors are invited to join our CityReach service experience today and tomorrow with the community of Common Cathedral (we'll be at UCW on Friday, driving to Boston early Saturday morning). We'll learn from and serve with our unhoused siblings downtown. Please be in touch with 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 have received an Evite in their emails last week, but please be in touch with Pastor Amy with any questions (amy@ucw.org). See you there! |
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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 Wendy, 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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