The Union Church in Waban |
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Friday Updates, September 23, 2022 |
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This Sunday
Commissioning Our Search Committee
Sept. 25th at 10.00 a.m. (In Person & Online)
We will commission the Search Committee for their work in the process to identify a new Senior Pastor. Our Unraveled theme in worship continues with a look at the story of the hardened heart of Pharaoh as he encounters Moses demand to free the people from slavery. When can unraveling serve the common good?
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........more service details HERE
.......meet the Search Committee HERE
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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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Sunday, October 2nd (In Person and on Zoom)
We will share in worship with the Boston Taiwanese Christian Church on World Communion Sunday joining with Christians around the globe to live our inclusive welcome at the table.
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Sunday, October 9th (In Person and on Zoom)
We will thank Pastor Matt for his service among us as Sabbatical Pastor and welcome his preaching this day. Come explore the scripture from Jeremiah that speaks of planting gardens and trees in parched places of exile.
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Adult Formation and Gatherings |
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UCW Book Group (Zoom)
Tuesday, September 27th at 7:30 p.m.
Lessons in Chemistry: A novel by Bonnie Garmus
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Please join us on Tuesday, September 27th at 7:30 p.m. for our next book group meeting. This month we will be reading Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel by Bonnie Garmus . 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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Wellspring (In-person)
Wednesday, September 28th, at 6:30 p.m.
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Wellspring is our women’s group. We generally gather on the third Wednesday of the month to light a candle, check in about what is on our hearts, and share a thematic conversation. Wellspring is a women's’ group for folks who like to get together to laugh, share our concerns and our joys, and to grow in faith together.
All are welcome.
This month we will add a potluck into our gathering. Feel free to bring something to share as we meet in the Meeting Room across from the Church Office.
Thank you so much!
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All Church Retreat
Saturday, November 12th - 13th, Edward's House, Framingham
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The retreat for all ages will be on Saturday, November 12th. Youth will remain for an overnight into Sunday, November 13th. We will meet at Edwards House at the UCC Conference Center in Framingham.
We will gather around the themes of trust, faith and coming together as found in the story of Peter walking on water. There will be a mix of storytelling, games, small group time, outdoor activities (weather permitting), art, circle time, music and good company.
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The cost per person is $80, and $110 for youth who do the full day and overnight. Pay what you can. We are committed to all being able to attend. Once you sign up, we will be in touch about finer details. |
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Children, Youth & Families |
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This weekend for our "unraveled" theme during Sunday School, we are focusing on the story of Pharaoh hardening his heart towards Moses, and what it means to live out loving-kindness (along with games, a song, a short meditation, and some art). Olivia and I will lead the younger group; Soo and Amy will lead some conversation and activities for the older youth.
This Sunday, September 25th the Exploring our Faith (EOF) group will be going to the Islamic Center of Boston at Wayland (at 126 Boston Post Rd., Wayland) from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., leaving church a little after noon. It's a sacred thing to learn about our another's religious identity, and to ask questions firsthand about another's faith, in this case from our Muslim neighbors. Bring your curiosity and questions!
Our Tree Top adventure for junior and senior high youth groups is next weekend, Saturday, October 1st! More details below. If you haven't already, please sign up HERE .
Parents and guardians of middle and high-schoolers, please complete this required permission form for your youth to participate in this year's Youth Group events. Thanks for doing so HERE.
Next Sunday October 2nd I look forward to sharing a meal with EOF and the senior high youth group at 6:30 p.m. Over dinner, I will share about mindfulness and spiritual practices which I taught to students over the last 10 years as Chaplain at Brandeis University. These spiritual tools are quite useful in staying grounded amidst life's uncertainty and stressors! See you Sunday!
Hope to see you Sunday at 10 a.m.!
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Tree Top Adventure in Canton
(In-person)
Sat., October 1st, meet at UCW at 1:15 p.m.
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Treetop Adventures in Canton is one of the favorite outings of the year for kids in the youth groups, and the adults, too! We’ve already got 10 people signed up! We’ve missed doing this event the past few years and now we can plan outings together again! It’s a great opportunity to reconnect outdoors with your UCW friends and neighbors!
We received an update on our group pricing, The cost is $52 /climber (usually $65!) Even if you’re not certain, you should sign up – they have a very good cancellation policy. If you would like financial assistance, please contact Pastor Wendy or Pastor Matt.
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Logistics: We’ll meet at UCW at 1:15 PM Saturday October 1, and leave for TreeTops at 1:30. It’s takes about 30 minutes to get there for our 2PM reservation. If you need to meet us at Treetops, please let Pastor Matt know. We’ll have picnic tables at the park, and we’ll plan on bringing some snacks and water. We should be back at UCW by 5PM.
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Find Our Fall Calendar at the Link Below! |
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Please Note: Pastor Amy is on sabbatical until October 11th. You can reach our wonderful Sabbatical Pastor, Rev. Matt Carriker (youthfamilies@ucw.org) who began serving on September 1st!
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Advocates For Racial Justice (ARJ) |
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Housing is everything. Where you live impacts your education, your health, your opportunities and your future. And zoning rules can impact where you live.
We now have an opportunity to speak up about some Newton zoning changes that could help make Newton more affordable, more inclusive and more welcoming.
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No major updates to Newton's zoning code have been made in years. Most residential zoning updates date back to the 40's and 50's in response to development pressure on undeveloped land that led to large houses on large lots with an emphasis on the automobile. Today, Newton is mostly built-out and new tools are needed to address the need to increase housing supply for more affordable and diverse housing, greater access to public transportation, access to green and public spaces, and for eco-friendly building codes.
Between now and October 16th, Newton community members have an important opportunity to give input on the proposed zoning changes that the City of Newton has been engaged in.
Newton Department of Planning & Development has created a feedback
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mechanism called the Feedback Tool through which to give feedback about three of the proposed changes.
The Feedback Tool (more details HERE ) is a relatively easy way to express your values and to create a more inclusive, diverse, affordable and green Newton. It includes information on each question. To inform you as you make your choices. Please feel free to email me for me details or for a a “how to. “
P.S.
Community members have been defined by anyone who: residents in Newton (owns or rents), works in Newton, is a business owner in Newton or a student in Newton. Members of religious institutions who pray and learn together in Newton are definitely included as community members even if the member doesn't reside in Newton.
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Newton Freedge: Union Church Serves Once a Month
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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 now just one Saturday a month. We are in need of NEW volunteers to sustain our commitment.
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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Sunday Reception Sign-Up
Every Sunday after worship we gather on the stage for a time of fellowship. This reception is hosted each Sunday by different members of the congregation.
Reception Sign-up: HERE 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 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 Rev. Wendy Vander Hart for prayer or pastoral support while Pastor Amy is on sabbatical:
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Pastor Wendy's email is seniorpastor@ucw.org and her office phone is 617-965-3893
Mondays are days off for both pastors. If you have a pastoral need, please reach out to Pastor Wendy this week.
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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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