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The Union Church in Waban
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Friday, November 20, 2020
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Online Worship This Sunday
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November 22nd, 10:00 a.m.
Thanksgiving Sunday
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This Sunday we explore gratitude which could be understood as our human response to the Grace that God gives so abundantly and freely. We are delighted that Sandra DaDalt will be our preacher and Arlyne Grant will bring our Scripture to us.
In addition, we invite congregants to share in our special collection for Dove to support their work to end domestic violence. (for more information about DOVE, please see below).
Zoom Link is available HERE
Meeting ID: 872 3530 4646
Passcode: 111273
Or call in ID: 1 646 558 8656
A link to the bulletin is available HERE
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Thanksgiving
Special Collection
"According to experts, the pandemic is a "perfect storm" for domestic violence. DOVE is committed to partnering with diverse communities, families, and individuals impacted by domestic violence or partner violence. They promote hope, healing, safety, and social change by providing a broad range of preventive and responsive services. DOVE offers services ranging from 24-Hour Crisis Hotline, Emergency Shelter, Community Based Advocacy & Counseling, Legal Advocacy, and so much more.
To help support their mission we will dedicate our Thanksgiving offering to this incredible organization.
If you feel called to give, you can donate HERE
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PLEASE NOTE THIS SUNDAY: Youth, Families and Friends Trip to Canterbury NH
This Sunday, Nov. 22nd, youth and their families, and any others who would like to join us are invited on a day-trip to The Shaker Village and The Church of the Woods in Canterbury NH. Please see details and a sign-up below in the Youth Ministries Section of this newsletter.
This Week's Prayground for Kids and Families: CLICK HERE
(and see below) for a video of Pastor Amy (and Sam and Cody!) sharing this week's Bible story, wondering questions, activities and prayer for kids and families.
NOTE: To connect to Sunday Worship or to any of our online offerings, you may go to our website at www.ucw.org. There you will find a click through to Sunday morning worship and to other online opportunities. You may also use the link below.
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ADVENT begins November 29th
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Advent devotional booklet
Our Advent theme this year is "Fear Not." As is our custom we will be compiling an Advent devotions booklet to accompany us through our walk of Advent. You are invited to write a reflection or poem, or perhaps create a piece of artwork or photography. This year, feel free also to record a piece of music or send in a video.
Please send all submission to Pastor Stacy by Nov. 22nd so that the booklet can be ready on the first Sunday of Advent which is November 29th.
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Advent Sanctuary Walk and Other Activities
November 29th, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
You are invited to begin our walk through Advent by walking through our beloved Sanctuary! After our Hanging of the Greens service on Nov. 29 th (online), you are invited to come to the church to walk through the sanctuary. Take in the beauty of the space; lay a prayer you may have in the manger; light a candle of Hope. Afterwards, please stop by other stations that will be outside in the green space to create prayer wreathes and to pick up an Advent/Christmas packet for the season. For the sanctuary walk, please go HERE. Each 15 minute time period will be open to 3 individuals or family pods. For example, one may sign up as Susie Who (if just one person is going to walk through) or as the Who Family (if more than one individual plans on walking through). Masks and social distancing will be required
Also Mark Your Calendars for the Following Advent Gatherings
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Spiritual Formation and Fellowship
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Java Gents Goes Walking Outdoors at Elm Bank
Tomorrow Morning! Saturday, November 21st, at 10:0 a.m.
900 Washington St.,
Wellesley, MA 02482
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| | Elm Park Reservation |
We are pleased to announce that the men of the UCW, who were at our last zoom meeting, decided they'd like to try our next Java Gents outdoors for a walk. Elm Park Reservation was voted as the venue. November 21st the date. 10:00 am as the time. Buz Bedford and Jay O'Beirne will have plenty of coffee and nosh available before and after the stroll. We are excited about this new twist for Java Gents. Elm Bank offers safe, social distancing opportunities as well as scenic trails and fields. It should be a good time for all. Please contact either Jay ([email protected]), or Buz ([email protected]) if any questions.
Thanks Jay and Buz
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Yoga Nidra with Chanel Lobdell Continues
This Monday, November 23th, at 7:00 p.m.
Sleep is key to our physical and mental health. This year has caused many people to struggle with getting their recommended hours of sleep. Many people have also been reporting an increase in nightmares during this time.
So to help combat this, we will be hosting bi-weekly Yoga Nidra (aka Sleep Yoga). Yoga Nidra- known as yogic sleep-is a meditation and conscious relaxation practice that is intended to induce total physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. It is said that 30 minutes of this practice can equal up to three hours of sleep. Anyone can participate, all that is needed is a comfy spot to lay back and relax and access to Zoom.
Meeting ID: 849 0289 2553
Passcode: 619867
Or call in at: +1 646 558 8656
If you are interested in joining in on a class please reach out to [email protected] .
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Thanksgiving Dinner 2020
TOMORROW - Saturday, November 21st, 2:00-4:00pm
Our beloved community event is going to look a little different this year! The plan is to have guests who are able drive around the church while we hand out packaged dinners and other goodies to them in their vehicles. We are also hoping to have some of our talented UCW musicians play outside to make it a bit more of an event! Thank you to the folks who have already volunteered. We are still in need of more bakers, especially pies or even mini pies!
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- -Divvying up and packaging dinners in your own home. No warming necessary. (All set!)
- -Baking treats to be included in the bags. Maybe mini pies? (You can never have too many desserts!)
- -Arranging small flower bouquets (All set!)
- -Working a shift to hand out the dinners and direct traffic. (All set!)
- -Delivering meals (All set!)
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If you are interested in helping with any of these tasks, please email Alicia Collins at [email protected].Thank you for your support!
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Virtual Mitten Tree 2020!
Once again, our wonderful and generous congregation is supporting our friends at Project Care and Concern and Norwood Healthcare during this holiday season. For the residents of both of these organizations the Christmas gifts they receive from UCW are the only ones they receive at all. This is an opportunity for us to remind the residents that we are all a part of their family in Christ.
Normally, we would hang mittens on our Christmas tree in church, but that is of course not an option this year. So we are going to have our first ever Virtual Mitten Tree! Please use the Signup-Genius button below to sign-up for a "mitten" that identifies a recipient and the gift they requested.
Mitten Tree Sign-up: HERE |
We will arrange drop-off moments at the church in the 2nd week of December so we can gather them and deliver them to Norwood Health and Project Care & Concern. So please keep an eye out for the Signup Genius when it goes out!
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Annual Greens Sale 2020
It is time for our annual greens sale but like most events in 2020, this will be a scaled back event due to our suppliers not being able to offer the usual array.
Since the decorating of the sanctuary will be minimal, we are hoping that you will buy for your home, neighbors and friends. The proceeds from this sale goes towards the Nicaragua Mission Group.
Available For Sale
Christmas Trees: $50
12" Balsam Wreath with Red Bow: $16
14" Kissing Ball: $36
place an order by Nov 30th with item and quantity.
(Pick up will be Dec 4th and 5th, timings will be sent later.)
As always, we appreciate and thank you for your support!
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Remote Teacher's Assistants Needed for Public School
The Boston Education Collaborative continues to support the urban public school districts in Boston, Cambridge and Chelsea. You may remember them from their presentation around public education last year at our church. With all classes online, they are looking for more volunteers to be a "Remote Teacher's assistant". It would require a commitment of 1-2 hours per week during school hours (8:00 a.m. - 4)00 p.m.) for a period of 3+ months.
You can also attend one of their regularly short information sessions:
Every Tuesday night through Dec. 15th, 8:30-9:00 PM
Every Wednesday morning through Dec. 16th, 8:30-9:00 AM
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The Take-Out Switch Up!
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Petsi Pies founder and owner Renee McLeod holds a pecan pie in the kitchen as they are boxed up for sale.
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The Buy Black movement encourages people to buy from Black entrepreneurs in order to build wealth and success in Black communities-and it isn't novel or new. But this summer, as Black Lives Matter gained more widespread support, so did the concept of buying Black. At the peak of anti-racism learning and unlearning efforts, many articles about Black-owned businesses were being shared. You may have already started to see a drop-off in those, but continued support is vital to keeping Black companies and their founders afloat-especially after many were flooded with demand earlier this summer and the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
To help, we will be sharing a list of local black & minority owned restaurants and encourage you to give them a try and leave a review. So those nights you can't think about stepping foot into your kitchen, take the chance, try something new, and support local businesses. If you have any questions or ideas please reach out to [email protected] or any restaurant suggestions.
Framingham: Nzuko (Caribbean & Mediterranean Fusion)
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Advocates for Racial Justice
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.......our government carefully planned and led sanctioned housing segregation in the 20th Century? Richard Rothstein, at the Newton Library event OVERDUE: Confronting Race and Racism in Newton, discussed the history of segregated housing and what a community like ours could begin to do to right the wrongs.
Rothstein's book The Color of Law, is available at the library, and a recording of his recent virtual presentation at the Newton library is available online HERE.
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We Are Seeking A Recipient For Our Next Loan
The 1K Task Force is currently looking for an appropriate recipient for our 1K loan. We have up to $2500 for a microfinance loan for a small business which reflects the values of our church community. Because we know black and brown businesses have more than twice the rate of closure during this time of Covid 19, than white small businesses, we are particularly reaching out to black and brown small business owners. If you have any contacts, possible suggestions or know any people who might be potential recipients please let us know .
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Book Buddies! |
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We are able to distribute loaves and fishes in the form of books to children who are hungry for reading.
THANK YOU to all who have signed up to be book buddies with children in Lowndes
Mold, Possums and Pools of Sewage:
No One Should Have to Live Like This
To read a piece about Lowndes Country in the NY Times written by Catherine Coleman Flowers and entitled "Mold, Possums and Pools of Sewage: No One Should Have to Live Like This" go HERE.
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Be Part of our On-going Common Cathedral Team
For More Details and Ways You Can Help: GO HERE
We are bound in powerful ways to our beloved unhoused siblings in Boston. Our team of UCW members continues to bring sandwiches, granola bars, fruit, socks and other needed items - like cards and notes of love and support - to Common Cathedral's Boston Warm Day Center each week. We very much hope to continue to walk with our friends at Boston Warm into the fall, for as long as they need us. Come be part of this awesome team!
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This Week's Prayground with Pastor Amy
As we prepare for Thanksgiving this year, we are so grateful for each and every one of you! We hope you will gather with this week's scripture of the Parable of the Sower and wonder about the seeds God is planting in our lives, and how we can cultivate 'good soil.' For our activities and prayer, we turn our hearts and minds to gratitude, and are invited to share our gratitude with others.
To see all of this week's Story, Wondering Questions,
Activities and Prayers go HERE
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For the full Children, Youth and Families Packet for Fall 2020, CLICK HERE.
(Note that the new Advent Packet and materials will be available at the Hanging of the Greens event from 1-4pm at UCW on November 29th.)
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With joy and peace, we are invited to gather to make space for the mystery, light and hope of this season. Please plan to join us:
November 29th, 1:00-4:00 p.m. - ADVENT I
Advent Sanctuary Walk and Activities for All Ages
(NOTE: This is the final week of your Fall 2020 Children and Families packet. You can pick up the Advent Packet and Materials for your Families on this day)
See above for details and the Sign-up Link- Families are invited to be part of this special afternoon when we will distribute all materials for Advent Wreaths, Family devotionals and more.
December 6th - 3.00-4.00 p.m. - ADVENT 2
Intergenerational Star Lights in the Darkness
Interested in making a beautiful stick star? Join us at church during Forest Church on this day. The stars can be placed outside or indoors and will add a special tinkle of light during these dark days. We'll make a few extra to hang outside the church.
All you need to bring is five sticks each 3-5' long, 14 heavy duty rubber bands and two strings of lights. We will also have materials for smaller stars, or you can bring your own smaller sticks, fairy lights and rubber bands.
We'll show you how to put it together and then... ENJOY! For details or to help, contact Jane at [email protected].
December 13th - 10:00 a.m. Zoom Worship - ADVENT 3
Children and Youth Share the Christmas Story
Our Christmas pageant will look a little different this year, but we still hope our children and youth will help lead us in sharing the Story of Christmas with readings, prayers, art and music. If you or your children or youth are able to participate with a live or pre-recorded reading or music, please contact Pastor Amy ([email protected]) or Kathy Malone ([email protected]). If they would like to contribute artwork for the service, please contact Cindy Spertner at [email protected]. Thank you!
December 22nd- 3:00-4:00 p.m. - ADVENT 4
All-Ages Come to the Manger - Forest Church
We'll create small Creches with wooden blocks and illustrated ministry stickers to bring home, and add the animals, angels and more to our manger (like we do on Christmas Eve).
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Youth Ministry
Youth Group Trip to New Hampshire
Church in the Woods and the Shaker Village
Sunday, Nov. 22nd, 9:30am to 4:30 p.m.
This is a relaxed trip for our Youth Group families, and any others who would like to come, to explore the beauty of Canterbury, NH, and some of the different types of Christian communities and worship that have made Canterbury their home. Our hope his this trip will provide time for us to experience God, worship, and connection in the beauty of the surroundings beloved by the Shakers and the Church of the Woods (learn more about both of these below!). It will be wonderful to have any who can join us.
We'll depart UCW on Sunday morning at 9:30am, visit the Shaker Village and then visit the Church in of Woods. The priest of the Church of the Woods has offered to gather with us before their outdoor worship service at 2pm. We will return home shortly after dark, around 4:30pm.
We ask everyone coming to bring their own lunch, snacks and water; warm layers; good boots or shoes for hiking; and their masks.
Resources:Whether you are able to join us physically or not, we invite you to explore the links below and learn about these faith communities that have called Canterbury home:
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Please look at the Sign Up Genius HERE, and sign up to read Scripture. Youth are greatly encouraged to sign up, too! (The link is also always available on the ucw.org
homepage)
Thanks you, UCW Deacons
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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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