TODAY AT UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH! | |
|
CHILDCARE AND SUNDAY SCHOOL
WELCOME BACK!
We were off to a great start last week and hope to see lots of you today! Infants through pre-schoolers will be with Katie and company in our Childcare room and kindergarteners through fifth graders will be with Patty and company in the Sunday School room.
Click Here To Sign Your Child Up For Sunday School
| |
|
TODAY IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE FAITH AND DEMOCRACY POSTCARDS!
Postcard writers please take notice: the deadline for the Georgia postcards is today. To return completed postcards or if you would like assistance from a postcard-writing angel, see Ina and drop them off in the Old Glory collection box in the church office during the week, or in the Assembly Room on Sunday.
The deadline for Florida postcards is Sunday, September 29th.
| |
|
MOM'S GROUP MEETING TONIGHT AT 7PM
“Our Whole Selves,” a small group for moms with kids at home, will gather at Deb Juergensen's house for conversation, connection and crafting.
| |
|
From Radical Hospitality to Belonging
Second Hour Workshop for ALL with Rev. Dawn Jefferson
Sun, Sept. 22, 2024
12 - 2pm in the Assembly Room
Think back to the first few times you entered our campus and sanctuary. Is it only the greeter(s) or the usher(s) you recall?
ALL of us impact the layers of welcome experienced by those who join us for worship, programs, small groups, and activities. And we invite and encourage each of you – from middle schoolers through our most senior of senior citizens – to participate in this focused, one-time workshop jointly sponsored by the Racial Justice, Welcoming, and Worship Ministries.
Our Statement of Purpose calls us to welcome and celebrate God’s people, and affirm the many images of the Divine. This year’s Racial Justice Missional Priority also challenges us, as a congregation, to reflect and act on how our welcome is experienced, through the lens of antiracism and racial justice, and in ways that honor the wide ranging identities and intersectionalities present among God’s people.
On Sunday, Sept. 22, Rev. Dawn Jefferson, from Hope UCC in Alexandria, Virginia, will preach at Union. After a delicious lunch pause, she will also facilitate a 2-hour workshop on ways to examine, explore, and practice the ministry of Christian welcome. The workshop will focus on the spiritual applications of hospitality and realistic applications of neighborliness, belonging, and cultural humility across socioeconomic and racial boundaries within and beyond the diverse contexts of Montclair.
We ask that you RSVP for the workshop, so we can provide materials and an appropriate set up. Lunch will be provided after worship, before the workshop begins at noon. Any middle or high school youth who attends the workshop and volunteers at least once this program year as a Sunday worship greeter will receive community service hours for their time doing both.
| |
|
FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE
Click here for Liz Kaplan's obituary as it appeared in the Montclair Local.
This week at-a-glance:
Monday, September 16, 7pm: Evening Bible Study
Tuesday, September 17, 12:30pm: Daytime Bible Study
Wednesday, September 18, 10:30am: Chair Yoga
Wednesday, September 18, 7pm: Handbell Rehearsal
Thursday, September 19, 7pm: Slow Motion Bible Study
Saturday, September 21, 9am: Women's Breakfast
Sunday, September 22
10am: Sunday Worship
11am: Justice And Community Engagement Sign-Up Fair
Noon-2pm: Important Workshop For All - Rev. Dawn Jefferson's "From Hospitality To Belonging"
Click Here For The Space Use Request Form
| |
|
EVENING BIBLE STUDY
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH AT 7PM IN THE RESOURCE ROOM
The group is studying the Book Of Hebrews. For more information, reach out to Gerald Walle at gerald@geraldwalle.com.
DAYTIME BIBLE STUDY
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH AT 12:30PM IN THE ASSEMBLY ROOM
Daytime Bible Study will be discussing Chapter 9 in Jesus' Alternative Plan: The Sermon On The Mount by Richard Rohr. In October, the group will be studying the Song Of Soloman with Rev. Katrina. For more information, reach out to Paul Nishimoto at pnishimo@gmail.com.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 AT 7PM
SLOW MOTION BIBLE STUDY STARTS ON ZOOM WITH REV. JACK CUFFARI
From Rev. Jack:
We will take our time, looking into historical context, language, and any other disciplines that provide insight into our sacred texts. Bring your favorite translation...
The Zoom link is on the front page of the church website next week. Rev. Jack Cuffari is a pastor, teacher, and spiritual director of First Congregational Church Of Hayworth, the Spiritual Director in Residence at the First Congregational Church in Montclair, and serves on the Central Atlantic Conference Board Of Directors.
| |
|
MEN'S RETREAT REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
The 2024 Men's Retreat will be held from Friday Oct 4, approx. 6 pm through Sunday Oct 6, approx. noon.
We will at:
Crossroads Camp and Retreat Center
29 Pleasant Grove Road
Port Murray, NJ 07865
We are inviting men of both Grace Presbyterian and First Congregational Church to join us this year. The theme this year is one we have engaged before, but we believe will provide a rich set of topics for discussion. We will explore father/son relationships. This would not be tied strictly to biological fathers and sons, but is meant as a launch point for each of us to contemplate and talk about those types of relationships in our lives. We don't want the weekend to be only focused on brokenness in relationships, but we plan to discuss this idea of challenging or painful moments in father/son relationships, and how we can take steps toward healing the brokenness of these and other relationships.
As usual, some of us will meet at a nearby brewpub Friday night at 6 for dinner, and proceed to Crossroads from there. Three sessions will be held on Saturday, two in the morning, and one in the afternoon; we'll have free time Saturday afternoon, then get back together to prepare dinner together at the campfire. Sunday morning there will be a final theme-related session, then we'll conclude with a brief service. Cost for both nights, and meals is $250 - the only thing not included is dinner at the brewpub which we split among those present.
Click below for a registration form, it is also hosted on the front page of the church's website. Carpools will be arranged once we know the full list of attendees. If you have any questions about the retreat, please contact Michael Spinella at 973-943-0501 ormspinella2554@gmail.com
| |
|
SLOW-GA CHAIR YOGA THIS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH AT 10:30AM IN THE ASSEMBLY ROOM
Reach out to Sara T. via email (sgtamargo@gmail.com) for the link to a replay of the yoga classes on YouTube.
| | |
|
WOMEN'S BREAKFAST THIS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 AT 9AM IN THE ASSEMBLY ROOM: BETSY RICHARDSON WILL BE SHARING HER TREK ALONG THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO.
The Camino de Santiago is a 500 mile trek that begins in France, goes over the Pyrenees, and across Spain. Pilgrims have walked this trail since the 1400s to pay homage to St. James, the patron saint of Spain. Betsy Richardson completed her journey along with her daughter, Emma, in May 2024. Come and hear Betsy speak on her amazing trip on Saturday, September 19 at 9am in the Assembly Room. A delicious and nutritious breakfast will be served with gluten-free options. A $7.00 donation is suggested to cover the cost of the food. RSVP to Karen Ermler, karen.ermler@gmail.com, 973-820-6122 so we can plan accordingly. Hope to see you there! Guests are always welcome.
|
|
|
SIGN UP TO BE A PART OF THE UCC PLAYERS: ACTORS, VOLUNTEER SET BUILDERS AND TECHNICIANS - ALL ARE WELCOME!
The UCC Players have a rich and diverse 30+ year history at Union Congregational Church. The Players present theatrical performances and readings, and host informal social gatherings to foster community and creativity amongst Union's members, friends, and the community at large. Priductions range from Chekhov to Shakespeare to contemporary works, musicals, and original plays and scenework. With something for everyone, there is a place for you within our intrepid band of thespians.
| | | | |
