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The Union Church in Waban
Friday, December 9, 2016
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Bible Discussion at 8:00 a.m.
All are welcome to join in this conversation. We are reading our way through the book of Deuteronomy. Come with curiosity and questions and we will provide the coffee/tea. Come when you can. All are welcome.
Choir Rehearsal at 9:00 a.m.
Singing at UCW is a musical form of prayer. Singing at UCW is not performance. One of our fundamental values at the Union Church in Waban is that we are an inclusive faith community and we do not sort people by any secular standards of worth. That goes for our choir as well. So if you want to sing. Sing! Forget any voice that has told you that you don't have a good voice, or any ability, or cannot carry a tune. If you want to lift your voice and praise God through music then let no one stand in your way. Come on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am and Sing! You will be a blessing to all who gather. Truly!
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Meditation and Movement at 9:35 a.m.
"Then the Lord God formed a human from the dust of the ground and breathed into the human's nostrils the breath of life, and the form became a living being." Genesis 2:7
From creation, we are closely connected to the earth and to the breath. With God's very own hands, we are borne into existence. We are but dust. God gently shapes our bodies, intimately placing some of God's own life into us. As we move our bodies, we continue to breathe in this life-giving spirit, bringing all of ourselves into communion with God.
Come join body and soul in prayer on Sunday before worship. We will gather in the
Memorial Chapel (the side chapel off the sanctuary).
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Worship and Christmas Pageant! at 10:00 a.m
Come on Sunday for a special service led by our children and youth, as we light the third candle of Advent -- the candle of Joy. In this joy-filled service, the kids will share their retelling of the Christmas story, and lead us in worship -- Magi will help collect the offering; shepherds will help bring our prayers to the manger.
We'll be rehearsing on Saturday morning (tomorrow) from 9-10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary, and then gathering at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday to find our costumes and get ready. If there are any little ones (or not-so-little-ones!) that aren't able to join us tomorrow, but would like to put on a costume and be part of the fun, we'll have plenty of extra costumes on Sunday morning. We can always add more shepherds, angels and animals to our storytelling!
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Bell Choir Rehearsal at 11:15 a.m.
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You Are Invited:
"Out of Many, One"
December 11, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Islamic Society of Boston
Cultural Center
100 Malcolm X Blvd, Boston
In this season of Advent, in the wake of a divisive national election, as we prepare to welcome the Light of Christ in the midst of winter darkness - Come join together with people of faith from across the Boston area for "Out of Many, One" a special evening service hosted by the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO),
Sunday, December 11,
6-7:30 p.m., at the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center (100 Malcolm X Blvd, Boston). There will be testimony from local residents, prayers from Boston's faith leaders, and a non-partisan call to
Sen. Elizabeth Warren
and
Mayor Marty Walsh
- who will be in attendance - for dignity and diligence in This time of heightened social tension and political transition.
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You are invited!
T
uesday, December 14th
We will enjoy the holiday concert at the Senior Center at 10:30
and then
return to church at noon for a meal and conversation.
Our theme for our gathering will be "gifts." You will be invited
to share
what was the best gift you ever received.
If you would like to go to the concert, please meet at the church at 10:00.
If you just want to come for lunch, please come to church at 12:00.
Please RSVP to Pastor Stacy at 617-965-3893.
Lunch and transportation are provided.
Please let Stacy know if you need a ride.
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W
orship and Music - Advent and Christmas
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Advent and Christmas Services
Blue Christmas Service
:
Wednesday, December 14th, 7:00 p.m.
CHRISTMAS SUNDAY
: Sunday, December 18th, 10:00 a.m.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
: Saturday, December 24th, 6:00 p.m.
CHRISTMAS MORNING SERVICE
: Sunday, December 25th, 10:00 a.m.
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Missed Worship?
Did you know that the sermon is recorded and posted along with the manuscript on the website every Sunday afternoon? So if you happened to miss church and want to listen in, the link can be found at the bottom of the
www.ucw.org homepage.
(A very heartfelt thank you to Jaap for this ministry of recording and posting).
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Mission
Matters
"Let us love not in word or deed, but in truth and action"
(1 John 3:18)
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Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO)
Welcomes UCW at Delegate Assembly
The Union Church was welcomed with applause as the newest congregation in the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (gbio.org), at a delegate assembly on December 1st. We are now part of a coalition of 42 Boston area churches, mosques, synagogues, and their allies working together on issues of social justice, including housing, health care, criminal justice, and education. Attending last week's assembly, where we participated in a discussion about potential reforms to the criminal justice system, were Pastor Stacy, Pastor Amy, Intern Andrew, and 13 other UCW members. It was a powerful beginning to a new UCW mission effort.
Please consider participating in two upcoming GBIO events:
- "Out of Many, One"-Interfaith call for dignity and diligence in this time of heightened social tension and political transition, with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and Mayor Marty Walsh, Sun., Dec.11th, 6-7:30 p.m., Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center (100 Malcolm X Blvd, Roxbury).
- Large Public Action for Housing and Criminal Justice, Thurs., Feb. 2nd, 2017, details TBA.
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The Union Church Mitten Tree Is More Beautiful Than Ever
!
A pillow, a sweatshirt, costume jewelry, a throw blanket...simple gifts that m
ake life a bit easier.
Our friends at Waban Health will be receiving our Mitten Tree g
ifts this year! We are thrilled to receive their requests for the things they need, as we have grown close to the folks at Waban Health over these 5 years. We love that our tree will be filled wit
h the mittens from our neighbors at Waban Health who we have formed relationships with through our worship services at Waban Health, and in other ways.
Mittens are now available on our mitten tree. Please be sure to register the mitten(s) you choose with either Molly Owen Kiritsy
( mollymok4@gmail.com ) or Betty O'Beirne. Gifts are due back to the tree by December 18th. Please be sure that your package has the mitten attached to it so that we know for whom the gift is intended.
AND -- Some of you may remember that in the past our mitten tree has supported Project Care and Concern. This year, we can be joyful in the news that all 45 folks in this transitional housing program will receive Christmas gifts this year from The Engine 6/Livable Newton. This affordable housing advocacy group, who meets at our church will provide the gifts to each of these folks. They considers this opportunity to give both a gift of gratitude to our church and an opportunity to support formerly homeless neighbors.
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Adult Education, Fellowship, and Spiritual Formation
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to
download or read on line
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This booklet is intended as a resource to you as you move through these four weeks in Advent and make your way to Bethlehem.
The booklet is arranged in four sections corresponding to the four
weeks in Advent. You are encouraged to take your time and make your way slowly through the pages. You will find an opening with Scripture, followed by reflections of those among us, and each section concludes with a prayer.
Go slowly through the readings each week. Read with your heart as well as your mind. Listen for an invitation that may be present to you this season.
May this booklet be a blessing to us in this time of preparation.
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Wednesday Morning
Bible Study will
continue on
January 4th.
Our Wednesday morning Bible study was such a success this fall that we decided we don't want to stop! We have decided to continue and on January 4th at 10:30 we will begin the second course in the three part Exploring the Bible series developed by the Massachusetts Bible Society. The second course is an introduction to the Old Testament. We will meet every other week for 1.5 for a total of six sessions. If you are interested in joining this lively time of learning and fun, please be in touch with
Pastor Stacy
by December 20th so that she can order materials.
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January Book Group
Book group will not be meeting in December, but all are invited to
begin reading our January selection which is
Hillbilly Elegy
by
J.D. Vance. We look forward to our discussion of this timely book
on Tuesday, January 31st which will be led by Anya Bassett.
All are welcome. We meet in the reception room at the church.
To read a review of Hillbilly Elegy go here.
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White Privilege:
Let's Talk -- A Resource for Transformational Dialogue.
White Privilege: Let's Talk -- A Resource for Transformational Dialogue is an adult curriculum that is designed by the national office of the United Church of Christ (UCC) to invite church members to engage in safe, meaningful, substantive and bold conversations on race. We will begin the six session conversation at the start of the new year and have penciled in Thursday evenings beginning January 5th. If you are interested in learning more about this offering or if you would like to participate, please be in touch with
Pastor Stacy .
(If you would like to participate but Thursday evenings are not good for you, please reach out to Stacy anyway. Once we know who is interested in participating we can settle in on a time/day.)
More information about the curriculum is available
here
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Help lay the table during fellowship hour
One of the many ministries of UCW is hosting a fellowship hour after worship on Sunday morning. This table, laid with love and a simple spread is (as Adam Hearlson said in his mission moment a few weeks ago) very much a communion table. It not only nourishes our bodies, but it also nourishes the relationships that make us one Body, one with each other and with God. If you would like to share in this ministry and host this time of communion, please go
here.
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C
hildren,Youth, and
Family
Ministries
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Coming Up for Kids, Youth and Families
There are many ways for kids, youth and families to come together for fellowship, fun and service. For details about these events and more, please see the Children, Youth and Families Fall Calendar, or contact Amy at
amy@ucw.org
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Fri., Dec 16
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Youth Christmas Party, 6:00 p.m.
At The Hunt-Stevens' home
(contact Susan Hunt Stevens or Amy at amy@ucw.org)
Youth are invited to gather with friends for food, Christmas-themed games, and a white-elephant gift exchange (bring something wacky, weird or wonderful under $10). We'll have a jolly good time!
S
un., Dec. 18
th
Caroling and Gift-Giving at Waban Health & Rehab
Save the date and plan to join in this wonderful tradition as we share the gifts of song and Christmas cheer with our friends at Waban Health. On this day, the youth will also be helping to coordinate the delivery of the Mitten Tree gifts to Waban Health. Youth are invited to stay following the worship service to share in fellowship and activities; or join the group by 1:00 p.m., before we head over to the Waban Health Center. We plan to return to the church by 2:30 p.m.
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Sun., Dec. 11
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11:15 a.m.
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Bell Choir Rehearsal
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11:30 a.m.
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Nica Team Meeting
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6:00 p.m.
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"Out of Many One" (location and details above)
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Mon., Dec. 12
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7:00 p.m.
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Choir Rehearsal
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Wed., Dec. 14
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7:30 a.m.
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Prayer Group
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No
Coffee w/Stacy at Starbucks this week
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10:00 a.m.
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Lunch Bunch Concert and Luncheon (details above)
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7:00 p.m.
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Blue Christmas Service
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Thur., Dec. 15
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10:30 a.m.
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Waban Health Worship
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Fri., Dec. 16
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7:00 a.m.
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Java Gents Breakfast Meeting
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6:00 p.m.
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Youth Christmas Party
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Sun., Dec. 18
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8:00 a.m.
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Bible Discussion Group
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9:00 a.m.
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Choir Rehearsal
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9:35 a.m.
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Body and Soul - Exercise/Meditation Group
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11:15 a.m.
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Bell Choir Rehearsal
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1:30 p.m.
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Waban Health Carol Singing
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For a complete listing, and details of all upcoming events,
please visit our website calendar HERE
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Union Church in Waban
Inclement
Weather Advisory
It is the hope of the Union Church to always have our sanctuary open on Sunday mornings for worship and fellowship.
We also realize that conditions may be such that the safest option for staff and congregants is not to travel. We ask that all use their best judgment. As such, in inclement conditions, the church will remain open - however we cannot assure that there will be childcare, Sunday School, professional music or pulpit coverage.
Every effort will be made to keep walkways and stairs clear, although this cannot be guaranteed. Congregants will find an open door, a worship service and sanctuary together with others.
I
n the extreme situation in which the church is unable to open, notification will be on the church website (ucw@ucw.org), a message will be on the church phone, and media announcements can be found on WBZ-TV.
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C
OURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS ON RACISM
Saturday, January 14, 2017,
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
United Parish in Brookline
210 Harvard Street, Brookline
drama activities and fellowship.
Lunch will be served as well.
Adults: $25.00
Children (Ages 7-18): $10.00
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Seeking Kidney Donor
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Looking for life saving kidney donor for a young woman in our community. She graduated from University and recently got married. She received news of her kidney failure and is on dialysis. She is on the national kidney donor list and the waiting period is lengthy due to limited donors. Therefore, we seek your help for a kidney donation.
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All costs will be paid for
and the transplant will be conducted at
Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Please consider getting tested for a chance to save someone's life.
About the The National Kidney Foundation
The foundation is the leading organization in the U.S. dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease for hundreds of thousands of healthcare professionals, millions of patients and their families, and tens of millions of Americans at risk. The National Kidney Foundation helps navigate the challenges of kidney disease, organ donation and transplantation. 26 million American adults have CKD and millions of others are at increased risk. The National Kidney Foundation Serving New England is the office that services the Greater Boston Area.
To learn more please visit their website
HERE
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