The Union Church in Waban |
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Friday Updates, April 8, 2022 |
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Fifth Sunday in Lent - Palm Sunday
Hybrid Service (In-person and Online)
April 3rd,10:00 a.m.
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We begin this Holy Week with our intergenerational Palm Sunday service, led by our youth. We will wave our palms high and hear the story of Holy Week (in age-appropriate ways) in this special service. We hope you will join us in-person or on Zoom.
For those joining online, you can print out and color a palm from Illustrated Ministries
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Children and youth of all ages are invited to remain in the sanctuary for this special service. Our Prayground in the Memorial Chapel will also be available with special Palm Sunday crafts and materials.
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.
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!
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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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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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Our annual Stewardship Campaign Where Hope Thrives is concluding. If you have not had a chance to get your pledge in, please take a moment to do so. All pledges help the Union Church continue to be a place Where Hope Thrives!
Thank you for your generosity!
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Throughout the pandemic, the Union Church has been a community of return, a place of homecoming. And it’s also a community of sending, a place that commissions us as agents of God’s love and grace. Christianity was made for this: building bridges of homecoming and commissioning, sending and return, welcoming the stranger and being sent forth to visit the sick and imprisoned. The Union Church is made for it, too, and we are made to do this together. Together we offer our skills, our hopes, our ideas, our money, and our hearts to answer God’s call. |
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The link is also available on the UCW homepage at www.ucw.org
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While our Spring Stewardship campaign has come to a close, we would urge those who have not yet pledged to do so via the link above. Thanks for your generous support!
Thank you for your pledge to the Stewardship Campaign.
Together we ensure that the Union Church is
Where Hope Thrives!
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Upcoming Sundays & Gatherings |
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Maundy Thursday: April 14th, 7:00 p.m. (Hybrid)
Gather in the Sanctuary and on Zoom to hear/see the story of foot-washing, the sharing of the Lord’s Supper and the Tenebrae Service. For those on Zoom, please bring a cup and bread so that we may partake of the Lord's Supper together. As we move into the Tenebrae portion of the service, those on Zoom will be invited to light a candle as the night falls, so please gather a candle (if you have one) with you as well.
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Good Friday: April 15th, 7:00 p.m. (Hybrid)
A Solitary Experience through a podcast or virtual Stations of the Cross
A podcast combining the seven last words of Jesus, music and poetry will be published next Wednesday, April 13th. You are invited to journey with Jesus on his solitary path to the cross confronting the violence within humanity. You may also choose to engage a virtual Stations of the Cross available here.
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Easter Sunday, April 17th
Two Services and an Easter Egg Hunt
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Sunrise Service at 6:00 a.m.
Early risers, join us for this informal service as we watch the swans and turtles wake up and greet the Easter sunrise with songs and shouts of Alleluia! Pastor Amy and family lead this service. We'll meet in the Wellesley Office Park, behind the building at 45 Williams Street (The sign says 45 Wellesley Office Park, click to see a map - it's on the opposite side of the Charles River from Quinobequin Rd.). After you turn onto 45 Williams, go under the building and look to your right - you'll see an entrance to the Charles River Reservoir. Park and walk down the path until you find Crowley's Landing. The path is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible. Please call Pastor Amy's cell (617-938-8112) if you have trouble finding us.
10:00 a.m. Worship (Hybrid)
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 Lenten Prayer Station welcome door wide open.
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11:00 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt!
Immediately following worship we invite children and youth of all ages to gather outside for our wonderful annual Easter Egg Hunt! Any older teens or adults who would like to help the Easter Bunny hide eggs, please let Pastor Amy know (amy@ucw.org)
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Can You Donate Candy or Stickers for the Easter Egg Hunt?
The Easter Bunny has lots of eggs, but could use your help with donations of candy (individually-wrapped and no nuts please!) or stickers (or other small treats) that we can use to fill the eggs. Donations can be left outside Pastor Amy's office. Thank you!!
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Children, Youth & Families |
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Thank you for an Awesome Youth Group Weekend!
Middle and High School Youth Groups
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Last weekend we had an awesome time with our Middle Schoolers on Friday night, and our Amazing Race with clues and challenges throughout the church building. On Sunday evening, the High Schoolers met for their own amazing evening of food and connection, with a cookout at David Spertner's home. We are so grateful to the kids and families who made last weekend such a joyful and meaningful one, and especially to David Spertner and Soo Laski, who led the two events. |
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Masking Guidance for Union Church in Waban
Recommendation: Our indoor mask requirements for general church building use is lifted. During worship and choir rehearsals masks will still be required because singing remains a high spread activity.
In response to the guidance from the CDC as well as our own state and local changes in masking policy, the Phase Forward Team at Union Church is recommending this change. The vaccination rate of 88% in Newton and improved therapies, keep the hospitalization rate low even though the transmission rate is high. Outside of worship where we enjoy singing together, we encourage people to make their own decisions about whether to mask, honoring what they feel is best for them and the wider community. While we support relaxing our masking policy, it is with the understanding that it will result in more transmission. For most individuals this will be a nuisance but not too risky. For some individuals this will still put their health at risk so take care to discuss in small groups whether to unmask.
For General Building Use:
Masks will be optional inside our building, unless otherwise stated for specific events. Groups using our building may choose to continue to require masks. Masking will be strongly encouraged for large group activities and events that involve group singing.
For Union Church Events:
- Masks will be required during worship services in the Sanctuary and when singing in larger groups (e.g., Choir rehearsal).
- Worship leaders may lower their masks at their discretion.
- Those attending other Union Church programs or meetings in person may choose to mask or not mask.
- We strongly encourage those who are unvaccinated, especially children under 5, to continue masking at all indoor events. Union Church’s Staff will continue masking while caring for young children indoors.
- We strongly encourage vaccination and boosters for everyone who is eligible.
- Please stay home if you have been diagnosed with COVID or are not feeling well, as an act of care for yourself and others.
- Plan outdoor activities when the weather allows.
We encourage respect, compassion, and thoughtful consideration in all circumstances, as we make our way through uncharted territory.
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Adult Formation and Gatherings |
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UCW Book Group
Tuesday, April 26th at 7:30 p.m.
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Tattoos on the Heart
The Power of Boundless Compassion
by Gregory Boyle
Please join us on Tuesday, April 26th at 7:30 p.m. for our next book group meeting. This month we will be reading Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by Gregory Boyle. 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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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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April Is Fair Housing Month
As Union Church continues to support The Newton Interfaith Housing Coalition we hope that more progress can be achieved in reforming old zoning laws that have kept people without opportunity and without economic advantages. April is a great time to work for abundant, accessible and affordable housing. Churches and Synogogues across Newton have joined together to create a more inclusive and a more welcoming community for all who want to live here.
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To learn more about ARJ activities at the Union Church reach out to
Nancy Zollers (dr.nancy.zollers@gmail.com ) or
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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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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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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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