The Union Church in Waban
Friday Updates, October 28, 2022
This Sunday
Welcoming A New Member
Oct. 30th at 10.00 a.m. (In Person & Online)
We will welcome a new member into the life and fellowship of Union Church. Pastor Wendy will be preaching with a focus on the brave story of Moses' mother.
........and more service details HERE
To join Sunday Worship at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom:  
 Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656

The bulletin is available HERE
Upcoming Sundays
Sunday, November 6th (In Person and on Zoom)
On this All Saints Sunday we will celebrate communion and honor loved ones who have died and their impact in our lives. Pastor Amy will be preaching with a focus on the story of Rizpah from 2 Samuel.
Sunday, November 13th (In Person and on Zoom)
Our sharing and learning from the All Church retreat will seep into worship this day as we go deeper into the story of Peter walking on the water moving toward Jesus.
All-Church Gatherings & Adult Formation
Last Chance to Sign up- All Church Retreat - All ages
Saturday, November 12th - 13th, Edward's House, Framingham
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.

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.

Come for all or part of the day!
Fall Clean-Up
November 19th at 8:30 a.m. - noon
It’s Time for another outdoor church clean-up! Bring your rakes, and any other items you think could be helpful.

Many hands make light work! Plus, it’ll be good to be together! 

Call Jane Purser with any questions 617-943-0607.
 Union Church in Waban
2022 Community Thanksgiving Dinner
November 19th between 12:00 and 1:00 PM
Extend an Invitation
Due to renovations inside the building, the Union Church in Waban will once again hand out "Thanksgiving Dinners To Go," instead of hosting an in-person event. Dinners may be picked up on Saturday, November 19th between 12:00 and 1:00 PM at 14 Collins Road, Waban, MA 02468. If you know of anyone who would appreciate a meal, please have them contact Alicia Collins at 617.784.4825 or aliciamaureencollins@gmail.com

Volunteers
We need volunteers to help package the meals between 10am and noon in the church kitchen, and then others to hand out the meals between 12:00 and 1:00pm. You can hop between volunteering at the clean-up and the dinner! We may also need a couple of drivers to deliver meals. If you would like a job that you can do at home on your own, that can be arranged too! Thanks so much.  
Photo by Blaz Photo on Unsplash
UCW Book Group (Zoom)
Next Meeting - November 29th at 7:30 p.m.
The Great Spiritual Migration by Brian McClaren
Please join us on Tuesday, November 29th at 7:30 p.m. for our next book group meeting. We will be reading The Great Spiritual Migration by Brian McClaren. 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)

Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 832 4667 4155
Passcode: 431699
Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO)
Children, Youth & Families
Coming Up For Kids and Families!
Below are some exciting upcoming events this fall to put on your calendar:
  • This Sunday, Oct. 30th -- Pastor Amy and Olivia will gather with the kids for Sunday School to remember the brave story of Moses' mother, pray and sing together, and make woven baskets.
  • Nov. 6th -- All Saints Celebration We will celebrate the saints among us, and remember and honor those who have passed into the eternal arms of God. Kids will share in a special interactive prayer station and communion.
  • Nov. 12th All-Church Day Retreat with special offerings for our kids and youth. Kids will be invited to intergenerational activities and special art and music offerings during the day. After dinner and the bonfire in the evening, high school youth are invited to stay with Pastor Amy, Jim MacDonald, and Soo Laski for a special overnight at Edwards House. Youth will return to the church on Sunday morning between 11:30-noon.
  • Nov. 19th – Community Helping Hands Clean-up/Thanksgiving Dinner. Lend a hand to friends in need of extra help with fall clean-up, and spruce up the church grounds, while we share a Thanksgiving meal with neighbors
Find Our Fall Calendar at the Link Below!
Please Note - Pastor Amy has a new email address!
As we continue to do the good work of organizing our technology and other systems (i.e. getting our ducks in a row), we're updating our email addresses. Pastor Amy can now be reached at associatepastor@ucw.org. Emails to amy@ucw.org should forward to that new address, but please feel free to text or call at 617-938-8112 if you have any trouble reaching her via email.
Nicaragua - 20th Anniversary of Our First Trip
Sharing God’s Love and Light in
The Ministry of Nicaragua at the Union Church
2023 will mark an important milestone for our work in Nicaragua. We will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of our first trip. More than 100 people have participated in our service trips and more than 100 people have participated back home in so many important ways. The intergenerational and wide reaching congregational support has been truly amazing and it is a perfect time for a celebration.
Keep on the lookout for details to follow on our 20th anniversary event !
Advocates For Racial Justice (ARJ)
The GI Bill left behind Black World War II vets. Now there's a move to fix that

William Dabney never liked to talk much about his time fighting in World War II.
"He didn't keep his uniform or any of those things. In other words, he was through with the service," says Beulah Dabney, who married him in 1951.
It wasn't just the horrors of war — which he had seen up close at Omaha Beach in France on D-Day. What bothered Dabney was the treatment he and his fellow Black veterans got when they came home.

.....continue reading (or listen) to this NPR article HERE
If you would like to learn more about ARJ activities at the Union Church please reach out to Nancy Zollers (dr.nancy.zollers@gmail.com ) or Kathleen Hobson (khobson65@gmail.com).
Mission & Service
Newton Freedge: Union Church Serves Once a Month
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. 

To learn more, contact Vinita at vinita.leslie@gmail.com, or sign up below.
Union Church Freedge Sign-up: HERE
Sunday Sign-Ups
coffee_table.jpg
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!
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!
Pastoral Care
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 Pastors Wendy or Amy for prayer or pastoral support:

  • Pastor Wendy's email is seniorpastor@ucw.org and her office phone is 617-965-3893 (email is best!)
  • Pastor Amy's email is associatepastor@ucw.org and her phone is 617-938-8112

Mondays are days off for both pastors. If you have a pastoral need, please reach out to Pastor Wendy this week.
In The Wider Community
Tomorrow, Saturday, Oct 29th at 4:00 PM

Presented by the Newton Theatre Company in Partnership with U-CHAN
The Monologue Project is back, and this time Newton Theatre Company is shining the spotlight on Renters in Newton. Join your neighbors for an afternoon of stories about the reality of renting a home in Newton– the good, the bad, and the bemusing. Stick around after the show for a productive conversation, led by representatives of U-CHAN (Uniting Citizens for Housing Affordability in Newton) about how we can make our city accessible for all members of our community.

This event is Pay What You Can ($0,$10, or $20).


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.