The Union Church in Waban
Friday Updates, September 16, 2022
Blessing of the Backpacks and Devices
September 18th at 10.00 a.m.
(In Person & Online via Zoom)

Students of any age, teachers, school administrators, or professors, please join us for a blessing of the backpacks and devices on this Sunday in worship. Bring your backpack or bag, and device if you have one. Together we will journey into the new school year blessed and blessing! 

........more service details HERE
To join Sunday Worship at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom:  
 Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 832 2059 8969
Passcode: 458322
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656 

The bulletin is available HERE
Upcoming Sundays
Sunday, September 25th (In Person and on Zoom)
We will commission the Search Committee for their work in the process to identify a new Senior Pastor. Our Unraveled theme in worship continues with a look at the story of the hardened heart of Pharaoh as he encounters Moses demand to free the people from slavery. When can unraveling serve the common good?
Sunday, October 2nd (In Person and on Zoom)
We will share in worship with the Boston Taiwanese Christian Church on World Communion Sunday joining with Christians around the globe to live our inclusive welcome at the table.
Adult Formation and Gatherings
Java Gents Oktoberfest (In-person)
Next Friday, September 23rd, at 6:00 p.m.
Hi Gents
You are cordially invited to our 4th Union Church in Waban Oktoberfest Dinner at Buz Bedford's, at 189 Langley Road in Newton to kick off the JAVA Gents new year and get back in the swing of things.
Back by popular demand, Oktoberfest at Buz' includes beverages, great beer, and Brats with all the authentic fixings. Having grown up in Germany, Buz knows how to do it right. It's all happening Friday, September 23rd, starting at 6:00 p.m., but please show up whenever is convenient with everyone's busy work and life schedules.

Please let Buz (buzbed@gmail.com) or me know if you are going to make it so we'll have enough food and libations for all. Parking is on Ripley Street, or it is a short T (Green D) walk from Newton Center T, up Langley (approx. 1/2 mile).

Thanks, Jay O'Beirne: (617) 930-7783 & jayobeirne@gmail.com
UCW Book Group (Zoom)
Tuesday, September 27th at 6:30 p.m.
Lessons in Chemistry: A novel by Bonnie Garmus
Please join us on Tuesday, September 27th at 7:30 p.m. for our next book group meeting. This month we will be reading Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel by Bonnie Garmus . 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
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Wellspring (In-person)
Wednesday, September 28th, at 6:30 p.m.
Wellspring is our women’s group. We generally gather on the third Wednesday of the month to light a candle, check in about what is on our hearts, and share a thematic conversation. Wellspring is a women's’ group for folks who like to get together to laugh, share our concerns and our joys, and to grow in faith together.
All are welcome.
 
Please reach out to Amy McMahon if any questions at myamcm58@gmail.com
 
Thank you so much!
Children, Youth & Families
It was great to meet many of you at Gathering Sunday last weekend! For those of you I haven't met yet, my name is Matt Carriker. I'll be helping out over the next three and half weeks while Rev. Amy is on Sabbatical (having taken a Sabbatical earlier this year, I'm glad I can be of help).

This weekend during Sunday School we will be focusing on our "unraveled"
theme, talking about the story of Zacchaeus (along with games, a song, a short meditation, and a craft).

I'm excited that Sunday, September 25th our Exploring our Faith (EOF) group will be going to the Islamic Center of Boston at Wayland (at 126 Boston Post Rd., Wayland). The experience will be from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and we will leave church a little after noon. Years ago I directed an interfaith program for high schoolers. As part of that program we would visit different religious places of worship, and often visited the Islamic Society of Boston in Wayland. It is a beautiful thing to learn about our another's religious identity, and to ask questions firsthand about another's faith, in this case from our sincere and kind Muslim neighbors. Bring your curiosity and questions!

Our Tree Top adventure for junior and senior high youth groups is Saturday, October 1st. More details below. You can sign up HERE.

Parents and guardians of middle and high-schoolers are required to complete a permission form for their youth to participate in this year's Youth Group events. If you are a parent of middle or high school youth, please fill out that permission form HERE .

Lastly, on Sunday October 2nd I look forward to sharing a dinner with EOF and the senior high youth group at 6:30 p.m. In addition to yummy food, I will be sharing about mindfulness and spiritual practices which I taught to undergrad and graduate students over the last 10 years in my role as Chaplain at Brandeis University. These spiritual tools are so useful in the midst of life's uncertainty and stressors! See you Sunday!

Hope to see you Sunday at 10 a.m.!

Sabbatical Pastor, Rev. Matt Carriker (youthfamilies@ucw.org)
Tree Top Adventure in Canton
(In-person)
Sat., October 1st, meet at UCW at 1:15 p.m.
Treetop Adventures in Canton is one of the favorite outings of the year for kids in the youth groups, and the adults, too! We’ve already got 10 people signed up! We’ve missed doing this event the past few years and now we can plan outings together again! It’s a great opportunity to reconnect outdoors with your UCW friends and neighbors!

We received an update on our group pricing, The cost is $52 /climber (usually $65!) Even if you’re not certain, you should sign up – they have a very good cancellation policy. If you would like financial assistance, please contact Pastor Wendy or Pastor Matt.
Logistics:  We’ll meet at UCW at 1:15 PM Saturday October 1, and leave for TreeTops at 1:30. It’s takes about 30 minutes to get there for our 2PM reservation. If you need to meet us at Treetops, please let Pastor Matt know. We’ll have picnic tables at the park, and we’ll plan on bringing some snacks and water. We should be back at UCW by 5PM.
Preview Our Fall Calendar at the Link Below!
Please Note: Pastor Amy is on sabbatical until October 11th. We welcome our wonderful Sabbatical Pastor, Rev. Matt Carriker (youthfamilies@ucw.org) who began serving on September 1st!
Church Matters
First Quarter Giving Statements
Coming to an email or post box near you - a thank you for your generosity and a first quarter statement of giving.

Our ministry is sustained because of the generous giving of friends and members of Union Church. We are grateful for every gift and offer thanks for the many ways we are able to practice and share the love of God because of it.

Please check your statement for accuracy. If it serves as a reminder to catch up on your giving- thank you!

If you would like to make a pledge to support Union Church you can do that HERE. May God bless all our giving.
All Church Retreat
Sunday, November 12th - 13th, Edward's House, Framingham
The retreat for all ages will be on Saturday, November 12. Youth will remain for an overnight into Sunday, November 13. We will meet at Edwards House at the UCC Conference Center in Framingham.  

Next week's eblast will include a sign-up and more concrete details - stay tuned!
We look forward to creating intergenerational meaningful space and conversation.
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
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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 Rev. Wendy Vander Hart for prayer or pastoral support while Pastor Amy is on sabbatical:

  • Pastor Wendy's email is seniorpastor@ucw.org and her office phone is 617-965-3893

Mondays are days off for both pastors. If you have a pastoral need, please reach out to Pastor Wendy this week.
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.