The Union Church in Waban
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Friday Updates, October 21, 2022
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This Sunday
Oct. 23rd at 10.00 a.m. (In Person & Online)
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Pastor Amy will preach this Sunday, as we continue our Unraveled series, seeking God's presence and wisdom when our plans and lives fall apart. This week we'll explore the story of Job and his suffering, and listen for God's voice speaking to us through this difficult story. We will also thank our Transition Team in worship for their faithful work on the materials prepared for the pastoral search.
........and more service details HERE
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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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New Member Gathering
Sunday, October 23rd - @ 11:15 a.m. (after service)
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A gathering will be held for those interested in learning more about formally joining Union Church in Waban on Sunday, October 23rd after worship. We will meet in the Meeting Room across from the church office with snacks to get acquainted, share some history and talk about investing in our vision of ministry. Please register your interest with Pastor Wendy at [email protected]
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Sunday, October 30th (In Person and on Zoom)
We will welcome new members into the life and fellowship of Union Church. Pastor Wendy will be preaching with a focus on the brave story of Moses' mother.
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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.
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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.
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All-Church Gatherings & Adult Formation
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UCW Book Group (Zoom)
This Tuesday, October 25th at 7:30 p.m.
The Woman in The Library by Sulari Gentill
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Please join us on Tuesday, October 25th at 7:30 p.m. for our next book group meeting. This month we will be reading The Woman in The Library by Sulari Gentill . You will find a zoom link and sign-in information below. If you have any questions, please reach out to Alan Cody ([email protected])
Meeting ID: 832 4667 4155
Passcode: 431699
Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
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(In November we will read The Great Spiritual Migration by Brian McClaren. That meeting will be on Tuesday, November 29th at 7:30 p.m. also via Zoom.)
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All Church Retreat - All ages
Saturday, November 12th - 13th, Edward's House, Framingham
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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.
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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.
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Come for all or part of the day!
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Nicaragua - 20th Anniversary of Our First Trip
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Sharing God’s Love and Light in
The Ministry of Nicaragua at the Union Church
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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.
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Keep on the lookout for details to follow on our 20th anniversary event !
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Children, Youth & Families
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A Note from Pastor Amy
Hello Beloved Church,
Last week I shared a bit about my sabbatical -- how grateful I was to have gotten to spend important and needed time with family, and in the rest and wonder of nature. It was also a time for me to discern God's call for my next steps and reflect on my ministry.
Earlier this week our co-moderators sent a note to the congregation about that discernment, and the reaffirmation I feel of my call to serve as your Associate Pastor of Youth and Families. It is a role I cherish; with children, youth, families, and a wider congregation that continue to inspire and bless me every day. I'm so grateful for each of you.
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I am energized by what I feel is God's Spirit calling our church forward into new possibilities and life, and I feel deeply blessed to serve as your associate pastor as we walk this path together. I feel God's call to continue the good work in our ministries to Children, Youth and Families of focusing on reconnecting and deepening our relationships with one another across generations, especially where connections may have frayed over the pandemic; to care for one another and help address the mental health and other challenges facing so many inside and outside the church; and to widen our welcome and engagement with communities in Newton and beyond. Our children and youth are always among the leaders of our church in service and mission, and in working to create a more just and compassionate world, and I'm excited to see where they will lead us next.
Beloved, we continue in that liminal time between what was and what will be. It is a space that is sometimes uncomfortable, but can also be a fertile time of growth, deepened faith, and hope. Like the Bible says, "(We) can do all things through Christ who strengthens (us)." (Phil. 4:13). It is with joy and gratitude that I look ahead to this next season with you.
In Christ,
Pastor Amy
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Coming Up For Kids and Families!
Below are some exciting upcoming events this fall to put on your calendar:
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THIS SUNDAY - Oct 23th Pastor Amy will be preaching, so Teachers Cindy and Olivia will lead our Sunday School this week.
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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
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Nov. 12th – All-Church Day Retreat with special offerings for our kids and youth
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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
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Find Our Fall Calendar at the Link Below!
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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 [email protected]. Emails to [email protected] 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.
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Advocates For Racial Justice (ARJ)
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Newton City Council Removes Barriers
to Building Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs)
The average price of a home in Newton is $ 1.5 million. Rents have similarly risen to new unaffordable levels.
Now there is some good news in the midst of rising unaffordability in Newton: Newton City Council has removed more barriers to building Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) - attached or detached smaller homes - on existing lots.
ADUs provide many potential benefits, but a few key ones include:
- Diversify housing options
According to the report Newton Leads 2040, the average housing unit size has increased dramatically even though the average household size has decreased and more Newton residents are living alone. The disconnect between housing production and demographic trends have left seniors ready to downsize and young first-time homebuyers with no local options. ADUs, as naturally smaller units, could offer an attractive housing typology not readily available now.
- Add Flexibility
Flexibility is important to sustaining a housing stock that works for everyone and stays resilient to economic and demographic changes over time. In Phase I of the City’s engagement process for village center zoning, many community members voiced support for intergenerational living and expanding options to age in place. ADUs can provide needed flexibility by enabling a homeowner to house a family member or caregiver in close proximity, but in an independent space. Or ADUs can serve as a way for homeowners to make income on underutilized space on a property if used as a long-term rental apartment. The ADU ordinance is one way to create a more affordable Newton for people who want to live here.
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Newton Freedge: Union Church Serves Once a Month
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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 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.
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Union Church Freedge Sign-up: HERE
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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!
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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 Thank you!
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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 Pastors Wendy or Amy for prayer or pastoral support:
Mondays are days off for both pastors. If you have a pastoral need, please reach out to Pastor Wendy this week.
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Presented by the Newton Theatre Company in Partnership with U-CHAN
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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).
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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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