The Union Church in Waban |
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Friday Updates, March 11, 2022 |
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Second Sunday in Lent - Nicaragua Service
Hybrid Service (In-person and Online)
March 13th,10:00 a.m.
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As a way to address the question, Who is our Neighbor? we will celebrate our ministry partners in Nicaragua. As most know, our church has a nearly 20 year relationship with the community of San Juan del Sur. While we aren't able to travel this year to serve in-person, we will join them over Zoom, and in Spirit, commitment, story, and prayer. Please join us for this special service.
Our new 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.
This intergenerational service will be meaningful and engaging for all ages! Our Children's Ministry teacher Olivia will also be available to lead kids in their own activities in our new Prayground.
We look forward to seeing you!
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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Upcoming Sundays & Gatherings |
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Sunday, March 20th - Third Sunday in Lent - Stewardship Season Begins
This Sunday begins our Stewardship season, and we will gather in-person and online. As we continue exploring the question, "Who Is Our Neighbor," we will hear stories of how this church has shared God's love with its members and neighbors.
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Sunday, March 27th - Fourth Sunday in Lent - Stewardship Season Continues
We will hear the story of a squabble in the early church and how it is resolved by turning to discernment, encouragement and grace. Come hear how making it through a church fight is a healthy sign for us today!
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Sunday, April 3rd - Fifth Sunday in Lent - Commitment Sunday
Our Mission Team will take the lead in worship on this day - sharing stories of our partners in ministry and what we are learning about our neighbors as we serve. We will break bread in communion and prepare to dedicate our giving for the coming year for the Annual Campaign.
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Sunday, April 10th - Palm Sunday kicks off Holy Week
Our youth and children will help us enter Holy Week by leading worship. They will tell the story that began with Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on the day we recognize as Palm Sunday through to the events that led to his death on the cross. Watch for information on the special service of Maundy Thursday and observance of Good Friday.
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Phase Forward Team Updates |
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Council received additional advice and recommendations from UCW Phase Forward based on the most recent CDC criteria for low-risk communities. Phase Forward guidance indicates that it is now safe to ease some of our pandemic mitigation measures and allow for additional indoor in-person activities. For example, now our full choir will be able to sing together with masks and Deacons can pass the offering plate. It will be possible to offer church fellowship in our reception room. Keeping in mind that in- person reception may not be safe for everyone and there is no zero risk, we will encourage distancing for those who are low risk and vaccinated to join in reception fellowship. At this time of individual choice, we are aware that some do not feel safe in joining in person so we will continue extend fellowship to all remotely. Council will continue to be vigilant in assessing risk and hopeful that as rates continue to drop, it will become safer to move freely unmasked. |
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Newton Freedge: Urgent Need!
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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We are so grateful for all of the donations to the recent Winter Clothing collection for Common Cathedral and our unhoused siblings in downtown Boston.
The need is great, and our high schoolers will be
traveling to serve with CityReach on March 25th.
Please take a look in your closets for any clothing for late winter and spring that you might like to donate; including shoes, belts, bags and blankets. New men's underwear and socks, and women's underwear is also very appreciated!
Clothing should be sturdy and suitable for life outdoors. We'll have a collection box in the Memorial Chapel, or you can arrange a drop-off or pick-up anytime with Pastor Amy (amy@ucw.org) Thank you!
For a list of needed items, please click: HERE
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Children, Youth & Families |
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The Lenten Journey for Families - Sunday Mornings |
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We hope you and your kids will join us as we walk together through the six-week season of Lent toward the light and hope of Easter. Below is a full calendar of each Sunday in Lent. As gathering becomes safer as Covid numbers decrease and as the weather becomes nicer, we hope to offer even more gatherings for families and youth, so please stay tuned! |
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This Sunday - 2nd Sunday in Lent - Finding Hope for the Journey and Loving Our Neighbors Around the World
- Meet Nicaraguan Neighbors joining us from 4000 miles away!
- Sing fun Nicaraguan songs in English and Spanish
- Make Nicaraguan Turtles with other kids and youth at the Prayground
- Learn about how our church loves our neighbors in other parts of the world, and how you can too!
- Walk the Labyrinth (optional) following worship
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Families - Observing Lent at Home
We have created special packets for you to use in your home and family this Lent that include:
- Sets of beautiful “Bless This Mess” devotional cards for each day of Lent;
- Daffodil bulbs for indoor growing
- Alleluia butterflies; and
- A finger labyrinth to color and use throughout the season
Packets will be available at the church this Sunday, March 13th, and we are also glad to bring them to your home! Just let Pastor Amy (amy@ucw.org) know if you’d like one!
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Click on the photo above to see an awesome photo album of last Sunday's Lenten pretzel-making attempts by the high schoolers and mentors!
Thank You Jim MacDonald for the great photos!
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All High School Youth Groups
Join CityReach Service Trip on
March 25th-26th !
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All High Schoolers (Exploring Our Faith and older), and mentors are invited to join our CityReach service trip with the community of Common Cathedral. We'll learn from and serve with our unhoused siblings downtown. Please RSVP to Pastor Amy (amy@ucw.org or text/call 617-938-8112) if you are able to join this meaningful service trip!
For more information about our calendar for High Schoolers and our Exploring Our Faith program, please click on the button below.
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Advocates for Racial Justice |
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The Newton Interfaith Coalition for Housing Equity |
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This past Monday the Union Church again hosted the Newton Interfaith Coalition for Housing Equity (NICHE). Churches and Synagogues have joined together to learn about, and work to reform, zoning laws that have segregated and denied economic opportunity. The participating houses of worship seek to welcome the stranger and love our neighbor. |
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 ) to be added to the participant contact list.
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Greater Boston Interfaith Organization |
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Core Team Forming
Your GBIO Liaisons Kathy Malone (j2kathleen@gmail.com) and Brita Gill-Austern (bgillaustern@gmail.com) are forming a congregation-level Core Team to help make the work of GBIO more visible in the congregation and help turn out people for the major assemblies. We will meet only a few times a year. If you would like to join the UCW Core Team or be connected to GBIO’s action teams around reentry, mental health or affordable housing, please reach out to Kathy or Brita.
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Adult Formation and Gatherings |
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Wellspring
Wednesday, March 16th at 6:30 p.m.
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The next wellspring will be on Wednesday, March 16th at 6:30 PM.
We Will be gathering at church in the coffee hour area. Folks who cannot come to church we will add via zoom or FaceTime.
Wellspring is our women's ministry at UCW. We come together to support each other as we journey together in these times. If you are interested in learning more about Wellspring, please contact Amy McMahon at: amymcm@rcn.com .
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UCW Book Group
Tuesday, March 29th at 7:30 p.m.
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The Art of Living
Peace and Freedom in the Here and Now
by Thich Nhat Hann
Please join us on Tuesday, March 22nd at 7:30 p.m. for our next book group meeting. This month we will be reading The Art of Living: Peace and Freedom in the Here and Now by Thich Nhat Hann. 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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Book Club Selection and Discussion for April:
“Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion" By Gregory Boyle
Tuesday, April 26th, 7:30PM
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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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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 is away this weekend - Please contact Pastor Amy with urgent needs, for other needs, 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 Amy, who will be available for emergencies.
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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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