The Union Church in Waban
Friday Updates, January 28 2022
This Sunday
Online Worship - Third Sunday after the Epiphany
January 30th,10:00 a.m.
Followed by Congregational Meeting
The series on "Vision" continues as we ask a big question about the church being bold and brave in its mission and purpose. The prayer of the disciples to speak with boldness will shape our understanding and give us a peek into the history of Union Church.

We look forward to seeing you on Zoom!

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
Special Congregational Meeting (via Zoom)
This Sunday, January 30th, following online service

The purpose of the meeting will be to elect the Transition Team and Search Committee for our new Senior Pastor.
The agenda for this congregational meeting will include: 
  1. Presentation of Transition and Search Committee nominees.
  2. Vote on the Transition Team and Search Committee. 
This meeting will take place via Zoom. We will ask that all members "sign-in" in the chat room. Voting will take place by polling this roster of members.  
 
If you have any questions please contact Frank Laski, Jenny Weisz as Co-Moderators, at nominating@ucw.org. 
Transition Team and Search Committee Nominees
In preparation for Sunday's meeting you can learn more about the nominees for Transition Team and Search Committee. Each person was nominated by someone in the congregation, confirmed their willingness to serve by the Nominating Committee and submitted the biographical information shared HERE. We are so blessed by their yes!
To connect to Sunday Worship or to any of our online offerings,
you may also go to our website at www.ucw.org.  
Church Matters
Phase Forward Team to Meet on February 1st
With Covid cases on the decline, the Phase Forward Team will be meeting on Tuesday, February 1st to review current practices and make recommendations. Stay tuned for updates on resumption of in-person gatherings.

Upcoming Sundays & Gatherings
10:00 a.m. Worship - Coming Up!
We hope you will join worship online for the month of January (maybe part of February too- stay tuned. Come find reconnection, renewal, hope, and joy as we gather together on Zoom.
Worship and Communion on February 6th
A new series mirroring questions that will shape the Senior Pastor search process begins this Sunday focusing on "Who Are We now?" We will hear the strange and troubling story of Ananias and Sapphira from the 5th chapter of Acts and wonder about generosity as a mark of who we are now. We will also share Communion, and so we invite you to bring bread or a cracker, and juice or water to our online service.
Worship on February 13th
We will continue our series asking the question "Who Are We now?" On this Sunday, Pastor Amy will lead us in exploring the story and ministry of Stephen, and how, filled with wisdom and Spirit, he led the early church in new ministries of care and service. We will also bless our Transition and Search teams on this special day.

Children, Youth & Families
Children and Sunday School
On Hold but Stay Tuned
As we return to online worship in order to stay safe in this recent Covid surge, we will take a break from in-person Sunday School until further notice. Worship does include an All Ages Moment and would be a good time to tune in. Plans are in the works for a few outdoor (and maybe online) gatherings in the coming weeks, so please stay tuned!

Exploring Our Faith
February 6th - 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Our first-Sunday monthly Exploring Our Faith group gathering will be online again this month (unless we get word it is safe to gather in person!). Mentors and students will receive a link shortly. We look forward to seeing you!
Adult Formation and Gatherings
Wellspring
Wednesday, February 9th at 6:30 p.m. (via Zoom)
null
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 .
UCW Book Group
Tuesday, February 22ndat 7:30 p.m.
The Practicing Congregation:
Imagining a New Old Church
by Diana Butler Bass
Please join us on Tuesday, February 22nd at 7:30 p.m. for our next book group meeting. This month we will be reading The Practicing Congregation: Imagining a New Old Church by Diana Butler Bass. 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

Book Club Selections and Discussions for March & April:
The Art of Living: Peace and Freedom in the Here and Now” by Thich Nhat Hanh
Tuesday, March 29th, 7:30PM

“Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion" By Gregory Boyle
Tuesday, April 26th ,7:30PM
Advocates for Racial Justice
Stay tuned for Film Night!
Want to catch a movie? Want to see a 16 minute animated film that will inform and surprise you? We will see it together next month. It could answer some of your questions about housing and zoning.
 
Along with many other Houses of Worship we are offering a chance to watch Segregated By Design either together (on line) or on your own at a time convenient to you. And of course we hope to talk about it together on zoom. Stay tuned for Film Night. 

Mission & Service
Coat and Clothing Collection
for Common Cathedral
January 16th-February 17th
As the cold weather continues, our partners at Common Cathedral are collecting warm coats, and durable clothing, boots, shoes, belts, bags, blankets and other items for their community members who live outdoors. New socks and men's underwear are also always in need!

For a full list of needed items please CLICK HERE.

In these weeks when we are gathering remotely, please contact Pastor Amy (amy@ucw.org) to arrange a drop-off or pick-up of clothing. We will also have bins available Sunday, February 13th following worship, and Pastor Amy will be at the church that morning to collect items. 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 Revs. Wendy Vander Hart or Amy Clark Feldman for prayer or pastoral support:

  • Pastor Wendy's email is seniorpastor@ucw.org and her office phone is 617-965-3893
  • Pastor Amy's email is amy@ucw.org, and her cell phone for calls or texts is 617-938-8112.
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.

Sunday Sign-Ups
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
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.