As of today, we have received twenty Easter Flower and Easter Music dedications! Please check the names to the right to make sure your name is listed. If your name is missing, please reach out to Kim at kcrabtree@unioncong.org and let her know. Your dedications will be included in the Easter bulletin.

If your name is listed in bold on the list on the right: please let Kim know if you would like to take your flowers home with you on Easter.

For Flowers:

Eric Carlson

Bob And Blythe Chase

Gloria And Tim Crist

Karen Ermler

Kristen Forman

Lisa Kauffman

Todd Landis And Evie

Jeanette And Phil Miller

Paul Nishimoto And Ina Isobe

Vicki Paulson

Cynthia Rogers

Michele And Paul Sionas

The Smith Family

For Music:

The Carmichael Family

Bob And Blythe Chase

Amy Hohn Stover

Jeanette And Phil Miller

Paul Nishimoto And Ina Isobe

Kim Reissig

Michele And Paul Sionas

RSVP FOR OUR SPECIAL MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE: SOUP SUPPER, COMMUNION SERVICE, AND ANOINTING TAKING PLACE IN THE ASSEMBLY ROOM NEXT THURSDAY, MARCH 28 AT 6:30PM

This Maundy Thursday, we invite you to a unique service titled "In Memory Of Her," focusing on the woman who anointed Jesus' feet in the Gospel Of Mark (Mark 14:3-9). In line with our Women's Lectionary focus on women's stories, this service will move beyond the traditional focus on the Last Supper, and delve into the story of the unnamed woman who expresses her devotion to Jesus through the gentle act of anointing.

OUR EASTER OFFERING:

HELP (Haitian Education And Leadership Program)

At this past Sunday's service, the Children's Choir sang about God preparing a way. Later in the service, HELP's Sam Connor spoke about this year's Easter Offering. Please click here to watch the video or find the video below.

We are setting out to help one female student build a better future through the Haitian Education And Leadership Program. We have set a goal to raise an additional $15,000 (to add to the Marion Whittenburg fund) so that we are able to fund one female student with a full scholarship for all 5 years of the program. For more information, please click here to go to the Easter Offering 2024 tab on the church website.

To donate, click the link below and be sure to select "Easter Offering" as your purpose.

https://app.aplos.com/aws/give/UnionCongregationalChurch1=

Last Saturday was Out Montclair's Trans Day Of Visibility Celebration. The day began with opening remarks and a vigil for a young transgender man, Ashton Clatterbuck, who was a student at Montclair State University. The Pride Choir was asked to sing at the vigil. You can read the northjersey.com story about the event by clicking here. Rev. Ron Verblaauw spoke on a spirituality and faith panel at the event and was highlighted on Out Montclair's Instagram.

SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCE ON APRIL 6TH

Here's a reminder about the Northeast Earth Coalition's 8th Acting Locally for a More Sustainable World Conference (clickable link) at Montclair State University on Saturday, April 6 from 9am - 4:30pm.  

VOLUNTEER AT CUMAC IN APRIL 8, 1PM-3PM

Lead Contact: Michele Sionas (michelesionas@gmail.com)

There is room for two more volunteers to sort food donations at CUMAC and possibly help in their "market" on April 8. The church has a long-standing relationship with this incredible non-profit that runs a food pantry (that serves over 40,000 people every year) and multiple programs dedicated to alleviating hunger and poverty in our local areas. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Michele Sionas. For more information, visit: www.cumac.org.

THE NEXT TWO WEEKS IN SMALL GROUPS AND CHURCH GATHERINGS

(please click on gathering for more details)

WEDNESDAY, March 27, 2024

10:30AM Gentle Yoga (Guild Room)

7PM Handbell Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

TUESDAY, April 2, 2024

12:30PM Daytime Bible Study (Guild Room) 

WEDNESDAY, April 3, 2024

10:30AM Gentle Yoga (Guild Room)

NOON Union Sages Group (Guild Room)

7PM Handbell Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

THURSDAY, April 4, 2024

7PM The Union Congregational Church Creation Justice Ministry Team is meeting with Green Teams from five other churches on Thursday, April 4 at 7pm at First Cong to plan an Interfaith Climate Action for May 5. All are welcome to attend.

SAVE THE DATES FOR THESE GREAT EVENTS HAPPENING IN APRIL

APRIL 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 ARE THE PERFORMANCE DATES FOR "THE SUNSHINE BOYS" PRESENTED BY THE UCC PLAYERS

Laughter legends reunite! Don't miss The Sunshine Boys, a hilarious play by Neil Simon about a former vaudeville duo forced back together after years of feuding. Will they spend their time settling their grudges or make an epic comedic comeback? This heartwarming and humorous play is sure to entertain you and tickle your funny bone.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28 AFTER WORSHIP Second Hour with the UCC Ringers!

The UCC Ringers are excited to share their talents with you! Enjoy beloved musical selections including "Oh What a Beautiful Morning" and "Beauty and the Beast" as well as gain a deeper understanding of the artistry, technique, and history behind handbell playing.

A SPECIAL CALL TO PRAYER THIS HOLY WEEK

From Rev. Katrina:

We pray for swift and effective rescue efforts, and may Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, to surround those who are suffering.

From Rev. Freeman L. Palmer

Conference Minister

Central Atlantic Conference United Church of Christ:

This is a special call to prayer this Holy Week for two areas of our Conference experiencing traumatic and disastrous events. First, please hold our congregations in our Shenandoah Association in your prayers as nine wildfires last week that burned over 1,000 acres of land in the valley.

One of the largest fires in Rockingham County may have destroyed 2,000 acres, and folks in the area were forced to evacuate their homes.  At this writing the fires remain less than 50% contained, particularly in Page and Shenandoah Counties. Please keep all the people in the area affected by these wildfires area and the first responders who are working day and night to contain these blazes.We lift our hearts and voices to You as one community and we offer prayers for those affected by these tragedies. Lord, we pray for the victims of the wildfires, whose homes and livelihoods have been consumed by flames. Grant them courage and resilience as they navigate this difficult journey of recovery. May Your healing touch be upon those who have lost everything, and may they find hope in the midst of despair.

We also lift up in prayer those impacted by today’s bridge collapse, especially those who were traveling or working on the bridge and their families. May You be with them and close on this suddenly catastrophic day and in the days to come. We pray for swift and effective rescue efforts, and may Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, to surround those who are suffering.

Lord, we ask for Your protection over the communities affected by these disasters, and for wisdom for those in authority as they make decisions in the face of them. Help us as Your people to come together in unity, offering support and love to one another in times of great need. May Your presence be felt amidst the chaos and destruction, bringing light into the darkness of sorrow and hope into despair. Strengthen us, O Lord, and guide us today and every day.  We pray this in the name of the One whose journey we commemorate this Holy Week, Jesus the Christ Amen.

May the peace of Christ be with today and every day.