The Union Church in Waban |
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Friday Updates, July 29, 2022 |
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Sunday. July 31st at 10.00 a.m.
Gathering in the Stage Room and on Zoom
We will continue our theme of "Calling", examining our own calls as people of faith. Since it will be extra hot on Sunday, we will gather in the Stage Room downstairs. Worship will be more informal, followed by time for fellowship. Pastor Amy will take the lead in worship on this Sunday. She will examine the call story of Mary in Luke 1: 35 - 48
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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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Introducing Rev. Matt Carriker - Sabbatical Pastor
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We have great news to share – Pastor Amy will be taking a sabbatical and Rev. Matt Carriker will step in to cover the ministry for six of the nine weeks she will be away. Pastor Matt will begin at UCW on September 1.
A common piece in the terms of call for pastors is the inclusion of sabbatical time. Pastor Amy is overdue for a well-earned sabbatical this fall. Kathy Malone representing Christian Ed., Brita Gill-Austern representing the Human Relations Team and Pastor Wendy served as a team to identify needs to cover Pastor Amy’s time away August 8th – October 11th (inclusive of a vacation week). The team determined that six weeks of coverage was manageable, created a job description and engaged Rev. Matt Carriker as a potential Sabbatical Pastor. We are so pleased to announce that Rev. Matt Carriker will join Union Church in ministry from September 1st – October 10th.
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Pastor Matt comes to UCW with great experience in youth and young adult ministry. It is a calling he has sensed on his life since teaching high school in Belize, graduating from Andover Newton Theological School and practicing ministry in a variety of settings. Pastor Matt leads a new church start, Agape Spiritual Community, which meets Sunday afternoons twice a month in Waltham and Weston. He has also led retreats for youth through the United Church of Christ in Southern New England. His resume includes rich experience in faith formation for all ages. The team resonated strongly with his motto for ministry “kids want to know how much you care before they care how much you know.”
While it is a short time frame for ministry, the team believes his call expresses the commitment of UCW to the importance of our younger generation by calling such a practiced leader. The team hopes it signals to youth and families that they matter greatly in the church’s ministry.
Join us in welcoming Pastor Matt and watch for more details about his arrival in September. Let’s also bless Pastor Amy into this time of rejuvenation and restoration.
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Save the Dates!
Church Overnight Fall Retreat
Sunday, November 12th - 13th, Edward's House, Framingham
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Our Planning Team has confirmed the dates and location for our Fall Retreat. It will be on November 12th & 13th, and will be held at Edwards House at the UCC Conference Center in Framingham.
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We look forward to creating intergenerational meaningful space and conversation. |
For now, mark your calendars,
more details and a sign-up to follow!
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Upcoming Sundays & Summer Gatherings |
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Join us on August 3rd at 7:00p.m.
Sundaes and Stories!
UCW Youth Service Trip
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The UCW Youth Group had an amazing week with the families of Deep Roots in Maryland at the end of June! We are so grateful to everyone who made it possible and are excited to share all about it. We invite you all to come for the Sundaes on Wednesdays on August 3rd at 7:00 p.m. the church. We'll make yummy ice cream sundaes and then share our photos, stories, and a special presentation about the trip!
Our new Sabbatical Pastor, Rev. Matt Carriker will also attend this event and it will be a great time to meet and welcome him!
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Sunday, August 7th - Joint UCC Worship at Newton Highlands and on Zoom
See more details below featuring preacher, Rev. Dr. Mary Luti. Worship will be at 9:30 a.m.
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Sunday, August 14th - Gathering in Memorial Chapel and on Zoom
Pastor Wendy will take the lead in worship on this Sunday. She will examine the call story of Nathaniel in John 1: 43-51.
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This Wednesday, August 3rd - With Stories and Photos from the Deep Roots Youth Mission Trip!
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August 24th - Featuring conversation with the Transition Team!
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We are excited to offer some additional times for joy, rest, prayer, togetherness, and ICE CREAM! Sundaes on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Come enjoy each other's company over a frozen treat on these Wednesdays dates
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Pilgrimage to Boston -The Black Heritage Trail®
Sunday, August 14th from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
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Join UCW friends and a Park Ranger from the National Parks of Boston to explore the rich history of Beacon Hill's 19th century Black community on Sunday, August 14th from 1 – 2:30 p.m. We can catch the train from church at Noon to travel together.
If you would like to join us
(We have reserved 15 slots for our group.)
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The Black Heritage Trail® showcases residences and community buildings associated with a Black community that thrived on, and near, the north slope of Beacon Hill before, during, and after the American Civil War. Throughout that time, this community struggled and organized for equal rights and access to equal education. Community members championed the movement to abolish slavery and even housed freedom seekers on their journey along the Underground Railroad.
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Children, Youth & Families |
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Sunday School - July and August
Summer Break
Join us for Summer Sundaes on Wednesdays and for 10:00 a.m. Worship - Sunday School will resume on Sept. 11th!
We will take a break from regular Sunday School over the summer, but kids are always invited in worship, and our Prayground will be up and ready for kiddos all summer! Please also plan to join our Sundaes on Wednesdays (see dates below) for ice cream, community connection, and fun.
Please note that Pastor Amy will be on sabbatical from August 8th to October 11th. We look forward to welcoming our wonderful Sabbatical Pastor, Rev. Matt Carriker (see above) on September 1st!
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Newton Freedge: Continued Need!
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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 two Saturdays a month. We are in 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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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'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 Amy this week.
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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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