TONIGHT AT 7PM AT TEMPLE NER TAMID

'SISTERS IN MOURNING'

Tonight, we are co-hosting a special event with Temple Ner Tamid. Rabbi Mychal Springer and Rev. Su Yon Pack will be with us to talk about a book that they edited called 'Sisters In Mourning.' The book, which grew out of their experiences with a group of seven diverse women who were all going through aging and then death of their mothers. They will share from both their personal experience and from the book, and engage us in learning and conversation for all of us, who already are or at some point will mourn. The event is a chance to deepen our spiritual wisdom to help us navigate those moments of grief and mourning.

The event is open to all. You need to register.

Register Here: https://www.nertamid.org/event/sisters-in-mourning.html

Details:

Union Congregational Church "Sisters in Mourning" Co-Program With Temple Ner Tamid on April 18 at 7pm at Temple Ner Tamid (936 Broad Street, Bloomfield)

OPENING NIGHT OF UCC PLAYERS' PRODUCTION OF THE SUNSHINE BOYS IS TOMORROW, FRIDAY, APRIL 19 AT 8PM IN THE ASSEMBLY ROOM

Get Set for Laughs! 

Tomorrow, the UCC Players open their production of Neil Simon's hilarious classic, "The Sunshine Boys," featuring local favorites Greg Cancro and Patrick Little. This side-splitting comedy follows the ever-feuding, vaudeville favorites The Lewis Brothers, Willie (Cancro) and Al (Little), who have been brought out of retirement for a lucrative TV special, but only if they can put aside their mountain of grievances. Wisecracks between these two come about as naturally as breathing. 

Don't miss your chance to see this heartwarming and hilarious production! Cast includes Greg Cancro, Patrick Little, Heather Ferreria, Jack Pignatello, Anthony DiAmbrosio, Larry Frick, Ann Alfano, and Nancy Herron.

The Sunshine Boys Performances:

Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 at 8pm

Sunday, April 21 at 2pm

Thursday, April 25 - Saturday, April 27 at 8pm

WOMEN’S APRIL BREAKFAST WITH REV. KATRINA SATURDAY, APRIL 20 AT 9AM IN THE GUILD ROOM 

At the women’s retreat in January, Rev. Katrina introduced some of the concepts of Process Theology – that everything is interconnected, that God and creation affect one another. Join us for this Women’s breakfast where Rev. Katrina will teach us more about Process Theology and lead us into small group conversations to deepen our explorations.

THIS SUNDAY:

GOSPEL MUSIC CELEBRATION

AT SUNDAY WORSHIP

The Gospel Music Celebration is finally here! Please join us in worship this Sunday where the combined choirs of Union Congregational Church and Grace Presbyterian Church will sing specially selected gospel music under the leadership of guest director Vinroy D. Brown, Jr. and featuring a live band.

Pastor Robin Miller Curras will offer a brief homily as part of the service.

Children Kindergarten age and up are invited to stay in worship to enjoy the music - activity packets will be available for them.

Childcare for children 0 through Kindergarten will be available.

About Vinroy D. Brown, Jr.

Vinroy D. Brown, Jr. has various credits in conducting, sacred music and music education. He is a member of the choral studies, music education and sacred music faculty at Westminster Choir College, where he is conductor of the Westminster Jubilee Singers. He was previously Lecturer of Music in the College of Communication & Fine Arts at Loyola Marymount University where he developed coursework related to music and social justice. A church musician, he is director of music & worship arts at Elmwood United Presbyterian Church where his responsibilities include building music and arts programs. Maintaining an active conducting schedule, he is founder and artistic director of the Elmwood Concert Singers and is artistic director and conductor of Capital Singers of Trenton.

FOOD DRIVE AT SUNDAY WORSHIP

The Scouts from Pack 12, which Union sponsors, will be holding a food drive here at Sunday worship, and at other strategic spots around Montclair on Sunday, April 21st. This Sunday, Scouts will be present to receive your non-perishable items including:

canned ravioli or Spaghetti-Os

boxed cereal

boxed mac and cheese

Pop Tarts

peanut butter

fruit cups

applesauce cups

granola bars

soups

boxed crackers

and cans of tuna. 

Please support our Scouts and our local food pantries with your donations. The food will be distributed to Toni's Kitchen and The Power Of One in Clifton. The Power Of One donates food to children on the weekend and spring breaks, when food is not available to them through the school system.

HVAC UPDATE AND CONTINUED CONVERSATION

At last Sunday's Congregational Meeting, we discussed continued issues we have experienced with our heating system over the past two years, and issues we anticipate with the overall HVAC system. We want to provide a link to the presentation and the links below for continued education, and ask for more feedback and questions. We are planning and Congregational Conversation Zoom (date still to be decided) to pass along updates to the congregation and answer questions. Until our Congregational Conversation, questions can be directed to Nick Loudon (buildings@unioncong.org) and Jon Thomsen (jthomsen@unioncong.org).

Fact Sheets

What is Geothermal Energy?

What are Geothermal Heat Pumps?

Videos

Understanding Heat Pumps | Future House | Ask This Old House

How to Drill for Geothermal Energy | This Old House (youtube.com)

How to Install Geothermal Heat | This Old House (youtube.com)

How a Geothermal Heat Pump Works | This Old House

MISSIONAL PRIORITIES UPDATE

At this past Sunday's Congregational Meeting, we reviewed the progress on our 2023-2024 Missional Priorities and discussed possible changes for 2024-2025. All of which are encapsulated in the Missional Priority Report (link below).

SPREAD THE WORD…UNION CONG NURSERY SCHOOL STILL HAS ROOM FOR CHILDREN FOR SEPTEMBER 2024.

Contact Lynn Kulik or Susanne Cantalupo for a tour! 973-744-9069. 

Below is a wonderful video you can share about our special place that the UCC supports for young children.

MAY 18 NEW JERSEY ASSOCIATION SPRING MEETING IS TAKING PLACE AT UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH - REGISTRATION IS LIVE

The registration link is now up for the May 18 New Jersey Association’s Spring meeting at Union Congregational Church.

Click to register: NJ SPRING MEETING REGISTRATION.

Individuals can register on-site from 9-9:30 AM. 

• The association’s Members in Discernment (those preparing for ordination) will lead a worship service from 9:30-9:50am. 
• From 10-10:50am, there will be the election of officers for the upcoming year and a conversation about visioning for the association’s future. 
• Then our featured presenter – Peter Makari – will speak from 11-11:30am. 

Peter serves as the Executive for the Middle East and Europe at Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ.  He will help us learn how to frame conversations about Palestine-Israel more effectively to keep people in conversation and relationship.  Lunch will follow for those able to stay.

Questions?  Contact NJ Council President Rev. George Rizor at george.rizor@gmail.com.

CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES

This link below will take you to the weekly Children, Youth and Families Weekly Newsletter where all programming for children from birth through high school is hosted. This newsletter is sent directly to families on Tuesdays. If you have children and haven’t been receiving this newsletter, please email Patty at pdow@unioncong.org.