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Rev. Katrina at this past Sunday's service:
"This Thursday, we are co-hosting a special event with Temple Ner Tamid. I am very pleased to have invited two of
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my seminary professors, Rabbi Mychal Springer who is now the head of the chaplaincy department at New York Presbyterian Hospital, and Rev. Su Yon Pack, who is the academic dean of Union Theological Seminary. They 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, because we are all human, already are or 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 (see link below). I hope that you will take the opportunity to hear from these, I think, very wise women, and also be in relationship with our friends at Temple Ner Tamid."
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)
Register Here: https://www.nertamid.org/event/sisters-in-mourning.html
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Join First Cong on Wednesday, April 17 at 7pm in the FCC sanctuary for a special presentation from Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP). We will hear from Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, Executive Director, and Tamar Haddad, Coordinator for CMEP's Women's Empowerment Program.
Earlier this year First Cong Montclair became a partner with Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), an ecumenical organization working toward a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. CMEP provides opportunities for congregations to learn about the Middle East, support local peace-building efforts in the region, and advocate for just U.S. policy. First Cong has invited us to participate in this program with them at their church located at 40 S. Fullerton Avenue, Montclair.
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FOOD DRIVE ON SUNDAY APRIL 21
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. 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.
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REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT: SIGN UP TO BE A WELCOME TEAM VOLUNTEER FOR CHURCH WORLD SERVICE
Church World Service (CWS) Welcome Team volunteers help set up apartments for refugees who have received asylum status and can settle locally. Apartments to set up would be located within a 30 minute radius of Montclair. CWS provides and moves to the apartment furniture and home supplies, and has a staff person on site to answer questions and help. Setting up involves cleaning the apartment, assembling (if needed) and placing the furniture and household supplies, and typically happens between 9AM and 4PM on weekdays. Volunteers are typically contacted 2 days in advance, so CWS wishes to have many potential volunteers on their list, expecting many will have schedule conflicts. Volunteering provides the joy of seeing the apartment become livable within a few hours. There is no contact with the refugees that day, but it is of course possible to visit and help once they move in if desired. CWS expects to ask for volunteers 2 to 3 times a year. If you would like to do your part in welcoming refugees this way, please sign up by clicking the button below. For more about Church World Service, click here.
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THIS WEEK IN SMALL GROUPS
Small Groups and Ministry Teams bring forth intentional groups that build community within our congregation, deepen relationships, organize service work for communities in need, and cultivate a sense of belonging. For more information, please call the church office at 973-744-7424.
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WEDNESDAY, April 17, 2024
10:30AM Gentle Yoga (Guild Room)
NOON Union Sages (Guild Room) We'll talk about "woulda, coulda, shoulda" - regrets about passing up an opportunity to try something new or get out of our comfort zone. All are welcome to attend.
7PM Handbell Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
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WOMEN’S APRIL BREAKFAST – SATURDAY, APRIL 20 AT 9AM IN THE GUILD ROOM (Please note 9am start time)
At the women’s retreat in January, we 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.
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THE UCC PLAYERS OPEN THEIR PRODUCTION OF "THE SUNSHINE BOYS" THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 19TH AT 8PM IN THE ASSEMBLY ROOM | |
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Get Set for Laughs!
The UCC Players are excited to 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.
Director Alex Oleksij boasts "I have loved The Sunshine Boys since I saw it on Broadway half-a-century ago starring the great Jack Gilbert and Lou Jacobi. Greg Cancro and Patrick Little are veteran performers who live up to their predecessors - displaying marvelous chemistry that makes you believe they may have stepped off the vaudeville stage. I am delighted to be doing this show with such a wonderful pair. Heather Ferreira is in many ways the heart and soul of the play as she attempts to bring these frenemies together for one last show."
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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. | |
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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
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THURSDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY IS MOVING TO MONDAYS, STARTING MONDAY, APRIL 22 IN THE COLE ROOM
During our first evening Bible study gathering, we will take part in a webinar by Robyn Walsh (https://robynfaithwalsh.com/). This lecture will offer an introduction to what we know about Paul, his life, and his so-called mission through the lens of his final letter to the Romans. Special attention will be paid to the promises he made to his addressees about the afterlife, the practices (e.g., baptism) that he instituted, and some of the common misreadings of his ethical and theological views. For questions, please reach out to Gerald (by clicking here for his email).
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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.
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UPCOMING CREATION JUSTICE EVENTS! | | | | |
