The Union Church In Waban

Our Philosophy The Mission Committee at The Union Church in Waban builds on the interdenominational spirit of our congregation and embraces a rich tradition of inclusiveness. We involve all segments of our multigenerational community in embodying the teachings of Christ, "let us love not in word or deed, but in truth and action." – I John 3:18 The world at large presents overwhelming needs. Rather than feeling beleaguered, we look at such needs as an opportunity for enriching ourselves through service to others. Our congregation has chosen to support projects that focus on health and education at the local, national, and international levels.

International Partnerships Church-wide involvement provides for much greater depth of understanding and commitment to a particular mission outreach effort. As a church community we have made an ongoing commitment to the communities of our sister city San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, and to Lusaka, Zambia. Our relationship with the people of Nicaragua is well developed while we are just embarking on new relationships in Zambia. Our church supports a biannual mission trip to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.

In February of 2010 fifteen members of our church traveled to San Juan del Sur to support a local school, install a much needed water pump and sponsor an "Ancianos Luncheon" for senior citizens of the town.  For a full trip report, click here.

 

Nicaragua 2010 Mission Trip Video

 

In March of 2008, a group of 24 church members traveled together to install a solar powered water pump connecting a neighborhood well to a holding tank and running 3000 feet of pipeline bringing clean water into 20 homes. Our group, ranging in age from 11-60, also brought clothing, shoes, sports equipment, eyeglasses, toiletries, school supplies, and books for the children of San Juan del Sur. By creating a connection with a community with so many needs, we extended our faith community while establishing a focus and purpose for our own spiritual development.

 

 

Union Church is also a sponsor of Communities Without Borders, a Newton nongovernmental organization which was founded to provide educational opportunities for AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children in Zambia in order to further hope and a better future for these children, society, and the world. As a sponsor, Union Church will partner with the Mtendere communities in Lusaka to provide scholarships for primary and secondary children to attend school, as well as to support the community schools that provide preparation for children to attend the government schools. Union Church and Eliot Church will join together in sponsoring these two communities, and three members of the Union Church and members of Eliot Church will join a delegation to meet and work with these communities this summer. Although our congregation is small, we leverage our resources and partner with others to make a greater impact. Not all of our congregants are able to directly experience our international service projects yet our whole community is involved. During the Christmas season, the church holds a poinsettia and wreath sale to fund the projects. Upon return from a trip, the participants share and reflect with the rest of the congregation. Speakers also are scheduled throughout the year to support our health and education theme. For example, Susan Murcott, an MIT engineer specializing in water and sanitation, spoke about her "Clean Water for 1 Billion People" program and helped us better understand our efforts to bring clean water to San Juan del Sur.

Annual Outreach Projects Back to School supplies collection in conjunction with The Brugger Foundation for the children of San Juan del Sur and an End of the School Year supplies collection for the children of Lhukasa, Zambia, in conjunction with Communities Without Borders. Thanksgiving Baskets with complete turkey dinners are assembled by the youth of the church and delivered to local area needy families in conjunction with Newton Community Services . The Mitten Tree is an intergenerational gift program in collaboration with Project Care and Concern in Dorchester serving formerly homeless older adults. All Things Baby Drive for The Grow Clinic at Boston Medical Center where children who are failing to thrive receive comprehensive medical, nutritional, and social services. Special Collections During Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, the Mission Committee sponsors a special collection. This past year money collected went to Newton Community Services, the Nicaragua mission trip, and City Mission Society of Boston.

Mission Outreach at The Union Church in Waban Includes Community! Individual church members also give of themselves in many ways…beautifying our building and environment, maintaining our historical and vital presence in Waban square, and helping keep our unique interdenominational place of worship alive. We also support established community service projects and outreach in which our church members already participate. Our internal mission, therefore, is to help all of us to establish a lifelong commitment to service to others.

"…if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday." -Isaiah 58:10