Union Church updates for November 18, 2011

Bible study continues each Sunday from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. in Stacy’s study.  We are currently reading through the Gospel of Luke. All are welcome. No previous theological study or Biblical literacy is needed.  Just come with an open heart and curious mind. Coffee and tea are provided.

 

All third, fourth and fifth graders will be receiving a gift Bible as part of a special presentation during the Time for Children during Sunday's worship service.

In Sunday School, Grant Gund leads the Faith Seekers in the second of a three part exploration of money.  He’ll be wondering what class members did for the homework assigned last week by Buz. Ask your Faith Seeker what he or she did with the dollar in the envelope! Cindy Spertner teaches Noah’s Ark, while Alex & Chris Kiritsy teach the Disciples Class. Both classes will be talking about Jesus’ call to help the least of these.


The NICA Travelers will meet Sunday after worship at
11:30 a.m.

 
Youth Group meets Sunday evening from
4:00-5:30 p.m.  Bring a rake!

 

Living Waters Prayer Group continues on Monday, November 21 from 7:30 – 8:15 a.m. in the Nativity Chapel.  All are welcome.

 

New Young Adults Small Group is starting. If you are between the ages of 18 and 35 and would like to join in food, fun, and fellowship with other young adults at Union Church, then join Stacy and Heidi for our first meeting on November 27th at 11:30 a.m.

 

Mission is planning an Alternative Advent Fair for the Sunday December 4. This will coincide with the C.E.’s Advent wreath-making, and will be an opportunity to purchase beaded bags made by M’Tendere women, handcrafts, photo note cards, and other gifts.

 

A Membership Exploration Gathering is planned for December 1st at 7:00 p.m. in the Reception Room, and December 11th at 11:30 a.m. in Stacy’s office.

We will share faith journeys, learn the history of the church and where we are now,

 discuss what membership means in this faith community, and hear your needs, hopes, and dreams for church life. You need only attend one session.

 

 

Our Holiday Greens Sale is here!

Our Holiday Greens Sale supports all Nicaraguan initiatives, including our trip project in February, scholarships, and other efforts in Newton’s sister city

of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.

Beautiful wreaths, greens, and Christmas trees will be sold on

 Saturdays in December from 10 to 2, Sundays from 11 to 1,

and Tuesdays from noon to 1:30. Donate some greens to decorate the church!

Order forms are available at the church.

 

 

Announcements from the Mission Committee

 

Cradles to Crayons Coat Drive

 

Cradles to Crayons (C2C) strives to provide children up to age 12 living in homeless and low-income situations with the essentials they need to feel safe, warm, ready to learn, and valued. A surprise snowstorm in October should generate excitement for kids in Massachusetts, but many local families struggling in the midst of an unforgiving economy find buying a winter coat for their child to be a  challenge. There is no joy in a snow day for a child who faces the cold without the essentials.

Cradles to Crayons expects to receive requests for 15,000 winter coats, and the Union Church in Waban would like to help them get there. Starting in November, the Mission Committee is organizing a Winter Coat Drive for children sizes 0-12. Look in your closets and basements! Pick up one at a garage sale or Costco! The coats must be stain-free and have working zippers.

 

Newton Food Pantry

 

Last year, the Union Church in Waban deepened its relationship with the Newton Food Pantry, and we want to continue that connection this year. Located in the basement of the Waban Library, the NFP provides a three day supply of food, one time a month, for eligible Newton residents. The apples picked by UCW kids were donated there a couple of weeks ago. In the month of November, we would like to help the NFP in two ways — with the Thanksgiving Collection and a non-perishable food drive. Please give generously so that we can deliver a big, fat check and multiple mini-vans of food! Meals in a can and peanut butter are usually high on the request list.