Updates for March 22, 2013

Congregational Conversation of the life and Ministry of the Church on Sunday from 11:30 to 12:30 in the Vestry.

Please join us for a life-affirming discussion of the life and ministry of the church on March 24th after reception. The open forum, which will be facilitated by the moderators Molly Owen-Kiritsy and Kent Wittler, and Pastor Stacy Swain, will include topics on how we communicate church- wide activities and in what form. Are you feeling well informed about the mission initiatives of the church? Are you getting all you need from Christian education for both children and adults? What things would you do differently, or like to see added to the life of the church? Help us understand where the church can better meet your needs in all of their dimensions. We look forward to seeing you there. All are welcome.

 

Sunday is the last day to order Easter blooms! Look for order forms in the side chapel, or download here.

The Lenten Book Group will meet Sunday after worship.

 

We have several Lenten resources available. Look for them on the side table in the sanctuary. They are: the Table Prayer Tent, a Lenten resource created by Bread for the World; our own Union Church weekly Lenten Guide with scripture, reflection, meditation, prayer, and even recipes; and a Lenten meditation practices guide with weekly meditation practice suggestions compiled by Kathryn Henderson.

 

“Training the Trainers” for Literacy Night at the Russell School will take place Monday evening, March 25 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Russell School.

 

There will be a meeting of the C.E. committee at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening, March 26.

 

Prayer Group meets each Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m.

The Lenten Fast Reflection will take place on Wednesday evening, March 27th at 7:00 p.m. in the Reception Room. We will watch the movie No Place at the Table and follow up with a discussion on hunger afterwards.

 

Maundy Thursday, March 28th, 6:15 p.m. The service is held in the vestry and begins with a meal before transitioning into a meditative Tenebrae Service of song and scripture as we meditate on Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, and death. Child care will be available. A sign-up sheet for this service is in the side chapel, or call the office. Please RSVP so that the deacons can plan for the food.

The trip to monastery for the Stations of the Cross service has been cancelled because the service is not being held this year. Apologies to everyone who has been planning on this! Kathryn will lead a trip for a regular prayer service in April, more details to come.

 

Holy Saturday Easter Vigil, Saturday, March 30th at 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Join us for this time to reflect on all that has transpired during Holy Week and to anticipate the coming dawn of Easter. During this service we will share in the Lord’s Supper and reaffirm our baptismal vows. Childcare will be available.

 

Bible Study will not meet on Easter Sunday morning, March 31.

 

Our joyous Easter Sunday celebration will be at 10:00 a.m. on March 31st. We will be joined by guest trumpeter Drew Edwards. There will be an Easter Egg Hunt for the children following the service.

 

Eggs Needed for the Easter Egg Hunt. It’s time to think about our annual Easter Egg Hunt. Your donations of candy-filled, plastic eggs are invited. Please bring them to church anytime before worship on Easter morning. You can leave them in the designated box in the Crocker Chapel or in Kathy’s office. Thanks in advance for your contribution.

                                                                                                                 

Planning ahead: Save the date for a retreat on April 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Edwards House in Framingham. We will be spending time together in prayer and meditation, and exploring other spiritual practices. We need a minimum of 10 people to sign up. The cost will be $25, including lunch and snacks. Please contact the office to rsvp.

 

The next Game Night has been planned for Friday evening, April 12, at 6:30 p.m. Mark your calendars for this fun evening.