From Our Pastors – September 29

Rev. Megan
Berkowitz

Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman

Pastor Megan
September 29, 2023


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“As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world…I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.”

John 17:18, 20-21a

Dear church,

The first Sunday in October is celebrated as World Communion Sunday all throughout the world. We celebrate the ties that bind us to one another, as Christians, even in the face of our many differences. When we do so, we live into the prayer Jesus offered for his disciples and for those of us who would learn from them, throughout the many generations: “that they may all be one.”

We know a bit about that as a Union Church, don’t we? Unity in Christ across denomination, belief, or background is one of our highest values; it is the foundation for the wide welcome this church has offered for nearly 120 years. There is no test of faith in order to be welcomed to the table in our church, this or any Sunday.

There is certainly difficulty in unity, as well. As someone whose call to ministry would not be affirmed in the majority of churches that join us in celebrating World Communion (as a woman who is married to a woman), I certainly struggle to offer Jesus’ prayer for unity at times. And yet, I believe that the powerful goodness of God’s grace and mercy found at the communion table is far greater than any division humans have managed to create. This deep knowledge of God’s abiding love is part of the gift and witness we have to share.
As we taste God’s goodness around the table this week, we will remember our Christian siblings throughout the world and throughout time, remember what connects us to one another, and pray, as Jesus did, that we may all be one.

Peace,
Megan

Past Posts


  • From Our Pastors
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    April 18, 2025
    Throughout Lent, we have been Making Space: for compassion, humility, discernment, generosity, and prayer. As we move from yesterday evening’s Maundy Thursday Tenebrae service, sharing around the table and recognizing the coming darkness, to Sunday morning’s joyful worship, we are given one last, sacred opportunity to reflect in this year’s Lenten season. Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: April 11, 2025
    Rev. Amy Clark Feldman
    April 11, 2025
    This coming Sunday begins our walk through Holy Week.  The story of this week is at the very core of our faith.  We’ll travel with Jesus to confront the powers of this world that still cause so much suffering –  injustice, hubris, abuse of power, scarcity, violence, and fear.  Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: April 4, 2025
    Rev. Amy Clark Feldman
    April 4, 2025
    This Sunday is our final Sunday before Palm Sunday and Holy Week.  There is one week left before Jesus, with boldness and intention, arrives in Jerusalem to take a stand against forces of corruption, oppression, violence, fear, and hate.  Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: March 28, 2025
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    March 28, 2025
    We’re drawing to the close of our Stewardship season for this year, and we’ll mark Stewardship Sunday in worship this week with a testimony and a focus in scripture and sermon on generosity. Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: March 21 2025
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    March 21, 2025
    I gave up social media for Lent this year. I’ve tried it in past years, and it never quite stuck. I always found reasons to log back in: an urgent question for a group of colleagues, a video of Rosey that was too good not to share, or even just an accidental slip. It’s sticking this year, though. Learn More