“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 Pastor MeganRev. Megan Berkowitz
December 24, 2025 Warmest Christmas wishes to you and all your loved ones. As we celebrate the Light of Christ coming into the world, may your life be filled with that light and all of the peace, joy, love, and hope it brings. It is no small thing to celebrate God’s presence in a world in need, or to remember God’s faithfulness in accompanying us in all things. Let us dwell in that grace and goodness together this week. Learn More - From Pastor MeganRev. Megan Berkowitz
December 12, 2025 I attended the “fall” meeting of the Metropolitan Boston Association of the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ (say that three times fast) on Sunday afternoon. Interestingly, the Association is engaged in a very similar kind of vision and strategic planning work as we are. Learn More - Hanging of the GreensRev. Megan Berkowitz
December 5, 2025 What a joy it was to gather for the annual Hanging of the Greens service last Sunday! That’s a tradition that has been stewarded by first the Deacons and now the Worship Team over many years in this church, and it is always such a beautiful way to welcome in the Advent season. Learn More - From Pastor Megan: Novemeber 30, 2025Rev. Megan Berkowitz
November 30, 2025“‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’”
Matthew 25
I pray that you all have had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones, and that those who are traveling return home with ease and in safety.
Learn More - From Pastor MeganRev. Megan Berkowitz
November 21, 2025 In the professional development training where I spent the last week, the core curriculum for my cohort this year was about faith-based, relational community organizing for congregations. This congregation has plenty of experience with this community organizing model thanks to GBIO, Learn More





