Hanging of the Greens

Posted onAuthorAidan Cuningham

Rev. Megan
Berkowitz

Pastor Megan
December 5, 2025

Dear church,

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. 

This week, with the amazing music that led us all through this meaningful worship still ringing in my ears, I am particularly pleased and grateful to share that Karen Harvey has graciously agreed to stay on at UCW as our Interim Music Director through the end of the church year, or until the Search Committee has a candidate ready to take on the permanent Music Director role, if that occurs before June. I hope you all continue to seek Karen out and share the appreciation I’ve heard from so many of you about her work.

The Music Director Search is underway, with James Cooke and Diane Tillotson co-chairing a committee that also includes Liz Caronna, Glenn Cunningham, John Weisz, and myself. We have been working to put together an advertisement and job description and plan to post the role at Epiphany, once the frenzy that surrounds musicians at Christmastime calms down. We will keep the church updated as we know more!

Peace,
Megan

Past Posts

  • From Pastor Megan
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    February 6, 2025
    It is time to begin turning our hearts and minds to Lent — and what a year to return to the themes of repentance and repair, of wandering the wilderness, of death and new life.  Our theme for worship and community life in Lent this year will be “Tools for Survival in the Wilderness,” and we’ll reflect on how the ways we learn to survive in the literal wildernesses (and I know there are some hiking, camping, backcountry skiing, and other outdoor enthusiasts in this congregation!) teach us about how to survive the metaphorical wildernesses of our time. More to come in worship, of course. Learn More
  • From Pastor Megan: January 30, 2026
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    January 30, 2025
    As violence has escalated from ICE and other institutions, and as protests have intensified in response, I have heard from a number of you wondering what to do now, especially for those of us who cannot travel to where witness is most needed. I don’t have all the answers, but I have some suggestions of what you might do if you’re feeling helpless and hopeless, as so many of us are. Learn More
  • From Pastor Megan: January 23, 2026
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    January 23, 2025
    Happy January, with over a foot of snow headed our way this weekend! Given the weather predictions, Newton Mayor Mark Laredo has asked people to refrain from driving and parking in the city on Sunday and Monday whenever possible. With the uncertainty of when the storm will begin, and predictions that when it does, it will snow as much as an inch an hour, we will move our worship service on to Zoom for the day.  Learn More
  • From Pastor Megan
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    January 16, 2025
    I have exciting news to share about next Sunday, 1/25, when we will welcome two special guests from FamilyAid into our worship service to share about the good work continuing at the Family Navigation Center in West Newton. Learn More
  • From Pastor Megan
    Rev. 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 Megan
    Rev. 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 Greens
    Rev. 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, 2025
    Rev. 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