From Pastor Megan

Posted onAuthorAidan Cuningham

Rev. Megan
Berkowitz

Pastor Megan
December 12, 2025

Dear church,

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. During this session, groups were asked the question, “What is the Metro Boston Association uniquely poised to offer for the thriving of the clergy, churches, and wider communities we serve?”

I offered stories that some of you had told me about courses and programs at Andover-Newton that enriched your ministry, along with my own about the professional development I receive through the denomination that could benefit many others in other forms. Many, many ideas were raised throughout the room, with a heat map of interest and agreement, and I am excited to hear more about what is going to come next from this denominational partner.

The most meaningful part of the event was at the end, though. We stood in a circle, grouped by church, and sang to one another about our connection in the Spirit. “I need you; you need me. We’re all a part of God’s Body. Stand with me; come be with me. We’re all a part of God’s Body. It is God’s will that every need be supplied. You are important to me: I need you to survive.” It was moving to be reminded that as independent as we are, we are also interdependent and connected to our denominational partners, to our neighbors, and to the whole Body of Christ.

Peace,
Megan

Past Posts

  • From Pastor Megan: March 6, 2026
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    March 6, 2026
    Alongside its themes of wilderness journeys, Lent is traditionally a season of repentance – of turning from harms and returning to God and to God’s call on our lives. As winter (finally, hopefully) turns into spring, so too are we given a chance for renewal, for new growth, for new life. Learn More
  • Living with Loss
    New Supportive Group for Adults beginning at UCW this Spring All of us live with loss in our lives in so many ways: the death of spouses, children, parents, and other loved ones; the loss of our own or loved ones’ capacity due to illness and aging; the loss of work or other roles that give us a sense of meaning and purpose; and so many more losses. If you are in a season of living with loss and would like to be in supportive spiritual community with others, please join us. Learn More
  • From Pastor Megan: February 13, 2026
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    February 13, 2025
    Have you been following the Olympics? This year, a dear friend of mine is in Milan covering the Games as a journalist for the Associated Press, so I’ve been following the news and also her reports from being present there. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to go see the Olympics in person and having a close friend there is almost (almost…) as good. Learn More
  • From Pastor Megan: February 6, 2026
    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