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Weekly Update
Friday, March 8, 2024
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DAYLIGHT SAVINGS BEGINS THIS WEEKEND.
REMEMBER TO SPRING FORWARD ONE HOUR!
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The Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 10, at 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid)
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Special Luncheon Following Worship (In-person)
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Our Lenten exploration of Dwelling in the Heart continues this Sunday. And, if you haven’t yet made a candle dish out of clay at the prayer station in the Crocker Chapel, please be sure to!
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Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 832 4667 4155
Passcode: 431699
Dial in: 1 646 558 86560
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The bulletin is available HERE
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Special Luncheon Reception After Worship
Remembering Ron Lacharite and Celebrating the Quiet Helpers
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Following worship, we will share a special luncheon, hosted by UCW member Gerry Elion, remembering the life of Ron Lacharite and celebrating the quiet helpers among us. All are warmly invited to stay for all or part of this special celebration.
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“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
– Psalm 133:1
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It was indeed good and pleasant to dwell together in unity with our siblings from the Boston Taiwanese Christian Church this past Sunday! We feasted together around the table twice – once during communion, and again during the reception they very lovingly prepared for us all to share. The choirs raised their voices in song together, leading us in our worship (as this photo from David Spurtner illustrates!). We were even led in prayer by the BTCC pastor, Rev. Shirley, all the way from CA via video.
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I’m so glad, not just because it was lovely to worship together, but also because events like this ensure that our dwelling together in unity in this beautiful building will be even more good and pleasant for the Sundays between our joint services. I look forward to greeting more people by name, sharing smiles and snacks and invitations, and generally remembering that even when we aren’t in a joint worship service together, we are one in the Body of Christ at all times.
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Loving God, hear the prayers of your people gathered in this community:
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- We pray for our country as the democratic process continues to unfold. God, may your wisdom be present in every hall of power and in the minds of all serve. May we all be blessed to contribute to a world in which your peace and justice reign.
- We pray in gratitude for the tremendous healing that Tom Humphrey, Rob Purser, and Tom Vawter have all experienced following surgeries, and for each of their return to community events and worship in person in the last few weeks.
- We pray for Susan Hunt Stevens in her continued recovery and healing after hip replacement surgery.
- For all of our unhoused siblings sleeping rough in the cold and wet weather these last few weeks, and for our migrant siblings seeking shelter and safety in our communities.
- For all in our UCW community who are ill, or who are caring for loved ones. For all who grieve, God, we ask for the comfort of your presence.
- We pray for peace all throughout the world. Teach us to beat our swords into plowshares, O God, and to sow wisdom and reap peace, justice, and joy for all people.
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We pray to you, grateful for your accompaniment with us in all things. Amen.
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If you have other prayers of concern or celebration you
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would like lifted up in community, please email
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As part of our practices of “Dwelling in the Heart” this Lent, every committee and team has been invited to set aside all or part of their agendas for their March meetings, and instead spend time on spiritual practices and fellowship. The list of meetings is still being added to, but for now, here is a listing of the Lenten events. If you would like more information or to add your team’s event, please email Pastor Megan ([email protected]).
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- Deacons/Worship Joint Conversation: March 5th at 6pm, Littlehale
- Council: March 7 at 6:0 p.m., Littlehale (first hour)
- HR: March 14 at 3:00 p.m., on Zoom (first portion of the meeting)
- Mission Dinner: March 20 at 6:30 p.m., offsite. Vegetarian potluck hosted by the Johnson/Lynch Family
- Nicaragua Team Dinner: March 17 at 5:30 at David Spertner’s house.
- Children and Families Meal: Date and time TBD
- Worship Team Music Event: April 10 at 7:00 p.m., on Zoom (yes, this is after Lent!)
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Dwelling in the Heart
UCW Lenten Playlist
Now Available!
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The Worship Committee is delighted to release the first ever Lenten playlist. Over the last few weeks, 16 people have shared 26 songs that resonate with them and allow them to “Dwell in the heart”. We have 1 hour and 45 minutes of music so far.
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The playlist is available on Spotify: HERE
And also on Apple Music: HERE
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In order to listen to them, you will need an account on either of these platforms. If you don’t have either, I would recommend creating a free account on Spotify. If you encounter any issues with this, please let me know!
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If you want to know who submitted which song(s) and why, here is a document with all that information: HERE
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It is also a great source for if you just want to see what is on the list.
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Also, this list is not “done”. If the season, or just this list, makes you think of other songs you would like to share, please send them to me, and I will add them!
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Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who has made a contribution to this list. I have had the privilege to listen to this music over the last few weeks as it came in. And it is truly inspiring!
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All-Church Gatherings & Adult Formation
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Save the Date!
All-Church Retreat
Saturday, April 6 at 10:00-3:00 p.m.
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The Council and Nominating Committee would like to invite you and your family to join us on Saturday April 6 for an all-church, half-day retreat at the Union Church in Waban. We will gather around the theme of "Service and Leadership."
Start time is 10:00 a.m. and we will wrap up by 3:00 p.m., and of course refreshments and lunch will be provided! There will be spiritual practice, opportunities for fellowship, tools to equip you for your service in the community, and reflections and break-out groups to connect. We hope that everyone will feel inspired and reenergized by the end of the afternoon!
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March Book Group
Tuesday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m.
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Please join us in March for our next book group. Our book will be "The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaning" by Ernest Kurtz and Katherine Ketchum
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The March zoom link will be posted as the date approaches. If you have any questions, please reach out to Alan Cody ([email protected]).
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Caregiving in the (Multi-Layered) Sandwich
Check-in this Sunday following our Special Luncheon
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Next Meeting: After Worship on Sunday, March 24
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More and more members of our community find themselves caring for loved-ones across the generations -- caring for aging parents, as well as for children, adult children, grandchildren, and others. All are invited to gather for guided discussion, mutual support, and prayer. We will gather for a short check-in following the remembrance luncheon this Sunday (12noon) and then gather again after worship on Palm Sunday.
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Please let Pastor Amy ([email protected]) know if you are interested.
We will gather in-person in Pastor Amy's Office.
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Dwelling in the Heart of God in Creation
SAVE THE DATE: March 20th, 6:30p.m. - Home of the Lynch-Johnsons
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Share Your Lenten Commitment - To Simplify, Connect with Creation, and/or Carbon Diet
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Lent is for prioritizing and making space the spiritual and downplaying the material. This year, we are inviting the church to consider joining in the rhythms of creation, simplifying, and cutting back on things we do or consume that cause damage to ourselves and creation. Will you commit to driving fewer miles, keeping a lower thermostat, becoming more aware of your Carbon footprint, or (studies show best of all) eating less beef?
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Look for our sign- up for Lenten pledges in the Crocker Chapel.
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The Creation Justice and Mission Teams also invite all to a simple vegetarian Lenten family dinner on March 20th at 6:30p.m. Please save the date and stay tuned for details.
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Invitation from One of Our College Students
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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
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As some of you may know, I have embarked on a journey that is especially close to my heart. I am excited to announce that I have partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to advocate for mental health awareness and support those who are struggling. Recently, I have taken on the role of Walk Chair to bring a campus walk to my university. This opportunity has given me the platform to bring my community together to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. By taking on this role, it has only helped increase my passion for creating a better world and supporting individuals facing mental health challenges.
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If you would like to learn more, walk alongside my university, volunteer or make a donation please click the link below.
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All donation goes directly to the AFSP to fund critical research, educational programs, advocacy for public policies, and support for survivors of suicide loss. (Please include my name “Emily Spertner” if making an online donation).
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Remember, you are never alone in your journey, and together, we can spread more love and support to continue making brighter tomorrows.
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Intergenerational Community
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Children, Youth and Families
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New Junior Youth Group Beginning!
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Beginning this month through Pentecost, the Children’s Ministry Team, with the help of some older youth, will lead a 6-offering calendar of meaningful fun, relationship-building, Christian education, and service-learning. The calendar is below:
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- March 15 (Friday, 6:30-800 p.m.) - Dinner and Fun Kick-off
- March 29 (Good Friday) - Service Project (during day, exact time TBD)
- April 7 (Sunday, 11:30-12:30 p.m.) - After Church Lunch
- April 28 (Sunday, 11:30-12:30 p.m.) - After Church Lunch
- May 10 (Friday, 6:30-8:0 p.m.) - Dinner and Fun Night (with final prep for Pentecost)
- May 19 (Sunday -Pentecost) - 10:00 a.m. Worship, Receiving Bibles and Celebration Lunch!
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Exploring our Faith and High School Youth - NEW CALENDAR
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The youth ministry team has been working hard to finalize our exciting final calendar for March-July. Please click below to see all that is coming up and plan to join us!
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COMING UP - Next Gathering:
EOF & Youth Group Palm Sunday Fun Night
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Gather at the home of David Spertner for an evening of fun and connection with a purpose.
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UCW Volunteer Opportunities
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Sunday Reception Sign-Up
Thank you to Gerry Elion for providing the reception this Sunday.
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We are still looking for hosts for Sunday, March 24 and the rest of 2024.
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Sign up below to support one of the most impactful ways we build connections and community with each other after worship.
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(Simple guidelines listed here also.)
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Scripture Reader Sign-Up
If you are joining our Sunday worship, please consider signing up as a Scripture Reader for any of our upcoming services.
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Scripture Reader Sign-up: HERE Thank you!
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Pastoral Care Connections
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Please don't hesitate to reach out to Senior Pastor, Rev. Megan Berkowitz, or Associate Pastor for Youth & Families, Rev. Amy Clark Feldman for prayer or pastoral support.
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and her phone is 617-965-3893
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Pastor Amy is out-of-state this Friday and Saturday, and will only be checking email and phone sporadically. With a pastoral emergency over the next few days, please reach out to Pastor Megan.
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Most weeks, Friday is a day of Sabbath for Pastor Megan; Monday is Pastor Amy's day of Sabbath. With a pastoral emergency, please don't hesitate to reach out to either pastor.
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We, the members of The Union Church in Waban, true to our founding principle of being an inclusive church, covenant together to nourish and to sustain in our common life and practice a fully welcoming and affirming church for all persons. Welcoming all persons who seek to join with us in a commitment to love God and our neighbors, affirming the inclusive love of Jesus, we are open to all, without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, nationality, ability or economic circumstance. We invite all to full participation in our worship, membership, leadership and life of this church.
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