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Weekly Update
Friday, March 15, 2024
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The Fifth Sunday in Lent
March 17, at 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid)
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Our Lenten practices of Dwelling in the Heart continue in worship this Sunday and all throughout the week. This is the last Sunday in Lent before Palm Sunday and Holy Week, and Pastor Amy will be preaching.
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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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This Saturday evening, I am delighted to join with faith communities across Newton for this year’s Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) Interfaith Service, to be held at St. Ignatius in Chestnut Hill at 6:00 p.m. TDOV is a relatively recent observance, created so that communities could celebrate transgender people and trans lives, and dedicate ourselves to justice and ending discrimination, and not just gather to mourn after violence.
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As a queer person, I know that I owe much to trans activists who paved the way for many of the rights I now enjoy; as someone with many trans people in my family and community, I am deeply invested in trans people not just surviving but thriving. I look forward to seeing people from across Newton on Saturday evening. If you are available, I hope you’ll join me there!
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Loving God, hear the prayers of your people gathered in this community:
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- Prayers of gratitude that Soo Laski’s sister Anna was approved to be her kidney donor, and that the transplant is scheduled for next January at the earliest given that Soo remains in relatively good health.
- We pray a prayer of thanks for Maddie B. whose birthday is tomorrow, Saturday, March 16! We pray also for the safe travels of her mom, Beth, who will be with Maddie this weekend.
- 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, 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 for your people all throughout the world. Teach us to beat our swords into plowshares, O God, and to sow wisdom and reap peace, justice, and joy.
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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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- Nicaragua Team Dinner: March 17 at 5:30 at David Spertner’s house.
- Mission Dinner: March 20 at 6:30 p.m., offsite. Vegetarian potluck hosted by the Johnson/Lynch Family
- 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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This year we continue our annual tradition of including in the Easter Sunday bulletin a dedication list of the names of loved ones we wish to remember, celebrate or honor.
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We will also be decorating our Sanctuary with live plants. If you wish to participate in our Easter celebration with the donation of an Easter Bloom, please submit your order and dedication details by this Wednesday , March 20.
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Each donation of $20.00 will be used to purchase the plant of your choosing.
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You may order and submit
your dedication details HERE
Thank You!
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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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JAVA Gents
Friday, March 22 at 7:00 a.m. (In-Person)
Java Gents will gather next Friday morning, March 22 at 7:00 a.m. outside the big kitchen in the vestry.
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JAVA Gents is the informal get-together of the men of the UCW congregation (and community). The group aims to provide friendly fellowship and mutual support to the men. We will enjoy a lively and supportive discussion of timely topics as well as personal goings on in our lives.
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Newcomers are always welcome. Please contact either Jay ([email protected]), or Buz ([email protected]) if you have any questions or would like to be added to the Java Gents mailing list.
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March Book Group
Tuesday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m. (Zoom)
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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.
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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 20, 6:30 p.m. - Home of the Lynch-Johnsons - RSVP BELOW!
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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 potluck dinner on March 20 at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP and share what you can bring to the Potluck below. If you make something from scratch, please bring the recipe and we'll have a recipe exchange!
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One Week to Go!
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! TONIGHT!
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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 Tanya Lazar 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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