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Weekly Update
Friday, November 24, 2023
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Hanging of the Greens (In Person and on Zoom!)
Sunday, November 26 at 10:00 a.m.
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Join us this Sunday morning for the beloved annual Hanging of the Greens service!
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Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
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The bulletin is available HERE
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Advent Devotionals
Available this Sunday
This year, we are sharing an Advent devotional for people of all ages called “House of God,” by the SALT Project. You can find the devotional booklet and poster for your refrigerator at the church entrances today and all throughout Advent.
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A Different 'Post Thanksgiving' Sunday Reception
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Reminder that this Sunday is our first ever "Leftovers Reception" as part of our mission to care for creation. Please bring in any holiday leftovers you'd like to share with our community members after church.
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Pastor's Blog
Megan - 11/24/2023
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“You seed light into righteous ones, joy into the heart of the virtuous.”
Psalm 97:11
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I love the image of God seeding light and joy into the hearts of Her people that this Psalm offers us; it seems to me to be a kind of extension of the metaphor in last Sunday’s scripture describing God as the grape-growing farmer. God isn’t just putting one kind of fruit into the world; She’s planting lots of good things to nourish Her people!
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This Psalm also brings to my mind how we are partners with God in bringing goodness into the world. If God seeds light and joy, then we are the ones who tend the soil so that those seeds might grow. Righteousness and virtue, the Psalm tells us, helps those seeds grow. What else might help the seeds of light and joy grow in us? Faith, grace, love, forgiveness, and, appropriate for this week, gratitude, all come to mind for me.
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Our theme for Advent this year comes from the very beginning of John’s Gospel: “Light shines in the darkness.” Like a little candle casting its light out into the world, like a seed pushing forth a sprout, the coming of Christ’s presence in the world and in our lives brings forth goodness. We can partner with God in bringing forth that goodness. Let’s join together in tending the seeds of light and joy that are so needed in this world.
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Gracious God, we turn to you in prayer, knowing that you strengthen us in every trial. Be with us, we pray, and for all those who are in need of your healing, transformational love.
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- We pray for peace all throughout the world. For the people of Israel and Palestine, the people of Ukraine, people in every part of the world whose lives are threatened by war and violence. Teach us to beat our swords into plowshares, O God, and to sow wisdom and reap peace, justice, and joy for all people.
- We pray for Jenny as she navigates new symptoms and pursues further treatment options. May she experience the healing and comfort that come through you, God, and continue to be surrounded by good care by her medical team, family, and community.
- For Tom Vawter, as he recovers from major surgery, God we pray that your Spirit would bring healing, comfort, and relief from pain. We pray for Anne and all who care for Tom in this time.
- 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.
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We pray in the name of Jesus, in whose Way we walk each day. 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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Christmas Poinsettias
and
Family and Friends Annual Dedications
It’s not too late to dedicate one of the beautiful poinsettias decorating our sanctuary. We are preparing our annual Family and Friends Dedications list for inclusion in our Advent Sunday bulletins on December 10 and 17.
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Use the button below to access the online order form and submit your dedication details.
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Each donation of $25.00 will be used to purchase an 8" Poinsettia.
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(You may also -mail our office manager, Aidan Cunningham at [email protected]
and let him know how many plants you would like to order.)
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Please submit your Order by
Sunday, December 3
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Payment can be made online when submitting your order, or by mailing or dropping off a check at the church office (payable to The Union Church in Waban, memo: Poinsettias).
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You will have the option to take your
poinsettias home after the Christmas Eve service.
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All-Church Gatherings & Adult Formation
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Five Weeks of Fun and Learning Spanish
Sponsored by the Nicaragua Team Committee
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Teachers: Pastor Amy and David Spertner will be your leaders for this complementary course.
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All are welcome! For anyone who would like to learn, improve and practice Spanish, Sundays before church.
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Next Meeting:
This Sunday, Nov. 26 from 8:45 - 9:45 a.m.
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November Book Group
Tuesday, November 28 at 7:30 p.m. (On Zoom)
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Tom Lake by Anne Patchett
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Please join us again on November 28 at 7:30 p.m. for our next book group. Our book will be "Tom Lake" by Anne Patchett.
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You will find a zoom link and sign-in information below. If you have any questions, please reach out to Alan Cody ([email protected]).
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Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 832 4667 4155
Passcode: 431699
Dial in: 1 646 558 86560
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Weekly Bible Study with Pastor Megan
Final meeting Thursday, November 30 at 12:00 p.m. on Zoom
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Join Pastor Megan for our final drop-in lunchtime Bible study on Zoom on November 30. We will discuss the history and context for the given passage each given week, and think together about how this sacred scripture speaks into our own lives and this historical moment.
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Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 863 1718 5274
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 309 205 3325
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We’ll be studying the coming Sunday’s scripture for worship, which means there is no supplemental reading and no issues with missing a week and returning. Whatever your comfort and familiarity with the Bible, you are welcome! All have wisdom to share, and all have new things to learn.
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Advent Wreath Making
Sunday, December 3 following Worship
Following worship on Dec. 3 we will hold our annual Advent Wreath-making workshop where you can make an Advent wreath for your home as we count the weeks to Christmas. We'll provide all materials, but if you have a wire frame from years past, please bring it!
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Lantern Making
Thursday, December 7, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
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Families are invited to drop into a special Lantern-Making event, where we will create lanterns to light our way through the season. All are invited and all materials provided -- bring a friend! This event is perfect for all ages!
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Caregiving in the (Multi-Layered) Sandwich
First Meeting THIS SUNDAY, Nov. 26th, FOLLOWING WORSHIP
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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 once a month through the holidays and into Epiphany (in November, December, January, and February).
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Please let Pastor Amy ([email protected]) know if you are interested. We will gather in-person beginning THIS SUNDAY, Nov. 26th in Pastor Amy's Office.
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Intergenerational Community
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Children, Youth and Families
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This Sunday - Sunday School
Hanging of the Greens!
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This Sunday, kids are invited to stay in the Sanctuary for the entirety of our special intergenerational, interactive Hanging of the Greens Sunday! Ileana and Pastor Amy will have special activities for the kids in the Prayground for those who would like a bit more space to wiggle. We hope to see you!
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Save the Dates!
Advent Wreath and Lantern-Making!
Sunday Dec. 3 and Thursday Dec. 7
Following worship on Dec. 3 we will hold our annual Advent Wreath-making workshop where you can make an Advent wreath for your home as we count the weeks to Christmas. We'll provide all materials, but if you have a wire frame from years past, please bring it!
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From 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, families are also invited to drop into a special Lantern-Making event, where we will create lanterns to light our way through the season. All are invited and all materials provided -- bring a friend! This event is perfect for all ages!
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Youth Group and Exploring Our Faith
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Next EOF Meeting & Service Opportunities
Sunday, Dec. 3 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
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EOF students are invited to our next meeting, on Dec. 3, along with any HS juniors, seniors, or mentors that would like to come eat dinner, explore faith in our world today, and share spiritual practices.
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Please see the calendar below for our Cookie-Making Evening and other upcoming events in December and January for all Youth!
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Save the Date: CityReach Overnight Confirmed for January 26-27!
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Please Save the Date for this upcoming service overnight.
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UCW Volunteer Opportunities
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Sunday Reception Sign-Up
Reminder that this Sunday is our first ever "Leftovers Reception" as part of our mission to care for creation. Please bring in any holiday leftovers you'd like to share with our community members after church.
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We are still looking for hosts for December 10, 17 and 31
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and most of 2024. Sign up below today 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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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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