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Weekly Update
Friday, January 3, 2025
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Image by Pablo Elices (Pixabay)
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Epiphany Sunday
January 5 at 10:00 a.m.
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We’ll celebrate Epiphany this Sunday, remembering the light of Christ in the world as we gather around the Communion table.
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Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
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The bulletin is available HERE
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New Year Traditions
The new year is a time when many of us choose to reflect on what is behind us and what is ahead. I have a few traditions at the new year: a recurring resolution to finish more craft projects than I start (successful 2019-2023, but alas not in 2024); and an evening spent making new year bingo boards with my family (mine this year includes reading a whole book in Spanish and cooking a new recipe).
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My favorite tradition at this time of year, though, is to reflect on the last year, to decide what I am carrying with me to the year ahead, and what I will leave behind or pick up anew. These are more spiritual reflections than my fun traditions of crafts and bingo, with a focus on gratitude – even gratitude for what is now ready to be released – rather than self-improvement.
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Sometimes I journal, sometimes I just think about it, and sometimes I share with Leila. Always, though, I try to use it as an opportunity to pay attention to how I have been moving through the world and what I am being called to do that is new. The Epiphany tradition of Star Words that has taken shape in recent years invites a similar kind of reflection and intention for the year ahead. Whether you are thinking, journaling, bingo-boarding, or star wording, how might you enter into this new year with intention and attention?
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Loving God, hear the prayers
of your people gathered in this community,
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- We pray for all who are sleeping rough in the face of cold and wet weather this winter. Empower our political leaders and community organizations to address the needs for shelter with creativity and passion, so that all who are in need can have a safe place to rest.
- 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, especially in this tender season.
- 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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Intergenerational Life - Youth and Families
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Mosaic Interfaith Youth Action Bridges Program
This Sunday, Jan. 5, 2:00 p.m. (In-Person) - HOSTED BY UCW!
Middle and High School Students
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Our church is part of a cohort of Christian church groups joining with Congregation Dorshei Tzedek and Temple Reyim, and the Al Huda Society and Community Center (a pillar of the Greater Boston Muslim community) to participate in the Bridges program.
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Bridges connects young people who are involved in the work of their faith communities, bringing them together to consider how their faith calls them to action in interfaith dialogue. Youth commit to participate in 5 sessions throughout the year, developing connections and community across religious traditions. Over the course of the year, youth develop skills in interfaith literacy, communication and active listening, and interfaith dialogue. This year, students will create community art pieces together.
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ON JANUARY 5TH, UCW is hosting this amazing group of young people at the church. If you are interested in learning more or are a teen or tween (or are the parent of one) who would like to join this group, please contact Pastor Amy. Thanks!
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Setting the Table for One Another
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Every Sunday after worship we gather in the stage room for a time of fellowship. This reception is hosted each Sunday by different members of the congregation.
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We're still looking for hosts for January 5 and the rest of the month. Please consider volunteering.
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Hosting a reception is a thoughtful expression of our hospitality, and it’s easier than you think! If you’re new to hosting, help is always available. Please consider volunteering for two dates this year.
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If you have questions, Kathy Malone is the point of contact for 2024-25: 617-365- 4960; [email protected].
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Sharing the Stories of Our Faith
Reading Scripture in Worship
For generations the stories and wisdom of our faith were only shared orally, and reading scripture out loud is still a central part of our worship and community. Please consider sharing your voice in worship this fall.
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Scripture Reader Sign-up: HERE
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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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Most other 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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