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Weekly Update
Friday, January 10, 2025
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Baptism of Jesus
January 12 at 10:00 a.m.
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We turn to the stories of Jesus’ life and ministry from Luke’s Gospel, beginning this week with the story of Jesus’ baptism by John. Join for worship to remember your baptism or dream of what it could be to hear yourself called “beloved!”
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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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Last week we celebrated Epiphany and the visitation of the wise ones to the baby Jesus. We remember how the wise ones traveled from far away - from different cultures, countries, and faiths - with curiosity and generosity, to meet a vulnerable family and share their gifts. We remember how those same wise ones then left for their homes, changed by the encounter, saving the life of that holy family. As we enter this new year, we can be inspired by those wise ones, to cross boundaries with curiosity and generosity, in order to draw nearer to the most vulnerable; to allow ourselves to be changed by the face of God we see in the vulnerable, and to find the courage even to risk our own lives to save theirs.
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Last week, our children and youth lived this out in a special way, when our church hosted the Mosaic Interfaith Youth Action, Bridges Program. Nearly 40 youth came from all around Newton and Boston, almost exactly one-third from the Muslim Al-Huda Society in Chelsea; one-third from the Jewish community; and one-third from Christian churches. They met in our Vestry to share holy scriptures, talk about how their faith traditions understand and live out Love; and to eat and make art together.
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Dear church, may we be inspired by the holy encounter that took place in our church this past weekend! I have included photos below!
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May we enter this year, as our youth have, with Curiosity, Open-Hearts and Minds, Courage, and Love,
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Loving God, hear the prayers
of your people gathered in this community,
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- God, we pray for all those impacted by this week’s wildfires in California: those who have died or been injured and their loved ones; those who have evacuated and have lost their homes, or are uncertain about their future; those who are fighting the fires and supporting the community in response; and all of the pets, wildlife, plants, and other parts of Creation also harmed or at risk. We pray for containment of these fires, and we pray for sensible and urgent action on global climate change as disasters like this one become more and more frequent.
- 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.
- We pray for Maddie Beaumont as she recovers from a recent trip to the hospital.
- 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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Mission Team
This Sunday, January 12, following worship
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The crisis of families unable to access safe shelters continues.
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Join us this Sunday after church to meet together to learn more about how we could respond to help the mothers with young children sleeping outside or in unsafe places during this time.
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Jenny Fund Update: Please help us identify deserving students.
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January and February are busy months on the college front, in the U.S. and in Nicaragua. In the U.S., college applications are just in, and now under review. In Nicaragua, college begins in January-February. In both countries, the Jenny Fund, created in memory of Jenny Weisz, will be supporting deserving students who might otherwise not be able to attend college.
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Jenny’s goal was to provide support to students whose access is limited by low income, housing challenges, life in the foster care system, displacement from their home country (especially Ukraine and Kenya), racial discrimination, or past incarceration. The Jenny Fund scholarships are being coordinated by 10000 Degrees in the U.S., and by the A. Jean Brugger Education Project in Nicaragua.
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Do you know someone for whom this scholarship could make a difference? If so, this is a perfect time to reach out to Nancy Zollers regarding candidates in the U.S., or to David Spertner regarding candidates in Nicaragua.
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Wellspring Women's Group
Wednesday, January 15 at 6:30 p.m.
(In-Person)
The Wellspring Women's Group will meet at UCW (Littlehale) on Thursday evening.
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Wellspring is our women's ministry at UCW. We come together to support each other as we journey together in these times.
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If you are interested in learning more about Wellspring, please contact Amy McMahon at [email protected].
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JAVA Gents
Friday Morning, January 17 at 7:00 a.m.
(In-Person, Littlehale Meeting Room))
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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. We will enjoy a lively discussion of timely topics as well as personal goings on in our lives.
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Newcomers are always welcome. Please contact Dan Heffernan ([email protected]) if you have any questions or would like to be added to the Java Gents mailing list.
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Connecting as Intergenerational Community
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Youth Group
We have a great year ahead!
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Join us for the MLK event below, and Save the Date for an awesome BAKE SALE for Youth Mission on February 9th. More details to follow!
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Setting the Table for One Another
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Thank you to Judy Nagle for hosting today’s reception!
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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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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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