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Weekly Update
Friday, January 31, 2025
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Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
February 2 at 10:00 a.m.
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We continue our worship series on Spiritual Resilience this Sunday with a reading of the Gospel stories of Jesus healing on the Sabbath and choosing his 12 apostles. We’ll also gather around the table for communion, sharing together in the meal that unites us as one Body in Christ.
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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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At present, our elevator remains out of order; if you need help getting into the church on Sunday morning or during the week, please call and let the pastors know ahead of time, or call the number on the signs on the elevator lobby door on Sunday morning. Thank you to Tom Humphrey for working with our elevator service contractor to try to resolve this issue; we will keep the community updated on progress as more news is available.
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“The meaning of the Sabbath is to celebrate time rather than space. Six days a week we live under the tyranny of things of space; on the Sabbath we try to become attuned to holiness in time.” – Abraham Joshua Heschel, The Sabbath
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We’ll read in this Sunday’s scripture passage about conflicts between Jesus and other Jewish religious leaders at the time over the observance of Sabbath restrictions. This, and other similar passages, have given rise to generations of interpretation that sets Jesus against religious authority, against Judaism, and against the Law. Jesus, however, doesn’t overturn the laws of the Sabbath, but rather interprets them and claims authority over their observance.
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Taking a closer look at this text invites us to find the gifts awaiting us in Sabbath time. Rabbi Abraham Joshue Heschel’s book The Sabbath emphasizes the element of time over space and things in Sabbath observance; turning from that which anchors us to the physical, to space, to things, allows us to experience depths of time more fully and, in doing so, for our spirits to be joined with the Spirit of God.
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In anxious times, we need Sabbath more than ever. Practices of turning off technology; of resting for the sake of rest, not for the sake of renewal for work; of simplifying our lives; of setting aside time to be present to ourselves, our loved ones and to God: these practices of Sabbath are life-giving to our spirits if we are overwhelmed with the pace and demands of life, and in need of a renewed relationship with our spirits, our time, and our prayer.
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Even if just for a few hours a week, are there ways you can invite Sabbath practices into your life, to enjoy the Sabbath that Jesus tells us was made for the sake of humankind?
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“What is the Sabbath? Spirit in the form of time. With our bodies we belong to space; our spirit, our souls, soar to eternity, aspire to the holy. The Sabbath is an ascent to the summit.” – Abraham Joshua Heschel, The Sabbath
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Loving God, hear the prayers
of your people gathered in this community.
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- Together we pray for the MacDonald family, grieving the death of Jean and Jim’s brother David this week. Comfort all who are mourning David, and receive David into your loving embrace.
- We continue to pray for healing for Betty O’Beirne as she recovers from pneumonia. God, bless Betty so that she may heal and know your comfort and care as she does.
- 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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Connecting as Intergenerational Community
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Youth Mission Bake Sale!
Sunday, February 9 at 9:30 a.m. and at reception following service.
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Come on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 8th to help prep, or on Sunday morning to help with the Sale! We're also very grateful for contributions of goodies -- sweet or savory -- to sell! Please Contact Pastor Amy or David Spertner if you can help!
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Wellspring Women's Group
Wednesday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m.
(In-Person)
The theme for our next meeting will be talking about people who have loved us dearly. If anyone would like more information about our theme please reach out to Amy McMahon.
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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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JAVA Gents
Friday Morning, February 21 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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Coffee Host Needed
for This Sunday
(AND THE REST OF FEBRUARY)
Please consider volunteering!
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Reception Sign-up: HERE
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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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Caregiver Group
THIS Sunday, Feb. 2 from 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
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And every Communion Sunday after Worship
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This group is a warm and welcoming space of support for anyone serving as a caregiver for a loved one (near or far). If you are caring for a parent, spouse, sibling, adult child or other loved one, please come by, or contact Pastor Amy with questions ([email protected]).
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Care and Concern
As part of ensuring that the connections of care and concern include the whole community, the Deacons are looking for your help! Are you able to occasionally provide a handwritten card, a ride, a meal for someone in need, or other forms of care and concern to people within the congregation? If so, please fill out this form below so we can reach out if there is a need!
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Note, you do not have to sign up for all of the lists, nor will you be asked every time there is a need. We hope to have lists to call on so that as needs arise, those with the call/gifts/skills AND availability can step in.
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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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