|
|
|
|
|
Weekly Update
Friday, May 16, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Shared Service with the
Boston Taiwanese Christian Church
May 18 at 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid)
|
|
|
The Fifth Sunday of Easter
|
We are blessed to gather with the Boston Taiwanese Christian Church for worship this Sunday at 10:00 a.m., when we will gather around the communion table and raise our voices in song together.
|
|
|
The bulletin is available HERE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As some of you know, I was away for part of this week at a program for clergy and spiritual directors. Each morning began at 7:45 a.m. with worship; and ended around 9:00 p.m. with worship. Spiritual leaders from around the country each led one of the first five services; with each service focusing on one of the five senses - taste, touch, smell, hearing, sight - knowing that Jesus engaged and experienced all the senses in his very human, embodied, incarnate ministry.
|
The taste of the fresh-baked bread and wine Jesus shared with friends; the feeling of the touch of the hemorrhaging woman's hand on the hem of Jesus' rough garment; the smell of fish grilled over smoky campfire shared on the beach after the resurrection; the sound of Jesus calling Mary by name in the garden; the sight and colors of flowers blooming in a garden. Jesus is with us in this present moment, and in all the ways we sense and experience the people and world around us.
|
During the sixth worship service, the leaders shared the story of the Prodigal Son, who wanders far from God, until in a desperate moment, the Bible tells us, "he came to his senses." We acknowledged the ways we as individuals, Church, and country have wandered from God's good path and asked, "What will it take for us to come to our senses?" What will it take for us to fully sense the divine in our lives and in the people and world around us? To follow our senses down the right path, back to the love of God and neighbor? In this week and as we worship and break bread with our siblings of the Boston Taiwanese Christian Church, may we all come to our senses - to taste, smell, touch, hear and see God's goodness and guiding in this present and precious moment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Call for Annual Reports
Annual Meeting is coming up soon!
Mark your calendars for the meeting, Sunday, June 8 after worship.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you are an officer of the church, a committee chair, or a ministry team lead, your Annual Report is due by Tuesday, May 26th.
|
|
|
Keep an eye on your email for examples from last year and further information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loving God, hear the prayers
of your people gathered in this community.
|
- We continue to pray for healing for Amy McMahon and Alan Cody, who are each recovering from surgery.
- 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.
|
|
If you have other prayers of concern or celebration you
|
|
would like lifted up in community, please email
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Connecting as Intergenerational Community
|
|
|
|
Tomorrow at
The Union Church In Waban
|
|
|
(More about Boston City Singers HERE)
|
|
|
|
|
|
UCW New Members Group
Sunday, May 25 after church (location TBD—lunch included!)
|
We will welcome new members into our congregation with joy on Sunday, June 8 in worship (just in time for Annual Meeting)! If you're interested in joining with a small group of people learning about life in the UCW community and discerning formal membership -- whether you're new to the community or not-so-new but looking to go deeper -- you're welcome at our next New Members Group gatherings. Our second meeting will be after church on May 25, location TBD and lunch provided. Join us!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Save the date!
Urban Gardens for Eco Justice
Local Climate Change Initiative
Saturday, May 31 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. (In Person)
|
Carpooling from UCW at 1:30 p.m.
|
|
|
On Saturday, May 31 we will go to The Ellington Community Food Forest Garden at 103 Ellington Street in Dorchester, where we will be volunteering with the women of the Ellington Garden for a workday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. (Unfortunately our April 26 date had to be cancelled because of heavy rain.)
|
We will carpool from the church leaving at 1:30 a.m. All you need is a water bottle, garden gloves, appropriate dress for yard work and readiness to make new friends and help to build a sustaining commitment to BFFC and this Dorchester community.
|
Take a moment to go to Bostonfoodforest.org and learn about this amazing organization that is creatively addressing climate issues, eco justice, and fresh food to build healthy neighborhood communities . BFFC has started twelve forest gardens in Boston.
|
Please confirm with Brita at 617-851-6871
or by email at [email protected]
if you can join us and if you want a ride or can offer one.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Save the Date!
Boston Pride for the People
Saturday, June 14
UCW is gearing up to march in this year’s Pride for the People Parade on June 14! We're joining fellow Open and Affirming (aka, LGBTQ+ welcoming) UCC-affiliated congregations across Greater Boston to celebrate love, inclusion, and the vibrant spirit of Pride!
|
|
Our group is ready to make a joyful noise and spread God’s love for all. If you’re ready to stand up, show your colors, and be part of this celebration, we’d love to have you join us! Phil Rounseville will be coordinating our UCW delegation so find him in worship to get more information and sign up.
|
|
|
|
|
Children and Youth Ministry
|
|
|
|
Sunday School
|
In Sunday School this weekend, the children from UCW and the Boston Taiwanese Christian Church will gather together as we share worship and communion. If weather permits, we may go outside, so please bring outdoor wear.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Puerto Rico Trip Meeting
Next Meeting
Sunday, June 1, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
|
Our Puerto Rico mission trip is fast approaching (June 21-28). We are finalizing our group flight list in the coming week (final names are due May 22). If you are interested in joining this great trip, or want to learn more, please be in touch with Pastor Amy ([email protected]). Our next meeting will in-person on June 1st!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Making Space - Stewardship Campaign
|
|
This year’s Stewardship theme is Making Space, Read the full letter from Chair Kent Wittler and the Stewardship Committee here .
|
|
Submit Your Pledge HERE - Thank You!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Live the Love & Justice Jesus Taught
|
If you’re seeking ways to live out God’s love and justice at this moment in history, I invite you to look through the Southern New England Conference of the UCC’s new “Take Action” page on their website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coffee Host Needed
Thank you to our neighbours, The Boston Taiwanese Christian Church for hosting this Sunday's reception this Sunday.
|
Please consider volunteering!
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
If you have questions, Kathy Malone is the point of contact : 617-365- 4960; [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 spring.
|
|
Scripture Reader Sign-up: HERE
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pastoral Care Connections
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.
|
|
|
|
and her phone is 617-965-3893
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
