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Weekly Update
Friday, January 30, 2025
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February 1, 10:00 a.m. (In-Person and Online)
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
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We will gather around the communion table this Sunday, and read from the Psalms and John’s Gospel about water and the Spirit. Then, after worship, we’ll get our coffee and snacks to fortify us for our re-scheduled service project opportunity! Staff from FamilyAid will be on site to lead us through packing up clothes and toiletries for our unhoused neighbors.
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Additionally, it seems that the next predicted Sunday storm is less severe and timed better than the last one, so hopefully we can worship in person safely. But of course, keep on eye on your email for updates if the predictions change.
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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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As violence has escalated from ICE and other institutions, and as protests have intensified in response, I have heard from a number of you wondering what to do now, especially for those of us who cannot travel to where witness is most needed. I don’t have all the answers, but I have some suggestions of what you might do if you’re feeling helpless and hopeless, as so many of us are.
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- Join the group from our church that travels to witness at the ICE Detention Center in Burlington on Wednesday mornings. See more details below.
- Attend the GBIO teach-in about the action pressuring Citizens Bank to stop funding ICE facilities, and consider joining that effort.
- Call your elected officials and talk about how your faith calls you to witness to the dignity of all people, and to decry the inhumanity of the current administration’s policies. Ask them what they’re doing to protect immigrants and citizens in Massachusetts and beyond.
- Give financial support to congregations and organizations helping people in Minnesota make rent while they fear leaving their houses due to ICE activity. Or continue the financial support of our nearer neighbors that we began with our Christmas offering.
And finally, and most importantly, pray. Pray for hearts and minds in our country and its leadership to change. Pray for courage for people terrorized by ICE in their daily lives, and for those who are risking themselves by speaking out. Pray for wisdom and for a vision of a new world where love and justice rule over fear and hate. Prayer changes our own hearts and minds, and prayer can change the world. May it be so.
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Loving God, hear the prayers
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of your people gathered in this community.
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- Prayers of healing for Dan Heffernan, recovering from hip replacement surgery yesterday.
- We pray for Julie Heffernan, her aunt Jackie, and cousins Joe and Scott, and all who are grieving the sudden and unexpected death of Julie’s cousin Sam. Bring comfort and peace in the midst of shock and sadness, O God.
- God, we ask that you would strengthen and care for our immigrant neighbors of all legal statuses who continue to live in fear and uncertainty amidst current immigration policies. We pray for all who are standing up to injustice and witnessing to the dignity of all life in the face of violence and dehumanization.
- As the weather remains bitterly cold and the dark nights persist, we pray for all our siblings who are unhoused and sleeping rough. Protect and shelter them, O God, and may we be part of a great effort of providing shelter and safety this fall and winter.
- 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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Join us for Two Upcoming Events !
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Next Stand Out at ICE in Burlington
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Carpooling from UCW - departing at 10:45 a.m.
Wednesday, February 11th
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Join us to pray, sing, and stand in solidarity with those detained by ICE at the Burlington Detention Center. We will be carpooling from UCW, departing at 10:45 AM on Wednesday, February 11.
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Conversations That Matter
The Armor of Light
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Viewing & Discussion
Wednesday, February 25th
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On Wednesday, February 25th, we will host the next film night followed by a time for conversation and discernment together. Join us for dinner and discussion, watching the documentary The Armor of Light.
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Reading Scripture in Worship
Sharing the Stories of Our Faith
Scripture Reader Sign-up: HERE
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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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Coffee Host Needed
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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Making Space - Stewardship Campaign
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This year’s Stewardship theme is Making Space. Read the full letter from Chair Kent Wittler and the Stewardship Committee here .
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Submit Your Pledge 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 for prayer or pastoral support.
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and her office phone is 617-965-3893
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Most weeks, Friday is a day of Sabbath for Pastor Megan. With a pastoral emergency, please don't hesitate to reach out.
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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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