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Weekly Update
Friday, December 23, 2022
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Christmas Eve
Saturday, Dec. 24 at 6:00 p.m.
We hope everyone will join us for this special service
for all ages of lessons and carols, with a candle-lit singing of
Silent Night, and interactive elements for little ones.
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Join Our Christmas Eve Service Online:
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Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
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Christmas Offering 2022
This year, the Christmas offering will benefit our
long-standing mission partnership in Nicaragua.
You can donate to ongoing and future mission efforts for our friends and partners in the community of San Juan del Sur by using the special envelopes in the Sunday bulletin, or by making an online donation using button below.
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May God continue to bless this ministry richly!
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This Sunday (Christmas Day)
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Christmas Day
Sunday, Dec. 25 at 10 00 a.m. (In-Person only)
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Christmas morning worship will be held in a circle in Memorial Chapel. Led by Co-Moderator Jaap van Reijendam, the service will provide space for singing, community and reflection. This service will be in-person only. Merry Christmas!
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Christmas Cards to Our Partner at Partakers
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We would like to invite all members of the church to send a Christmas card/note to Peter Bin who is incarcerated at MCI Concord. Peter is working on his bachelor’s degree while incarcerated and we have been mentoring him through the Partakers program for the last year and a half. We are impressed by his positive attitude, his hunger to learn, and gentle disposition. This season can be challenging for Peter and we feel being flooded with cards would surprise him and brighten his days.
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Anya Bassett and Carol Bascom-Slack
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Note: There are restrictions on sending mail to the prison: No glitter, no inserts, no staples. It is best to send a simple card with a nice handwritten note. A handmade card or drawing would also be appropriate as long as there is no glitter or glued pieces. Simple is better! Please use the return address noted below.
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Team Peter at Union Church
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Sunday, Jan. 1, at 10 00 a.m. (In-Person and Online)
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We will begin the New Year around the communion table and poetically ponder the words that open the Gospel of John. Come turn the calendar in quiet reflection and community.
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All-Church Gatherings & Adult Formation
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All are Invited in Fellowship for a Celebration of Our 20+ Year
Ministry of Nicaragua!
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Saturday, January 7 at 6:00 p.m.
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Please all join us for food, fun, stories and inspiration as we celebrate 20 + years of mission work in NIcaragua. Come to see the stories, hear from the people and just have a fun night of fellowship. Saturday night January 7 at 6:00 p.m. right here at the Church. Don't miss this opportunity that could only come after 20 years !! Whether you have traveled there, supported the mission from home or just want to have a great night and be part of the fun.
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What’s Possible? Share Your Vision
Sunday, January 8 after Worship
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Stop by after church on January 8 to share your vision of
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what’s possible in the coming years at UCW.
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We’ll talk about where we want UCW to go,
and how to get there. Bring your ideas.
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The Stewardship team will bring the snacks!
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Also, Save the Evening
Sunday, February 5
for the
“What’s possible?” Potluck Dinner
All Are Welcome!
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UCW Book Group (Zoom)
Next Meeting - January 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Diamonds and Deadlines by Betsy Prioleau
Please join us on Tuesday, January 10 at 7:30 p.m. for our next book group meeting. We decided not to meet in December and, instead move our January meeting earlier in the month. Our book will be “Diamonds and Deadlines: A Tale of Greed, Deceit and a Female Tycoon in the Gilded Age” by Betsy Prioleau. You will find a zoom link and sign-in information below. If you have any questions, please reach out to Alan Cody ([email protected])
Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 832 4667 4155
Passcode: 431699
Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
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Help Shape the Future of UCW Mission Programs!
The mission committee is convening a Mission Visioning Event targeted for late January or early February. Everyone is encouraged to come: Whether you surely lead half the mission activities, or surely don’t know what UCW means by mission in the first place, the discussion will be enriched by your involvement.
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With several mission programs having reached their end, it’s a good time for big picture thinking about the future. Here are some of the issues we’ll consider:
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- What have our most effective programs had in common and how can we build on that learning?
- How can we think about mission both from the inside – what do we have to offer – and from our neighbors/partners– what needs can we meet or partner to address?”
- How can we design a mission program for depth and focus?
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Please email Kevin at [email protected] if you want to attend, he’ll be doodling to find the best date soon. Even if you can’t attend in person there will be ample opportunity for input by other means.
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Children Youth and Families
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Christmas Eve
Dec. 24 at 6:00 p.m.
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We hope all families will join us for this special service for all ages of lessons and carols, with a candle-lit singing of Silent Night, and interactive elements for little ones.
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February 2023 Service Trip
February 18 - 26
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After a discussion and thoughtful discernment about politics, local needs, covid and trip safety, it was decided with joy by the Nicaragua Task Force that a Feb. 2023 service trip to Nicaragua is going to be planned. As the trip is fast approaching (Feb. 18 - 26), please let David Spertner (dspertner@gmail) if you are interested in going or want to learn more.
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Newton Freedge: Volunteers Needed
Click the signup link below for time slots available.
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Our team of volunteers helps keep Freege running one Saturday a month. Please use the the link below, or reach out to Vinita Leslie, Karen O'Beirne or Erika Pond to learn more or to join our team.
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Despite Newton’s image as an affluent suburb, too many of our neighbors struggle to put food on their tables. The Newton Freedge is one way we can help. A free, 24/7 outdoor refrigerator and pantry, the Freedge provides free food and personal supplies to anyone who needs them.
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Sunday Reception Sign-Up
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Every Sunday after worship we gather on the stage for a time of fellowship. This reception is hosted each Sunday by different members of the congregation.
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Reception Sign-up: HERE Thank you!
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Scripture Reader Sign-Up
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If you are joining our Sunday worship, please consider signing up as a Scripture Reader for any of our upcoming services.
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Scripture Reader Sign-up: HERE Thank you!
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Pastoral Care Connections
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During this time of transition, please know that your church is here for you. Please don't hesitate to reach out to Pastors Wendy or Amy for prayer or pastoral support:
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Mondays are days off for both pastors. If you have a pastoral need, please reach out to Pastor Wendy this week.
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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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