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Weekly Update
Friday, September 5, 2025
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The Thirteeth Sunday after Pentecost
Sept. 7 at 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid)
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Many thanks to Jaap van Reijendam, who will preach and lead worship this week while Pastor Megan is officiating a wedding, and to Worship Committee Chair Julie Heffernan who will be our liturgist. Dive deep into the story of Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi and begin to re-gather in community after the summer!
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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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There will be no Sunday School or childcare during worship this week, but children are welcome in worship and the Prayground has books and crafts for littles who would like them.
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Welcome Back Sunday
Sunday, September 14!
Gathering Sunday/Welcome Back Sunday is next week, on Sunday, September 14th! We’ll enjoy a communion worship together in the sanctuary and then head outside (weather permitting) for a pizza picnic and games!
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Please feel free to invite friends and neighbors to share in our joyful return to worship and community together.
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Fall worship begins this Sunday, and we re-gather officially the following one! Much has changed since our last Sanctuary worship service in the summer, and is still changing, as we search for a Bridge Associate for Children, Youth, and Families and a Bridge Music Director. Things in the world around us are ever more tumultuous and
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What does our faith offer us in this time?
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Throughout the fall, we’ll explore this question through the stories of our ancestors in faith. The theme for fall worship is “Leaders, Prophets, and Apostles: Making A Way With God.” The stories of these leaders, prophets, and apostles will offer us insights into how to hear and understand our call, what it takes to step up and lead in moments of challenge, and how God accompanies us at all times and in all things.
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The stories of our ancestors in faith are not meant to be an icon of the past but an inspiration for our future: each and every one of us can hear a call like Moses, lend support like Aaron, seize joy like Miriam and the Ethiopian Eunuch, plan like Noah, be moved by the Spirit like Paul, and on and on. I hope you’ll join to learn and to find your own way with God, in our church community and in every part of your lives.
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Loving God, hear the prayers
of your people gathered in this community.
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- We pray for the families and loved ones of those killed or injured in the most recent major school shooting in Minnesota, and for families everywhere who send their children to school each day not just with the joyful anticipation of new learning but with the fear of senseless violence. May our prayers for peace and lives free from violence compel us to action around sensible gun control laws and better supports for those suffering in our communities.
- We pray for children, teachers, specialists, administrators, bus drives, janitors, school nurses, and so many more as they return to the rhythms of the school year.
- 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.
- 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.
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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Prayers for Liberty Update
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Leila and I were so uplifted after joining with siblings from faith communities across Massachusetts for the first half of Labor Day Monday’s Prayers for Liberty march! Rev. Mariama from New Roots AME, one of the organizers, described how we were intentionally building momentum and practicing raising our voices now, when it is relatively easy and safe to do so in Boston, so that if and when a time comes that the need is more urgent and opposition is more likely, we will be practiced and prepared. Plans are in the works for another march this fall, and I will keep the church updated as a date is chosen. I hope you’ll join me and will read about the march’s mission on their website: HERE
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A Note From Our Treasurer
I hope that everyone has enjoyed a great summer. As we resume our regular church activities, we also need to turn our attention to the financial aspects that make our church possible. So if you have not turned in your pledge, or if you are not sure whether we received it, please come see me on any Sunday in September after worship. I will have my laptop with me and I can help you confirm your pledge or get it entered into our systems.
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Also, if you are interested in putting your pledge-payments on a schedule, I will be happy to talk to you about that and discuss various options!
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Jaap van Reijendam (treasurer)
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Kids and Families
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Earlier this month, we shared a wonderful evening with the travelers, families, and the wider community who supported our Youth Mission work in Puerto Rico in June. Thank you! To see a presentation with photos please CLICK 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 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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Live the Love & Justice Jesus Taught
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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.
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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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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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