|
|
|
|
|
Weekly Update
Friday, December 12, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Block Print: Pastor Megan
|
|
|
|
The Third Sunday of Advent
December 14, 10:00 a.m. (In-Person and Online)
|
This Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent, where we celebrate this period of waiting with joy.
|
|
|
|
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
|
|
The bulletin is available HERE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Worship Schedule
Sunday, December 21
Christmas Pageant and
Special Music Service, 10:00 a.m.
|
Wednesday, December 24
|
All-ages Lessons and Carols
|
service for Christmas Eve, 6:00 p.m.
|
Sunday, December 28
|
All-ages Christmas worship -- Pajama Church! 10:00 a.m.
|
|
Stay cozy and keep the spirit of the season
|
|
going with carols and Christmas stories.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I attended the “fall” meeting of the Metropolitan Boston Association of the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ (say that three times fast) on Sunday afternoon. Interestingly, the Association is engaged in a very similar kind of vision and strategic planning work as we are. During this session, groups were asked the question, “What is the Metro Boston Association uniquely poised to offer for the thriving of the clergy, churches, and wider communities we serve?”
|
I offered stories that some of you had told me about courses and programs at Andover-Newton that enriched your ministry, along with my own about the professional development I receive through the denomination that could benefit many others in other forms. Many, many ideas were raised throughout the room, with a heat map of interest and agreement, and I am excited to hear more about what is going to come next from this denominational partner.
|
The most meaningful part of the event was at the end, though. We stood in a circle, grouped by church, and sang to one another about our connection in the Spirit. “I need you; you need me. We’re all a part of God’s Body. Stand with me; come be with me. We’re all a part of God’s Body. It is God’s will that every need be supplied. You are important to me: I need you to survive.” It was moving to be reminded that as independent as we are, we are also interdependent and connected to our denominational partners, to our neighbors, and to the whole Body of Christ.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loving God, hear the prayers
|
of your people gathered in this community.
|
- Prayers of gratitude for Connor Hempen-Anthony’s successful surgery this week! May he continue to heal well and be comfortable as he recovers.
- Continued prayers for comfort and strength for Betty O’Beirne as she navigates medical challenges, and prayers for Jay, Karen, Aiden, Buz, and the rest of their family as they support her.
- As the weather turns cold and the light fades in the evenings, 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.
- 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.
|
|
If you have other prayers of concern or celebration you
|
|
would like lifted up in community, please email
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our Advent Season Preparations Have Begun
|
|
|
|
|
Christmas Pageant- Participants Wanted
|
|
|
|
The annual Christmas Pageant will be on Sunday, December 21st, and we are looking for people of all ages to take part! No need to be a seasoned performer, there is a place for everyone in this joyful celebration. Join with the many generations of UCW as together we tell the story of Jesus' birth.
|
|
If you are interested in participating please email Katie at [email protected]
by Today, Friday, Dec. 12th.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Please Donate to UCW's Mitten Tree!
|
|
|
|
It is once again time for our annual holiday mitten tree. Please look for the mittens adorning our tree as of Sunday, Nov. 30 or use the link above to make a donation to our "virtual" online mitten tree.
|
|
|
All gifts should be left under the tree at church by noon on Sunday, Dec. 14th. Please contact Erika Pond ([email protected]) if you have any questions. Thank you for giving generously this holiday season!
|
|
|
|
|
Who are the recipients of our Mitten Tree gifts?
|
The gifts you bring to our Mitten Tree are delivered to two separate organizations supporting our neighbors who were once homeless or at risk of being homeless. Your gift may be the only Christmas present they receive. With it you are sending love and an acknowledgement that you see them as worthy this Christmas season.
|
|
Project Care & Concern (PCC) supports those who were once homeless and are now living in supported, congregate housing. They are elderly and/or disabled and usually without any family. The housing was created as alternatives to homeless shelters. For many, these rooms were to be a transition opportunity to achieve housing, however the critical lack of affordable housing availability has left these neighbors without opportunities to transition.
|
Boston Healthcare for the Homeless (BHH) works to provide high-quality, compassionate care to Boston families experiencing housing insecurity. In addition to medical services, the team helps families navigate critical resources, including clothing, food, toiletries, housing support, and childcare. By partnering with shelters and community organizations, the Family Team ensures children and their parents receive not only healthcare, but broader, ongoing support.
|
|
Thank you for joyfully giving in support of our neighbors in need!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JAVA Gents
Next Friday Morning, December 19 at 7:00 a.m.
(In-Person, Littlehale Meeting Room)
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Newcomers are always welcome. Please contact Dan Heffernan if you have any questions or would like to be added to the Java Gents mailing list.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Save the Date!
The Colgate Resolutions
Sunday, January 11th at 7:00 p.m.
The Union Church in Waban
Join us for a community concert! UCW’s own Gavin Coull and The Colgate Resolutions will offer a free concert on Sunday, January 11th at 7:00 p.m.
A free will offering being taken up to support youth service opportunities through UCW. Invite friends and neighbors to join!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stand Out at Burlington ICE Detention Center
|
Union Church joined Faith Leaders and concerned neighbors at the Burlington ICE Detention Center on Dec 10, to stand in solidarity with those who are detained inside. Pictured below: Brita, Maggie, Alison, Frank, Nancy, Tanya, Kent and Gary.
|
|
|
|
|
Christmas Eve Worship at the Burlington ICE Center
December 24 from 10:00 - 11:00 am
|
Join the Massachusetts Council of Churches on Christmas Eve Morning at the Burlington ICE Center. "Join us for worship with those held inside as we wait for Christ to be born." RSVP to: [email protected]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Christmas Eve Day Worship
|
|
|
|
|
10 am - 11 am, outside Burlington ICE Facility
|
|
1000 District Ave. Burlington, MA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reading Scripture in Worship
Sharing the Stories of Our Faith
Scripture Reader Sign-up: HERE
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coffee Host Needed
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
Pastoral Care Connections
|
|
|
|
|
Please don't hesitate to reach out to Senior Pastor, Rev. Megan Berkowitz for prayer or pastoral support.
|
|
and her office phone is 617-965-3893
|
|
|
Most weeks, Friday is a day of Sabbath for Pastor Megan. 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
