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Weekly Update
Friday, February 24, 2023
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Sunday, February 26 at 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid)
First Sunday in Lent
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On this first Sunday of Lent we will consider the creation story in Genesis. To begin our engagement with questions we find in the scripture, we will ask - “who do you listen to?” Questions are a part of our practice of faith- come let us share with God the deep questions within us.
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Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
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The bulletin is available HERE
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In the season of Lent, the scriptures offer us many stories of Jesus encountering people who are seeking. What unfolds is an exchange filled with questions and exploration. Our Lenten series is founded on questions. “Can these bones live?” “Who will you listen to?” “How do we begin again?” Our questions won't necessarily lead to answers, but we pray they lead to a new beginning, a restoration, a wider grace.
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Like the characters in our Lenten scriptures, we are also seeking many things: clarity, connection, wonder, justice, balance. Throughout this season, we hope you will continually ask yourself: what am I seeking? What is God seeking? We will have resources and a prayer station to help us focus together.
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Families and members of all ages are invited to create a special 'Breaking the Chains" prayer and devotional chain for their homes. Materials will be in the Crocker Chapel.
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This Lent, we invite you to stay curious, open, and nimble. We hope you will soften your assumptions and expand your perspectives. We pray that these questions will create a safe space to explore—to be drawn more deeply into the fullness of life, into the heart of God.
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Our physical journey has begun here on the pacific coast of Nicaragua in the fishing village of San Juan Del Sur and we have been carrying all of you in our hearts as we serve as ambassadors of the Union Church.
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The work so far feels truly meaningful and impactful. We have begun painting the La Escuela Maria Auxaladora and assisting in the building of a sustainable drip irrigation garden adjacent to the hospital in San Juan Del Sur. This will help them plant a vegetable and herb garden to serve the population. The painting of the school alongside the children not only beautifies the school but also creates a sense of pride among the students and teachers. The students and teachers have been alongside us and we have shared many smiles and laughs. Additionally, we are providing electricity for a pump to supply water to the school which is a vital and practical contribution. Access to clean water is a basic human need and is non existent at the school. We are hoping to get the water running before we head back to the US.
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In addition to this physical work, we have been building connections with the community and reconnecting with old friends. As we look to the end of the week, we still have more to do with what feels like so little time (hosting a mobile library event, traveling on the mobile library, sharing a meal and conversation with our past and present scholarship students). We hope our impact is creating a sense of shared purpose and joy.
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Upcoming Worship Services
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Sunday, March 5 at 10 00 a.m. (In-Person & Online)
The Second Sunday in Lent and Communion Sunday - Nicaragua Travelers Share
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On this second Sunday in lent we will consider the story of Moses drawing water from a stone, and we will consider where we are finding the living water that sustains and refreshes our faith in this season. The Nicaragua travelers will share some of their experiences of God's presence and renewal in their service and fellowship, and we will eat and drink together at the Communion Table.
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Following Worship, the travelers will share stories and photos during a special reception.
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All-Church Gatherings & Adult Formation
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Next Book Group
Tuesday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. (zoom)
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The Flight Portfolio by Julie Orringer
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Please join us on February 28 at 7:30 p.m. for our next book group meeting. Our book will be “The Flight Portfolio” by Julie Orringer.
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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Children Youth and Families
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Children and Sundays this Winter
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We are excited to begin this New Year together with faith and joy, and have a wonderful month planned for our kids on Sundays. We hope you and yours will join us!
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- Sunday, February 26 - "Nigel and the Moon" Special Series
- Sundays, March 12 and 26 - Kids Sing in Worship! Our wonderful music director, Mijin Choi will work with the kids in Sunday School on February 19, and March 5 and 19 to prepare songs to share in worship. We hope your kids will come and be part of this joyful celebration.
- Lenten Prayer Chain! We invite and encourage all families to pick up our "Breaking the Chains" Lenten devotional/activity for your homes. Count down the 40 days of Lent considering how we can break the chains that keep us from wholeness and fully experiencing God's love in our lives and world. The packets will be available in the Crocker Chapel. If you'd like us to send one to your home instead, please be in touch with Pastor Amy ([email protected]).
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Youth Team Calendar - A Great Winter and Spring Coming Up!
We have a great winter and spring ahead for our Youth Groups and church and we hope you'll be part of it. Please find a calendar of High School, Middle School, and combo events coming up (thanks Jane and Abel for the great format!)
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View Winter-Spring Calendar HERE
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- March Middle School Dinner Out - Date pending MS schedules - stay tuned for more
- Friday to Saturday, March 10-11 - High School Overnight! We'll share a fun overnight at the church, and are also looking into opportunities to travel to Boston to share a Shabbat service with friends and to see the Embrace sculpture on the Boston Common. We hope all HS students will join us!
- Friday, March 24 - Intergenerational Game Night run by the Youth Groups! Our youth groups will organize this fun game night for people of all ages at the church. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for pizza and some friendly games!
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Newton Freedge: Volunteers Needed
Click the sign-up link below for time slots available.
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Our team of volunteers helps keep Freedge 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. Pastor Amy also serves off-site on Thursdays, and may not be immediately available on that day.
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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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