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Weekly Update
Friday, March 3, 2023
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Sunday, March 5 at 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid)
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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Kids are invited to remain in worship this Sunday with special activities related to the book "Nigel y La Luna (Nigel and the Moon)."
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Following Worship, the travelers will share stories and photos during a special reception.
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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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Upcoming Worship Services
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Sunday, March 12 at 10:00 a.m. (In-Person & Online)
The Third Sunday in Lent
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Continuing our Seeking theme in this Lenten season, we meet Nicodemus. Nicodemus comes to Jesus under the veil of night to ask him big faith questions. As a leader of Jewish law, Nicodemus holds beliefs that no longer align with the kingdom of God Jesus embodies. Jesus invites him to begin again, to learn a new way of knowing and living out his faith. Through the lens of a personal testimony, Pastor Wendy will explore beginning again with Jesus.
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Council Update
At its monthly meeting, the Council spent the bulk of its meeting receiving a presentation of a draft Governance Model. A Task Group shared a model that holds the following goals:
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To have a governance model that is more congregational
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To make leadership more responsive to the congregation and build mutual trust between the congregation and leadership
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To make the church more innovative and adaptive to changes in our world
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To make it easier for new people to take on leadership roles
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To empower all members of the congregation to enact the mission and ministry of our church
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The Council agreed on the goals of the draft Governance Model and will meet further to refine the details of the Model to present to the congregation at a meeting in April.
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The Council also heard an update on the Pastoral Search Process as well as identification of a Bridge Pastor to fill the gap once Pastor Wendy departs after Easter (April 9). Negotiations are underway with a Bridge Pastor candidate. Watch for an announcement soon.
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The Council is going to put together a task force to review various building issues and come up with recommendations to address them.
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Finally, the Council received a draft Budget that will be presented at a congregational meeting before the Annual Meeting in June. The proposed draft Budget shows two scenarios. One lays out a “survival” budget and another lays out a “what’s possible” budget.
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All-Church Gatherings & Adult Formation
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Next Book Group
Tuesday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. (zoom)
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The Grimkes by Kerri K. Greenidge
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Please join us on March 28 at 7:30 p.m. for our next book group meeting. Our book will be “The Grimkes” by Kerri K. Greenidge.
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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Advocates for Racial Justice (ARJ)
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YOU ARE INVITED!
GBIO Housing Event
Sunday, March 19, Following Worship
This is a 45 minute information session on the three GBIO Housing Justice priorities for legislative action now.
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1. Real estate Transfer tax
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2. Bond bill to radically improve public housing conditions
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3. Home ownership investments
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Stay after church to learn how our GBIO partnership is seeking justice in housing in Massachusetts
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If you would like to learn more about ARJ activities at the Union Church, please reach out to
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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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- This Sunday! Nigel y La Luna - We'll join with kids across Nicaragua in reading, reflecting on, and sharing art related to the book "Nigel and the Moon." Kids will stay in the sanctuary during worship and work on Nigel and Lenten art with our teacher, Olivia!
- Sundays, March 26 - Kids Sing in Worship! Our wonderful music director, Mijin Choi will work with the kids in Sunday School on March 12 and 19 to prepare songs to share in worship. We hope your kids will come and be part of this joyful celebration.
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- 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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