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From Our Pastors
Pastor Amy
April 19, 2024
This past week, I traveled to Valley Forge, PA for a 3-day conference entitled “Space for Grace: Engaging Intergenerational Faith.” The conference was hosted by the same organization that is organizing our mission trip to Puerto Rico, the American Baptist Home Mission Society. ABHMS is strongly aligned with the mission and legacy of ABC pastor, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The keynote preachers and speakers brought a wide diversity of experiences and perspectives, which I look forward to sharing with all of you.
Earth Day Sunday
April 21 at 10:00 a.m.
(In-Person & Zoom)
It’s Earth Day weekend, and so we’ll highlight our connection to creation in worship as we continue Sharing from the Heart.
From Our Pastors – April 12
Pastor Megan
April 12, 2024
Exodus tells us that when it came time to build the Tent of Meeting according to the instructions Moses received at Sinai, God didn’t demand a tribute from the people. The Tent of Meeting and the Tabernacle inside of it were constructed of gifts from people with willing hearts and spirits.
The Third Sunday of Easter
April 14 at 10:00 a.m.
(In-Person & Zoom)
Eastertide continues this Stewardship Sunday with our theme of Sharing From the Heart.
Installation of Rev. Megan Berkowitz
Sunday, May, 5 at 3:00 pm
The Union Church in Waban will install Pastor Megan as our settled Senior Pastor. This is an opportunity for our church to host others from our partner denominations and to celebrate the covenant of ministry among the members of this congregation, Pastor Megan, and the wider Church.
Easter II
April 7 at 10:00 a.m.
(In-Person & Zoom)
Eastertide continues with our theme of Sharing From the Heart, and the Stewardship team will help us as we begin our pledge drive for this year.
Wellspring Women’s Ministry
Wednesday, April. 24 at 6:30 pm
( In-Person)
We will meet in Littlehale meeting room. It will be a potluck gathering at the Union Church, so folks can sign up with our spreadsheet. Newcomers are welcome. If you are interested in learning more about Wellspring and to be added to the group mailing list, please contact
From Our Pastors – April 7
Pastor Megan
April 7, 2024
Christ is risen indeed! At Union Church, we welcomed resurrection day with great joy: from sunrise worship to the last egg of the egg hunt (re-hidden by some of the Junior Youth Group members who gave up their own goodies to help a very young latecomer still have an exciting Easter), it was a day of great celebration.
From Our Pastors
Pastor Megan
March 29, 2024
We’ve been following the Gospel of Mark throughout this year, hearing the stories of Jesus’ ministry, miracles, and, this week, trials in Jerusalem. At the end of Mark’s version of the Passion narrative, at about the time you will receive this email on Good Friday, the Gospel recounts Jesus’ final words from the cross: Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Easter Sunday
Polish off your alleluias (we put them away for Lent) and get ready to sing, dance, shout, and pray with joy and celebration this Easter morning!
From Our Pastors
Pastor Amy
March 22, 2024
In this holiest of weeks, we invite you to dwell even more fully in the story that is at the very sacred heart of our faith. Dwell with your community of faith, your church, as we enter Jerusalem with Jesus this Sunday (Palm Sunday), and remember how Jesus overturned tables of injustice and oppression and imparted final words of teaching and healing to his followers.
Palm Sunday
Sunday, March 24th at 10:00 a.m.
(Hybrid Service)
We will share the special story of Holy Week as we prepare our hearts for the hope of Easter. We hope you and your family will join in this special service.
The Fifth Sunday in Lent
Sunday, March 17th
Hybrid Service
Our Lenten practices of Dwelling in the Heart continue in worship this Sunday and all throughout the week. This is the last Sunday in Lent before Palm Sunday and Holy Week, and Pastor Amy will be preaching.
From Our Pastors – March 15 2024
Pastor Megan
March 15, 2024
This Saturday evening (March 16), I am delighted to join with faith communities across Newton for this year’s Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) Interfaith Service, to be held at St. Ignatius in Chestnut Hill at 6:00 p.m.
Easter Blooms & Dedications
This year we continue our tradition of decorating our Sanctuary with live plants and listing the names of loved ones we wish to celebrate in our Easter bulletin.
You may order and submit
your dedication details HERE
Java Gents
Friday, March 22 at 7:00 a.m.
(In-Person)
We will meet at Church in or just outside the big kitchen for a combination of hot and cold breakfast as well as coffee and juice. Come by for part or all but we try to end right on time as many of us will be off to work right after.
From Our Pastors – March 8
Pastor Megan
March 8, 2024
It was indeed good and pleasant to dwell together in unity with our siblings from the Boston Taiwanese Christian Church this past Sunday! We feasted together around the table twice – once during communion, and again during the reception they very lovingly prepared for us all to share.
The Fourth Sunday in Lent
Sunday, March 10th
Hybrid Service
Our Lenten exploration of Dwelling in the Heart continues this Sunday. And, if you haven’t yet made a candle dish out of clay at the prayer station in the Crocker Chapel, please be sure to!
Dwelling in the Heart: UCW Lenten Playlist
Exploring Our Faith
High Schoolers are invited into our Exploring Our Faith (confirmation/baptism) series for high-school freshmen and sophomores (and any others who want to join!) this year. We have fun, serve others, ask important questions, build meaningful relationships, and explore the role of faith in our lives.
From Our Pastors
Pastor Megan
March 1, 2024
“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up..”
This verse comes from a section of scripture in which Paul is arbitrating a discussion among the faithful in Corinth about how to interact with the culture around them. They want a clear edict from him, want him to come down on their side (one side or the other), and instead Paul offers this bit of wisdom.
The Third Sunday in Lent
Sunday, March 3th
Hybrid Service
This Sunday, we are blessed to gather with the Boston Taiwanese Christian Church for worship at 10:00 a.m., when we will gather around the communion table and raise our voices in song together.
April Book Group
Tuesday, April 30 at 7:30 pm
Zoom Meeting
Please join us in April for our next book group. Our book will be “Rough Sleepers” by Tracy Kidder.
Transfiguration Sunday
Sunday, February 11 th
Hybrid Service
On Transfiguration Sunday, we stand atop the mountain beside Jesus, where all is illuminated by his presence – even the great turning of Lent that is to come.
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany
Sunday, February 4 th
Hybrid Service
It’s communion Sunday! We’ll break bread together in gratitude during worship.
Bake Sale for Puerto Rico and Youth Mission Trip
Thank you!
The Youth would like to share a huge Thank You to everyone who contributed to our fundraiser for our Puerto Rico Mission Trip (June 22-29)! Thanks to your generous donations of baked goods, your purchases of goodies, and your volunteer help, we were able to raise over $1000 to support our mission partners and provide scholarship funds for our kids who are traveling.
Ash Wednesday Service
Please join us as we mark the beginning of the season of Lent . We will observe the day with Ash Wednesday Service at 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial chapel (This will be an in-person service)
From Our Pastors
Pastor Megan
January 25, 2024
“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up..”
This verse comes from a section of scripture in which Paul is arbitrating a discussion among the faithful in Corinth about how to interact with the culture around them. They want a clear edict from him, want him to come down on their side (one side or the other), and instead Paul offers this bit of wisdom.
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany
Sunday, January 28th
Hybrid Service Recording
Video recording now available. We worshiped Sunday morning, and then gathered for a lunch meeting of the congregation to discuss plans for Janet Holly’s bequest.
Third Sunday After Epiphany
Sunday, January 21th
Hybrid Service
Join us for worship as we continue in our theme of “Getting to the Heart” this week, discerning God’s movement in our lives.
Congregational Meeting
Sunday, January 28 at 11:15 a.m.
In keeping with our governance structure revamp, we will be holding congregational meetings several times a year in order to facilitate communication throughout the congregation.
Second Sunday After Epiphany
Sunday, January 14th
Hybrid Service
The season after Epiphany continues with worship, singing, prayer, and fellowship this Sunday.
From Our Pastors
Pastor Amy
January 12, 2024
The New Year often brings reflection about time. We say goodbye to the past year – sometimes gladly, sometimes with sadness. We welcome a new year, sometimes with hope, sometimes with trepidation. It can be a time for, if not resolutions, reflection, intention-setting, and preparation for the year ahead.
From Our Pastors
Pastor Megan
January 5, 2024
Leila and I scooted off to Mexico City on Christmas Day for our friends’ wedding. Before the trip, I was feeling a touch grouchy: Christmas Eve worship was so beautiful and joyful, and then I was going to spend the rest of my Christmas not celebrating but sitting on planes and waiting in airports.
Epiphany Sunday
Sunday, January 7th
Zoom On-line Service
In light of the latest predictions for snow overnight tonight and tomorrow (Sunday) morning, and in order to keep everyone as safe as possible, we will be moving our worship service to Zoom this week, using the usual Zoom link).
From Our Pastors – December 29, 2023
Pastor Amy
December 29, 2023
I had to laugh as I opened the door to my office for the first time this week after our Christmas Eve service. Our Christmas pageant whale, flowers, camel, and piles of costumes greeted me, along with paperwhite bulbs from our Longest Night service, lantern-makings from our children’s community art evening, printed packets of Christmas carols, and so much more.
Sunday, December 31
Sunday, December 31th
First Sunday After Christmas
Our First Sunday After Christmas worship will be held in the Memorial Chapel. We will remember the shepherds and the light that guided them on their journey, and consider our own journey towards God’s light in the new year.
From Our Pastors – December 22
Pastor Megan
December 22, 2023
For nearly four weeks, we’ve celebrated the gifts of God promised to us, made manifest in Jesus, and shining forth in our lives. But God’s hope, peace, joy, and love aren’t about the destination of the manger; when we arrive on Sunday evening and celebrate the birth of the Christ child, it’s truly meant to be the start of something.
Christmas Eve Service
Sunday, 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.
In-District Meeting
Monday, Jan. 29 at 6:45 p.m.
This meeting will be held at the Union Church in Waban. Join fellow community leaders from across your local Senate district. Participants will include, Sen. Cynthia Creem, Rep. Kay Khan, Rep. Ruth Balser, Rep. Alice Peisch. Let’s show up for housing and mental health justice!
Sunday, December 24 at 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 24th
Christmas Eve
Evening Service
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.
From Our Pastors – December 15
Pastor Megan
December 15, 2023
Prophetic longing understands both the needs in the world which caused God to come to dwell among us, and the transformational hope we come to know in Christ. That longing isn’t confined to the people in the Bible or to Biblical times.
Sunday, December 17
Sunday, December 17th
Intergenerational Worship
The Christmas Story!
This Sunday our beloved annual ALL-AGES telling of the Christmas Story worship and pageant will take place during our service. Everyone of all ages is invited to participate!
Longest Night Open House
Thursday, December 21
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Join in a time of contemplation, engaging all of our senses in prayer as we journey through the darkness. You can drop in, and stay as long or as little as you are moved to.
Sunday, December 10
Sunday, December 10th
Mijin, the choir, and guest musicians have been working hard preparing to lead a special Advent worship experience through music this Sunday. Join us!
Sunday, December 3
Sunday, November 19th
This Sunday, our Fall worship series comes to a close with a service of gratitude and commitment to peace.
From Our Pastors – November 24
Pastor Megan
November 25, 2023
I love the image of God seeding light and joy into the hearts of Her people that this Psalm offers us; it seems to me to be a kind of extension of the metaphor in last Sunday’s scripture describing God as the grape-growing farmer.
Advent Wreath Making
Sundays, December 3 and 10
Following 10:00 a.m. Worship
We will hold our annual Advent Wreath-making workshop where you can make an Advent wreath for your home as we count the weeks to Christmas. We’ll provide all materials, but if you have a wire frame from years past, please bring it!
Lantern Making
Thursday, December 7
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Families are invited to drop into a special Lantern-Making event, where we will create lanterns to light our way through the season. All are invited and all materials provided — bring a friend! This event is perfect for all ages!
Sunday, November 26
Sunday, November 19th
This Sunday, our Fall worship series comes to a close with a service of gratitude and commitment to peace.
Sunday, November 19
Sunday, November 19th
This Sunday, our Fall worship series comes to a close with a service of gratitude and commitment to peace.
From Our Pastors: November 10, 2023
Pastor Megan
November 10, 2023
One of our beloved saints, Janet Holly, who died just over a year ago, is continuing to take care of this church, even after she has gone to be with God.
Christmas Poinsettias
Order & Submit
Family and Friends Annual Dedications
Our annual Hanging of the Greens service will be on Sunday, November 26, when we will decorate our Sanctuary with live plants. We are also preparing our annual Family and Friends Dedications list for inclusion in our Advent Sunday bulletins on December 10 and 17.
Sunday, November 12
Sunday, October 29th
Fall Clean-Up
Sat., Nov.18, 8:30 a.m. – Noon
It’s time for another outdoor church clean-up! So, if you regret missing the last one, or you just want to enjoy some outdoor fellowship, please come and help.
Thanksgiving Dinner To Go!
Sat. Nov.18th 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Extend an Invitation
The Union Church in Waban will once again prepare and hand out community “Thanksgiving Dinners To Go” this holiday season. If you know of anyone who would appreciate a meal,
From Our Pastors: October 27, 2023
Pastor Megan
October 29, 2023
I have found myself officiating at a lot of friends’ weddings in the last few years (as many young clergy do), and somehow, they are all interfaith, intercultural, or otherwise marriages between two people with differing backgrounds, beliefs, and practices.
Community Game Night
Saturday, Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m.
Be sure to join our awesome game night for dinner, fun, and a little friendly competition! Bring a friend and favorite game to share. We’ll gather at the church.
Sunday, October 29
Sunday, October 29th
From Our Pastors – October 20
Pastor Megan
October 20, 2023
Many of you are familiar with this prayer, though perhaps not its source in the Psalms. I and many other pastors offer it at the start of each sermon, praying that what we share might not be for our own glory but pleasing to our God whom we serve, and useful for those gathered.
Sunday, October 22
Sunday, October 22th
This Sunday, our sacred texts have a thing or two to teach us about joy, which we know our world and our hearts are in deep need of.
From Our Pastors – October 13
Pastor Amy
October 13, 2023
Beloved, I had another reflection planned for today, but it has been hard for me, as I’m sure it has been for you, to turn my heart and mind away from the heartbreak of the war in Israel and Palestine. My prayers have been especially with my Jewish family,
Sunday, October 15
Sunday, October 15th
Aided by the story of Ruth and Naomi, whose ancient wisdom speaks into the very present pain in our world, our worship this Sunday will explore the particular power of connections of love and friendship across ethnic, cultural, and religious boundaries.
From Our Pastors – October 6
Pastor Megan
October 6, 2023
When Leila and I first decided to adopt a rabbit, my first-ever pet, I had visions of what it would be like. Most rabbits don’t like to be handled, but Rosey was only 5 weeks old when we met. Surely he’d warm up to it!
From Our Pastors – September 29
Pastor Megan
September 29, 2023
The first Sunday in October is celebrated as World Communion Sunday all throughout the world. We celebrate the ties that bind us to one another, as Christians, even in the face of our many differences. When we do so, we live into the prayer Jesus offered for his disciples and for those of us who would learn from them, throughout the many generations: “that they may all be one.”
Sunday, October 8
Sunday, October 8th
Weekly Bible Study with Pastor Megan
Thursdays at Noon.
Lunchtime on Zoom
Join Pastor Megan for a weekly, drop-in lunchtime Bible study on Zoom* throughout October and November! We will discuss the history and context for the given passage each given week, and think together about how this sacred scripture speaks into our own lives and this historical moment.
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, Oct. 22, 1:00 p.m.
Bring your furry, scaly, feathery friends to this special outdoor service, as we bless the animals that live with us, and offer prayers for all creation. If your animal friend is more comfortable at home, bring a photo!
From Our Pastors – September 22
Pastor Megan
September 22, 2023
As this hits your inboxes, I am flying back from nearly a week in Memphis at the United Church of Christ’s Next Generation Leadership Initiative, or NGLI. I have been blessed to learn alongside a cohort of 13 other ministers in their 20s and 30s this week.
Sunday, October 1
Sunday, October 1th
Worship and Celebration
This weekend we celebrate World Communion Sunday with churches across the globe, remembering that, no matter what else may divide us, we are One Body of Christ, knit together by the love of God. Join us for this special service and celebration of Communion.
Apple-Picking for All-Ages
Join us for a fun afternoon of apple-picking, corn maze, cider donuts and more! We’ll leave as a group after worship, and then head to Lookout Farm in South Natick. Please let Pastor Amy know ([email protected]) if you can come.
Sunday, September 24
Sunday, September 24th
Worship and Celebration
We are delighted to begin a new season of Exploring our Faith (confirmation/baptism) for 9th and 10th graders this year! We have a wonderful calendar of gatherings, retreats, and service opportunities planned, and will commission our students and their this Sunday. If you have a 9th or 10th grader and haven’t been in touch with Pastor Amy, please reach out to her at [email protected].
This Fall
We are excited to kick-off this new season in the life of our church and hope you and your family will join us.
We welcome our new Senior Pastor, Rev. Megan Berkowitz, connect with friends and community; and enter this new year with hope, faith, and joy.
Our Sunday School for children and youth will also resume this Fall.
From Our Pastors – September 15
Pastor Amy
September 15, 2023
Today we wish our Jewish siblings L’Shana Tova, a sweet and good New Year, holding them in prayer and love as they enter this season of High Holy Days.
Blessing Of Backpacks
This Sunday, September 17th at 10:00 a.m.
(Followed by Mission & Children, Youth, and Families Fair at 11:00 )
Be sure to bring your backpacks, laptops, briefcases, lunch boxes, walking shoes – whatever needs blessing as we begin this new year! – to worship this Sunday.
Wellspring
Wednesday, September 27 at 6:30 pm
Wellspring will be starting up again on Wednesday evening September 27 at 6:30 pm. It will be a potluck gathering, so folks can bring whatever they would like. Newcomers are welcome.
Sunday, September 17
Sunday, September 10th
Worship and Celebration
We are excited to kick-off this new season in the life of our church and hope you and your family will join us for this special Sunday. We will welcome our new Senior Pastor, Rev. Megan Berkowitz, as she leads us in worship for the first time; connect with friends and community; and enter this new year with hope, faith, and joy.
From Our Pastors: September 8, 2023
Pastor Megan
September 8, 2023
No matter where you find yourself, you are welcome in this community. This Sunday, from the start of choir practice to the last bit of cleanup after the special reception picnic and games, and throughout lots of worship and fellowship in between, we will be making merry and singing our songs of joy to God who created us and sustains us still.
From Our Pastors: September 1
Pastor Berkowitz
September 1, 2023
A reminder that we will not gather for worship this Sunday. If you’d like to attend a service, our siblings at FBC Newton and United Parish of Auburndale will each gather at 10am. Of course, many of you are traveling, spending time with family, or otherwise busy during this last long weekend of summertime. That’s why this is a great opportunity to practice worshiping in place.
From Our Pastors – August 25
Pastor Berkowitz
August 25, 2023
Leila and I spent three weeks in Japan, arriving home shortly before my first official day here at UCW. We often visit holy sites when we’re traveling, and made our way to more than 20 temples and shrines in the time we spent there.
Welcome Sunday
Sunday, September 10th
Worship and Celebration
We are excited to kick-off this new season in the life of our church and hope you and your family will join us for this special Sunday. We will welcome our new Senior Pastor, Rev. Megan Berkowitz, as she leads us in worship for the first time; connect with friends and community; and enter this new year with hope, faith, and joy.
Bible Study Information Session
Tuesday, September 12 at 6:30 p.m. (Zoom!)
Whatever your knowledge of and comfort with reading the Bible, you are invited to join Pastor Megan for an information session as we begin to plan for a Fall Bible study session. We’ll discuss topics, resources, and timing for meetings in an effort to make this group accessible to all who wish to join in.
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PLEASE NOTE: There will be no worship service at UCW
this Sunday, September 3rd
Sundays in August
Sunday Summer Services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on the Stage
During the month of August We will continue our discussion of what wisdom and guidance Paul’s letters may have for us today, and begin crafting our own letter to the church.
Fall Kick-Off Sunday!
Sunday, September 10th
Worship and Celebration
SAVE THE DATE as we kick-off this new season; welcome Rev. Megan as our Sr. Pastor; and connect with friends and community!
Letter from Nicaragua
As part of the ministry of Nicragua, we have been sponsoring students to attend college since 2008. Our current student Marvin is studying nursing and below is a letter he recently sent to our Church.
Sunday, Aug. 6 at 9:30am – Joint UCC Worship in Newton Highlands
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no worship service at UCW. All are instead invited to join this special joint service.
Join this special service as UCC congregations in Newton worship together at the Newton Highlands Congregational Church. Rev. Dr. Nancy Taylor will be preaching.
More… Sunday, Aug. 6 at 9:30am – Joint UCC Worship in Newton Highlands
Sunday, July 31st – Rev. Jim’s Final Sunday (In-person and on Zoom)
Sunday Summer Services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on the Stage
During the month of July we will be examining the sermon of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. titled, “Paul’s Letter to American Christians” and the scripture references he uses in it.
More… Sunday, July 31st – Rev. Jim’s Final Sunday (In-person and on Zoom)
July Book Group
Tuesday, July 25 at 7:30 pm
The book group will not be meeting in June but please join us again on July 25 at 7:30 p.m. for our next meeting. We will be discussing “Small Mercies” by Dennis Lehane.
Ice Cream and Sharing from Puerto Rico!
Wednesday, July 26 at 7:00 pm
Pastor Amy spent the last week of June in Puerto Rico, representing our church and The American Baptist Churches of MA at the ABC Biennial Mission Summit. Pastor Amy will share highlights, including video from inspiring and prophetic preachers, calling local churches to action. Join us in-person or online* to share this experience and join the discussion.
Upcoming Sundays
We will remember those who have been as fathers to us; and also recognize Juneteenth and World Refugee Day. Pastor Amy will be away; Rev. Jim will be preaching.
Sunday, June 25
We will remember those who have been as fathers to us; and also recognize Juneteenth and World Refugee Day. Pastor Amy will be away; Rev. Jim will be preaching.
Sunday, June 18
We will remember those who have been as fathers to us; and also recognize Juneteenth and World Refugee Day. Pastor Amy will be away; Rev. Jim will be preaching.
Sunday, June 11
Rev. Amy will preach and lead worship on this day, as we consider who we are called to be as Church and share Communion. Please join us following worship for our Annual Meeting
Sunday, June 4
Rev. Amy will preach and lead worship on this day, as we consider who we are called to be as Church and share Communion. Please join us following worship for our Annual Meeting
2023 Annual Meeting
Sunday, June 4 at 11:15 a.m.
Please plan to stay after worship on June 4th for our annual meeting. We will review the past year, vote on a proposed budget for next year and vote on the 2023 nominees for council.
Sunday, May 28
Rev. Amy will preach as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit
– Remember to wear Red!
Sunday, May 21
Rev. Jim will share the story of Christ’s Ascension, as we also prepare and bless the lunch we will bring to the Boston Common for our siblings of the Common Cathedral outdoor congregation.
Sunday, May 14
We are delighted to welcome Rev. Jim Leavitt as our Bridge Pastor from May to mid-August. Please join us this Sunday to welcome him and share Communion. Please plan to stay for the Congregational Meeting and Luncheon, along with an important gathering about UCW and our Care of Creation Ministries .
Sunday, May 7
We are delighted to welcome Rev. Jim Leavitt as our Bridge Pastor from May to mid-August. Please join us this Sunday to welcome him and share Communion. Please plan to stay for the Congregational Meeting and Luncheon, along with an important gathering about UCW and our Care of Creation Ministries .