All Posts
From Pastor Megan
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
July 10, 2026
Introducing our Bridge Pastor
I am delighted to share that Rev. Rick Chrisman will be joining UCW as the parental leave Bridge Pastor this fall, from September 1st until my planned return at the start of Advent. Rev. Rick’s bio is below, though some of you may know him from a period some years ago when he was a member of UCW while serving as an interim pastor elsewhere. Closest to home for UCW, Rev. Rick has twice served as interim at the Eliot Church in Newton.
From Pastor Megan: July 3, 2026
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
July 3, 2026
We had a lovely first summer service this past Sunday! Though we won’t meet this upcoming Sunday, 7/5, summer services resume the following week, 7/12 at 10:00 a.m. Worship Committee Chair Julie Heffernan will lead us in worship that morning. And though Katie Brown-Bright is off from her role as Bridge Associate for Children, Youth, and Families for the summer and there’s no Sunday school, she did put together an amazing activity cart for kids to participate in worship (crafts, streamers for some liturgical dancing, and more!).
July Fourth Weekend
Sunday, July 5th
There is no worship at UCW this Sunday. Enjoy the holiday weekend, and most importantly, stay cool in this heat wave!
Summer Worship Services
Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
(In Person, In Memorial Chapel)
Please join us for of our informal summer worship services in July and August. Services will be held in the Memorial Chapel in the sanctuary.
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
June 21 at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person & Online
Our final worship service of the church year will take place this Sunday, closing out our theme of “some assembly required” and honoring the fathers among us as we do each year. Plus, this is a great opportunity to sign up to lead a summer worship service, the schedule of which begins next week on June 28th!
Southern New England UCC Annual Meeting
September 25-27, Worcester , MA
Did you know that as a partner congregation of the UCC, we are entitled to send delegates to the Southern New England Conference’s Annual Meeting? You can meet members from other local churches, attend workshops and worship, and vote on the business of the conference as we do at our own Annual Meeting.
From Pastor Megan: June 19, 2026
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
June 19, 2026
I want to thank everyone who presented, contributed to, engaged in, and attended last Sunday’s Annual Meeting. You took seriously the invitation to let the Holy Spirit speak through you to others, and to you through others, and our church is better for it. For those who were not present, you can still engage with the Annual Meeting via the Annual Report, which we sent in this email last week, and by looking over the presentation from the Vision Team that was offered during the meeting: view HERE or click on image below.
Introducing the New UCW Instagram Account
We’re excited to announce that UCW has a new Instagram account. Posting started on June 26 with the summer worship schedule! We invite you to follow along for updates, photos, and highlights. You can use the QR code or click the link HERE to connect with us.
From Pastor Megan: June 12, 2026
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
June 12, 2026
My goodness, it has been a busy year at UCW! I hope you take some time to sit with and read the annual report for 2025-2026. Come to the Annual Meeting ready to discuss the budget and nominating slate, yes, but also to thank our committee chairs and members, to connect with someone over something you didn’t even know had happened at church this year, or to learn more about how you can get involved in different projects and programs.
Third Sunday after Pentecost
June 14 at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person & Online
Annual Meeting Sunday falling in our theme of “Some Assembly Required” is perfect for our congregational church: all members’ input and participation is valuable as we seek to express gratitude for the year that has past and plan for the year to come. Worship, lunch, and meeting are all a part of being the church together.
Special Lunch Bunch
Thursday, June 18th 12:00 p.m.
(Offsite – see details below )
Come and join us for a special end of year lunch bunch in Judy’s beautiful backyard.
Lunch Bunch is focused on gathering the seniors and retirees in the congregation, though is open to all. In order to plan for food please rsvp to Molly Owen-Kiritsy by Monday 6/17. Thanks!
Java Gents Cookout!
Thursday, June, 18 at 5:30 p.m.
(In-Person)
This month, Java Gents will be hosted off-site at the home of David Spertner. We wil gather gather on Thursday, June 18, at 5:30 p.m, (don’t come at 7:00 a.m. Friday!) Newcomers and long timers alike are welcome!
From Pastor Megan: June 5, 2026
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
June 5, 2026
Though it turned out to be quite a hot night, it was a joy to join with Katie, members of the congregation, and our siblings from other affirming faith communities in Newton at the annual Newton Pride flag raising celebration and resource fair this past week. In a season in our country when the rights of LGBTQ+ people are under attack and public support for our rights is waning rather than increasing for the first time in decades, we gathered to remind ourselves and the world that LGBTQ+ people are deeply and beautifully woven into the fabric of our community.
Cynthia Sanger Welcome!
Settled Music Director
The UCW Music Search Committee is delighted to announce the hiring of our new Settled Music Director, Cynthia Sanger. Some of you may even know Cynthia, who is a Newton local. Cynthia impressed both the committee and the choir with her musical skills and with the energy and passion with which she directed our choir during her audition. We hope all will welcome Cynthia enthusiastically when she joins us this fall!
Second Sunday after Pentecost
June 7 at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person & Online
Our “Some Assembly Required” theme continues this week, as we look at scriptures about building up the Church, and we’ll celebrate our last Communion Sunday of the church year together.
Community Blood Drive at UCW
Sat., June 6
from 9:00 – 2:00 p.m.
(In-Person)
If you or someone you love has ever needed blood, you understand how critical it is that it’s there when needed. Please sign up today to help keep our local blood supply strong.
From Pastor Megan: May 29, 2026
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
May 29, 2026
Things remain busy at UCW in these last few weeks of the church year! We are in the final contract negotiation stage with our new settled music director (so keep an eye out for an official announcement and bio soon!), continuing Visioning work with more to be presented at Annual Meeting, and of course preparing the annual budget review, nominating slate, and other Annual Meeting business.
First Sunday after Pentecost
May 31 at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person & Online
“Some Assembly Required” for how to be the church, with instructions from the Letter to the Romans and opportunities to pray and share together!
2026 Annual Meeting
Sunday, June 14, Following Our 10:00 a.m. Service (Hybrid)
Please plan to stay after worship on June 14 th for our annual meeting. We will review the past year, vote on a proposed budget for next year and vote on the 2026-27 nominees for council.
Katie Brown-Bright Returning for Coming Church Year
Bridge Associate for Children, Youth, and Families
On behalf of Council and HR, I am delighted to share the news that Katie Brown-Bright, Bridge Associate for Children, Youth, and Families, will be returning to serve among us for the coming church year! Katie has enriched the faith lives of our children, families, and all of us through her leadership in worship, Sunday school, youth programs, and more.
Pentecost Sunday
May 24 at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person & Online
We’ll celebrate Pentecost, the ‘birthday of the church,’ this Sunday, while we also celebrate and thank Karen Harvey for her incredible service among us as Interim Music Director this year at her final service.
UCC at Boston Pride
Saturday, June 6 at 10:15 a.m.
The UCC is marching! Out of the church and into the streets! A Pride parade group from across the Boston-area UCC churches will gather together at Old South Church (645 Boylston St.) at 10:15 a.m.
Seventh Sunday of Easter
May 17 at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person & Online
Katie will preach and lead worship this Sunday, with a focus on the Christ Hymn from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, and our Mission team will offer a Teach-In about GBIO’s Citizens Bank campaign after worship.
Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 10 at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person & Online
Pastor Megan will be leading in worship this Sunday. We will also conclude our Tools for Audacious Living! stewardship campaign.
Following worship join us for a special Mother’s Day reception and fellowship hosted by the UCW Java Gents group. All are welcome!
Fifth Sunday of Easter
May 3 at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person & Online
Our Eastertide communion worship service will be followed by even more gathering around the table, with a congregational meeting and lunch.
Stand Out
Wednesday, May,13 Departing at 10:45 a.m. Join us!
Union Church joins Stand Out in solidarity with incarcerated neighbors in Burlington Ice Detention Center. Car pool with us from UCW as we join with other faith communities to receive updates on the brutal conditions inside; and to pray, sing and walk.
From Your Stewardship Chair
Tools for Audacious Living: Church Service The UCW Nominating team asks everyone in our church community to prayerfully discern how you will give your time to our beloved church as we move forward this spring and to act upon our visioning priorities. This week, three church leaders have agreed to tell their stories about how…
From Pastor Megan
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
April 24, 2026
I hope you’ve had a chance to read the results of the first phase of our vision process, which were sent out just before and after Easter. If you haven’t, please do; there are links to all four documents below. After worship this Sunday, 4/26, the Vision Team will lead a conversation about your responses to the vision process and we will begin to form a sense of our strategic priorities moving forward.
Fourth Sunday of Easter
April 26 at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person & Online
This week we are continuing our Eastertide theme of “Tools for Audacious Living” with a story of Paul from Acts, the launch of our Stewardship campaign for this year, and a chance to engage in the next step of the visioning process for those who were unable to attend on 4/12.
Third Sunday of Easter
April 19 at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person & Online
This week we are continuing our Eastertide theme of “Tools for Audacious Living” with the story of Thomas’ encounter with the risen Jesus. We will explore what it means to embrace possibility and trust in God’s vision for the world even when we cannot fully see the path. Join us as we worship with song, reflection, and prayer.
Special Lunch Bunch
Tuesday,April 21at 12:00 p.m.
(Offsite – see details below )
Come and join us for a special lunch at Bart Kelso and his daughter Rachel’s home in Winthrop. Lunch Bunch is focused on gathering the seniors and retirees in the congregation, though is open to all.
Lunch Bunch – Fall Gatherings Coming!
We will gather again in the Fall! Please stay tuned for our September meeting date and details. Come and reconnect with old friends, and meet some new ones! Enjoy your soup and sandwich while chatting over zoom. Everyone is welcome! For the Zoom link, please contact Pastor Wendy at [email protected], or any of our hosts: …
Lunch Bunch
Tuesday, Feb.18 at 12:00 p.m.
(In-Person)
Lunch Bunch is gathering this week for a shared meal and lots of joyful conversation sharing about our lives!
From Pastor Megan
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
April 10, 2026
I hope you’ve had a chance to read the results of the first phase of our vision process, which have been sent out over the last week and a half or so. If you haven’t, please do; there are links to all four documents below. After worship this Sunday, 4/12, and Sunday 4/26, the Vision Team will lead a conversation about your responses to the vision process and we will begin to form a sense of our strategic priorities moving forward. Please join us at 11:30 a.m. in Littlehale!
Second Sunday of Easter
April 12 at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person & Online
Our resurrection joy continues this second Sunday of Eastertide, as we explore the gifts and tools of discipleship as a resurrection people.
JAVA Gents
Friday Morning
April 17 at 7:00 a.m.
(In-Person)
We will gather in Littlehale meeting room. JAVA Gents is the informal get-together of the men of the UCW congregation (and community). We will enjoy a lively discussion of timely topics as well as personal goings on in our lives.
Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 5th:
View Service Recording
We’ll gather in resurrection joy this Sunday, lifting our voices in song, prayer, and praise together as we celebrate the Risen Christ!
Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, April 5 at 11:30 a.m.
(In-Person)
Children of all ages are invited to participate in an Easter Egg hunt at the Waban common after the service on Easter Sunday. All are welcome, so invite a friend!
From Pastor Megan: April 3, 2026
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
April 3, 2026
Holy Week blessings to you all! We have a very special service planned for Sunday morning, with guest musicians, an abundance communion table, and, of course, Easter Egg Hunt to follow (including rain plans!). It is such a joy to gather together for Easter each year: to remember the gifts of our faith, the triumph of new life in God over violence and death, the accompaniment of Christ through our greatest sorrows and greatest joys. I hope you will join us, and bring family or friends who could use a little Good News this week.
Easter Special Collection
This Easter with the love for Christ, resurrected and compassion for our most vulnerable neighbors, the UCW Easter Collection will be dedicated to LUCE the Immigration Justice Network of assachusetts. LUCE is on the front lines in immigrant communities throughout the State assisting our neighbors impacted by unlawful detention and forced deportation.
Palm Sunday
March 29, at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person & Online
This Sunday is Palm Sunday: we’ll shout and sing our hosannas, wave palm branches to welcome Jesus to Jerusalem, and begin the journey of Holy Week together.
Holy Week at the Union Church in Waban
The Union Church in Waban invites the community to join it in celebrating the Easter season. We will gather in-person and online.
From Pastor Megan: Marce 27. 2026
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
March 27, 2026
It’s fitting that the next round of No Kings protests is happening tomorrow, with Palm Sunday following just after; Palm Sunday, after all, was a protest against the ways of Roman kings and a triumphal presentation of another way of leading the community, in the path of God’s promise.
This Sunday: March 22, 2026
March 22, at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person & Online
This Sunday is the last in our series exploring tools for surviving in the wilderness this Lent, as we look towards Palm Sunday and Holy Week. Join us for scripture, prayer, song, and community.
Easter Blooms & Dedications
We continue our Easter Sunday tradition of including a dedication list in the bulletin to honor, celebrate, and remember loved ones. We’ll also be decorating the Sanctuary with live plants.
You may order and submit
your dedication details HERE
Sunday: March 15, 2026
March 15, at 10:00 a.m.
View Recording
We’re pleased to welcome FamilyAid CEO Larry Seamans (rescheduled from an earlier snow day) into worship this Sunday. Fittingly, the theme for this week in Lent is “navigation,” and Larry will share more with us about the impact of our partnership with FamilyAid’s Family Navigation Center in West Newton.
From Pastor Megan: March 6, 2026
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
March 6, 2026
Alongside its themes of wilderness journeys, Lent is traditionally a season of repentance – of turning from harms and returning to God and to God’s call on our lives. As winter (finally, hopefully) turns into spring, so too are we given a chance for renewal, for new growth, for new life.
This Sunday: March 8, 2026
March 8, at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person & Online
This Sunday is “repair” week in our journey through the tools for survival in the Lenten wilderness, when we will explore themes of healing our relationships, our world, and ourselves.
This Sunday: March 1, 2026
March 1, at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person & Online
We will gather around the communion table this Sunday, and continue our Lenten journey through the wilderness, exploring the tools that offer us protection along the way and continuing our travels through John’s Gospel.
This Sunday: February 22, 2026
February 22, at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person & Online
This Sunday we begin our Lenten journey through the wilderness, exploring the tools that offer us protection along the way and continuing our travels through John’s Gospel.
Game Night
Sunday, March 8 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. (Pizza Provided!)
Join us for a fun night of games! Bring your favorite game or just come ready to play. We’ll meet in the Littlehale room and have pizza and snacks.
All ages are welcome! This is a great chance for intergenerational connection, and a great way for families to spend time together!
Living with Loss
New Supportive Group for Adults beginning at UCW this Spring
All of us live with loss in our lives in so many ways: the death of spouses, children, parents, and other loved ones; the loss of our own or loved ones’ capacity due to illness and aging; the loss of work or other roles that give us a sense of meaning and purpose; and so many more losses. If you are in a season of living with loss and would like to be in supportive spiritual community with others, please join us.
From Pastor Megan: February 13, 2026
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
February 13, 2025
Have you been following the Olympics? This year, a dear friend of mine is in Milan covering the Games as a journalist for the Associated Press, so I’ve been following the news and also her reports from being present there. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to go see the Olympics in person and having a close friend there is almost (almost…) as good.
This Sunday: February 15, 2026
February 15, at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person & Online
This Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday, the last in the season between Epiphany and Lent, and though John’s Gospel doesn’t include a version of the transfiguration, we’ll explore God’s light, made known to us in Jesus and transforming us all the time.
From Pastor Megan: February 6, 2026
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
February 6, 2025
It is time to begin turning our hearts and minds to Lent — and what a year to return to the themes of repentance and repair, of wandering the wilderness, of death and new life. Our theme for worship and community life in Lent this year will be “Tools for Survival in the Wilderness,” and we’ll reflect on how the ways we learn to survive in the literal wildernesses (and I know there are some hiking, camping, backcountry skiing, and other outdoor enthusiasts in this congregation!) teach us about how to survive the metaphorical wildernesses of our time. More to come in worship, of course.
This Sunday: February 8, 2026
February 8, at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person & Online
This Sunday’s scripture, the version of the Feeding of the Multitudes from the Gospel of John, will remind us how we are more together in God than we could ever be apart.
From Pastor Megan: January 30, 2026
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
January 30, 2025
As violence has escalated from ICE and other institutions, and as protests have intensified in response, I have heard from a number of you wondering what to do now, especially for those of us who cannot travel to where witness is most needed. I don’t have all the answers, but I have some suggestions of what you might do if you’re feeling helpless and hopeless, as so many of us are.
Sunday, February 1, 2026
February 1, at 10:00 a.m.
(Recording Now Availabe)
We will gather around the communion table this Sunday, and read from the Psalms and John’s Gospel about water and the Spirit. Then, after worship, we’ll get our coffee and snacks to fortify us for our re-scheduled service project opportunity! Staff from FamilyAid will be on site to lead us through packing up clothes and toiletries for our unhoused neighbors.
From Pastor Megan: January 23, 2026
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
January 23, 2025
Happy January, with over a foot of snow headed our way this weekend! Given the weather predictions, Newton Mayor Mark Laredo has asked people to refrain from driving and parking in the city on Sunday and Monday whenever possible. With the uncertainty of when the storm will begin, and predictions that when it does, it will snow as much as an inch an hour, we will move our worship service on to Zoom for the day.
This Sunday: Jan. 25, 2026
January 25, at 10:00 a.m.
Online Only
We will move our worship to Zoom this Sunday, and have a short prayer service together in the midst of the storm.
Stand Out
Wednesday, February,11 Departing at 10:45 a.m. Join us!
Join us to pray, sing, and stand in solidarity with those detained by ICE at the Burlington Detention Center. We will be carpooling from UCW, departing at 10:45 AM on Wednesday, February 11.
From Pastor Megan
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
January 16, 2025
I have exciting news to share about next Sunday, 1/25, when we will welcome two special guests from FamilyAid into our worship service to share about the good work continuing at the Family Navigation Center in West Newton.
MLK Day Weekend
January 18, at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person and Online
John’s Gospel begins “In the beginning,” but rapidly brings us to some of the highest-tension moments of Jesus’ ministry. This Sunday, we’ll read the story of Jesus turning over the tables in the temple and consider it in the context of MLK Day Weekend and the news from the world all around us.
Third Sunday of Christmas
January 11, at 10:00 a.m.
View Recording
Even in the midst of difficult news from around the world, our scripture this week reminds us that there is joy in the life of faith. Join together to pray through it all.
Colgate Resolutions
This Sunday
January 11th | 7:00 PM
Union Church
14 Collins Road
Waban, MA
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!
Second Sunday of Christmas
January 4, at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person and Online
We’ll observe Epiphany a few days early this Sunday, re-telling the story of the Wise Ones who were drawn by a star to witness the world-changing event of Jesus’ birth. We’ll also celebrate communion together around the table.
From Pastor Megan
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
December 24, 2025
Warmest Christmas wishes to you and all your loved ones. As we celebrate the Light of Christ coming into the world, may your life be filled with that light and all of the peace, joy, love, and hope it brings. It is no small thing to celebrate God’s presence in a world in need, or to remember God’s faithfulness in accompanying us in all things. Let us dwell in that grace and goodness together this week.
Christmas Eve Service
Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 6:00 p. m.
In-Person and Online
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.
Pajama Church
December 28, at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person and Online
It’s Christmas week! We’ll keep Christmas festivities going with Pajama Church this Sunday — all ages worshipping together in the sanctuary, (church-appropriate) pajamas welcome (but not required)!
All-Ages Nativity Story
December 21, at 10:00 a.m.
All-Ages Nativity Story Worship Service
In-Person and Online
This Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Advent and a very special worship service! Our choir has prepared special music, with guest musicians, and members of all ages will lead us in our Intergenerational Christmas Play!
From Pastor Megan
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
December 12, 2025
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.
The Third Sunday of Advent
December 14, at 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.
Christmas Pageant
December 21 at 10:00 a.m.
Pageant and Special Music Service
Join with the many generations of UCW as together we express our LOVE for Jesus and one another by telling the story of Jesus’ birth.
Hanging of the Greens
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
December 5, 2025
What a joy it was to gather for the annual Hanging of the Greens service last Sunday! That’s a tradition that has been stewarded by first the Deacons and now the Worship Team over many years in this church, and it is always such a beautiful way to welcome in the Advent season.
The Second Sunday of Advent
December 7, at 10:00 a.m.
Video Available
This Sunday is the second Sunday of Advent and a Communion Sunday, when we’ll join together around the table in memory and hope.
From Pastor Megan: Novemeber 30, 2025
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
November 30, 2025
“‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’”
Matthew 25
I pray that you all have had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones, and that those who are traveling return home with ease and in safety.
The Hanging of the Greens Sunday
November 30, at 10:00 a.m.
In-Person and Online
This Sunday, Advent begins with our annual Hanging of the Greens Service! We’ll join together in story and song as we prepare our sanctuary for this season of worship and waiting.
Thanksgiving Sunday
November 23 at 10:00 a.m.
(In-person & Online)
This Sunday, we’ll close our worship series on leaders, prophets, and apostles from our faith tradition by celebrating Reign of Christ Sunday and reflecting on Jesus as the head of the church. We’ll also dwell in gratitude as we approach Thanksgiving.
Stand Out
Wednesday, Dec.,10
from 11:30-1:00 p.m. (Join us!
Recently, Brita Gill-Austern, Alison McCarty and Nancy Zollers joined almost 500 Faith leaders and concerned citizens for a Stand Out in front of the Burlington Ice Detention Center. The purpose of the Stand Out is to support the disappeared and detained incarcerated there and to decry the ICE actions in our communities.
From Pastor Megan
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
November 21, 2025
In the professional development training where I spent the last week, the core curriculum for my cohort this year was about faith-based, relational community organizing for congregations. This congregation has plenty of experience with this community organizing model thanks to GBIO,
Pray With Your Feet
Watch This Space !
Fall March Date TBA
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!
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!
From Pastor Megan: November 14, 2025
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
November 14, 2025
There’s a lot going on behind the scenes at UCW these days! I wanted to be sure everyone is up-to-date, even on processes that are in quieter phases right now.
This Sunday
November 16 at 10:00 a.m.
(In-person & Online)
This Sunday, Brita Gill-Austern will preach on the story of Mary and Martha from Luke’s Gospel and continue our theme of learning from the leaders, prophets, and apostles from the Bible and Christian History.
Christmas Poinsettias
Family and Friends Annual Dedications
Our annual Hanging of the Greens service will take place on Sunday, November 30, 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 14 and 21.
Sunday
November 9 at 10:00 a.m.
(VIdeo Now Available)
This Sunday, Katie Brown-Bright, our Bridge Associate for Children, Youth, and Families, will be leading service while Pastor Megan is away. We will read the story of Samuel together and consider what it means to listen for God’s call in our lives.
From Pastor Megan
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
October 31, 2025
It’s All Saints Sunday this week, and we’ll be singing many favorite hymns about the saints that we usually save for this one Sunday a year. As we bless the children on their way to Sunday School, we’ll sing “When the Saints Go Marching In,” with an extra verse Karen and I came up with based on this Sunday’s scripture readings:
All Saints Sunday
November 2 at 10:00 a.m.
(In-person & Online)
This Sunday around the Communion table, we will remember and honor the saints who have gone before us: our loved ones, members of this congregation, and all our ancestors in faith.
FamilyAid Update
Members of UCW had a blast painting (and sometimes washing and repainting!) mini pumpkins with some of the kids and parents at the FamilyAid Family Navigation Center on Wednesday. After our successful Popsicle Playground Parties in the summer, the moms specifically asked if we could come back to host something fun for Halloween!
Game Night
Sunday, Nov. 16 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. (Pizza Provided!)
Join us for a fun night of games! Bring your favorite game or just come ready to play. We’ll meet in the Littlehale room and have pizza and snacks.
This is a great chance for intergenerational connection, and a great way for families to spend time together!
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Thursday, Nov. 20, 7:00 p.m.
Remember, Resist, and Rise Interfaith Service
UCW is gearing up to march in this year’s Pride for the People Parade on June 14! We’re joining fellow Open and Affirming (aka, LGBTQ+ welcoming) UCC-affiliated congregations across Greater Boston to celebrate love, inclusion, and the vibrant spirit of Pride!
From Pastor Megan
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
October 24, 2025
Many of you have heard me quote Julian of Norwich, a mystic nun from the 14th century: “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” I often repeat this phrase in a lighthearted way, but in truth, I do not mean it flippantly, and Julian of Norwich certainly did not.
Sunday Worship
October 26 at 10:00 a.m.
(In-person & Online)
This Sunday, we will return to the stories of our ancestors in faith with one reading from the Book of Daniel and one about John the Baptist, both considering a faithful response to corrupt authorities.
Friday Updates
The Union Church distributes a newsletter every Friday by e-mail. This is an easy way to to stay up to date with church news and events. If you would like to be added to our mailing list please sign up HERE.
All are welcome to sign up and unsubscribing at anytime is a simple mouse click! Click “Continue Reading” for this week’s issue.
Visioning Sign-Up
We have been engaged in a Vision and Strategic Planning initiative and want to invite YOU to join us and help us chart UCW’s journey!
Our facilitators have been trained and are ready to welcome you into small-group listening sessions over the next several weeks, in which all who want to participate can make your voices heard in this process.
From Pastor Megan
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
October 17, 2025
Did you see Wednesday’s Save-the-Date for the All Comers Dinner a week from tonight? All Comers Dinner is one of my favorite UCW traditions: part party, part loaves-and-fishes dinner, all community fun. We’ll share in a potluck meal at the Lynch-Johnson home at 6:00 p.m. on Friday the 24th (thank you for hosting, once again, Linda & Kevin!) and just spend time in fellowship and social fun together.
Sunday Worship & Congregational Meeting
October 19 at 10:00 a.m.
(Video Availavble)
This Sunday, we read the story of Jonah in worship and sang, prayed, and shared together. After worship, our work as the church continued with a special congregational meeting to review and approve a revised budget for the year.
Wellspring Gathering
Wednesday, October 22 at 6:30 pm
(In-Person)
We will be spending time at this gathering discussing the purpose of Wellspring and what each of us would like to get from this small group ministry. Pastor Megan will be leading this discussion.
Indigenoius People’s Day Weekend
October 12 at 10:00 a.m.
(In-person & Online)
This Sunday, as we worship together over the Indigenous Peoples’ Day holiday weekend, we will explore two more stories of God’s faithful people from the Bible who can inspire our own lives: Esther and Paul. Both people who, in different ways, found the courage needed to leave comfort behind in order to forge a better path for their (and God’s) people.
From Pastor Megan
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
October 3, 2025
What a joy it has been to be the bearer of good news where our staff is concerned these last few weeks! And what a joy it is to welcome Katie Brown-Bright, our new Bridge Associate for Children, Youth, and Families on to the staff this week, in particular. Whether you are a parent of a child or youth in the church’s program or not, Katie wants to meet you, so greet her in worship or arrange some time with her for a walk or coffee in the coming weeks.
Welcoming Katie Brown-Bright
Bridge Associate for Children, Youth, and Families
Katie Brown-Bright is a recent graduate of Boston University School of Theology. She spent the last three years working as the Student Minister for Children and Families at Hancock United Church of Christ in Lexington and is very excited to continue doing ministry with children and youth at The Union Church in Waban!