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Sunday, Oct 2 Worship (Hybrid)
World Communion Sunday October 2nd at 10:00 a.m. (In Person & Online)With The Boston Taiwanese Christian Church We will share in worship with the Boston Taiwanese Christian Church on World Communion Sunday joining with Christians around the globe to live our inclusive welcome at the table. For those joining on Zoom, please prepare bread/cracker and juice/water…
Sunday, September 25 Worship (Hybrid)
Commissioning Our Search Committee September 25th at 10:00 a.m. (In Person & Online) We will commission the Search Committee for their work in the process to identify a new Senior Pastor. Our Unraveled theme in worship continues with a look at the story of the hardened heart of Pharaoh as he encounters Moses demand to free…
Tree Top Adventure in Canton
Treetop Adventures in Canton is one of the favorite outings of the year for kids in the youth groups, and the adults, too!
Sunday, September 18 Worship (Hybrid)
Blessing of the Backpacks September 18th at 10:00 a.m. (In Person & Online via Zoom) Students of any age, teachers, school administrators, or professors, please join us for a blessing of the backpacks and devices on this Sunday in worship. Bring your backpack or bag, and device if you have one. Together we will journey into…
Pilgrimage to Alabama <br>Celebrating Jo McCall </br>October 21-23
Celebrating Jo McCallOctober 21st -23rd Our partner in our UCW pilgrimage to Alabama will be honored in October Details and Tickets HERE Our founder, Josephine Bolling McCall, turns 80 this year and we are inviting YOU to join our weekend of events celebrating in Montgomery, Alabama. As the child of a Jim Crow South lynching victim speaking…
More… Pilgrimage to Alabama <br>Celebrating Jo McCall </br>October 21-23
Youth Group Permission Form & Volunteer Sign-ups
Our ministries to children and youth are the welcoming, meaningful spaces for faith formation and service they are because of the many adults who support, teach, mentor, and lead them. We’re grateful to you for signing up to help however you can! Your presence with our kids and youth is so valuable and appreciated! Please…
Middle & High School Youth Groups – Fall 2022
We’ve got an awesome season ahead! Below please find the calendars for our Junior (6th-9th grade) and Senior (10th-12th grade) Youth Groups Junior Youth Group – 6th to 9th Graders – Fall Calendar September Sept. 11th – Gathering Sunday! Bring a sample of water from your summer to share in worship and then bake cookies…
Wellspring
Our monthly gathering for women is resuming their meetings in September, a date yet to be determined. Please contact Amy McMahon for more information.
Read Scripture or Host Reception
Sharing scripture and serving as host of our reception time after church are wonderful (and easy!) ways to get involved and serve. If you sign up to read scripture, one of our pastors will be in touch with you with the passage and to answer any questions you have. If you sign up to host…
Sunday, September 11 Worship (Hybrid)
https://youtu.be/2KHtekM3Trg The bulletin is available HERE Gathering Sunday – Food and Fun September 11th at 10:00 a.m. (In Person & Online via Zoom) Join with old and new friends at our Sept. 11th Gathering Sunday! We’ll kick-off the new church year, reconnect, worship, bring your gathered water to bless and have fun together. Worship will be hybrid at…
Newton Freedge – Continued Need
The Newton Community Freedge is a free, outdoor refrigerator and pantry located in the parking lot of Central Drapery and Dry Cleaning, 420 Watertown Street. As food prices increase and many of our neighbors struggle with food insecurity, the Freedge is one important way we can help. The Union Church in Waban is a Freedge partner responsible…
Gathering Sunday, Sept. 11
Join with old and new friends at our Sept. 11th Gathering Sunday and Potluck! We’ll kick-off the new church year, reconnect, worship, and have fun together. Worship will be hybrid at 10am, followed by an All-Church Homecoming Picnic at 11am. Bring your favorite dish to share, or volunteer to help decorate and set up games…
Blessing of the Animals, Oct. 16th
Our furry, scaly, feathery friends are beloved members of our homes and families, and have been there for us in special ways over the last few years! Come bless and celebrate them, and pray for God’s creatures everywhere. We’ll gather at 1pm in the park across from the church for this joyful, informal service!
Unraveled: New Sermon Series
Seeking God When Our Plans Fall Apart – What happens when our world falls apart? What does it look like to search for God in the gray area of our lives? How do we press onward when our tightly-knit plans unravel into loose threads? Sometimes we need to be unraveled—from shame, fear, patterns, or identities that…
Transition and Search at UCW
Learn about our Transition and Search for a new Senior Pastor – It is an exciting time at The Union Church in Waban and our Transition Team has been hard at work as we listen for God’s call for our church and new senior pastor. The Transition Team (Anya Bassett, Alan Cody, Jane Purser, Cindy…
All-Church Fall 2022 Retreat
Saturday, November 12thThe retreat for all ages will be on Saturday, November 12th. Youth will remain for an overnight into Sunday, November 13th. We will meet at Edwards House at the UCC Conference Center in Framingham. We will gather around the themes of trust, faith and coming together as found in the story of Peter walking…
Sunday, August 7 at 9:30 a.m.</br> All UCC Service Event</br> Newton Highlands Congregational Church
This Sunday, August 7, almost all the UCC pastors in Newton will gather for worship and communion together here at NHCC. Pastors, deacons, members, and friends of Second Church, Union Church, Waban, and United Parish Auburndale will unite in Christian worship and thanksgiving. Childcare will be provided.
Welcoming Rev. Matt Carriker
Sabbatical Pastor – Associate Pastor for Youth & Families. We have great news to share – Pastor Amy will be taking a sabbatical and Rev. Matt Carriker will step in to the ministry for six of the nine weeks she will be away. Pastor Matt will begin at UCW on September 1. A common piece…
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Gathering in Memorial Chapel and on Zoom
Our Summer Services have begun, gathering at 10:00 a.m. for hybrid worship. As we embrace the more relaxed pace of summer, we will gather in the Memorial Chapel and worship will be more informal, followed by time for fellowship (outside, weather permitting).
Pastor Amy will take the lead in worship on this Sunday. She will examine the call story of Mary in Luke 1: 39 – 46 Read More….
Sunday, July 17
Pastor Amy and Gerry Elion took the lead in worship on this Sunday. They examined the call story of Moses in Exodus 3: 1 – 15
Pilgrimage to Boston</br>The Black Heritage Trail®
Sunday, August 14th from 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Join UCW friends and a Park Ranger from the National Parks of Boston to explore the rich history of Beacon Hill’s 19th century Black community on Sunday, August 14th from 1 – 2:30 p.m. We can catch the train from church at Noon to travel together.
Summer Worship Zoom Link
Sunday. July 10th at 10.00 a.m. Gathering in Memorial Chapel and on Zoom Our Summer Services will begin on July 10th, gathering at 10:00 a.m. for hybrid worship. We will follow a theme of “Calling,” examining our own calls as people of faith. As we embrace the more relaxed pace of summer, we will gather…
Sunday July 3</br>Leading in a Liminal Season Webinar
This Sunday, July 3rd, in lieu of hybrid worship, Pastors Amy and Wendy invite you to join the Council in watching this webinar, presented by UCW alum Rev. Dr. Sarah Drummond and Susan Beaumont. The presentation invites us to consider the liminal times in which we are living. A common language around this season of ministry will be helpful to us.
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Gathering in Memorial Chapel and on Zoom
Our Summer Services have begun, gathering at 10:00 a.m. for hybrid worship. As we embrace the more relaxed pace of summer, we will gather in the Memorial Chapel and worship will be more informal, followed by time for fellowship (outside, weather permitting).
Pastor Amy will take the lead in worship on this Sunday. She will examine the call story of Mary in Luke 1: 39 – 46 Read More….
Sundaes on Wednesdays (in-Person)</br> July 20 and August 3 & 24 at 7:00 p.m.
We are excited to offer some additional times for joy, rest, prayer, togetherness, and ICE CREAM! Sundaes on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Come enjoy each other’s company over a frozen treat on these Wednesdays dates
More… Sundaes on Wednesdays (in-Person)</br> July 20 and August 3 & 24 at 7:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online)</br> Sunday, June 26</br>Commissioning Mission Trip Participants
On this day we will bless our youth and adult leaders who will be traveling to Maryland on a Mission Trip. We will also preview “Sundaes on Wednesdays” by serving ice cream at Reception.
10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, June 19
Our morning worship will focus on the gift of partners in dreaming as we consider the story of Priscilla and Aquila who served alongside the apostle Paul as he started new churches. We will give prayerful attention to fathers of all kinds as well as the spirit of Juneteenth on this day.
More… 10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, June 19
10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, June 12
On this day we continued our Pentecost celebration of the Holy Spirit, and God’s presence and dreams for each of us and the church. We also honored and blessed our high school and other graduates during worship and reception. Graduates and graduate-families joined us!
More… 10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, June 12
10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Pentecost Sunday, June 5
Please mark your calendars for this joyful Spirit-filled day, as we celebrate what many consider the birthday of the church. We’ll be led by our Exploring Our Faith students, as they share where the Spirit has led them this year. We will also share Communion, and invite any joining on Zoom to bring a bread or cracker and juice or water, so they can partake at home.
More… 10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Pentecost Sunday, June 5
10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, May 29
This Sunday we will continue with the theme, Those Who Dream Change Everything, and explore how Jesus is God’s dream, and how through Jesus we experience God’s dream for all creation. Pastor Wendy will preach on this day.
More… 10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, May 29
10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, May 22
This Sunday we will take a little different angle on the dream category and consider the interpretation of dreams. The story of Joseph will give us opportunity to wonder how we discern what God is doing.
More… 10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, May 22
10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, May 15
Continuing with the theme, Those Who Dream Change Everything, we considered the dream of Jacob. We wondered about God’s presence in our lives with messages of connection and hope when about to do a scary thing. Pastor Amy and Olivia led Sunday School.
More… 10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, May 15
10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, May 8
We will launch a new theme for the weeks leading up to June 19 – Those Who Dream Change Everything. Through various stories of dreams and visions found in the scripture, we will explore this theme wondering what God is yet calling from UCW in its ministry.
Mother’s Day Candles – During this service, we will light candles as we honor and remember those who have been as mothers to us.
More… 10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, May 8
10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, May 1
On this Sunday Guest Preacher Matt Carriker will preach and lead worship as both Pastors Amy and Wendy will be away. Rev. Matt, Pastor of Agape Spiritual Community in Weston, is well known to UCW and we are grateful to add his voice in worship on this day. We will also celebrate communion.
More… 10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, May 1
10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, April 24
On this Sunday we will consider the scripture from Second Corinthians
”But we have this treasure in clay jars…” Young voices will help interpret these words for us as well as images of Japanese pottery. Come consider what God can do with crackpots!
More… 10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, April 24
Easter Sunday at the Union Church in Waban</br>Two Services and an Egg Hunt
At 6:00 a.m. early risers will gather for this informal service as we watch the swans and turtles wake up and greet the Easter sunrise with songs and shouts of Alleluia! Pastor Amy and family lead this service.
Our 10:00 A.M Service will be a joyful, multi-generation service will incorporate the flowering of the cross, alleluia bells, and dedicating our Prayer Station Welcome Door. Come by 9:45 a.m. to enjoy extra special music featuring trumpet and drums. The service will be followed an easter egg hunt.
More… Easter Sunday at the Union Church in Waban</br>Two Services and an Egg Hunt
10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, April 10 – Palm Sunday
We begin this Holy Week with our intergenerational Palm Sunday service, led by our youth. We will wave our palms high and hear the story of Holy Week (in age-appropriate ways) in this special service. We hope you will join us in-person or on Zoom.
Children and youth of all ages are invited to remain in the sanctuary for this special service. Our Prayground in the Memorial Chapel will also be available with special Palm Sunday crafts and materials.
More… 10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, April 10 – Palm Sunday
Holy Week at the Union Church in Waban Schedules, Links, and a Podcast
The Union Church in Waban invites the community to
join it in celebrating the Easter season. We will gather in-person and online.
More… Holy Week at the Union Church in Waban Schedules, Links, and a Podcast
10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, April 3 – Commitment Sunday
Our Mission Team will take the lead in worship on this day – sharing stories of our partners in ministry and what we are learning about our neighbors as we serve. We will break bread in communion and prepare to dedicate our giving for the coming year for the Annual Campaign.
More… 10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, April 3 – Commitment Sunday
10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, March 27 – Stewardship Season Continues
We will hear the story of a squabble in the early church and how it was resolved by turning to discernment, encouragement and grace. Come hear how making it through a church fight is a healthy sign for us today!
Pastor Amy and our staff teacher, Olivia, will lead children and youth in exploring how they can share their gifts during Sunday School, and then kids will return to the sanctuary just before the time of offering.
More… 10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, March 27 – Stewardship Season Continues
UCW Stewardship Campaign 2022-2023 Our Commitment to Thriving
The Union Church in WabanOur Commitment to Thriving You can see that our major expenses are supporting our thriving ministries – pastoral, youth, music, and mission. Our next major expense is investing in thriving endurance – the continued support of our century old building and daily operations. We keep the light of hope alive and in doing so, 100%…
More… UCW Stewardship Campaign 2022-2023 Our Commitment to Thriving
UCW Stewardship Campaign 2022-2023</br> Where Hope Thrives
Throughout the pandemic, the Union Church has been a community of return, a place of homecoming. And it’s also a community of sending, a place that commissions us as agents of God’s love and grace. Christianity was made for this: building bridges of homecoming and commissioning, sending and return, welcoming the stranger and being sent forth to visit the sick and imprisoned. The Union Church is made for it, too, and we are made to do this together. Together we offer our skills, our hopes, our ideas, our money, and our hearts to answer God’s call.
More… UCW Stewardship Campaign 2022-2023</br> Where Hope Thrives
10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, March 20 – Stewardship Season
This Sunday begins our Stewardship season, and we will gather in-person and online. A practice of Welcome and Testimony will be launched with a first offering by Jaap van Reijendam. As we continue exploring the question, “Who Is Our Neighbor,” we will hear stories of how this church has shared God’s love with its members and neighbors.
Pastor Amy and our staff teacher, Olivia, will lead children and youth in exploring how they can share their gifts during Sunday School, and then kids will return to the sanctuary just before the time of offering.
More… 10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, March 20 – Stewardship Season
10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, March 13 – Nicaragua Service
As a way to address the question, Who is our Neighbor? we will celebrate our ministry partners in Nicaragua. As most know, our church has a nearly 20 year relationship with the community of San Juan del Sur. While we aren’t able to travel this year to serve in-person, we will join them over Zoom, and in with Spirit, commitment, story, and prayer. Please join us for this special service.
This intergenerational service will be meaningful and engaging for all ages! Our Children’s Ministry teacher Olivia will also be available to lead kids in their own activities in our new Prayground.
More… 10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, March 13 – Nicaragua Service
10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, March 6 – First Sunday in Lent
The season of Lent begins a series on the next question in our Transition journey – Who Is Our Neighbor? Pastor Amy preached on the story of Saul and his life-changing experience on the road to Damascus. We found nourishment for our Lenten journey as we shared the bread and cup of Communion. Those joining on Zoom were invited to bring their own cracker or bread, and juice or water.
Our new Lenten Prayer Station, “God’s Doors Are Open to All,” was available, along with our labyrinth.
Children and Youth were invited to in-person Sunday School before returning to share Communion. They started their Lenten journey by planting bulbs and creating Alleluia butterflies.
More… 10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, March 6 – First Sunday in Lent
Ash Wednesday Observance at UCW </br>March 2, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
All are invited to observe Ash Wednesday in a manner that works best for you. Creating solitary experiences in community, we are providing spaces in the Sanctuary and online to engage in prayer and practice.
We pray these observances are meaningful, accessible and provide grounding for this season.
More… Ash Wednesday Observance at UCW </br>March 2, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, Feb. 27 – Last Sunday after the Epiphany
We will continue our series asking the question “Who Are We now?” On this Sunday, Pastor Wendy will lead us in meeting an interesting character in the Book of Acts – the Ethiopian eunuch. We will wonder together about coming alongside people on their spiritual journeys and how that shapes our ministry.
Sunday School continues this Sunday for children and youth!
More… 10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online) Sunday, Feb. 27 – Last Sunday after the Epiphany
10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online)</br>Sunday, Feb. 20 – Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany
We will continue our series asking the question “Who Are We now?” On this Sunday, Pastor Wendy will lead us in exploring the story of the magician Simon and ponder the power of encounter. The Union Church has a history of creating spaces for encounter, how might we build upon that practice?
Sunday School with Pastor Amy will also resume this Sunday for children and youth! See below for details.
Celebrating the Life of Bev Hadley, Service Details, Weds, Feb. 16
The Hadley family would like to invite friends and members of the church to join them for A Service in Celebration of the Life ofBeverly HadleyatThe Union Church in Wabanon Wednesday, February 16that 10a.m. Zoom Link: HEREMeeting ID: 870 2138 4345Passcode: 329888Dial in only: 1-646 558 8656 US (New York) Following this service, the family will gather…
More… Celebrating the Life of Bev Hadley, Service Details, Weds, Feb. 16
10:00 a.m. Worship (In-Person and Online)</br>Sunday, Feb. 13 – Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
We returned to gathering in-person, along with our Zoom service this week! We continued our series asking the question “Who Are We now?” On this Sunday, Pastor Amy led us in exploring the story and ministry of Stephen, and how, filled with wisdom and Spirit, he led the early church into ministries of care and service. We also blessed our Transition Team on this special day.
Children and Fall Sundays – Welcome Back!
Sunday School Begins on Sept. 11th, 2022. We cherish our children and youth, and can’t wait to see you in the fall! Join us each Sunday at 10am for in-person Sunday School: Sept. 11th – Gathering Sunday! Gather with Rev. Matt Carriker to reconnect and get ready for our Gathering Sunday after worship. Stay for…
10:00 a.m. Worship (Online)</br>Sunday, Feb. 6 – Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
A new series mirroring questions that will shape the Senior Pastor search process begins this Sunday focusing on “Who Are We now?” We will hear the strange and troubling story of Ananias and Sapphira from the 5th chapter of Acts and wonder about generosity as a mark of who we are now. We will also share Communion, and so we invite you to bring bread or a cracker, and juice or water to our online service.
More… 10:00 a.m. Worship (Online)</br>Sunday, Feb. 6 – Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Coat and Clothing Collection for Common Cathedral – January 16-February 17
Coat and Clothing Collection
for Common Cathedral
January 16th-February 17
More… Coat and Clothing Collection for Common Cathedral – January 16-February 17
Special Meeting of the Congregation Sunday, January 30, Following Online Worship
The purpose of the meeting will be to elect the Transition Team and
Search Committee for our new Senior Pastor.
At this time of publication we are not gathering in person, so this meeting will take place via Zoom. We will ask that all members “sign-in” in the chat room. Voting will take place by polling this roster of members.
More… Special Meeting of the Congregation Sunday, January 30, Following Online Worship
Nicaragua – The Ministry of Nicaragua
February Trip – We have been traveling to Nicaragua since 2003 for service work but given the challenges of traveling we have made the decision to postpone the trip this year and we will revisit the idea when safe travel allows and we will be working on how to best help our friends and partners over the next couple of months.
Book Group -Tuesday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m.
This month we will be reading The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Sunday, Jan. 16, Worship (Online):
We will kick off a series on “Vision” as a way to prepare UCW for the upcoming search process for a new Senior Pastor.
Sunday Worship, Jan. 9 – Epiphany Sunday
We will celebrate Epiphany – the visit of the Magi and hear their invitation to join in wonder. We will also inaugurate the practice of using Star Words, so be ready with the word you received in the mail.
10:00 a.m. Worship (Online & In-person)</br>Sunday, November 28</br>The Hanging of the Greens
Join us as we deck the halls, and enter into this season of light, hope, peace, joy and love. We’ll hang the wreaths and holly, and decorate the Christmas Tree together in this joyful, much-loved, intergenerational service!
Come after worship at 11:00 a.m. as we create family Advent Wreaths together, and share time to connect! If you have a wire wreath from past years, please bring it! We’ll have extras, as well as new candles and greens!
More… 10:00 a.m. Worship (Online & In-person)</br>Sunday, November 28</br>The Hanging of the Greens
10:00 a.m. Worship (Online & In-person)</br>Sunday, November 21
Amidst all the loss, uncertainty, and challenges we have experienced this year, we have so much for which to be grateful. Come; let us be together in a spirit of Thanksgiving. As we continue our exploration of Paul’s words from the letter to Romans, we’ll consider how we are called to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep;” and how practices of humility and gratitude may guide us to greater peace.
We are also so grateful for the gift of beautiful music from James Cooke and Lisa Crockett!
More… 10:00 a.m. Worship (Online & In-person)</br>Sunday, November 21
Worship (Online & In-person)</br>Sunday, November 14
Pastor Wendy preached,
We continued to dig into words from the letter to Romans and examined the power of holding fast to what is good through shared purpose. In this time of transition, the purpose question is the most important work we can do in order to discern the right leader to help fulfill that purpose. Coming to God-given consensus on a common purpose is invigorating work. We will see what inspiration we find in these ancient words to move us on that path.
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: …
Worship (Online & In-person)</br>Sunday, November 7
Pastor Wendy preached and we shared in Communion.
For the next few Sundays we will dig into words from the letter to Romans. The apostle Paul wrote these words to a church he had not yet met, but who were facing the common circumstances of emergent and new communities gathering in the name of Jesus. Like those who heard these words long ago, we will ponder, what does it mean to “hold fast to what is good?”
Better Housign Improves Health Outcomes
Better housing is known to improve a variety of health outcomes. Neighborhood characteristics also have a major impact on health-related determinants, such as the availability of healthy food and exposures to environmental toxins, gun violence, and other morbidity and mortality risks. The Moving to Opportunity for Fair Housing demonstration reported positive health outcomes, such as reductions in the…
Worship (Online & In-person)</br>Sunday, October 31
Pastor Wendy was our preacher and we celebrated
the saints in our midst and in that great cloud of witnesses.
The biblical story of Ruth and Naomi centered us in asking the question – how shall we go together? Ministry in a time of transition has always been a challenge. Layer the havoc wreaked by the pandemic and discerning a way forward in an upended world adds more challenge. What stories of people of faith can help us find our way? We’ll explore these themes in the next few Sundays as we come together, build relationship and set on a path towards new pastoral leadership. The sermon is inspired in part by this song – feel free to check it out in advance.
Worship (Online & In-person)</br>Sunday, October 24
We were very excited to welcome our new Interim Senior Pastor on this day. We were also be blessed to have Rev. Dr. Mary Day Miller, Executive Director of the American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts joining us to share her preaching and leadership on this day.
Worship (Online & In-person)</br>Sunday, October 17
This Sunday we will be blessed to have Rev. Christine Keddy, Director of Missions & Elder Care Coordinator for The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts as our preacher. She will share a message of Hope and certainty in this time of uncertainty. Our choir and hand-bells will also share the gift of their music.
Interim Minister Called to the <br> Union Church in Waban
After five months of prayerful discernment and an exhaustive national search the Union Church in Waban has called Reverend Wendy Vander Hart to be our Interim Senior Minister. Accepting the call, Reverend Vander Hart will lead our congregation in this time of transition and guide us on our current journey to clarify our vision as church, explore new directions in our ministries, and prepare us to call our next settled pastor.
More… Interim Minister Called to the <br> Union Church in Waban
Worship (Online & In-person)</br>Sunday, October 10
This Sunday we will gather in-person and online to worship with joy and gratitude. Pastor Amy will lead us in worship and share a message about what it means for us to be a people of the table, as we reflect on what it means that Jesus is the bread of life.
Worship (Online & In-person)</br>Sunday, October 3<br>World Communion Sunday
This Sunday we are blessed to have Rev. Cindy Maybeck, an inspiring and accomplished preacher, share our pulpit. Founder of Spirit Story ministry, Rev. Maybeck designs original presentations blending scripture telling and storytelling to bring God’s word to life and to inspire the church to move forward in faith with hope and joy. She tells the Gospel by heart as it was first told in the early church. To receive the word spoken with love transforms our understanding of the Bible as a living instrument of God’s grace. Her sermons are filled with stories and you will be transfixed and perhaps touched with laughter or even shed a healing tear.
More… Worship (Online & In-person)</br>Sunday, October 3<br>World Communion Sunday
Worship (Online & In-person)</br>Sunday, September 26
Join us in person (masked, distanced) or online as we find joy, peace, connection in worshiping together. This week we are blessed to commission our 9th and 10th graders on a year-long exploration of their faith, as they consider baptism, confirmation, membership, and their continued faith journey. We are delighted that both our Choir and Bell Choir will again share the gift of their music in-person. As our youth embark on a year of asking questions of their faith, we will consider what it means when Jesus tells the disciples, “ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find.”
Worship (Online & In-person)</br>Sunday, September 19
Join us in person (masked, distanced) or online for our second Sunday of the new church year together. We are delighted that both our Choir and Bell Choir will share the gift of their music in-person this Sunday, under the direction of our new music director, Mijin Choi. It will be good to be together as we light a candle of remembrance; and gather for prayer and reconnection. Pastor Amy will lead us in worship as we consider what it means to walk as Christians through the joys and challenges of this season. Professional childcare on the playground is available.
Sunday September 19 Bulletin
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An Update from the Interim Senior Pastor Search Committee
Dear Friends, The search for our Interim Senior Pastor has proved more lengthy than originally anticipated. We have had several very talented candidates but have not yet been successful in finalizing a contract with any. This means that we return this fall with the opportunity to open our pulpit to a diversity of inspiring voices, and to…
More… An Update from the Interim Senior Pastor Search Committee
Welcoming Sunday, September 12</br>10:00 a.m. Worship (Online & In-person)
WELCOMING SUNDAY -Communion and Commissioning of our new Music Director!
Join us in person (masked, distanced) or online as we celebrate the first Sunday of the new church year together with joy, prayerfulness, and grace. On this day we’ll welcome Mijin Choi as our new music director; share Communion; light a candle of remembrance on the 20th anniversary of 9-11; and gather for fellowship and a time of reconnection. Pastor Amy will lead us in worship as we consider what it means to be rooted in love and bear good fruit in this new season.
If you are joining us online, please remember to bring bread or a cracker, and water or juice for Communion. In-person (outdoor, masked) childcare will be provided on the church playgrounds.
More… Welcoming Sunday, September 12</br>10:00 a.m. Worship (Online & In-person)
Sunday, September 5</br>10:00 a.m. Worship (Online & In-person)
Join us for this final Sunday of our Summer Worship! Gather at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom from wherever you are, or come by the church and worship with us in-person (masked) in our beautiful Memorial Chapel. We were blessed by the voices and leadership of a variety of wonderful preachers and worship leaders throughout August (you can find most of them online HERE). This Sunday, we will be led in worship by Pastor Amy, and will consider the fruits of the Spirit and of our labor this Labor Day.
More… Sunday, September 5</br>10:00 a.m. Worship (Online & In-person)
August Worship Service Recordings Available Here
Join us for our Summer Worship each Sunday at 10:00 a.m.! Gather on Zoom from wherever you are, or come by the church and worship with us in-person (masked) in our beautiful Memorial Chapel. This Sunday, we are blessed to have UCW member Jaap vanReijendam as our preacher and worship leader, as he shares a special reflection on Isaiah. His family will also help lead worship, including contributing some special music. You won’t want to miss it!
Sunday, July 25</br>10:00 a.m. Summer Worship (Online & In-person)
Join us for our Summer Worship each Sunday at 10:00 a.m.! Gather on Zoom from wherever you are, or come by the church and worship with us in-person (masked) in our beautiful Memorial Chapel. This Sunday, we are blessed to have UCW member Jaap vanReijendam as our preacher and worship leader, as he shares a special reflection on Isaiah. His family will also help lead worship, including contributing some special music. You won’t want to miss it!
More… Sunday, July 25</br>10:00 a.m. Summer Worship (Online & In-person)
Sunday, July 18</br>10:00 a.m. Summer Worship (Online & In-person)
Join us for our Summer Worship each Sunday at 10:00 a.m.! Gather on Zoom from wherever you are, or come by the church and worship with us in-person (masked) in our beautiful Memorial Chapel. Pastor Amy will continue our exploration of the stories of the Jewish people’s return from exile, as we emerge from our own exile-like time of displacement caused by the pandemic. This week we’ll return to Isaiah and consider the new thing God may be doing in our lives and community.
We will have special music shared live by beloved UCW members, Gerry and Ron!
More… Sunday, July 18</br>10:00 a.m. Summer Worship (Online & In-person)
Weekly Newsletter
[one_half padding=”0 80px 0 0px”] The Union Church distributes a newsletter every Friday by e-mail. This is an easy way to learn about church news and events. Copies are always available on this page (links below) but if you would like to be added to our mailing list and receive a copy directly, please send…
Sunday, July 11</br>10:00 a.m. Summer Worship (Online & In-person)
Join us for our Summer Worship each Sunday at 10:00 a.m.! Gather on Zoom from wherever you are, or come by the church and worship with us in-person (masked) in our beautiful Memorial Chapel. Pastor Amy will continue our exploration of the stories of the Jewish people’s return from exile, as we emerge from our own exile-like time of displacement caused by the pandemic. This week we’ll remember the Prophet Ezekiel and his vision of dry bones that return to life, filled with God’s Spirit, and consider where we are finding life and breath as individuals and as a community.
Popsicles at the Picnic Table: All are welcome to join us at the church picnic table directly following worship for snacks and fellowship.
More… Sunday, July 11</br>10:00 a.m. Summer Worship (Online & In-person)
Sunday, July 4</br>10:00 a.m. Worship (Online)
Summer Worship continues every Sunday at 10am on Zoom and in our sanctuary. We hope to see you!
Pastor Stacy’s Final Sunday, June 27<br>10:00 a.m. Worship (Online)
On her final Sunday as our Sr. Minister, Pastor Stacy took us into Jesus’ question to the disciples “Who do you say I am?” as told by the Gospel of Mark 8:27-30. Our service concluded with a liturgy of release as we honored and celebrated the ministry that Pastor Stacy and the congregation have shared in together over these past eleven years. Our Music Minister Daon Drisdom also shared his final Sunday with us, and shared a beautiful collection of Spirit-filled music. Click below to see this very special service.
More… Pastor Stacy’s Final Sunday, June 27<br>10:00 a.m. Worship (Online)
Sunday, June 20
This Sunday, we have the privilege of receiving a sermon entitled “Be Yourself” from our guest preacher, The Rev. Holly Millershank, Interim Associate Conference Minister for the Southern New England Conference of the UCC. Holly will be delving into the story of David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17: 4-12, 38-49. Sam Feldman will be our scripture reader.
On this Father’s day Sunday, we will celebrate our fathers and those who have been as father’s to us with a slide show of images and music during our time of prayer.
Sunday, June 13
This Sunday, our Gospel comes from the Book of John 7: 37-39 where Jesus invites anyone who thirsts to come to him and drink so that they will be rivers of living water brimming and spilling out of their depths.
Our second passage comes from the Book of Acts which tells the story of how the disciples came together as church after the ascension of Jesus. In the passage for Sunday (Acts 2: 37-47), we hear how thousands changed their life after hearing a sermon by Peter and joined the early church.
Sunday, June 6
This Sunday, our Gospel comes from the Book of John 7: 37-39 where Jesus invites anyone who thirsts to come to him and drink so that they will be rivers of living water brimming and spilling out of their depths.
Our second passage comes from the Book of Acts which tells the story of how the disciples came together as church after the ascension of Jesus. In the passage for Sunday (Acts 2: 37-47), we hear how thousands changed their life after hearing a sermon by Peter and joined the early church.
Annual Meeting of the Congregation<br>Sunday, June 6, Following Online Worship
In this time of COVID-19 as we are not gathering in person, the meeting will take place via Zoom. We will ask that all members “sign-in” in the chat room. Voting will take place by polling this roster of members.
In preparation for the meeting the following documents: Annual Report 2020-21, 2021 Church Finances Memo, Proposed Budget 2021-22, and the 2020 Annul Meeting Minutes can be viewed or downloaded
More… Annual Meeting of the Congregation<br>Sunday, June 6, Following Online Worship
2021 Annual Meeting of the Congregation
Sunday, June 6, following 10.00 a.m. online-worship In preparation for the meeting the following documents Annual Report 2020-21 2021 Church Finances Memo Proposed Budget 2021-22 2020 Annual Meeting Minutescan be viewed or downloaded below: Annual Report 2020-21 [embeddoc url=”https://www.ucw.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Annual-Report-2020-2021-rev.-a-1.pdf” width=”150%” download=”all”] 2021 Church Finances Memo [embeddoc url=”https://www.ucw.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021-Church-Finances-Memo.pdf” width=”150%” download=”all” viewer=”browser”] Proposed Budget 2021-22…
Call For Nominations
Call For Nominations Feeling called to be more active at UCW?Get involved next year! The Union Church Nominating Committee (Co-Moderators, Senior Deacon and a member-at-large) is charged with seeking nominations for church leadership positions that are voted on at our Annual Meeting. Please help by nominating yourself or someone you think would find committee work…
Freedge in Newton 2
Newton Freege Volunteering 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. And our team of volunteers helps keep…
Advocates for Racial Justice 2
Next Book Group
Next Tuesday, May 25 at 7:00 p.m. (zoom)
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Please join us for our next book group on May 25 at 7:00 p.m. We will be reading Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Children Youth and Families
Youth Ministry Youth Group Gatherings Ninth Grade Youth Group Tonight!Friday, May 21st from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. – The Home of the Coull Family We hope all 9th graders can come to this meeting as we celebrate this amazing year together, and look ahead to Exploring Our Faith next year. It will be so good to be together!…
Advocates for Racial Justice 1
Tulsa Massacre Survivor Testifies to US Congress ‘I am seeking justice’ Viola Fletcher, 107, is the oldest survivor of the racist attack on the city’s ‘Black Wall Street’ in 1921 that left up to 300 African Americans dead. Read in The Guardian article : HERE
Tea Time Bible Study
Next Book Group
Next Tuesday, May 25 at 7:00 p.m. (zoom)
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Please join us for our next book group on May 25 at 7:00 p.m. We will be reading Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Listening In
Next Book Group
Next Tuesday, May 25 at 7:00 p.m. (zoom)
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Please join us for our next book group on May 25 at 7:00 p.m. We will be reading Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Sunday May 23
This is the final Sunday in Eastertide. For the past many weeks we have been walking along side the disciples as they have experienced the risen Christ and have come to metabolize the forgiveness he has brought.
This Sunday, we listen in as Jesus prays to God. Jesus asks God to be close to the disciples as God has been close to him. For Jesus is now sending the disciples out into the world to do as he has done.
Book Group
Next Book Group
Next Tuesday, May 25 at 7:00 p.m. (zoom)
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Please join us for our next book group on May 25 at 7:00 p.m. We will be reading Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Continuing the”Space-Making” Conversation
Continuing the “Space-Making” Conversation A group of 15 members of the UCW community met after worship on April 11th for a discussion of Yale Divinity School’s seminar on space making by Rev. Phiwa Langeni. The seminar offered practical tips on language, pronouns and other queer-related issues and how we can create space for LGBTQ youth. A recording of the original…
Sunday May 9
10:00 a.m. Worship (Online)Sixth Sunday in Easter This Sunday we continue with John’s Gospel and Jesus’ words telling his disciples they are to abide in his love and to love one another. He tells them this “so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made complete”, he says (John…
Sunday, May 2
This Sunday, Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine to describe his relationship with God and his relationship with those that follow him. This beautiful passage invites us to abide in Jesus as he abides in us and when we do we will bear much fruit. (John 15: 1-8)