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Weekly Update
Friday, January 13, 2023
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Sunday, January 15 at 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid)
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
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We will remember the prophetic ministry of Rev. King on this day, as we look at the story of John the Baptist, and how he pointed the way to Jesus and God's kingdom of justice and peace. We'll sing favorite songs, pray together, and consider our roles in our beautiful and broken world today. Pastor Wendy will be away, and Pastor Amy will preach and lead worship.
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Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
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The bulletin is available HERE
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Star Words for the Season of Epiphany
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Star Words is a contemporary tradition of passing out intention words on Epiphany. In the common practice, a Star Word is chosen to contemplate and prayerfully consider throughout the coming year.
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You can select a randomly assigned additional word HERE or by clicking on the star wheel image .
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You can also find some suggestions HERE on how to build a simple practice for your star word use.
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Guest Preachers on Sunday, Jan. 22 & 29 at 10 00 a.m. (In-Person and Online)
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Our denominational staff partners from the American Baptists and United Church of Christ who are assisting the Search Committee in their discernment will be preaching. Pastor Wendy will facilitate conversation after worship with each one so we can build relationship and help them learn more about the wonderful community of UCW.
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What’s Possible Potluck Dinner
Sunday, February 5 at 6:00 p.m.
At The Union Church in Waban
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- Is it possible to rebuild social skills lost in the pandemic?
- Is it possible to meet new people?
- Is it possible to come back to the fold?
Your Stewardship Team thinks with God all things are possible- even calling all comers together for a dinner!
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It was exciting to hear people share what’s possible for our ministry at a gathering after worship on January 8. Now we would like to build on that excitement with a potluck dinner on Sunday, February 5 at 6:00 p.m. hosted at the home of Kevin Johnson and Linda Lynch. Kids from 1 – 99 are welcome! Mark it on your calendar and stay tuned for a Sign-up Genius with more details.
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Celebrating Our Nicaragua Ministry
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Twenty Anniversary Dinner Celebration
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Food, fun and fiesta highlighted our 20+ year celebration of our ministry this past Saturday night. Authentic Nicaraguan food was enjoyed by all. (#GalloPinto) Several people shared testimonies describing the positive impact of being of service. Many photos and videos illustrated the connections and fun that were a result of working side by side in service. See a couple of video's here: 2010 Trip Video & 2014 Trip Video . We are grateful and to celebrate this ministry with the support of the Union Church.
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View more photos from Saturday's dinner HERE.
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View a video recording of the evening HERE.
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All-Church Gatherings & Adult Formation
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Wellspring
Wednesday, Jan 18 at 6:30 p.m.
In person at the Union Church.
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Wellspring is our women's ministry at UCW. We come together to support each other as we journey together in these times. If you are interested in learning more about Wellspring, please contact Amy McMahon at [email protected].
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Java Gents - Special Guest (Zoom)
Thursday, January 19 at 6:00 p.m. (zoom)
Once again we will welcome a SPECIAL GUEST at our next meeting on December 15. He is an extreme athlete who ran 107 miles in one day. He’s also been to Nicaragua with our church members years ago.
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Check your e-mail for the Zoom connection/link from Buz ([email protected]) as the date approaches.
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Newcomers are always welcome. Please contact Buz Bedford ([email protected]) if any questions or to be added the Java Gents mailing list.
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JAVA Gents is the informal get-together of the men of the UCW congregation (and community). The group aims to provide friendly fellowship and mutual support to the men. We will enjoy a lively and supportive discussion of timely topics as well as personal goings on in our lives
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Next Book Group
Tuesday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. (zoom)
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The Flight Portfolio by Julie Orringer
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Please join us on February 28 at 7:30 p.m. for our next book group meeting. Our book will be “The Flight Portfolio” by Julie Orringer.
You will find a zoom link and sign-in information below. If you have any questions, please reach out to Alan Cody ([email protected]).
Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 832 4667 4155
Passcode: 431699
Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
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Exploring Grief and Loss
New Date! January 27 at noon
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Pastor Wendy will open a discussion on grief guided by the podcast All There Is. The podcast, created by Anderson Cooper of CNN, explores grief and loss. In the episodes Cooper engages in a series of emotional and moving conversations about the people we lose, the things they leave behind, and how to live on – with loss, with laughter, and with love. In a prayerful atmosphere we will listen to the podcast together, pausing for conversation.
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You can hear a trailer about the podcast here.
We will meet in the Meeting Room at church, across from the Church Office. Please let Pastor Wendy know if you plan to attend [email protected]
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Children Youth and Families
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Children and Sundays in January
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We are excited to begin this New Year together with faith and joy, and have a wonderful month planned for our kids on Sundays. We hope you and yours will join us!
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- This Sunday - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - We'll remember Rev. King as a faith leader and talk about how his faith guided him, and how our faith can guide us.
- January 22 and 29 - Special Music with Mijin! Our music director, Dr. Mijin Choi, will join the kids and teach them two new songs that we hope to share with the congregation in February and March.
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Youth Team Calendar and Planning Meeting
The Youth Team is busy at work on the calendar for the Youth Groups and Exploring Our Faith for January through June! We are planning opportunities for gathering, faith formation, and service, including our CityReach overnight in March, and would for you to be part of this meaningful and joyful ministry!
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- Youth Team (adults) Meeting - January 22 at 6:30 p.m. (Hybrid)
We'll have a planning meeting on January 22 at 6:30pm to finalize the calendar and assign adult leaders/chaperones. We hope you will come - all adults are welcome! Please let Pastor Amy ([email protected] )or Jane Purser ([email protected]) know if you can join us!
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Advocate for Racial Justice
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Redlining
Union Church is a part of The Newton Interfaith Coalition for Housing Equity and together with other Houses of Worship we will testify to City Council urging reforms to zoning that limits diverse and affordable housing. We will begin with a reminder of redlining.
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Redlining is an illegal practice in which lenders avoid providing credit services to people living in communities of color, according to the Justice Department.
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In the 20th century, banks and the real estate determined neighborhoods where people of color lived — outlined in red ink — were deemed the riskiest to invest in.
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That meant it was largely impossible for people of color to get loans, thereby segregating communities, The practice prevented Black families, in particular, from amassing and maintaining wealth in the same way that white families could, resulting in the growth of the racial wealth gap and housing insecurity which persists today.
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And redlining continues today!
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The largest bank headquartered in Los Angeles agreed to pay $31 million for allegedly engaging in lending discrimination in what is the largest redlining settlement in Department of Justice history, the department announced Thursday.
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Ending redlining is a "critical step to closing the widening gaps in homeownership and wealth, especially in a city as large and diverse as Los Angeles."
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Our testimony will also urge Councilors to say: Yes to more families in Newton and yes to fully affordable housing at the Armory and yes to abundant housing as one answer to our climate emergency. Yes In God’s Back Yard.
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Newton Freedge: Volunteers Needed
Click the signup link below for time slots available.
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Our team of volunteers helps keep Freege running one Saturday a month. Please use the the link below, or reach out to Vinita Leslie, Karen O'Beirne or Erika Pond to learn more or to join our team.
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Despite Newton’s image as an affluent suburb, too many of our neighbors struggle to put food on their tables. The Newton Freedge is one way we can help. A free, 24/7 outdoor refrigerator and pantry, the Freedge provides free food and personal supplies to anyone who needs them.
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Sunday Reception Sign-Up
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Every Sunday after worship we gather on the stage for a time of fellowship. This reception is hosted each Sunday by different members of the congregation.
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Reception Sign-up: HERE Thank you!
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Scripture Reader Sign-Up
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If you are joining our Sunday worship, please consider signing up as a Scripture Reader for any of our upcoming services.
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Scripture Reader Sign-up: HERE Thank you!
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Pastoral Care Connections
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During this time of transition, please know that your church is here for you. Please don't hesitate to reach out to Pastors Wendy or Amy for prayer or pastoral support:
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Mondays are days off for both pastors. Please note that Pastor Wendy will be away next week. If you have a pastoral need over the week ahead please reach out to Pastor Amy this week.
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We, the members of The Union Church in Waban, true to our founding principle of being an inclusive church, covenant together to nourish and to sustain in our common life and practice a fully welcoming and affirming church for all persons. Welcoming all persons who seek to join with us in a commitment to love God and our neighbors, affirming the inclusive love of Jesus, we are open to all, without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, nationality, ability or economic circumstance. We invite all to full participation in our worship, membership, leadership and life of this church.
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