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Weekly Update
Friday, February 10, 2023
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Sunday, February 12 at 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid)
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Nicaragua Service Team Blessing,
Bake Sale for Youth &
PJs & Fun for Children!
We will join in worship together as we consider Jesus’ surprising words about who is blessed and how we can be a blessing. Our Nicaragua Service Team will be blessed for their upcoming trip. During worship, our Youth Group will lead a bake sale for our Nicaragua ministries and younger children will prepare for Valentine’s Day and the season of Lent.
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Children are invited to come in PJs! Childcare and special activities will be available after lunch during the Congregational Conversation.
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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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Come One, Come All to Congregational Conversation
This Sunday following worship, join us for lunch and conversation together.
After touring the new Riverside classroom which replaced our beloved Reception Room, we will bless the old and the new as we share food and fellowship in the Vestry. We want to hear from you about what you think is possible in the year ahead. Possibilities abound as we consider new leadership, a new way of church governance that encourages more participation by you in decision making, an opportunity to re-name some of the rooms in the church, a financial update, and most important, listen to what is on your mind.
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Over 40 members enjoyed reconnecting with one another at a potluck dinner last Sunday night at the Johnson/Lynch home. Wednesday night a smaller group met there again to focus on mission and outreach activities to undertake. We hope to see you Sunday after worship for a meal and an opportunity to participate in meaningful discussion of all that is possible for Union Church in the
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Nicaragua Bake Sale!
Calling for Donations of Baked Goodies
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We are excited to be hosting our Nicaragua Bake Sale again this year. Gather TOMORROW, Saturday, Feb. 11 from 1-3pm at the church to drop off any donations of baked goods (no nuts or frosting; pls include an ingredients list if possible!) and to help with baking and prep. Valentines Day and Superbowl-themed goodies are especially appreciated!
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Then join us on THIS SUNDAY, FEB. 12 to sell goods (9:30-11am - gather at the church and then walk to Starbucks in Waban). We'll then bring goodies back to the church for the Congregational Conversation and Luncheon!
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All DONATIONS (of baked goods and/or funds) will go directly to purchase a healthy lunch for 250 children of the neighborhoods around the Alfa Omega Church in San Juan del Sur. The UCW Travelers are hosting this lunch on behalf of the UCW community on Saturday, February 26th at the church. We will donate any extra funds to future lunches for these children.
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Transition News
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For those who may have missed the notice that was sent out earlier this week, below is a link to the original message from Pastor Wendy and The Union Church moderators. .
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Dear Friends and Members of Union Church,
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I write with some news on our journey of transition. This past week I accepted a call to be the Interim Senior Pastor of United Church of Christ in New Brighton, MN. My ministry there will commence on Sunday, April 23. My last day with you will be Easter Sunday, April 9.
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These are four sentences that contain a lot of information! Briefly I will say that in my ministry I have experienced two layers to a call from God. Sometimes there is a “call to,” other times there is a “call from.” For myself and my spouse Joanne, this is clearly a “call to.” In the past year we bought a “retirement” place in Minnesota feeling drawn to be closer to family and having experienced a sense of place that could be home.
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Upcoming Worship Services
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Sunday, February 19 at 10 00 a.m. (In-Person & Online)
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In worship we will consider the puzzling story of Jesus’ Transfiguration. We will consider this story in light of a Haitian proverb - “if you want to see, you have to look twice.” Come and see!
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Ash Wednesday February 22
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To mark the season of Lent we begin a journey of seeking on Ash Wednesday. The Union Church will offer two ways to observe the day.
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Ashes to Go
5:00 - 6:15 p.m.
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“Ashes to Go” will be offered from between 5:00 - 6:15 p.m.
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just near the Accessible Entrance to the church.
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Reflection and Labyrinth
6:30 p.m.
At 6:30 p.m. we will gather in the Sanctuary for a reflective service including ashes.
The Labyrinth will also be set up and available for walking, either prior to the service or
remaining just after the service until 7:30 p.m.
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All-Church Gatherings & Adult Formation
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Wellspring
Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
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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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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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Children Youth and Families
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Children and Sundays this Winter
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We are excited to begin this New Year together with faith and joy, and have a wonderful month planned for our kids on Sundays. We hope you and yours will join us!
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- Sunday, February 12 - PJs, Lenten Art and Valentine's Day This is going to be a special Sunday in the life of our church -- If you can only make it one Sunday in February, we hope this will be the weekend! Kids will gather a special breakfast - come in PJ's if you want! - along with art projects for Valentine's Day, and Lent.
- After Worship on February 12 - All-Church Council Lunch and Kids' Activities at 11:00 a.m. everyone is invited to gather downstairs in the church for a special lunch and gathering (done in time for the Super Bowl!). Please come, even if you can't make it to worship. Childcare and special activities for the kids will continue!
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Youth Team Calendar - A Great Winter and Spring Coming Up!
The Youth Team is busy at work on the calendar for the Youth Groups and Exploring Our Faith for January through June, and we hope to send it to families by early next week. We are planning opportunities for gathering, faith formation, and service, and would for you to be part of this meaningful and joyful ministry! A few highlights include:
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- Feb 11-12 - Nicaragua Bake Sale: We'll gather to prepare on Saturday at 1:00 p.m., and then set up the Bake Sale during worship on Sunday, Feb 12th. We hope all Middle and High School Youth (and anyone else who likes baking!) will participate. All money gathered will go directly to purchase food and supplies for the children of Nicaragua during our visit over February break.
- Thursday, Feb 23 - 7pm - Tour and Connect with Friends & Mission in the Mobil Library of San Juan del Sur Nicaragua! All are invited to hop on to connect with our travelers and friends in Nicaragua and share a tour of the Biblioteca Mobil. Pastor Amy and Travelers will lead a special set of activities and conversation online, and we hope all will join us! Stay tuned for a Zoom link
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Advocates for Racial Justice (ARJ)
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Did You Know
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The Union Church is a member of The Newton Interfaith Coalition for Housing Equity. Representing Newton houses of worship of many faiths, this is a coalition of the willing, working to advocate for a Newton of abundant and affordable housing.
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We have advocated for Accessory Dwelling Units that will allow Newton homeowners to build small, affordable housing on their property for lower cost opportunities for people who currently cannot live in Newton.
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We also work to reform zoning that restricts multi family housing that is more accessible and more environmentally friendly in this climate crisis.
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Want to hear more? You are welcome to join us as Housing Is Everything.
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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 Freedge running one Saturday a month. Please use the the link below, or reach out to Vinita Leslie, Karen O'Beirne or Erika Pond to learn more or to join our team.
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Despite Newton’s image as an affluent suburb, too many of our neighbors struggle to put food on their tables. The Newton Freedge is one way we can help. A free, 24/7 outdoor refrigerator and pantry, the Freedge provides free food and personal supplies to anyone who needs them.
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Sunday Reception Sign-Up
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Every Sunday after worship we gather on the stage for a time of fellowship. This reception is hosted each Sunday by different members of the congregation.
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Reception Sign-up: HERE Thank you!
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Scripture Reader Sign-Up
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If you are joining our Sunday worship, please consider signing up as a Scripture Reader for any of our upcoming services.
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Scripture Reader Sign-up: HERE Thank you!
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Pastoral Care Connections
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During this time of transition, please know that your church is here for you. Please don't hesitate to reach out to Pastors Wendy or Amy for prayer or pastoral support:
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Mondays are days off for both pastors. Pastor Amy also serves off-site on Thursdays, and may not be immediately available on that day.
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We, the members of The Union Church in Waban, true to our founding principle of being an inclusive church, covenant together to nourish and to sustain in our common life and practice a fully welcoming and affirming church for all persons. Welcoming all persons who seek to join with us in a commitment to love God and our neighbors, affirming the inclusive love of Jesus, we are open to all, without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, nationality, ability or economic circumstance. We invite all to full participation in our worship, membership, leadership and life of this church.
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