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Weekly Update
Friday, March 17, 2023
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Sunday, March 19 at 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid)
The Fourth Sunday in Lent
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When it comes to faith, sometimes there are bad questions—questions that are formed by assumptions, questions that lead us to judgment or isolation.
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When Jesus and the disciples encounter a blind man along the way, the disciples immediately ask, “Teacher, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" (John 9:2).
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They ask a bad question. Their question assumes that illness and disability are the result of sin; it assumes that the man deserved to be born blind; it assumes that physical blindness is a form of failure. In worship we will explore the questions we ask. What assumptions do we carry? What is our intent? When seeking clarity or understanding, what are better questions we can ask? Let’s consider together the power of better questions.
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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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GBIO Housing Event
This Sunday, Following Worship
This is a 45 minute information session on the three GBIO Housing Justice priorities for legislative action now.
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1. Real estate Transfer tax
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2. Bond bill to radically improve public housing conditions
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3. Home ownership investments
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Stay after church to learn how our GBIO partnership is seeking justice in housing in Massachusetts
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Celebrating Holy Week
The Union Church in Waban invites the community to join it in celebrating the Easter season. We will gather in-person and online.
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Palm Sunday: April 2
10:00 a. m . Service (Hybrid)
A Walk Through Holy Week led intergenerationally by our youth.
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Maundy Thursday: April 6
7:00 p. m. Service (Hybrid)
A worship service in four movements meeting downstairs in the Vestry and Stage Room. Labyrinth available for walking to follow.
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Good Friday : April 7
6:30 p. m. Service (In Person)
The sanctuary will be open for an hour of self-guided reflection on the stations of the cross.
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Easter Day: April 9
Easter Sunrise Service (In Person)
Early risers, join us 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. We'll meet in the Wellesley Office Park, behind the building at 45 Williams Street (The sign says 45 Wellesley Office Park, click to see a map - it's on the opposite side of the Charles River from Quinobequin Rd.). After you turn onto 45 Williams, go under the building and look to your right - you'll see an entrance to the Charles River Reservoir. Park and walk down the path until you find Crowley's Landing. The path is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible. Please call Pastor Amy's cell (617-938-8112) if you have trouble finding us.
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10:00 a.m. Easter Service (Hybrid)
Bells, drums, a flower cross, Easter blooms, Farewell Liturgy with Pastor Wendy and an Egg Hunt to follow.
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Upcoming Worship Services
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Sunday, March 26 at 10:00 a.m. (In-Person & Online)
The Fifth Sunday in Lent
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On this Sunday we will gather around a different way the scripture of the day asks a question we have pondering - “what’s possible?” In the story from Ezekiel, the prophet surveying a valley filled with dry bones asks God the question - “Can these bones live?” When facing the impossible, how does God accompany us and equip us for possibility? In worship we will also share an inspirational video about What’s Possible for our future ministry. We will bless commitments made and to be made.
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What’s Possible?
Stewardship Invitation
This past week you received an invitation to invest in “What’s Possible?” through the ministry of Union Church in Waban. We hope you will prayerfully consider generously supporting the ministries God is making possible through us.
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Check your email for our appeal letter that was sent our earlier this week (copy available HERE).
A link to our 2023-24 online pledge form can also be found HERE.
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Watch for a video chronicling the congregation’s dreams of what is possible and an opportunity to add your hopes for our shared future. In advance, thank you for your support!
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Easter Blooms Available for Ordering
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If you wish to participate in our Easter celebration with the donation of an “Easter Bloom,” please submit your order by Tuesday, March 28 th.
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We will be decorating our Sanctuary with live plants, and your dedication details will included in our online Easter bulletin and service.
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Each donation of $15.00 will be used to purchase the plant of your choosing.
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You may order and submit
your dedication details HERE
Thank You!
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All-Church Gatherings & Adult Formation
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Save the Date!
Intergenerational Game Night
Run by the Youth Groups!
Friday, March 24 at 6:0 p.m.
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In person at the Union Church
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Our youth groups will organize this fun game night for people of all ages at the church. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for pizza and some friendly games! Please contact pastor Amy at [email protected] to let us know if you are planning to attend so the we can plan for the right amount of PIZZA!!!
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Next Book Group
Tuesday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. (zoom)
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The Grimkes by Kerri K. Greenidge
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Please join us on March 28 at 7:30 p.m. for our next book group meeting. Our book will be “The Grimkes” by Kerri K. Greenidge.
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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Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO)
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All People Deserve a Home
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Union Church joined 300 GBIO housing advocates from 60 member Houses of Worship and organizations representing 107,000 Massachusetts individuals.
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- Safe and dignified Public Housing
- Quality housing for returning citizens
- Fully implement the MBTA Communities Act
- Enact real estate transfer fee
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Supporting UCW Congregants and
Causes Involved in the Boston Marathon!
This year’s running of the Boston Marathon is coming up soon, on Monday, April 17, and is calling forth commendable effort from our community. At least two church members will be running the 26.2 miles this year -- Kyle Pond, and Joanne Walker -- along with several Newton North high school students who’ve been organized by our own Amy McMahon. Pastor Amy Feldman will convene UCW youth and anyone else interested to cheer on the runners, gathering at the home of Jenny Weisz, which is close the marathon route. Contact Amy ([email protected]) if you’re interested. Jenny promises to teach everyone how to cheer on Kenyan runners in Swahili, based on her time living in Kenya, and Kevin will do likewise for runners from Ethiopia.
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The Marathon is often a catalyst for support for charitable causes, and this year you can convey your admiration for this great effort by supporting the cause Joanne Walker is running for, The Spaulding Rehabilitation Network. (The link for Joanne’s fundraising page is HERE.) If we missed anyone else who is running, and/or fundraising around the Marathon, please let us know so we can share that information next week.
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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, March 19 - Kids are invited to special Sunday when well talk about service ( including our church's work to make sure everyone has a safe, warm place to live) decorate cookies, and get ready for Palm Sunday.
- Sunday, March 26 - Kids Sing in Worship! Our wonderful music director, Mijin Choi will work with the kids in Sunday School on March 12 and 19 to prepare songs to share in worship. We hope your kids will come and be part of this joyful celebration.
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- Lenten Prayer Chain! We invite and encourage all families to pick up our "Breaking the Chains" Lenten devotional/activity for your homes. Count down the 40 days of Lent considering how we can break the chains that keep us from wholeness and fully experiencing God's love in our lives and world. The packets will be available in the Crocker Chapel. If you'd like us to send one to your home instead, please be in touch with Pastor Amy ([email protected]).
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Youth Team Calendar - A Great Winter and Spring Coming Up!
We have a great winter and spring ahead for our Youth Groups and church and we hope you'll be part of it. Please find a calendar of High School, Middle School, and combo events coming up (thanks Jane and Abel for the great format!)
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View Winter-Spring Calendar HERE
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- THIS SUNDAY - HS Youth Group Breakfast - All high-schoolers are invited to join Pastor Amy for breakfast during worship. We'll plan for game night, catch up, and think about what we are seeking during this season of Lent.
- March Middle School Dinner Out - Date pending MS schedules - stay tuned for more
- RE-SCHEDULED - High School Overnight! We are re-scheduling our High School overnight from this past weekend to April, Saturday, April 1-Sunday, April 2 (Palm Sunday). We hope all HS students will join us for a fun and meaningful night!
- Friday, March 24 - Intergenerational Game Night run by the Youth Groups! Our youth groups will organize this fun game night for people of all ages at the church. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for pizza and some friendly games!
- Middle School Movie and Egg Stuffing! April 7 (Good Friday) 6:00 p.m. - Middle Schoolers are invited to come for dinner and a movie, and some Easter Egg stuffing fun!
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Newton Freedge: Volunteers Needed
Click the sign-up 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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Transgender Day of Visibility
We hope you will consider joining Pastor Amy and our interfaith siblings at this meaningful event. (Details and registration below.) Pastor Amy is one of the speakers and glad to help coordinate carpooling. Please contact her for more information at [email protected].
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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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