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Weekly Update
Friday, April 28, 2023
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April 30, Candidate Sunday (Hybrid)
Rev. Megan Berkowitz preaching.
Congregational Meeting and Reception following worship.
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This Sunday, Rev. Megan will provide the sermon and immediately following service, we hope you will stay for a congregational meeting where we will formally present Megan and discern the call. Fellowship will follow the meeting and we hope all will stay!
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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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Meet Reverend Megan Berkowitz
This Weekend is Candidate Weekend!
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The Ministerial Search Committee Invites you to
Meet our Proposed Candidate for Senior Pastor this Weekend (April 28-30)
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“Meet and Greet”
Tonight! Friday, April 28
From 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
At 128 Avalon Road, Waban 02468.
All are invited to the home of Alicia Collins and Tony Abbiati for an informal “meet and greet” with Rev. Megan and her spouse, Leila Quinn. Light refreshments will be served.
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Please RSVP HERE
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Weather permitting the event will take place outdoors - we have some heaters but please plan on bringing jackets. Just walk around the right side of the house to the backyard when you arrive. If you have questions about the location, email Alicia at [email protected].
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Youth and Families Dinner: Tomorrow! Saturday, April 29
Families with kids of all ages are invited to dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed by ice cream sundaes and a meeting just with youth. Youth and families should have received an Evite. Please contact Soo Laski ([email protected]) or Pastor Amy with questions.
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Rev. Megan Preaching: This Sunday, April 30
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Rev. Megan will provide the sermon and immediately following service, we hope you will stay for a congregational meeting where we will formally present Megan and discern the call (more details above).
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We are very much looking forward to a robust turnout for each event and are excited for everyone to meet Megan and Leila. You may also view a letter that recently went out to the congregation introducing Rev. Megan Berkowitz HERE.
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Sunday, May 7 - Welcome our Bridge Pastor, Rev. Jim Leavitt
Rev. Jim Leavitt preaching.
Congregational Meeting and Luncheon following worship.
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We are delighted to welcome Rev. Jim Leavitt as our Bridge Pastor from May to mid-August. Please join us this Sunday to welcome him and share Communion. Please plan to stay for the Congregational Meeting and Luncheon, along with an important gathering about UCW and our Care of Creation Ministries . Please see below for more details.
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Congregational Meeting, Care of Creation, and Luncheon
Sunday, May 7, following worship
Please plan to participate in the after church congregational luncheon meeting on May 7. We will welcome our new Bridge Pastor James Leavitt and after Bylaw business, will enjoy a presentation about a new Mission activity in Newton that is working on improving our environment. Our Bylaw business merits your consideration of important changes so that we can move ahead to prepare for our Annual Meeting and election of officers on June 4.
Based on recommendations of the Governance Task Force to increase involvement of the congregation in church activities, the Church Council proposes changes to the church Bylaws to:
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a. increase number of congregational meetings,
b. reduce number of members of Council,
c. limit terms of leadership to increase opportunities for new members to take on roles, and
d. change membership of Nominating Committee to encourage more congregational involvement.
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To review the changes that are recommended, see this link to the Bylaws: HERE
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Many thanks to the members of the Governance Task Force: Alan Cody, Susan Gedrick, Karen Weisgerber, and Jaap van Reijendam.
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If you are interested in serving as a church leader or on a committee, please let a member of the Nominating Committee know. See Pastor Amy Feldman, Jim MacDonald, Lisa Crockett, Jean MacDonald, Jenny Weisz, or Jaap van Reijendam.
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Care of Creation Sunday on May 7
Come find hope for our future (and lunch too!) Downstairs after church
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The Mission Committee had a burning question (with apologies to the poet Mary Oliver):
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Tell us, what is it we plan to do
to save our one wild and precious planet?
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After the bylaws vote, stay for lunch and sharing of great ideas for how we all can commit to action that can help stave off the threats to God’s glorious creation.
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We’ll hear a presentation about Newton’s 4 our Future, explaining four simple steps we can all take to meet Newton’s Carbon neutral by 2050 commitment.
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And we’ll talk about other great campaigns under way or in design focused on housing density, composting, carbon saving at UCW and other easy and needed steps.
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UCW Tent at the Newton Family FunFEST on May 13
The Newton Family FunFEST on Saturday, May 13 from 10:00 - 4:00 p.m. is a celebration of art and community for all ages including live musical performances, carnival, arts & crafts workshops, a live public art event, vendor booths and more -- And UCW has a tent! We'll share photos and stories of UCW's offerings for children and youth, as well as our mission and service work. Most of all, we hope to connect with and listen to our neighbors, building relationships and learning about their needs and experiences. We'll also have face painting, crafts and activities for kids, and free baked goods!
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We need your help to make the day a success! If you can help with the preparations, providing goodies, setting up, or being a welcoming face at the tent that day, please sign up below. We also love any youth to help with face painting and the kids' activities! With questions, please contact Linda Lynch ([email protected]) or Pastor Amy ([email protected])
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What’s Possible? Stewardship Invitation
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Hopefully you have 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. View our campaign Letter HERE.
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Make a Pledge Commitment HERE.
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Advocates for Racial Justice: Sermon and Letter-Writing
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What have you done today in response to racism? Brita Gill-Austern's sermon last Sunday challenged us to reflect the way of Jesus as we act by faith in response to events in our culture that impact the lives of all people. The Advocates for Racial Justice, formed after our former pastor led a group of us to Selma and Montgomery, drafted several letters to those in Tennessee who had to bear witness to the tragic school shootings, the statehouse demonstrations against weapons of war on the streets, and the senseless retaliation to silence two Black members of the state house through expulsion. Following worship last week, members of the congregation signed these letters. To read Brita's powerful sermon, or to see the letters the congregation sent, please click on the buttons below.
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If you would like to learn more about ARJ activities at the Union Church, please reach out to Nancy Zollers ([email protected]) or Jenny Weisz ([email protected]).Edit this to insert text.
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Good News about Housing🙏🏽🏠
Nine new apartments for chronically homeless people are built and ready for move-in! The new apartments are located close to us and the church, at Golda Meier on Washington St. and Stanton Ave.
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Knowing our prayers and our support for these homes has been vigorous, we wanted you to know this breaking news:
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Formerly homeless people have a lovely, new home with support. As we say here, Housing is everything!
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These homes are the result of the Engine 6 HUD complaint of ten years ago when Newton housing was denied at the former Firehouse on Washington St and Beacon.
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We will have many opportunities to welcome these new neighbors of ours. As a part of our initial welcome, please consider providing a few things that every new homeowner needs.
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Place any of these new items on the porch at 19 Crofton Rd. Waban this week.
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bath towels
dish towels
dishes, utensils, cups
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Children Youth and Families
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Children, Youth and Families - Spring is here!!
Join in the Eastertide Joy!
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Meet & Greet with Candidate, Rev Megan!
Saturday, April 29, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Families with kids of all ages are invited to come have pizza dinner with Pastor Megan. After supper, we'll have ice cream sundaes and invite the youth for a special time with Pastor Megan too! All families should have received an Evite with details and RSVP. Please contact Soo Laski or Pastor Amy ([email protected]) with questions.
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Youth Team Calendar - A Great Spring!
We have a great 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 Spring Calendar HERE
- Newton Fair
Saturday, May 13.
Please save the date and help out at the UCW tent at the Newton Fair! We're looking for teens to help with face painting and temporary tattoos! Please SIGN UP HERE or let Pastor Amy know you can help!
- Common Cathedral
Sunday, May 21.
We will gather in the morning to prepare sandwiches and lunches for our unhoused siblings, and then travel to Boston Common to serve lunch and worship with the Common Cathedral community.
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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 Pastor Amy for prayer or pastoral support:
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Mondays are days off for pastor Pastor Amy. Pastor Amy also serves off-site on Thursdays, and may not be immediately available on that day.
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Riverside Children's Center Wants You to....
MOVE IT IN MAY!
Riverside is turning 40! Support this wonderful partner in our church building, and help them celebrate by getting active and raising funds for our playground, so their kids can keep moving all year round!
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Log as many miles as possible (Run, Ride, or Walk!) in May while you get sponsors to donate to your progress. Prizes for the top individuals and teams!
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Click below to register and learn more:
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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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