The Union Church In Waban: Recent Episodes
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Annual All-Newton UCC Summer Service!This Sunday, August 2, 20256 at 9:30 a.m.Newton Highlands Congregational Church,54 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands. Don’t miss this Sunday’s annual All-Newton UCC summer service! Pastors from throughout the city will lead us in this joint worship. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know our neighbors and praise God together (in air conditioning!). The service will take place at 9:30: a.m. at Newton Highlands Congregational Church.
There will be no Sunday worship at the UCW building this week!
Summer Worship ServicesJuly and AugustSundays at 10:00 a.m.(In Person in Memorial Chapel)Please join us for our informal summer worship services, which will be held in the Memorial Chapel in the sanctuary.
A preview of the summer servcie bulletin & schedule can be found HERE.
Living with Loss A Supportive Group for Adults Resumes on September 13th from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.(Continues on the second Sunday of the month through Dec 13th.)Location: Pastor Megan’s office All of us live with loss in our lives in so many ways: the death of spouses, children, parents, and other loved ones; the loss of our own or loved ones’ capacity due to illness and aging; the loss of work or other roles that give us a sense of meaning and purpose; and so many more losses. If you are in a season of living with loss and would like to be in supportive spiritual community with others, please join us.
This group will gather and discuss personal experiences of past, present, and ongoing loss. Important themes will be woven throughout sessions as we share in silence and meditation, prayer, ritual, music, art, scripture, other readings, poetry, podcasts, and more as helpful tools through which we come to understand, process, and live with our loss. This group will not be focused on fixing or solving anything, but rather with understanding loss as a companion in our lives and with being companions to one another in our journeys.
We will resume meeting monthly September. Meetings will last 90 minutes and will take place in person at church. We ask those who are interested to commit to the group (not necessarily every single session, but an intention to attend most months for continuity of community).
This group will be led by Brita Gill-Austern, and Molly Owen-Kiritsy.
Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Pastor MeganJuly 24, 2026
Dear church,
Big news from our partners at GBIO! The “Not with our money, Citizens!” Campaign has succeeded, and Citizens Bank has committed to severing ties with the private prison companies building and operating ICE detention facilities. Read more about it on the GBIO website: HERE
This campaign, which took place over only about 6 months this year, is a great example of how organized people and organized money can change the world, a little bit at a time. Keep an eye out for communications from the Mission committee on more GBIO activity this fall, as the research for the next major campaign begins.
Peace,
Megan
- From Pastor MeganRev. Megan Berkowitz
July 24, 2026
Big news from our partners at GBIO! The “Not with our money, Citizens!” Campaign has succeeded, and Citizens Bank has committed to severing ties with the private prison companies building and operating ICE detention facilities. Read more about it on the GBIO website: HERE
Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: July 17, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
July 10, 2026
Introducing our Bridge PastorI am delighted to share that Rev. Rick Chrisman will be joining UCW as the parental leave Bridge Pastor this fall, from September 1st until my planned return at the start of Advent. Rev. Rick’s bio is below, though some of you may know him from a period some years ago when he was a member of UCW while serving as an interim pastor elsewhere. Closest to home for UCW, Rev. Rick has twice served as interim at the Eliot Church in Newton. Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: July 3, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
July 3, 2026
We had a lovely first summer service this past Sunday! Though we won’t meet this upcoming Sunday, 7/5, summer services resume the following week, 7/12 at 10:00 a.m. Worship Committee Chair Julie Heffernan will lead us in worship that morning. And though Katie Brown-Bright is off from her role as Bridge Associate for Children, Youth, and Families for the summer and there’s no Sunday school, she did put together an amazing activity cart for kids to participate in worship (crafts, streamers for some liturgical dancing, and more!). Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: June 19, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
June 19, 2026
I want to thank everyone who presented, contributed to, engaged in, and attended last Sunday’s Annual Meeting. You took seriously the invitation to let the Holy Spirit speak through you to others, and to you through others, and our church is better for it. For those who were not present, you can still engage with the Annual Meeting via the Annual Report, which we sent in this email last week, and by looking over the presentation from the Vision Team that was offered during the meeting: view HERE or click on image below.
Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: June 12, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
June 12, 2026
My goodness, it has been a busy year at UCW! I hope you take some time to sit with and read the annual report for 2025-2026. Come to the Annual Meeting ready to discuss the budget and nominating slate, yes, but also to thank our committee chairs and members, to connect with someone over something you didn’t even know had happened at church this year, or to learn more about how you can get involved in different projects and programs. Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: June 5, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
June 5, 2026
Though it turned out to be quite a hot night, it was a joy to join with Katie, members of the congregation, and our siblings from other affirming faith communities in Newton at the annual Newton Pride flag raising celebration and resource fair this past week. In a season in our country when the rights of LGBTQ+ people are under attack and public support for our rights is waning rather than increasing for the first time in decades, we gathered to remind ourselves and the world that LGBTQ+ people are deeply and beautifully woven into the fabric of our community. Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: May 29, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
May 29, 2026
Things remain busy at UCW in these last few weeks of the church year! We are in the final contract negotiation stage with our new settled music director (so keep an eye out for an official announcement and bio soon!), continuing Visioning work with more to be presented at Annual Meeting, and of course preparing the annual budget review, nominating slate, and other Annual Meeting business. Learn More
* From Your Stewardship ChairTools for Audacious Living: Church Service The UCW Nominating team asks everyone in our church Learn More
Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Pastor MeganJuly 10, 2026
Dear church,
I am delighted to share that Rev. Rick Chrisman will be joining UCW as the parental leave Bridge Pastor this fall, from September 1st until my planned return at the start of Advent. Rev. Rick’s bio is below, though some of you may know him from a period some years ago when he was a member of UCW while serving as an interim pastor elsewhere. Closest to home for UCW, Rev. Rick has twice served as interim at the Eliot Church in Newton. In addition, Katie Brown-Bright, our Bridge Associate for Children, Youth, and Families, will be on-call for pastoral support from the start of my parental leave until when Rev. Chrisman begins his work in September, so there will be no gap in congregational care coverage.
HR, the co-moderators, and I wanted to clarify what Rev. Rick’s focus and scope of work will be while he is here. He will be available for pastoral care beginning Sept. 1 and his first worship service will be on Welcome Sunday on Sept. 13, preaching three Sundays per month through November. Members of the congregation will preach on the Sundays Rev. Chrisman does not.
His primary duties will include worship planning, preaching and pastoral care. He will also provide leadership to the Visioning Team, Council, and Congregation to advance the vision and strategic planning process. Rev. Chrisman will be serving on a part-time basis (24 hours per week) and therefore his scope of work will be more limited than the usual Senior Pastor role.
Given his part-time schedule, his presence at meetings and events will necessarily be limited to those most central to his role. He will regularly attend Council, Deacons, Worship, and Visioning Team meetings. Where there is need or desire for his presence, he will try to accommodate for at least part of a zoom meeting when invited specifically by the chair of a committee for a specific purpose. We are excited to welcome him to lead us during this exciting time!
Peace,
Megan
- From Pastor MeganRev. Megan Berkowitz
July 24, 2026
Big news from our partners at GBIO! The “Not with our money, Citizens!” Campaign has succeeded, and Citizens Bank has committed to severing ties with the private prison companies building and operating ICE detention facilities. Read more about it on the GBIO website: HERE
Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: July 17, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
July 10, 2026
Introducing our Bridge PastorI am delighted to share that Rev. Rick Chrisman will be joining UCW as the parental leave Bridge Pastor this fall, from September 1st until my planned return at the start of Advent. Rev. Rick’s bio is below, though some of you may know him from a period some years ago when he was a member of UCW while serving as an interim pastor elsewhere. Closest to home for UCW, Rev. Rick has twice served as interim at the Eliot Church in Newton. Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: July 3, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
July 3, 2026
We had a lovely first summer service this past Sunday! Though we won’t meet this upcoming Sunday, 7/5, summer services resume the following week, 7/12 at 10:00 a.m. Worship Committee Chair Julie Heffernan will lead us in worship that morning. And though Katie Brown-Bright is off from her role as Bridge Associate for Children, Youth, and Families for the summer and there’s no Sunday school, she did put together an amazing activity cart for kids to participate in worship (crafts, streamers for some liturgical dancing, and more!). Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: June 19, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
June 19, 2026
I want to thank everyone who presented, contributed to, engaged in, and attended last Sunday’s Annual Meeting. You took seriously the invitation to let the Holy Spirit speak through you to others, and to you through others, and our church is better for it. For those who were not present, you can still engage with the Annual Meeting via the Annual Report, which we sent in this email last week, and by looking over the presentation from the Vision Team that was offered during the meeting: view HERE or click on image below.
Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: June 12, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
June 12, 2026
My goodness, it has been a busy year at UCW! I hope you take some time to sit with and read the annual report for 2025-2026. Come to the Annual Meeting ready to discuss the budget and nominating slate, yes, but also to thank our committee chairs and members, to connect with someone over something you didn’t even know had happened at church this year, or to learn more about how you can get involved in different projects and programs. Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: June 5, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
June 5, 2026
Though it turned out to be quite a hot night, it was a joy to join with Katie, members of the congregation, and our siblings from other affirming faith communities in Newton at the annual Newton Pride flag raising celebration and resource fair this past week. In a season in our country when the rights of LGBTQ+ people are under attack and public support for our rights is waning rather than increasing for the first time in decades, we gathered to remind ourselves and the world that LGBTQ+ people are deeply and beautifully woven into the fabric of our community. Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: May 29, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
May 29, 2026
Things remain busy at UCW in these last few weeks of the church year! We are in the final contract negotiation stage with our new settled music director (so keep an eye out for an official announcement and bio soon!), continuing Visioning work with more to be presented at Annual Meeting, and of course preparing the annual budget review, nominating slate, and other Annual Meeting business. Learn More
* From Your Stewardship ChairTools for Audacious Living: Church Service The UCW Nominating team asks everyone in our church Learn More
Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Pastor MeganJuly 3, 2026
Dear church,
We had a lovely first summer service this past Sunday! Though we won’t meet this upcoming Sunday, 7/5, summer services resume the following week, 7/12 at 10:00 a.m. Worship Committee Chair Julie Heffernan will lead us in worship that morning. And though Katie Brown-Bright is off from her role as Bridge Associate for Children, Youth, and Families for the summer and there’s no Sunday school, she did put together an amazing activity cart for kids to participate in worship (crafts, streamers for some liturgical dancing, and more!). All are welcome for summer worship at UCW! Services are short, usually 30-45 minutes, and there is a small reception of lemonade and cookies afterwards.
Also, I know many have been wondering about bridge coverage for while I am on parental leave. I’ve been working hard on this over the last several months with HR and the co-moderators, and am happy to say that there are coverage plans in place. Our soon-to-be Bridge Pastor is still working to notify his current ministry setting, which is why no official announcement has been made yet. More specific information will be sent out in next week’s e-blast, so please keep an eye out for that announcement.
Peace,
Megan
P.S. Some people have also been wondering if you’ll hear when babies arrive and I go on leave, and the answer is, absolutely! It may take a day or two but we’ll send a special e-blast announcement.
- From Pastor MeganRev. Megan Berkowitz
July 24, 2026
Big news from our partners at GBIO! The “Not with our money, Citizens!” Campaign has succeeded, and Citizens Bank has committed to severing ties with the private prison companies building and operating ICE detention facilities. Read more about it on the GBIO website: HERE
Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: July 17, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
July 10, 2026
Introducing our Bridge PastorI am delighted to share that Rev. Rick Chrisman will be joining UCW as the parental leave Bridge Pastor this fall, from September 1st until my planned return at the start of Advent. Rev. Rick’s bio is below, though some of you may know him from a period some years ago when he was a member of UCW while serving as an interim pastor elsewhere. Closest to home for UCW, Rev. Rick has twice served as interim at the Eliot Church in Newton. Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: July 3, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
July 3, 2026
We had a lovely first summer service this past Sunday! Though we won’t meet this upcoming Sunday, 7/5, summer services resume the following week, 7/12 at 10:00 a.m. Worship Committee Chair Julie Heffernan will lead us in worship that morning. And though Katie Brown-Bright is off from her role as Bridge Associate for Children, Youth, and Families for the summer and there’s no Sunday school, she did put together an amazing activity cart for kids to participate in worship (crafts, streamers for some liturgical dancing, and more!). Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: June 19, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
June 19, 2026
I want to thank everyone who presented, contributed to, engaged in, and attended last Sunday’s Annual Meeting. You took seriously the invitation to let the Holy Spirit speak through you to others, and to you through others, and our church is better for it. For those who were not present, you can still engage with the Annual Meeting via the Annual Report, which we sent in this email last week, and by looking over the presentation from the Vision Team that was offered during the meeting: view HERE or click on image below.
Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: June 12, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
June 12, 2026
My goodness, it has been a busy year at UCW! I hope you take some time to sit with and read the annual report for 2025-2026. Come to the Annual Meeting ready to discuss the budget and nominating slate, yes, but also to thank our committee chairs and members, to connect with someone over something you didn’t even know had happened at church this year, or to learn more about how you can get involved in different projects and programs. Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: June 5, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
June 5, 2026
Though it turned out to be quite a hot night, it was a joy to join with Katie, members of the congregation, and our siblings from other affirming faith communities in Newton at the annual Newton Pride flag raising celebration and resource fair this past week. In a season in our country when the rights of LGBTQ+ people are under attack and public support for our rights is waning rather than increasing for the first time in decades, we gathered to remind ourselves and the world that LGBTQ+ people are deeply and beautifully woven into the fabric of our community. Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: May 29, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
May 29, 2026
Things remain busy at UCW in these last few weeks of the church year! We are in the final contract negotiation stage with our new settled music director (so keep an eye out for an official announcement and bio soon!), continuing Visioning work with more to be presented at Annual Meeting, and of course preparing the annual budget review, nominating slate, and other Annual Meeting business. Learn More
* From Your Stewardship ChairTools for Audacious Living: Church Service The UCW Nominating team asks everyone in our church Learn More
Sunday, July 5thThere is no worship at UCW this Sunday. Enjoy the holiday weekend, and most importantly, stay cool in this heat wave!
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost June 21 at 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid)Our final worship service of the church year will take place this Sunday, closing out our theme of “some assembly required” and honoring the fathers among us as we do each year. Plus, this is a great opportunity to sign up to lead a summer worship service, the schedule of which begins next week on June 28th!
Zoom Link: HEREMeeting ID: 826 8730 1128 Passcode: 386028 Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
View Bulletin HERE
Southern New England UCC Annual Meeting September 25-27, Worcester , MADid you know that as a partner congregation of the UCC, we are entitled to send delegates to the Southern New England Conference’s Annual Meeting? You can meet members from other local churches, attend workshops and worship, and vote on the business of the conference as we do at our own Annual Meeting.
This year’s meeting will be held in person in Worcester September 25-27 (all business conducted on Saturday the 26th), so the conference is working to get the word out early before the summer slowdown in local churches. More information is available HERE.
Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Pastor MeganJune 19, 2026
Dear church,
I want to thank everyone who presented, contributed to, engaged in, and attended last Sunday’s Annual Meeting. You took seriously the invitation to let the Holy Spirit speak through you to others, and to you through others, and our church is better for it. For those who were not present, you can still engage with the Annual Meeting via the Annual Report, which we sent in this email last week, and by looking over the presentation from the Vision Team that was offered during the meeting: view HERE or click on image below.
This presentation includes short- and long-term ways we can achieve the priorities set by the congregation during the first phase of the Vision and Strategic Planning process. The intention is not to complete everything listed in the short-term section in the coming year, but rather to follow and harness the energy of individuals and groups within the congregation to achieve some of them, as research and input-gathering continues for the development of the long-term strategic plan. If you have questions as you review, reach out to the whole vision team at vision@ucw.org.
Peace,
Megan
- From Pastor MeganRev. Megan Berkowitz
July 24, 2026
Big news from our partners at GBIO! The “Not with our money, Citizens!” Campaign has succeeded, and Citizens Bank has committed to severing ties with the private prison companies building and operating ICE detention facilities. Read more about it on the GBIO website: HERE
Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: July 17, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
July 10, 2026
Introducing our Bridge PastorI am delighted to share that Rev. Rick Chrisman will be joining UCW as the parental leave Bridge Pastor this fall, from September 1st until my planned return at the start of Advent. Rev. Rick’s bio is below, though some of you may know him from a period some years ago when he was a member of UCW while serving as an interim pastor elsewhere. Closest to home for UCW, Rev. Rick has twice served as interim at the Eliot Church in Newton. Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: July 3, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
July 3, 2026
We had a lovely first summer service this past Sunday! Though we won’t meet this upcoming Sunday, 7/5, summer services resume the following week, 7/12 at 10:00 a.m. Worship Committee Chair Julie Heffernan will lead us in worship that morning. And though Katie Brown-Bright is off from her role as Bridge Associate for Children, Youth, and Families for the summer and there’s no Sunday school, she did put together an amazing activity cart for kids to participate in worship (crafts, streamers for some liturgical dancing, and more!). Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: June 19, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
June 19, 2026
I want to thank everyone who presented, contributed to, engaged in, and attended last Sunday’s Annual Meeting. You took seriously the invitation to let the Holy Spirit speak through you to others, and to you through others, and our church is better for it. For those who were not present, you can still engage with the Annual Meeting via the Annual Report, which we sent in this email last week, and by looking over the presentation from the Vision Team that was offered during the meeting: view HERE or click on image below.
Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: June 12, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
June 12, 2026
My goodness, it has been a busy year at UCW! I hope you take some time to sit with and read the annual report for 2025-2026. Come to the Annual Meeting ready to discuss the budget and nominating slate, yes, but also to thank our committee chairs and members, to connect with someone over something you didn’t even know had happened at church this year, or to learn more about how you can get involved in different projects and programs. Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: June 5, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
June 5, 2026
Though it turned out to be quite a hot night, it was a joy to join with Katie, members of the congregation, and our siblings from other affirming faith communities in Newton at the annual Newton Pride flag raising celebration and resource fair this past week. In a season in our country when the rights of LGBTQ+ people are under attack and public support for our rights is waning rather than increasing for the first time in decades, we gathered to remind ourselves and the world that LGBTQ+ people are deeply and beautifully woven into the fabric of our community. Learn More
* From Pastor Megan: May 29, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
May 29, 2026
Things remain busy at UCW in these last few weeks of the church year! We are in the final contract negotiation stage with our new settled music director (so keep an eye out for an official announcement and bio soon!), continuing Visioning work with more to be presented at Annual Meeting, and of course preparing the annual budget review, nominating slate, and other Annual Meeting business. Learn More
* From Your Stewardship ChairTools for Audacious Living: Church Service The UCW Nominating team asks everyone in our church Learn More
This Sunday, as we worship together over the Indigenous Peoples’ Day holiday weekend, we will explore two more stories of God’s faithful people from the Bible who can inspire our own lives: Esther and Paul. Both people who, in different ways, found the courage needed to leave comfort behind in order to forge a better path for their (and God’s) people.
Katie and Emily will be ready and excited to explore these stories with kids during Sunday School, as well!
Zoom Link: HEREMeeting ID: 826 8730 1128 Passcode: 386028 Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Pastor MeganOctober 3, 2025
Dear Church,
What a joy it has been to be the bearer of good news where our staff is concerned these last few weeks! And what a joy it is to welcome Katie Brown-Bright, our new Bridge Associate for Children, Youth, and Families on to the staff this week, in particular. Whether you are a parent of a child or youth in the church’s program or not, Katie wants to meet you, so greet her in worship or arrange some time with her for a walk or coffee in the coming weeks. We are experts at ‘welcome,’ dear church, so I hope you’ll flex those welcome muscles and extend a warm UCW welcome to Katie!
Peace,
Pastor Megan
Past Posts
- From Pastor MeganRev. Megan Berkowitz
October 3, 2025
What a joy it has been to be the bearer of good news where our staff is concerned these last few weeks! And what a joy it is to welcome Katie Brown-Bright, our new Bridge Associate for Children, Youth, and Families on to the staff this week, in particular. Whether you are a parent of a child or youth in the church’s program or not, Katie wants to meet you, so greet her in worship or arrange some time with her for a walk or coffee in the coming weeks. Learn More - From Our Pastors: September 12, 2025Rev. Megan Berkowitz
September 12, 2025
Friends and Members alike (really!): we want to hear your thoughts, visions, concerns, and aspirations for UCW. We do not know what the future holds, of course, but we know Who holds the future, and we trust that future is bright with promise. But how do we find our part? Learn More - From Our Pastors: September 12, 2025Rev. Megan Berkowitz
September 5, 2025
Fall worship begins this Sunday, and we re-gather officially the following one! Much has changed since our last Sanctuary worship service in the summer, and is still changing, as we search for a Bridge Associate for Children, Youth, and Families and a Bridge Music Director. Things in the world around us are ever more tumultuous anduncertain, as well. Learn More - From Our Pastors: August 29, 2025Rev. Megan Berkowitz
August 29, 2025
I want to direct your attention to the Prayers for Liberty announcement, posted in on the Upcoming Events section above. Many of you heard me speak about the earlier version of this march, when I joined with other clergy from across Massachusetts to raise our voices regarding upholding the constitution and the rule of law in our country, and our moral imperative to love our neighbors. Learn More - From Our PastorsRev. Amy Clark Feldman
July 4, 2025
What an amazing mission trip we had to Puerto Rico! God’s light shone so brightly in and through our teens, college kids, and adult chaperones on the trip; and we made many new friends and connections on the island. We can’t wait to share more with you about it. Learn More - From Our PastorsRev. Megan Berkowitz
June 27, 2025
As our regular church year draws to a close, we look towards the summer, when we are usually one Body scattered to many locations. Whether we are traveling, visiting with family, focused on different schedules with children, or simply living at the slower pace of the summer months, we see less of one another. It can seem like church is “off” for the summer as well. Learn More - From Our Pastors: June 6, 2025Rev. Megan Berkowitz
June 6, 2025
It’s very fitting that our Annual Meeting falls on Pentecost this year. As we remember the Holy Spirit filling the early church and moving them into meaningful action, following in the Way of Jesus, we, too, experience the movement of the Spirit in our own church community. Learn More - From Our Pastors : May 30, 2025Rev. Clark Feldman
May 30, 2025
The Psalmist wrote so many centuries ago (or maybe just yesterday), “As the deer pants for water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” It’s such a vivid image – this poor deer panting in thirst and exhaustion. How far has it run over dry and scorched land? What a relief to dip its head towards a cool stream; its thirst quenched. Learn More
Welcoming Katie Brown-BrightBridge Associate for Children, Youth, and FamiliesKatie Brown-Bright is a recent graduate of Boston University School of Theology. She spent the last three years working as the Student Minister for Children and Families at Hancock United Church of Christ in Lexington and is very excited to continue doing ministry with children and youth at The Union Church in Waban!
Originally from Texas, Katie has lived in the Boston area for over a decade. She has a lifelong love of working with children and has 5 years experience of working with kids with disabilities. She currently works as a program assistant at Cotting School in Lexington, MA. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting, playing board games, and spending time with her spouse Rhea and her cat Curtis.
World Communion SundaySunday, October 5 at 10:00 a.m. (In-Person and Online)This Sunday, we welcome Katie Brown-Bright, our new Bridge Associate for Children, Youth, and Families! Be sure to scroll down to read Katie’s bio, and come to worship Sunday to welcome her well. This also means kids will have Sunday School this week, and parents do not need to stay with children during the service.
It is also World Communion Sunday, and we’ll gather around the table and tell the stories of our faith: of Jesus calming the waters, of Jesus sharing bread and cup for those who need them, and of Noah and his family navigating the floodwaters.
Zoom Link: HEREMeeting ID: 826 8730 1128 Passcode: 386028 Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
Sixteenth Sunday after PentecostSunday, September 28 at 10:00 a.m.(In-Person and Online)This Sunday, we welcome Rev. Dr. Claire Bamberg, who is facilitating our Vision & Strategic Planning process, to lead us in worship and then answer questions for the congregation over lunch afterwards. We hope you’ll join and bring your curiosity about the visioning process with you!
Zoom Link: HEREMeeting ID: 826 8730 1128 Passcode: 386028 Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
Vision and Strategic Planning MeetingThis Sunday immediately following worshipPlease join us at our Congregational gathering this coming Sunday, September 28 after worship. Food will be provided!
Did you miss Pastor Megan’s update about our Vision and Strategic Planning process? Read it here here, and be sure to come to our congregational gathering this Sunday after church. Our consultant, the Rev. Dr. Claire Bamberg, will preach and lead in worship and then present and answer questions about the process.
Sunday School Notice
Kids who do not want to stay in worship will be welcome to play, craft, and read in the Littlehale room with a parent. Though Sunday School hasn’t yet started, Nick, one of our new Children’s Ministry Associates will be present to help and guide during the service. He will also stay through the congregational meeting for extra childcare support.
FamilyAid UpdateFamilyAid is looking for volunteers to help transport essential clothing, winter gear, and hygiene kits for children and parents to help them stay warm over the winter. Four Volunteers are needed to transport clothing from Cradles to Crayons to FamilyAid HQ (3815 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02130), where a team of volunteers has signed up to sort and fold the items into bags for children and families. Then, two volunteers will help take the sorted clothes the following day to FamilyAid shelters in Newton and Brookline.
- Thurs., 10/2/25 – 4 volunteers, afternoon drive, Newton to JP
- Fri., 10/3/25 – 2 volunteers, afternoon drive, JP to Newton or Brookline
- Thurs., 10/23/25 – 4 volunteers, afternoon drive, Newton to JP
- *Fri.,* 10/24/25 – 2 volunteers, afternoon drive, JP to Newton or Brookline
Volunteers will help ensure that kids are warm and have access to new clothing, as well as help FamilyAid serve as many of our clients as possible. All that is needed is a car, the ability to lift 10 pounds, and a big heart! If you’re interested, please contact Maggie Cooper (coopmag@gmail.com)
Fifteenth Sunday after PentecostSunday, September 21 at 10:00 a.m.(In-Person and Online)This Sunday, we continue our theme exploring leaders, prophets, and apostles during worship, and offer our gratitude to Mijin and Robert on Mijin’s last day with us as Director of Music.
Zoom Link: HEREMeeting ID: 826 8730 1128 Passcode: 386028 Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
Sunday School Notice
Kids who do not want to stay in worship will be welcome to play, craft, and read in the Littlehale room with a parent. Though Sunday School hasn’t yet started, one of our new Children’s Ministry Associates will be present to help and guide during the service.
Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman
Pastor MeganSeptember 12, 2025
Dear Church,
Friends and Members alike (really!): we want to hear your thoughts, visions, concerns, and aspirations for UCW. We do not know what the future holds, of course, but we know Who holds the future, and we trust that future is bright with promise. But how do we find our part?
The Congregational tradition is built on the premise that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, that God is in every living thing, and that we are called to listen for the “still, small voice” in order to hear the heart of God calling to us. At UCW, we are entering into a time of discernment, trusting in the Holy Spirit to inform our being-in-the-world here at UCW. We hope to answer the question, “Who are we called to be in this time and place, under the God we serve?” Finding those answers will take time, will take a deep dive, and will take each and every one of your voices.
The month of October will open up opportunities for all who wish to have a voice in our discernment process. Online and in-person listening sessions will be held throughout the month. These sessions will be facilitated by trained volunteers in groups of no more than six plus the facilitator, with each member of a family or partner taking part in their own session. The same questions will be asked in each group. The results will be anonymously compiled, question by question, and sorted to identify themes and the movement of the Spirit. Although all responses will be kept anonymous, the results will be made available to all participants in a variety of ways. Members of the wider community, community representatives and elected officials will also be invited to facilitated listening sessions.
Once everything has been compiled and distilled, we will use the findings and results to help guide us towards a future under God in ways we believe will help those who watch, collaborate and participate with us.
We want to hear from you. Without your voice, our discernment will be incomplete. Please join us for worship on 9/28, after which there will be a congregational gathering during which we can meet and greet our consultant for this process, the Rev. Dr. Claire W. Bamberg. She will have met with and provided training for the facilitators the day before. They will also be able to answer questions! Come one and come all!
Peace,
Pastor Megan
Past Posts
- From Pastor MeganRev. Megan Berkowitz
October 3, 2025
What a joy it has been to be the bearer of good news where our staff is concerned these last few weeks! And what a joy it is to welcome Katie Brown-Bright, our new Bridge Associate for Children, Youth, and Families on to the staff this week, in particular. Whether you are a parent of a child or youth in the church’s program or not, Katie wants to meet you, so greet her in worship or arrange some time with her for a walk or coffee in the coming weeks. Learn More - From Our Pastors: September 12, 2025Rev. Megan Berkowitz
September 12, 2025
Friends and Members alike (really!): we want to hear your thoughts, visions, concerns, and aspirations for UCW. We do not know what the future holds, of course, but we know Who holds the future, and we trust that future is bright with promise. But how do we find our part? Learn More - From Our Pastors: September 12, 2025Rev. Megan Berkowitz
September 5, 2025
Fall worship begins this Sunday, and we re-gather officially the following one! Much has changed since our last Sanctuary worship service in the summer, and is still changing, as we search for a Bridge Associate for Children, Youth, and Families and a Bridge Music Director. Things in the world around us are ever more tumultuous anduncertain, as well. Learn More - From Our Pastors: August 29, 2025Rev. Megan Berkowitz
August 29, 2025
I want to direct your attention to the Prayers for Liberty announcement, posted in on the Upcoming Events section above. Many of you heard me speak about the earlier version of this march, when I joined with other clergy from across Massachusetts to raise our voices regarding upholding the constitution and the rule of law in our country, and our moral imperative to love our neighbors. Learn More - From Our PastorsRev. Amy Clark Feldman
July 4, 2025
What an amazing mission trip we had to Puerto Rico! God’s light shone so brightly in and through our teens, college kids, and adult chaperones on the trip; and we made many new friends and connections on the island. We can’t wait to share more with you about it. Learn More - From Our PastorsRev. Megan Berkowitz
June 27, 2025
As our regular church year draws to a close, we look towards the summer, when we are usually one Body scattered to many locations. Whether we are traveling, visiting with family, focused on different schedules with children, or simply living at the slower pace of the summer months, we see less of one another. It can seem like church is “off” for the summer as well. Learn More - From Our Pastors: June 6, 2025Rev. Megan Berkowitz
June 6, 2025
It’s very fitting that our Annual Meeting falls on Pentecost this year. As we remember the Holy Spirit filling the early church and moving them into meaningful action, following in the Way of Jesus, we, too, experience the movement of the Spirit in our own church community. Learn More - From Our Pastors : May 30, 2025Rev. Clark Feldman
May 30, 2025
The Psalmist wrote so many centuries ago (or maybe just yesterday), “As the deer pants for water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” It’s such a vivid image – this poor deer panting in thirst and exhaustion. How far has it run over dry and scorched land? What a relief to dip its head towards a cool stream; its thirst quenched. Learn More
Welcome Back SundaySeptember 14 at 10:00 a.m.(Hybrid Service)It’s Gathering Sunday! We’ll enjoy a communion worship together in the sanctuary and then head outside (weather permitting) for reception.
Please feel free to invite friends and neighbors to share in our joyful return to worship and community together.
Zoom Link: HEREMeeting ID: 826 8730 1128 Passcode: 386028 Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
Welcome Back Pizza, Potluck & PicnicThis Sunday Following Service.Join us after worship this Sunday for pizza, a potluck and a picnic. Pizza and drinks will be provided. You are invited to bring your favorite church potluck side dish or dessert. We’ll also have lots of kid-friendly activities and intergenerational games.
Sunday School NoticeWe will once again have an all-ages worship service this Sunday, with options for kids who need a little direction or room to wiggle both in the Prayground and in the Littlehale room.
Our Next Meeting
Java Gents Kickoff Cookout!Thursday Evening, September 18 at 5:00 p.m.(At 189 Langley Street in Newton Centre)This month, Java Gents will gather on Thursday, September 18 at 5:00 p.m. , at 189 Langley Street in Newton Centre for “Java Gents Kickoff Cookout.” Newcomers and long timers alike are welcome!
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. We will enjoy a lively discussion of timely topics as well as personal goings on in our lives.
Sunday, October 6, at 12:00 noonOutside On The Common (Weather Permitting)
Blessing of the AnimalsBring your furry, fluffy, feathery, scaley friends (or a photo of them) as we give thanks for and bless the animals and other critters in our families, and pray for all God’s creatures
ALL ARE WELCOME!
• Fun and informal
• Snacks for pets and their people
• Donations welcome for Unity Farm Santuary
September 29 at 10:00 a.m. (In-Person and on Zoom!)This Sunday, we’ll continue exploring our fall theme of Connection with the story of the Exodus and the Song at the Sea.
Zoom Link: HEREMeeting ID: 826 8730 1128 Passcode: 386028 Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
September 22 at 10:00 a.m. (In-Person and on Zoom!)Blessing of Backpacks & First Day of Sunday SchoolThis Sunday, we continued exploring our fall theme of Connection with the story of Joseph and his family. We brought backpack, briefcase, laptop, walking shoes – whatever will be helping to carry you and your good learning and work through this new academic year! We shared a blessing and special gift in worship, and then kids of all ages will kicked-off a new year of Sunday School with Pastor Amy and Children’s Ministry Associate Ileana.
The bulletin is available HERE
Summer Services* *in AugustSunday’s in August at 10:00 a.m. (In- Person)During the month of August we will continue our lay-led summer services on the stage downstairs at 10:00 a.m.
The time of sharing about Jesus’ parables has been powerful and moving, so if you haven’t yet come to summer worship, we encourage you to come check it out!
The full schedule of service leaders can be found by clicking through to the bulletin link below.
The bulletin is available HERE
Upcoming Summer Services* *in AugustSunday, August 4 (This Sunday!)Newton Highlands Congregational Church at 9:30amWe’ll worship together with all of the UCC-affiliated churches in Newton at Newton Highlands Congregational Church at 9:30 a.m. We’ll enjoy fellowship, communion, and their air-conditioned sanctuary! UCC Area Conference Minister Alex Shea Will will lead us in worship.
Next Sunday, August 11UCW, on the stage at 10:00 a.m.We’ll resume lay-led worship on the stage. The time of sharing about Jesus’ parables has been powerful and moving, so if you haven’t yet come to summer worship, we encourage you to come check it out!
Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman
Pastor AmyJuly 19, 2024
On Thursday, July 18th, travelers and members of UCW gathered to share learnings, photos, and stories from our recent service trip to Puerto Rico. The trip at the end of June was transformative for the 20 members (mostly high school and college youth) who travelled. Our host, Carlos (founder of The Happy Givers, Vega Baja) reminded us at the start of our week of the verses in Matthew 25 when Jesus shares that “whatever you do for one of the least of these… you did for me.” Carlos asked us to look for presence of God in each of the beloved and resilient people we served. In our service and the relationships we formed — new relationships in Puerto Rico, and deepened relationships among our group — we did indeed experience God’s love in new and transformative ways. If you weren’t able to attend our gathering on Thursday (or if you were!), please take a moment to look at the presentation we shared by clicking on the link in the sidebar. Ask questions and listen to stories of our travelers, and look ahead to the fall, when we hope to share a book and movie related to our experience. May we all be led, inspired, and transformed by our youth and how they lived out their faith, serving, learning and growing together.
Peace,
Pastor Amy
Past Posts
- From Our PastorsPastor Amy
July 19, 2024
On Thursday, July 18, travelers and members of UCW gathered to share learnings, photos, and stories from our recent service trip to Puerto Rico. The trip at the end of June was transformative for the 20 members (mostly high school and college youth) who travelled. Learn More - From Our Pastors – July 19, 2024Pastor Megan
July 5, 2024
Beloved, have you gotten and decorated a Flat Jesus yet? Be sure to take part in this fun and creative way of staying in touch with one another throughout the summer, and of sharing with one another as the new church year begins in September. Learn More - From Our Pastors – June 28 2024Pastor Megan
June 28, 2024
I was away from church last Sunday for a triathlon – my first race in about 12 years – and I felt as though I’d been transported to the Kingdom of God for the morning. I had forgotten how energizing the warmth and collegiality that surrounds a race can be. Learn More - From Our Pastors: Pastor Amy – May 17Pastor Amy
May 17, 2024
What a joy to arrive at the day of Pentecost in this month of Pastor Megan’s installation! Beloved, this Sunday we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit. We remember the life-giving, energy-giving, boundary-breaking power available to us all as members and friends of the church. Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Megan
May 10, 2024
From the first silver dollar communion pancake hitting the griddle to the last conversations over evening clean-up, it was a good and pleasant day, made all the more so by how many beloved people of God came together for it. Learn More - From Our Search Committee!May 3, 2024We are delighted to celebrate the pastoral installation of Reverend Megan Berkowitz this Sunday, May 5, at 3:oo p.m. in the UCW Sanctuary.We have been on a wonderful journey which began in February 2022 with the Transition Team and their work to identify who UCW is now, who is our neighbor, and who is God calling us to be. Learn More
- From Our Pastors – April 26, 24Pastor Megan
April 26, 2024
This week, I am on a professional development trip to Chicago, studying congregation vitality and spending time with other pastors from throughout the country. We are learning from non-traditional church settings, but the lessons these settings teach are ones that all communities can benefit from: how vital congregations remain focused on their “why,” rooted deeply in their shared faith. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 19, 2024Pastor Amy
April 19, 2024
This past week, I traveled to Valley Forge, PA for a 3-day conference entitled “Space for Grace: Engaging Intergenerational Faith.” The conference was hosted by the same organization that is organizing our mission trip to Puerto Rico, the American Baptist Home Mission Society. ABHMS is strongly aligned with the mission and legacy of ABC pastor, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The keynote preachers and speakers brought a wide diversity of experiences and perspectives, which I look forward to sharing with all of you. Learn More
Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman
Pastor MeganJuly 5, 2024
Beloved, have you gotten and decorated a Flat Jesus yet? Be sure to take part in this fun and creative way of staying in touch with one another throughout the summer, and of sharing with one another as the new church year begins in September. If you don’t yet have your Flat Jesus, reach out to me and I can send you one in the mail or to print at home! Thank you to the Deacons for leading us in this joyful practice! See more details in the announcements below.
Peace,
Pastor Megan
Past Posts
- From Our PastorsPastor Megan
July 5, 2024
Beloved, have you gotten and decorated a Flat Jesus yet? Be sure to take part in this fun and creative way of staying in touch with one another throughout the summer, and of sharing with one another as the new church year begins in September. Learn More - From Our Pastors – June 28 2024Pastor Megan
June 28, 2024
I was away from church last Sunday for a triathlon – my first race in about 12 years – and I felt as though I’d been transported to the Kingdom of God for the morning. I had forgotten how energizing the warmth and collegiality that surrounds a race can be. Learn More - From Our Pastors: Pastor Amy – May 17Pastor Amy
May 17, 2024
What a joy to arrive at the day of Pentecost in this month of Pastor Megan’s installation! Beloved, this Sunday we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit. We remember the life-giving, energy-giving, boundary-breaking power available to us all as members and friends of the church. Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Megan
May 10, 2024
From the first silver dollar communion pancake hitting the griddle to the last conversations over evening clean-up, it was a good and pleasant day, made all the more so by how many beloved people of God came together for it. Learn More - From Our Search Committee!May 3, 2024We are delighted to celebrate the pastoral installation of Reverend Megan Berkowitz this Sunday, May 5, at 3:oo p.m. in the UCW Sanctuary.We have been on a wonderful journey which began in February 2022 with the Transition Team and their work to identify who UCW is now, who is our neighbor, and who is God calling us to be. Learn More
- From Our Pastors – April 26, 24Pastor Megan
April 26, 2024
This week, I am on a professional development trip to Chicago, studying congregation vitality and spending time with other pastors from throughout the country. We are learning from non-traditional church settings, but the lessons these settings teach are ones that all communities can benefit from: how vital congregations remain focused on their “why,” rooted deeply in their shared faith. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 19, 2024Pastor Amy
April 19, 2024
This past week, I traveled to Valley Forge, PA for a 3-day conference entitled “Space for Grace: Engaging Intergenerational Faith.” The conference was hosted by the same organization that is organizing our mission trip to Puerto Rico, the American Baptist Home Mission Society. ABHMS is strongly aligned with the mission and legacy of ABC pastor, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The keynote preachers and speakers brought a wide diversity of experiences and perspectives, which I look forward to sharing with all of you. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 12Pastor Megan
April 12, 2024
Exodus tells us that when it came time to build the Tent of Meeting according to the instructions Moses received at Sinai, God didn’t demand a tribute from the people. The Tent of Meeting and the Tabernacle inside of it were constructed of gifts from people with willing hearts and spirits. Learn More
Flat Jesus – Summer 2024Stay in touch with the UCW community, and remember that we are all part of one Body even as we travel separately from one another over the summer, by taking your very own Flat Jesus with you on your summer adventures!
The Deacons have prepared Flat Jesuses for us all to decorate and take home. Whether he accompanies you around the world or around the block, take a picture with your Flat Jesus and email it to Pastor Megan. At the end of the summer, when we return to regular worship in September, we’ll gather the photos and the Flat Jesuses and share about our time apart. Haven’t picked up a Flat Jesus in worship during June? Email Pastor Megan and she can send one in the mail, or for you to print at home.
Summer Services* *in JulySummer Worship Services Begin on July 14Remember, there will be no worship service held on Sunday, July 7th. Beginning Sunday, July 14th, we will gather on the stage downstairs for summer services at 10:00 a.m. Sundays. These services will be lay-led and will focus on the parables of Jesus. Be sure to come and worship together in summertime joy!
10:00 a.m. Service (Hybrid)Sunday’s in JulyDuring the month of July we will gather on the stage downstairs for summer services at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. Our summer services services will be lay-led and will focus on the parables of Jesus. On July 14, Jeannie Martin will lead us in a discussion of the Parable of the Good Samaritan for our first gathering. Be sure to come and worship together in summertime joy! The full schedule of service leaders can be found by clicking through to the bulletin link below.
Zoom Link: HEREMeeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
Gather for Ice Cream and Sharing from Puerto Rico!Thursday, July 18 at 6:30 pm at UCW.As many know, Pastor Amy and 20 members of our congregation – mostly high school and college youth – travelled to Puerto Rico during the last week of June to build relationships and serve with the people of Vega Baja. We’ll gather for ice cream sundaes and fellowship as the Youth & Mentors from the Puerto Rico Mission Trip share about their experiences. Don’t miss out on this generational fun and learning!
Bestor Cram’s Award-winning MovieThe Last American Colony Thursday, July 25, 6:30 pm at UCWWe’ll once again gather in intergenerational community for a viewing of UCW member Bestor Cram’s award-winning movie about Puerto Rico.
Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman
Pastor MeganJune 28, 2024
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Acts 2:4
I was away from church last Sunday for a triathlon – my first race in about 12 years – and I felt as though I’d been transported to the Kingdom of God for the morning. I had forgotten how energizing the warmth and collegiality that surrounds a race can be. If you’re an athlete, or if you’ve spectated at the Marathon, you probably know what I mean. Even while competing, people tend to be supportive of one another.
On Sunday, people continually encouraged, congratulated, and got to know one another in the short time it took to pass on the bike or run. I stopped during the swim to be sure that someone treading and coughing was safe, and then someone else paused their own race to help me get loose from the wetsuit that was stuck around my shoulders as I transitioned to the bike. All throughout, I witnessed people checking in on and helping one another. The kindness that suffused the whole day, the sense that we were all part of something together, was what made it enjoyable throughout.
In worship this Sunday, we’ll hear some of the Apostle Paul’s (many) instructions for how to be together in community. As I experienced a community that formed and then dissipated over the course of one morning, I was reminded again of Paul’s exhortation to “always seek to do good to one another.” We seek to do good for those whom we already know in our church community, of course. And, our faith teaches us, we see glimpses of the Kingdom of God all around us, in which we recognize that all of God’s people, all of creation, are part of that community we are called to love and serve. One wetsuit sleeve, one “way to go,” one kindness at a time.
Peace,
Pastor Megan
Past Posts
- From Our PastorsPastor Megan
June 30, 2024
I was away from church last Sunday for a triathlon – my first race in about 12 years – and I felt as though I’d been transported to the Kingdom of God for the morning. I had forgotten how energizing the warmth and collegiality that surrounds a race can be. Learn More - From Our Pastors: Pastor Amy – May 17Pastor Amy
May 17, 2024
What a joy to arrive at the day of Pentecost in this month of Pastor Megan’s installation! Beloved, this Sunday we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit. We remember the life-giving, energy-giving, boundary-breaking power available to us all as members and friends of the church. Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Megan
May 10, 2024
From the first silver dollar communion pancake hitting the griddle to the last conversations over evening clean-up, it was a good and pleasant day, made all the more so by how many beloved people of God came together for it. Learn More - From Our Search Committee!May 3, 2024We are delighted to celebrate the pastoral installation of Reverend Megan Berkowitz this Sunday, May 5, at 3:oo p.m. in the UCW Sanctuary.We have been on a wonderful journey which began in February 2022 with the Transition Team and their work to identify who UCW is now, who is our neighbor, and who is God calling us to be. Learn More
- From Our Pastors – April 26, 24Pastor Megan
April 26, 2024
This week, I am on a professional development trip to Chicago, studying congregation vitality and spending time with other pastors from throughout the country. We are learning from non-traditional church settings, but the lessons these settings teach are ones that all communities can benefit from: how vital congregations remain focused on their “why,” rooted deeply in their shared faith. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 19, 2024Pastor Amy
April 19, 2024
This past week, I traveled to Valley Forge, PA for a 3-day conference entitled “Space for Grace: Engaging Intergenerational Faith.” The conference was hosted by the same organization that is organizing our mission trip to Puerto Rico, the American Baptist Home Mission Society. ABHMS is strongly aligned with the mission and legacy of ABC pastor, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The keynote preachers and speakers brought a wide diversity of experiences and perspectives, which I look forward to sharing with all of you. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 12Pastor Megan
April 12, 2024
Exodus tells us that when it came time to build the Tent of Meeting according to the instructions Moses received at Sinai, God didn’t demand a tribute from the people. The Tent of Meeting and the Tabernacle inside of it were constructed of gifts from people with willing hearts and spirits. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 7Pastor Megan
April 7, 2024
Christ is risen indeed! At Union Church, we welcomed resurrection day with great joy: from sunrise worship to the last egg of the egg hunt (re-hidden by some of the Junior Youth Group members who gave up their own goodies to help a very young latecomer still have an exciting Easter), it was a day of great celebration. Learn More
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost10:00 a.m. Service (Hybrid)Sixth Sunday after Pentecost June 30 at 10:00 a.m.Join in person or online for the last worship service of the church year! We’ll reflect together on the Apostle Paul’s reminders for being in a loving community.
Zoom Link: HEREMeeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
Summer Worship Services Begin on July 14Remember, there will be no worship service held on Sunday, July 7th. Beginning Sunday, July 14th, we will gather on the stage downstairs for summer services at 10:00 a.m. Sundays. These services will be lay-led and will focus on the parables of Jesus. Be sure to come and worship together in summertime joy!
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost10:00 a.m. Service (Hybrid)June 23 at 10:00 a.m.Outgoing Co-Moderator Jaap van Reijendam will bless us with his preaching and worship leadership this week! Please note there will be no Sunday School this week while Pastor Amy and 20 members of our church are on our service trip to Puerto Rico.
The bulletin is available HERE
Exploring Our Faith Sunday10:00 a.m. Service (Hybrid)Second Sunday after Pentecost June 2 at 10:00 a.m.This Sunday we will be led in worship by our High School students, and honor our graduates. After worship we will share our year-end All-Church Picnic and Celebration outside. We hope you will join us.
Zoom Link: HEREMeeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
Boston Pride for the PeopleSaturday, June 8, gather at 1o:00 a.m. We will gather in Gordon Chapel at OSC in Boston.
Out of the church and into the streets!
Old South will be hosting Open and Affirming UCC churches from across the region to march together in Boston’s Pride parade, and Pastor Megan has been helping to coordinate. We will gather in Gordon Chapel at OSC in Boston, beginning at 10:00 a.m. We will travel from there to gather at our designated formation area (TBD), which begins at 11:00 a.m. The parade will finish at Beacon St and Park St, between the Public Garden and the Common.
RSVP by emailing seniorpastor@ucw.org.
Annual MeetingSunday, June 9 Following Service at 11:15 a.m. (Hybrid)Our annual meeting will be held next Sunday, June 9, following the worship service. This hybrid meeting will start around 11:15 a.m.
For those attending via Zoom, please remain in the Zoom room after worship as we transition to the Vestry. If you only wish to join the meeting, use the Worship link on our website to access the Zoom room at any time. We will take attendance, and participants can ask questions and vote through the chat.
For in-person attendees, lunch will be served as we gather in the Vestry. We will review and approve the minutes from last year’s meeting, the Annual Report, the Nominating Slate, and the budget for the upcoming year. We will also discuss plans and priorities for the future.
We look forward to your participation and welcome any questions or concerns you may have. Please join us.
Annual Report Preview
2023-24 Annual Report (including minutes from last year) HERE
We will reflect on the year past, with reviewing and approving the minutes from last year’s annual meeting as well as the annual report. And we will also get ready for the new year, by reviewing and voting on the Nominating Slate (based on our new by-laws!), and our budget for the coming year.
Lastly, we hope to give you a sense of the pieces we hope to be working on in the coming year. And of course we want to hear any questions or issues you would like to raise. So please join us!
May 2024Dear Members of Union Church in Waban,
I hope this message finds you well. I am pleased to inform you that I am in good health and in good spirits at this time.
I’ve been working to get ahead, now I work at Remanso Beach and in my free time I usually take surf classes right there, it’s good because it helps distract the mind a little. I am writing to you with great enthusiasm to inform you that I have started the university thesis/degree-defense course, on which I have been working hard. This important academic project represents a significant milestone in my educational and professional training.
We started this course on April 21 and it will end on August 11; we will have the defense in September. We were informed that on December 6 will be the graduation, if God allows it. It feels good to know that I am near to completing my studies; this path has been long but full of experience and the knowledge I have acquired over these years. I will always be very grateful that you have supported me to be able to achieve it. I hope to share with you the progress and achievements made on this path towards obtaining my university degree. Your continued support means a lot to me and fuels my determination to successfully complete this educational stage.
I want to take this opportunity to send you greetings and blessings from my family.
Thank God, everyone is well and enjoying good health. My nephew, son of Alejandra
Collado, your former scholarship recipient, is so grown up now. She sends you greetings. We sincerely appreciate the continued support, spiritual companionship and solidarity you provide us. Your presence in our lives has been an invaluable gift and we are grateful for it.
I want to express my gratitude for having the unconditional support of such a welcoming and supportive community.
Again, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the members of the Union Church in Waban who contributed in any way to my academic success. I look forward to remaining a part of this community and continuing to work together to make a positive difference in our lives and the lives of others.
Sincerely,
Marvin Ernesto Collado Vargas
First Sunday after Pentecost Sunday10:00 a.m. Service (Hybrid)First Sunday after Pentecost May 26 at 10:00 a.m.Our journey through the early church in Acts continues this week with the Apostle Paul’s conversion and call story, plus lots of song and prayer to lift our hearts!
Zoom Link: HEREMeeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
Note: Reception This SundayThis holiday weekend Sunday, there’s no official host for reception. We’ve got coffee, seltzer, and juice covered, but feel free to bring along a favorite snack or tidbit to share!
Pentecost Sunday10:00 a.m. Pentecost Service (Hybrid)Sunday May 19 at 10:00 a.m.We remember and welcome the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the church! It is a Spirit-filled Sunday, and we look forward to having you be part of it!
Pastor Amy will be preaching and leading worship as Pastor Megan is away.
Don’t Forget to Wear Red!
Zoom Link: HEREMeeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman
Pastor AmyMay 17, 2024
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Acts 2:4
What a joy to arrive at the day of Pentecost in this month of Pastor Megan’s installation! Beloved, this Sunday we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit. We remember the life-giving, energy-giving, boundary-breaking power available to us all as members and friends of the church. It is a day that reminds us to be alert to the divine blowing through and ablaze in everything around us — and even, and especially, in ourselves. If you are feeling worn out as the school year winds down, come! If you are feeling your hope dwindling for the world, come! If you are feeling alone or disconnected, come! If you are feeling filled with joy and in love with Spring, come! Come, sing, pray, celebrate, eat, and then head over to help out Linda and her team at the Waban Fair, as we share God’s renewing joy and hope. May it be a day of renewal and wholeness for us all — Don’t forget to wear Red, the color of the Spirit!
Peace,
Pastor Amy
Past Posts
- From Our PastorsPastor Amy
May 17, 2024
What a joy to arrive at the day of Pentecost in this month of Pastor Megan’s installation! Beloved, this Sunday we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit. We remember the life-giving, energy-giving, boundary-breaking power available to us all as members and friends of the church. Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Megan
May 10, 2024
From the first silver dollar communion pancake hitting the griddle to the last conversations over evening clean-up, it was a good and pleasant day, made all the more so by how many beloved people of God came together for it. Learn More - From Our Search Committee!May 3, 2024We are delighted to celebrate the pastoral installation of Reverend Megan Berkowitz this Sunday, May 5, at 3:oo p.m. in the UCW Sanctuary.We have been on a wonderful journey which began in February 2022 with the Transition Team and their work to identify who UCW is now, who is our neighbor, and who is God calling us to be. Learn More
- From Our Pastors – April 26, 24Pastor Megan
April 26, 2024
This week, I am on a professional development trip to Chicago, studying congregation vitality and spending time with other pastors from throughout the country. We are learning from non-traditional church settings, but the lessons these settings teach are ones that all communities can benefit from: how vital congregations remain focused on their “why,” rooted deeply in their shared faith. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 19, 2024Pastor Amy
April 19, 2024
This past week, I traveled to Valley Forge, PA for a 3-day conference entitled “Space for Grace: Engaging Intergenerational Faith.” The conference was hosted by the same organization that is organizing our mission trip to Puerto Rico, the American Baptist Home Mission Society. ABHMS is strongly aligned with the mission and legacy of ABC pastor, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The keynote preachers and speakers brought a wide diversity of experiences and perspectives, which I look forward to sharing with all of you. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 12Pastor Megan
April 12, 2024
Exodus tells us that when it came time to build the Tent of Meeting according to the instructions Moses received at Sinai, God didn’t demand a tribute from the people. The Tent of Meeting and the Tabernacle inside of it were constructed of gifts from people with willing hearts and spirits. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 7Pastor Megan
April 7, 2024
Christ is risen indeed! At Union Church, we welcomed resurrection day with great joy: from sunrise worship to the last egg of the egg hunt (re-hidden by some of the Junior Youth Group members who gave up their own goodies to help a very young latecomer still have an exciting Easter), it was a day of great celebration. Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Megan
March 29, 2024
We’ve been following the Gospel of Mark throughout this year, hearing the stories of Jesus’ ministry, miracles, and, this week, trials in Jerusalem. At the end of Mark’s version of the Passion narrative, at about the time you will receive this email on Good Friday, the Gospel recounts Jesus’ final words from the cross: Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Learn More
The Seventh Sunday of Easter10:00 a.m. Easter VII Service (Hybrid)Sunday May 12 at 10:00 a.m.We’re back with our siblings, the saints of the early church, as we read more from the book of Acts in worship this Sunday. We’ll also observe Mother’s Day with a candle table prayer station during the Prayers of the People, and a reception hosted by the UCW men.
Zoom Link: HEREMeeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
Come Help Outat theUCW Tent for the Waban FairNext Weekend, Sunday, May 19(right across the train tracks from us!) Anytime between 9:30-2:30 p.m.Ways to volunteer:
9:00-10am: Set up and bring materials over from church
10-2 pm: One-hour shifts (or whatever you can do):
- Greeters to chat about UCW
- Face painters (we’ll have the supplies)
- Fun helpers with kids crafts
2-2:30: Pack up/clean up
Bake Goodies:
- Bring baked goods (nut-free, something that won’t melt, in separate bags) to hand out at our tent by 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, the day of the fair
OR
- Drop off at Johnson house (131 Windsor Road, Waban) starting Saturday, May 18 (we’ll have a labelled cooler outside our front door for donations!)
Questions? Call, text or email Linda Lynch
(617-694-5228, or lhelenlynch@gmail.com).
Sign up to Volunteer : HERE
Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman
Pastor MeganMay 10, 2024
“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!”
– Psalm 133:1
This line from the Psalms has been on my heart this week as I reflect on and take in the amazing day that was last Sunday. From the first silver dollar communion pancake hitting the griddle to the last conversations over evening clean-up, it was a good and pleasant day, made all the more so by how many beloved people of God came together for it.
I invited everyone, in the benediction at the installation service, to mix across the different communities who had gathered. Not only did everyone listen, but it turns out that there were so many connections. People who grew up in this church or had other family ties here experienced a homecoming, while members of this congregation made or were reminded of connections elsewhere.
That’s one of the points of installations. As we celebrate our covenant together, we are reminded that we as a congregation are not alone. We are in covenant with a larger Body, interdependent and accountable in all the best ways. It was a gift to me to see so many people I love all in one service (especially since I got married, graduated seminary, and was ordained during the pandemic!). I pray it is a gift to our shared ministry, as well.
Peace,
Megan
Past Posts
- From Our PastorsPastor Megan
May 10, 2024
From the first silver dollar communion pancake hitting the griddle to the last conversations over evening clean-up, it was a good and pleasant day, made all the more so by how many beloved people of God came together for it. Learn More - From Our Search Committee!May 3, 2024We are delighted to celebrate the pastoral installation of Reverend Megan Berkowitz this Sunday, May 5, at 3:oo p.m. in the UCW Sanctuary.We have been on a wonderful journey which began in February 2022 with the Transition Team and their work to identify who UCW is now, who is our neighbor, and who is God calling us to be. Learn More
- From Our Pastors – April 26, 24Pastor Megan
April 26, 2024
This week, I am on a professional development trip to Chicago, studying congregation vitality and spending time with other pastors from throughout the country. We are learning from non-traditional church settings, but the lessons these settings teach are ones that all communities can benefit from: how vital congregations remain focused on their “why,” rooted deeply in their shared faith. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 19, 2024Pastor Amy
April 19, 2024
This past week, I traveled to Valley Forge, PA for a 3-day conference entitled “Space for Grace: Engaging Intergenerational Faith.” The conference was hosted by the same organization that is organizing our mission trip to Puerto Rico, the American Baptist Home Mission Society. ABHMS is strongly aligned with the mission and legacy of ABC pastor, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The keynote preachers and speakers brought a wide diversity of experiences and perspectives, which I look forward to sharing with all of you. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 12Pastor Megan
April 12, 2024
Exodus tells us that when it came time to build the Tent of Meeting according to the instructions Moses received at Sinai, God didn’t demand a tribute from the people. The Tent of Meeting and the Tabernacle inside of it were constructed of gifts from people with willing hearts and spirits. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 7Pastor Megan
April 7, 2024
Christ is risen indeed! At Union Church, we welcomed resurrection day with great joy: from sunrise worship to the last egg of the egg hunt (re-hidden by some of the Junior Youth Group members who gave up their own goodies to help a very young latecomer still have an exciting Easter), it was a day of great celebration. Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Megan
March 29, 2024
We’ve been following the Gospel of Mark throughout this year, hearing the stories of Jesus’ ministry, miracles, and, this week, trials in Jerusalem. At the end of Mark’s version of the Passion narrative, at about the time you will receive this email on Good Friday, the Gospel recounts Jesus’ final words from the cross: Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Amy
March 22, 2024
In this holiest of weeks, we invite you to dwell even more fully in the story that is at the very sacred heart of our faith. Dwell with your community of faith, your church, as we enter Jerusalem with Jesus this Sunday (Palm Sunday), and remember how Jesus overturned tables of injustice and oppression and imparted final words of teaching and healing to his followers. Learn More
Next Book GroupTuesday, May 28th at 7:30 p.m. (Zoom)Please join us in May for our next book group. Our book will be “On Tyranny -Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century” by Timothy Snyder.
You will find a zoom link and sign-in information below. If you have any questions, please reach out to Alan Cody (almorrow@aol.com).
Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 832 4667 4155
Passcode: 431699
Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
Communion Service & Pancake Breakfast – Sunday Morning, May 5 at 10:00 a.m. (In-Person)This Sunday morning, our Communion worship service will take the form of a pancake breakfast in the Vestry. We’ll sing, pray, read scripture, and tell stories, all over a shared meal. If you’d like to help set up or cook, email Pastor Megan!
If you can only make it to one service on Sunday, the 3:00 p.m. installation is the one to choose! We’ll welcome guests and covenant partners from the UCC, ABC, Newton Interfaith community, and beyond as we celebrate together. (See more information below.)
Service of Installation of Rev. Megan BerkowitzSunday Afternoon, May 5 at 3:00 p.m. (Hybrid)The Union Church in Waban will install Pastor Megan as our settled Senior Pastor at 3:00 p.m. this Sunday. This is an opportunity for our church to host others from our partner denominations and to celebrate the covenant of ministry among the members of this congregation, Pastor Megan, and the wider Church.
Zoom Link: HEREMeeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman
Search CommitteeMay 3, 2024
We are delighted to celebrate the pastoral installation of Reverend Megan Berkowitz this Sunday, May 5, at 3:oo p.m. in the UCW Sanctuary.
We have been on a wonderful journey which began in February 2022 with the Transition Team and their work to identify who UCW is now, who is our neighbor, and who is God calling us to be. Their work set the foundation for our search which concluded in March 2023 with the selection of Megan. On Sunday April 30, after a beautiful worship service, our congregation voted unanimously to call Megan to be our Senior Pastor, and she started leading our congregation shortly after in August 2023.
We, as the Search Committee, were searching for a candidate who exhibits strong pastoral leadership skills and who could minister across faiths, someone who is passionate about extending our ministry beyond the doors of our church to our neighbors locally and globally, someone who values youth ministry and faith formation, and someone who could help us to grow to become a more inclusive and welcoming church. We are blessed that we found all of this and more in Megan. She is the candidate we all felt being called to us over all others. Reflecting on our time together, we could not be happier or feel more blessed that we found each other.
In this process, we learned about ourselves, formed lasting bonds with each other, and experienced UCW in ways we hadn’t previously. Most importantly, we got to know Megan and got to see her enter our ministry and lead our wonderful congregation into a new chapter of spiritual growth, fellowship, and service.
Having Megan and Leila as part of our church family is a joy and an honor and we invite everyone to celebrate her installation with us!
With gratitude,
The Ministerial Search Committee
Carol Bascom-Slack (co-chair)
Buz Bedford (co-chair)
Bart Kelso
Soo Laski
Elisabeth van Reijendam
Susan Hunt Stevens
Jandi Strong-Dennis
Past Posts
- From Our Search Committee!May 3, 2024We are delighted to celebrate the pastoral installation of Reverend Megan Berkowitz this Sunday, May 5, at 3:oo p.m. in the UCW Sanctuary.We have been on a wonderful journey which began in February 2022 with the Transition Team and their work to identify who UCW is now, who is our neighbor, and who is God calling us to be. Learn More
- From Our Pastors – April 26, 24Pastor Megan
April 26, 2024
This week, I am on a professional development trip to Chicago, studying congregation vitality and spending time with other pastors from throughout the country. We are learning from non-traditional church settings, but the lessons these settings teach are ones that all communities can benefit from: how vital congregations remain focused on their “why,” rooted deeply in their shared faith. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 19, 2024Pastor Amy
April 19, 2024
This past week, I traveled to Valley Forge, PA for a 3-day conference entitled “Space for Grace: Engaging Intergenerational Faith.” The conference was hosted by the same organization that is organizing our mission trip to Puerto Rico, the American Baptist Home Mission Society. ABHMS is strongly aligned with the mission and legacy of ABC pastor, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The keynote preachers and speakers brought a wide diversity of experiences and perspectives, which I look forward to sharing with all of you. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 12Pastor Megan
April 12, 2024
Exodus tells us that when it came time to build the Tent of Meeting according to the instructions Moses received at Sinai, God didn’t demand a tribute from the people. The Tent of Meeting and the Tabernacle inside of it were constructed of gifts from people with willing hearts and spirits. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 7Pastor Megan
April 7, 2024
Christ is risen indeed! At Union Church, we welcomed resurrection day with great joy: from sunrise worship to the last egg of the egg hunt (re-hidden by some of the Junior Youth Group members who gave up their own goodies to help a very young latecomer still have an exciting Easter), it was a day of great celebration. Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Megan
March 29, 2024
We’ve been following the Gospel of Mark throughout this year, hearing the stories of Jesus’ ministry, miracles, and, this week, trials in Jerusalem. At the end of Mark’s version of the Passion narrative, at about the time you will receive this email on Good Friday, the Gospel recounts Jesus’ final words from the cross: Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Amy
March 22, 2024
In this holiest of weeks, we invite you to dwell even more fully in the story that is at the very sacred heart of our faith. Dwell with your community of faith, your church, as we enter Jerusalem with Jesus this Sunday (Palm Sunday), and remember how Jesus overturned tables of injustice and oppression and imparted final words of teaching and healing to his followers. Learn More - From Our Pastors – March 15 2024Pastor Megan
March 15, 2024
This Saturday evening (March 16), I am delighted to join with faith communities across Newton for this year’s Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) Interfaith Service, to be held at St. Ignatius in Chestnut Hill at 6:00 p.m. Learn More
Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman
Pastor MeganApril 26, 2024
“How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a sibling in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.”
1 John 3:17-18
This week, I am on a professional development trip to Chicago, studying congregation vitality and spending time with other pastors from throughout the country. We are learning from non-traditional church settings, but the lessons these settings teach are ones that all communities can benefit from: how vital congregations remain focused on their “why,” rooted deeply in their shared faith. This is what it is to love in truth and action, acting out our call from God, grounded in the truth that scripture, tradition, experience, and wisdom teach us. As I learn more, I look forward to bringing it back to our practices of being church, continuing our vital life together in Christ.
Peace,
Megan
Past Posts
- From Our PastorsPastor Megan
April 26, 2024
This week, I am on a professional development trip to Chicago, studying congregation vitality and spending time with other pastors from throughout the country. We are learning from non-traditional church settings, but the lessons these settings teach are ones that all communities can benefit from: how vital congregations remain focused on their “why,” rooted deeply in their shared faith. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 19, 2024Pastor Amy
April 19, 2024
This past week, I traveled to Valley Forge, PA for a 3-day conference entitled “Space for Grace: Engaging Intergenerational Faith.” The conference was hosted by the same organization that is organizing our mission trip to Puerto Rico, the American Baptist Home Mission Society. ABHMS is strongly aligned with the mission and legacy of ABC pastor, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The keynote preachers and speakers brought a wide diversity of experiences and perspectives, which I look forward to sharing with all of you. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 12Pastor Megan
April 12, 2024
Exodus tells us that when it came time to build the Tent of Meeting according to the instructions Moses received at Sinai, God didn’t demand a tribute from the people. The Tent of Meeting and the Tabernacle inside of it were constructed of gifts from people with willing hearts and spirits. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 7Pastor Megan
April 7, 2024
Christ is risen indeed! At Union Church, we welcomed resurrection day with great joy: from sunrise worship to the last egg of the egg hunt (re-hidden by some of the Junior Youth Group members who gave up their own goodies to help a very young latecomer still have an exciting Easter), it was a day of great celebration. Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Megan
March 29, 2024
We’ve been following the Gospel of Mark throughout this year, hearing the stories of Jesus’ ministry, miracles, and, this week, trials in Jerusalem. At the end of Mark’s version of the Passion narrative, at about the time you will receive this email on Good Friday, the Gospel recounts Jesus’ final words from the cross: Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Amy
March 22, 2024
In this holiest of weeks, we invite you to dwell even more fully in the story that is at the very sacred heart of our faith. Dwell with your community of faith, your church, as we enter Jerusalem with Jesus this Sunday (Palm Sunday), and remember how Jesus overturned tables of injustice and oppression and imparted final words of teaching and healing to his followers. Learn More - From Our Pastors – March 15 2024Pastor Megan
March 15, 2024
This Saturday evening (March 16), I am delighted to join with faith communities across Newton for this year’s Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) Interfaith Service, to be held at St. Ignatius in Chestnut Hill at 6:00 p.m. Learn More - From Our Pastors – March 8Pastor Megan
March 8, 2024
It was indeed good and pleasant to dwell together in unity with our siblings from the Boston Taiwanese Christian Church this past Sunday! We feasted together around the table twice – once during communion, and again during the reception they very lovingly prepared for us all to share. Learn More
The Fifth Sunday of Easter10:00 a.m. Easter V Service (Hybrid)Sunday April 28 at 10:00 a.m.This Sunday, we learn from the disciples as they gather, pray, organize, and wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Megan is away; Pastor Amy is preaching.
Zoom Link: HEREMeeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman
Pastor AmyApril 19, 2024
This past week, I traveled to Valley Forge, PA for a 3-day conference entitled “Space for Grace: Engaging Intergenerational Faith.” The conference was hosted by the same organization that is organizing our mission trip to Puerto Rico, the American Baptist Home Mission Society. ABHMS is strongly aligned with the mission and legacy of ABC pastor, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The keynote preachers and speakers brought a wide diversity of experiences and perspectives, which I look forward to sharing with all of you. We learned about what would mean to be a truly inclusive church of people with disabilities; about the role of joy and celebration in binding communities together; about what it means to create safe and resilient individuals and communities; and how trauma can show up through the generations. We thought and prayed about what it means to stand with the teachings of Jesus in a time when Christian nationalism is on the rise, and our world is seeing increasing violence and division.
In this Eastertide, we at the Union Church in Waban are thinking about what it means to Share from the Heart. The Space for Grace conference made me think about this in new ways. So often when engaging all ages of our intergenerational church, we have rightly focused on the importance of intergenerational relationships in terms of those relationships impact us as individuals of faith. We think about what it means for elders to experience connection and joy in the presence of our children and teens. We recognize the importance of relationships with elders and adults for our teenagers as they become more resilient and form their faith in face of the challenges of life. Throughout this conference, however, speakers focused not so much on individual faith, resilience, and well-being, as on building healthy, faithful, and resilient communities in which all people can thrive. It is one thing to support the spiritual well-being of an individual who uses a wheelchair, and another to make sure all people with disabilities have full and comfortable spaces within our pews and at our pulpit. It is one thing to deepen the resilience and faith of a child, and another to make sure that the home, school, and community they live in is free from violence and full of love. Beloved, as we explore what it means to share from the heart, I look forward to sharing more of my learnings, and inviting all of us to consider even more deeply what it means for our inclusive, welcoming, intergenerational, and mission-minded church to truly be a Space for Grace for all people, and to create a world where all can thrive.
Peace
Amy
Past Posts
- From Our PastorsPastor Megan
April 26, 2024
This week, I am on a professional development trip to Chicago, studying congregation vitality and spending time with other pastors from throughout the country. We are learning from non-traditional church settings, but the lessons these settings teach are ones that all communities can benefit from: how vital congregations remain focused on their “why,” rooted deeply in their shared faith. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 19, 2024Pastor Amy
April 19, 2024
This past week, I traveled to Valley Forge, PA for a 3-day conference entitled “Space for Grace: Engaging Intergenerational Faith.” The conference was hosted by the same organization that is organizing our mission trip to Puerto Rico, the American Baptist Home Mission Society. ABHMS is strongly aligned with the mission and legacy of ABC pastor, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The keynote preachers and speakers brought a wide diversity of experiences and perspectives, which I look forward to sharing with all of you. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 12Pastor Megan
April 12, 2024
Exodus tells us that when it came time to build the Tent of Meeting according to the instructions Moses received at Sinai, God didn’t demand a tribute from the people. The Tent of Meeting and the Tabernacle inside of it were constructed of gifts from people with willing hearts and spirits. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 7Pastor Megan
April 7, 2024
Christ is risen indeed! At Union Church, we welcomed resurrection day with great joy: from sunrise worship to the last egg of the egg hunt (re-hidden by some of the Junior Youth Group members who gave up their own goodies to help a very young latecomer still have an exciting Easter), it was a day of great celebration. Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Megan
March 29, 2024
We’ve been following the Gospel of Mark throughout this year, hearing the stories of Jesus’ ministry, miracles, and, this week, trials in Jerusalem. At the end of Mark’s version of the Passion narrative, at about the time you will receive this email on Good Friday, the Gospel recounts Jesus’ final words from the cross: Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Amy
March 22, 2024
In this holiest of weeks, we invite you to dwell even more fully in the story that is at the very sacred heart of our faith. Dwell with your community of faith, your church, as we enter Jerusalem with Jesus this Sunday (Palm Sunday), and remember how Jesus overturned tables of injustice and oppression and imparted final words of teaching and healing to his followers. Learn More - From Our Pastors – March 15 2024Pastor Megan
March 15, 2024
This Saturday evening (March 16), I am delighted to join with faith communities across Newton for this year’s Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) Interfaith Service, to be held at St. Ignatius in Chestnut Hill at 6:00 p.m. Learn More - From Our Pastors – March 8Pastor Megan
March 8, 2024
It was indeed good and pleasant to dwell together in unity with our siblings from the Boston Taiwanese Christian Church this past Sunday! We feasted together around the table twice – once during communion, and again during the reception they very lovingly prepared for us all to share. Learn More
Earth Day Sunday10:00 a.m. Earth Day Service (Hybrid)Sunday April 21 at 10:00 a.m.It’s Earth Day weekend, and so we’ll highlight our connection to creation in worship as we continue Sharing from the Heart.
The bulletin is available HERE
Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman
Pastor MeganApril 12 2024
“And they came, everyone whose heart was stirred and everyone whose spirit was willing, and brought the Lord’s offering to be used for the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the sacred vestments. So they came, both men and women; all who were of a willing heart.” (Exodus 35:21-22a)
Exodus tells us that when it came time to build the Tent of Meeting according to the instructions Moses received at Sinai, God didn’t demand a tribute from the people. The Tent of Meeting and the Tabernacle inside of it were constructed of gifts from people with willing hearts and spirits. Their hearts were stirred by the practice of building, together, a place to encounter God in the world. Whether what they had was as precious as gold or as common as goat hair, whether they had extraordinary skills that set them apart or lent their strength to something many did together, it was all necessary to create the place for God to rest among them.
This Stewardship season, we too are building up our community where so many of us encounter God. In this season, we ask you to make a pledge for how you can contribute, and on Sunday, we’ll ask you to share a prayer or hope for the coming year. Whatever it is that you share, may your heart be willing and your spirit stirred as you offer it, trusting that when our willing hearts come together, we make a way for all who desire to encounter God.
Peace,
Megan
Past Posts
- From Our PastorsPastor Megan
April 26, 2024
This week, I am on a professional development trip to Chicago, studying congregation vitality and spending time with other pastors from throughout the country. We are learning from non-traditional church settings, but the lessons these settings teach are ones that all communities can benefit from: how vital congregations remain focused on their “why,” rooted deeply in their shared faith. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 19, 2024Pastor Amy
April 19, 2024
This past week, I traveled to Valley Forge, PA for a 3-day conference entitled “Space for Grace: Engaging Intergenerational Faith.” The conference was hosted by the same organization that is organizing our mission trip to Puerto Rico, the American Baptist Home Mission Society. ABHMS is strongly aligned with the mission and legacy of ABC pastor, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The keynote preachers and speakers brought a wide diversity of experiences and perspectives, which I look forward to sharing with all of you. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 12Pastor Megan
April 12, 2024
Exodus tells us that when it came time to build the Tent of Meeting according to the instructions Moses received at Sinai, God didn’t demand a tribute from the people. The Tent of Meeting and the Tabernacle inside of it were constructed of gifts from people with willing hearts and spirits. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 7Pastor Megan
April 7, 2024
Christ is risen indeed! At Union Church, we welcomed resurrection day with great joy: from sunrise worship to the last egg of the egg hunt (re-hidden by some of the Junior Youth Group members who gave up their own goodies to help a very young latecomer still have an exciting Easter), it was a day of great celebration. Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Megan
March 29, 2024
We’ve been following the Gospel of Mark throughout this year, hearing the stories of Jesus’ ministry, miracles, and, this week, trials in Jerusalem. At the end of Mark’s version of the Passion narrative, at about the time you will receive this email on Good Friday, the Gospel recounts Jesus’ final words from the cross: Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Amy
March 22, 2024
In this holiest of weeks, we invite you to dwell even more fully in the story that is at the very sacred heart of our faith. Dwell with your community of faith, your church, as we enter Jerusalem with Jesus this Sunday (Palm Sunday), and remember how Jesus overturned tables of injustice and oppression and imparted final words of teaching and healing to his followers. Learn More - From Our Pastors – March 15 2024Pastor Megan
March 15, 2024
This Saturday evening (March 16), I am delighted to join with faith communities across Newton for this year’s Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) Interfaith Service, to be held at St. Ignatius in Chestnut Hill at 6:00 p.m. Learn More - From Our Pastors – March 8Pastor Megan
March 8, 2024
It was indeed good and pleasant to dwell together in unity with our siblings from the Boston Taiwanese Christian Church this past Sunday! We feasted together around the table twice – once during communion, and again during the reception they very lovingly prepared for us all to share. Learn More
The Third Sunday of Easter10:00 a.m. Easter III Service (Hybrid)Sunday April 14 at 10:00 a.m.Eastertide continued this Stewardship Sunday with our theme of Sharing From the Heart.
The bulletin is available HERE
Save The Date! May 5 at 3:00 P.M.The Union Church in Waban will install Pastor Megan as our settled Senior Pastor at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 5th. This is an opportunity for our church to host others from our partner denominations and to celebrate the covenant of ministry among the members of this congregation, Pastor Megan, and the wider Church. Since the installation service is taking place in the afternoon, we’ll have a special Pancake Breakfast Communion service in the Vestry at our usual 10:00 a.m. worship time. Stay tuned for more information!
The Second Sunday of Easter10:00 a.m. Easter II Service (Hybrid)Sunday April 7 at 10:00 a.m.Eastertide continues with our theme of Sharing From the Heart, and the Stewardship team will help us as we begin our pledge drive for this year.
The bulletin is available HERE
Our Next Meeting
Wednesday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m.In person at the Union Church.
WellspringWellspring will meet again on Wednesday evening, April 24 at 6:30 p.m. We will meet in Littlehale meeting room.
It will be a potluck gathering at the Union Church, so folks can sign up with our spreadsheet. Newcomers are welcome. If you are interested in learning more about Wellspring and to be added to the group mailing list, please contact Amy McMahon .
Wellspring is our women’s ministry at UCW. We come together to support each other as we journey together in these times.
Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman
Pastor MeganApril 7 2024
Christ is risen indeed! At Union Church, we welcomed resurrection day with great joy: from sunrise worship to the last egg of the egg hunt (re-hidden by some of the Junior Youth Group members who gave up their own goodies to help a very young latecomer still have an exciting Easter), it was a day of great celebration.
The list of people whom we have to thank for such a beautiful Easter and blessed Holy Week is a long one, but I’m going to take a crack at it anyway. Judy N. and Alan C. for coordinating and placing Easter blooms, and everyone who contributed. Judy N. and all who contributed to reception. Soo L. and David and Jenny S. who stuffed easter eggs and all who contributed candy, plus Greg and Sam F. and Leila Q. who hid those eggs throughout the park. Tom H., who made sure we were all comfortable in the building all weekend. Brian H. and Jim M. who took the offering, and the Mission team for planning and sharing our Easter offering partner. Kevin J., Susan G., Soo L., every member of the bell and voice choirs, Robert C., and the guest musicians who led us in worship. Alex B., who hosted the Easter Zoom so our community could worship together across distance. Everyone who made pottery for us to use, break, and re-use in worship.
Children’s Ministry Associate Ileana M., who helped our children experience the wonder of the week. Music Director Mijin C., who shared and led outstanding musical offerings. Office Manager Aidan C., who produced three beautiful bulletins and four e-blasts in one week, and Holy Folders Judy M. and Jean W. who folded and stuffed some 300+ bulletins across three services. Pastor Amy, who prayed, sang, led worship, dreamed and planned, painted pottery, stuffed eggs, chose books, led mosaic-making, told me how everything works here for Holy Week, and a list of other things too long for the e-blast.
All of these people, and many more I’m sure I haven’t listed, embodied our Eastertide theme of Sharing From the Heart in how you contributed to the vibrant worship and spiritual life of this gathered, resurrection Body. It was truly an Easter to remember, church, and I feel so blessed to have been able to share it with all of you.
Peace,
Megan
Past Posts
- From Our PastorsPastor Megan
April 26, 2024
This week, I am on a professional development trip to Chicago, studying congregation vitality and spending time with other pastors from throughout the country. We are learning from non-traditional church settings, but the lessons these settings teach are ones that all communities can benefit from: how vital congregations remain focused on their “why,” rooted deeply in their shared faith. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 19, 2024Pastor Amy
April 19, 2024
This past week, I traveled to Valley Forge, PA for a 3-day conference entitled “Space for Grace: Engaging Intergenerational Faith.” The conference was hosted by the same organization that is organizing our mission trip to Puerto Rico, the American Baptist Home Mission Society. ABHMS is strongly aligned with the mission and legacy of ABC pastor, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The keynote preachers and speakers brought a wide diversity of experiences and perspectives, which I look forward to sharing with all of you. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 12Pastor Megan
April 12, 2024
Exodus tells us that when it came time to build the Tent of Meeting according to the instructions Moses received at Sinai, God didn’t demand a tribute from the people. The Tent of Meeting and the Tabernacle inside of it were constructed of gifts from people with willing hearts and spirits. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 7Pastor Megan
April 7, 2024
Christ is risen indeed! At Union Church, we welcomed resurrection day with great joy: from sunrise worship to the last egg of the egg hunt (re-hidden by some of the Junior Youth Group members who gave up their own goodies to help a very young latecomer still have an exciting Easter), it was a day of great celebration. Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Megan
March 29, 2024
We’ve been following the Gospel of Mark throughout this year, hearing the stories of Jesus’ ministry, miracles, and, this week, trials in Jerusalem. At the end of Mark’s version of the Passion narrative, at about the time you will receive this email on Good Friday, the Gospel recounts Jesus’ final words from the cross: Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Amy
March 22, 2024
In this holiest of weeks, we invite you to dwell even more fully in the story that is at the very sacred heart of our faith. Dwell with your community of faith, your church, as we enter Jerusalem with Jesus this Sunday (Palm Sunday), and remember how Jesus overturned tables of injustice and oppression and imparted final words of teaching and healing to his followers. Learn More - From Our Pastors – March 15 2024Pastor Megan
March 15, 2024
This Saturday evening (March 16), I am delighted to join with faith communities across Newton for this year’s Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) Interfaith Service, to be held at St. Ignatius in Chestnut Hill at 6:00 p.m. Learn More - From Our Pastors – March 8Pastor Megan
March 8, 2024
It was indeed good and pleasant to dwell together in unity with our siblings from the Boston Taiwanese Christian Church this past Sunday! We feasted together around the table twice – once during communion, and again during the reception they very lovingly prepared for us all to share. Learn More
We are excited to kick-off this new season in the life of our church and hope you and your family will join us.
We welcome our new Senior Pastor, Rev. Megan Berkowitz, connect with friends and community; and enter this new year with hope, faith, and joy.
Our Sunday School for children and youth will also resume this Fall. Learn More
This Sunday, September 17th
Blessing of Backpacks (and more)
Mission & Children, Youth,
and Families Fair
Be sure to bring your backpacks, laptops, briefcases, lunch boxes, walking shoes - whatever needs blessing as we begin this new year! - to worship this Sunday. We'll bless these items we carry, along with those who carry them. Sunday School for kids will also officially begin this week with Pastor Amy. Learn More
Pastor Berkowitz
August 25, 2023
Leila and I spent three weeks in Japan, arriving home shortly before my first official day here at UCW. We often visit holy sites when we’re traveling, and made our way to more than 20 temples and shrines in the time we spent there. Learn More
Welcome SundaySeptember 10 at 10:00 a.m. (….and on Zoom!)Meet Rev. Megan for worship, communion & Sunday school. Food & fun on the lawn after!12:30 p.m. Exploring Our Faith Information SessionWe are excited to kick-off this new season in the life of our church and hope you and your family will join us for this special Sunday!
Welcome our new Senior Pastor, Rev. Megan Berkowitz, as she leads us in worship for the first time; connect with friends and community; and enter this new year with hope, faith, and joy.
Our Sunday School for children and youth will also begin on this day; and we’ll have a special picnic with lawn games, a photo booth, and more following worship! Our parent orientation for the Exploring Our Faith will begin following the picnic (see below for details).
For Those Joining Online:
Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting: ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
Service Bulletin is available HERE (Before the service)
SAVE THE DATE!Bible Study Information SessionTuesday, September 12 at 6:30 p.m. (Zoom!)More details, including Zoom link as the date approaches
PLEASE NOTE:There will be no worship service at UCWthis Sunday, September 3rd.If you’d like to attend a service, our siblings at FBC Newton and
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
Rev. Amy Clark Feldman
Pastor Berkowitz – September 1, 2023
Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.” When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then God said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”Exodus 3:1-5A reminder that we will not gather for worship this Sunday. If you’d like to attend a service, our siblings at FBC Newton and United Parish of Auburndale will each gather at 10am. Of course, many of you are traveling, spending time with family, or otherwise busy during this last long weekend of summertime. That’s why this is a great opportunity to practice worshiping in place. After all, God’s presence is always with us, and when we recognize it, we know that wherever we are we are standing on holy ground.
Worshiping in place might look like watching a favorite worship service on our website, sitting on the porch listening to hymns, or reading a Psalm as the sun rises (or sets). It might mean opening up a conversation with a friend about how your faith has been grounding you or how you hope to grow your faith. Maybe you want to observe the birds, trees, and other more-than-human beings as they worship in their own ways. Wherever you are, I hope you’ll pause for a moment to praise God, to thank God, to ask God for the needs that are on your heart – to worship and know that you are on holy ground.
And then, I hope you’ll plan to spend the whole morning in worship and celebration together in our community the following Sunday, September 10th! Our Welcome Sunday festivities will include worship, sunday school, lunch, games, and maybe a few surprises. I look forward to seeing you then!
In Christ’s peace,
Megan
As some of you have heard, Leila and I spent three weeks in Japan between the end of my last call and my first official day here at UCW. We were visiting dear friends who moved to Kyoto a year ago.
We often visit holy sites when we’re traveling, and so we were in luck, as Kyoto is a hub of religious culture in Japan. Learn More
We're excited to begin our Exploring Our Faith (confirmation/baptism) series for high-school freshmen and sophomores (and any others who want to join!) this year. We'll have fun, serve others, ask important questions, build meaningful relationships, and explore the role of faith in our lives. Learn More
Sunday, September 10th
Worship and Celebration
SAVE THE DATE as we kick-off this new season; welcome Rev. Megan as our Sr. Pastor; and connect with friends and community! Learn More
Tuesday, September 26 at 7:30 pm
Mark your calendar. The book group will not be meeting in August but please join us again on September 26 at 7:30 p.m. for our next meeting. Learn More
As part of the ministry of Nicragua, we have been sponsoring students to attend college since 2008. Our current student Marvin is studying nursing and below is a letter he recently sent to our Church. Learn More
Sunday Summer Services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on the Stage
During the month of August We will continue our discussion of what wisdom and guidance Paul’s letters may have for us today, and begin crafting our own letter to the church. Learn More
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no worship service at UCW. All are instead invited to join this special joint service.
Join this special service as UCC congregations in Newton worship together at the Newton Highlands Congregational Church. Rev. Dr. Nancy Taylor will be preaching. Learn More
Sunday Summer Services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on the Stage
During the month of July we will be examining the sermon of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. titled, “Paul’s Letter to American Christians” and the scripture references he uses in it. Learn More
Wednesday, July 26 at 7:00 pm
Pastor Amy spent the last week of June in Puerto Rico, representing our church and The American Baptist Churches of MA at the ABC Biennial Mission Summit. Pastor Amy will share highlights, including video from inspiring and prophetic preachers, calling local churches to action. Join us in-person or online* to share this experience and join the discussion. Learn More
We will remember those who have been as fathers to us; and also recognize Juneteenth and World Refugee Day. Pastor Amy will be away; Rev. Jim will be preaching. Learn More
We will remember those who have been as fathers to us; and also recognize Juneteenth and World Refugee Day. Pastor Amy will be away; Rev. Jim will be preaching. Learn More
We will remember those who have been as fathers to us; and also recognize Juneteenth and World Refugee Day. Pastor Amy will be away; Rev. Jim will be preaching. Learn More
Rev. Amy will preach and lead worship on this day, as we consider who we are called to be as Church and share Communion. Please join us following worship for our Annual Meeting Learn More
Rev. Amy will preach and lead worship on this day, as we consider who we are called to be as Church and share Communion. Please join us following worship for our Annual Meeting Learn More
Annual MeetingSunday, June 4 Following Service at 11:15 a.m. (Hybrid)On Sunday, June 4, we will have our annual meeting following worship. This meeting will be hybrid. If you will join us on Zoom, you can stay in the Zoom room after worship as we transition to the Vestry. If you just want to join the annual meeting, you can use the Worship link on our website and (re-)join anytime. The meeting will probably start around 11:15 a.m. We will take attendance of those on Zoom, and you will also be able to ask questions and vote through the chat. For those who will be joining in person, lunch will be served as we gather around the table in the Vestry.
We will reflect on the year past, with reviewing and approving the minutes from last year’s annual meeting as well as the annual report. And we will also get ready for the new year, by reviewing and voting on the Nominating Slate (based on our new by-laws!), and our budget for the coming year.
Lastly, we hope to give you a sense of the pieces we hope to be working on in the coming year. And of course we want to hear any questions or issues you would like to raise. So please join us!
Annual Report and Proposed Budget Previews
2022-23 Annual Report (including minutes from last year) :HERE
Budget Proposal 2023-24 and P&L 2022-23 :HERE
Sunday, May 28 at 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid)PentecostRev. Amy Clark Feldman PreachingRev. Amy will preach as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit
– Remember to wear Red!
Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE (On Friday)
Sunday, May 21 at 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid)Ascension Sunday & Common CathedralRev. Jim Leavitt preaching.Rev. Jim will share the story of Christ’s Ascension, as we also prepare and bless the lunch we will bring to the Boston Common for our siblings of the Common Cathedral outdoor congregation.
Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE (On Friday)
Sunday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid)Mother’s DayRev. Jim Leavitt preaching.Rev. Jim Leavitt will preach, as we remember those who have been as mothers to us, and the mothering nature of God.
Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE (On Friday)
Sunday, May 7 at 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid)Welcome our Bridge Pastor, Rev. Jim LeavittRev. Jim LeavittRev. Jim Leavitt preaching.Congregational Meeting and Luncheon following worship.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.
Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
Congregational MeetingCare of Creation, and LuncheonFollowing WorshipPlease 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:
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.
To review the changes that are recommended, see this link to the Bylaws: HERE
Many thanks to the members of the Governance Task Force: Alan Cody, Susan Gedrick, Karen Weisgerber, and Jaap van Reijendam.
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.
Rev. Megan BerkowitzCalled as Our Senior Pastor
It is official! It is such a delight to be able to announce that on Sunday April 30, after a beautiful worship service, our congregation has voted unanimously to call Rev. Megan Berkowitz to be our next Senior Pastor, starting August 14.
The whole weekend has been filled with the Holy Spirit bringing us together first at home of the Abbiati-Collins family for an open meet-and-greet, a Saturday afternoon and evening with various committees and youth and family, and ending again with that worship service.
If you have not been able to attend, we recommend watching the recording of the service on our website: HERE.
If you would like to learn more about our new senior pastor, you can find it on our website: HERE.
We would like to thank the Abbiati-Collins family for their hospitality on Friday, everyone who showed up on Saturday to meet rev. Megan Berkowitz, and all who attended our worship service on Sunday. But of course we would not have been here if it wasn’t for our Search Committee and Transition Team. Their work over the last 15 months has brought us to this wonderful conclusion.
Rev. Megan BerkowitzJenny Weisz and Jaap van Reijendam (co-moderators)
Buz Bedford and Carol Bascom-Slack (co-chairs Search Committee)
Meet Reverend Megan BerkowitzAnnouncing Candidate Weekend: April 28-30
Happy Spring UCW Community,
The Ministerial Search Committee is excited to invite you to meet our proposed candidate for Senior Pastor the weekend of April 28-30.
On Friday evening, April 28, from 5:30 to 7:00pm, 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.
On Sunday, April 30, 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!
Please RSVP for the Friday evening event using SignUpGenius so Alicia can plan accordingly.
Friday, April 28:“Meet and Greet” at 128 Avalon Road, Waban 02468. Please RSVP HERE, If you have questions about the location, email Alicia aliciamaureencollins@gmail.com
Sunday, April 30: Sermon by Rev. Megan followed immediately by a congregational meeting and fellowship. Please come!!
If you didn’t receive the letter that went out to the congregation introducing Rev. Megan Berkowitz, please click HERE.
Rev. Megan BerkowitzWe are very much looking forward to a robust turnout for each event and are excited for everyone to meet Megan and Leila.
With gratitude,
The Ministerial Search Committee
Carol Bascom-Slack (co-chair)
Buz Bedford (co-chair)
Bart Kelso
Soo Laski
Elisabeth van Reijendam
Susan Hunt Stevens
Jandi Strong-Dennis
Come find hope for our future (and lunch too!) Downstairs after church, Sunday, May 7
The Mission Committee had a burning question (with apologies to the poet Mary Oliver):
Tell us, what is it we plan to do
to save our one wild and precious planet?
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.
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.
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.
Be there!!
| Letter-Writing for Racial Justice | | --- | | Advocates for Racial Justice Letter SigningWhat have you done today in response to racism? Brita Gill-Austern’s sermon on Sunday, April 16, 23 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. In response to Brita’s challenging words, members of the congregation signed and sent the letters. The separate letters are addressed to the Governor, the House Speaker, each of the three legislators known as the Tennessee Three, and letters of support to several UCC and Baptist churches in Nashville.If you would like to review any or all the letters please click on the links below. | | Governor Bill LeeNew Visions ChurchRep. Justin J. PearsonRep. Justin JonesHoward ChurchPastor Smith, First Baptist ChurchRev. Butler, Glendale Baptist ChurchRep. Gloria JohnsonSpeaker Cameron SextonBrookmeade Congregation | | If you would like to learn more about ARJ activities at the Union Church, please reach out to Nancy Zollers (dr.nancy.zollers@gmail.com) or Jenny Weisz (jenweisz@icloud.com). |
Sunday, April 30 at 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid)*Rev. Megan Berkowitz preaching. Congregational Meeting and Reception following worship.*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!
Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
Bridge Pastor Announced to Serve from May until Mid-August at UCW
We are pleased to announce Rev. James Leavitt has agreed to serve as our Bridge Pastor from May until Mid-August when we anticipate the arrival of our new Senior Pastor. After twenty years in the business world, Jim became a student at Andover Newton Theological School. Following graduation, he served on the staff at Andover Newton for several years. He has since served as Interim Senior Pastor at several Baptist churches in Massachusetts and feels called to lead churches in transition. We welcome Jim to Union Church!
Rev. Jim Levitt
Image by falco from Pixabay Sunday, April 23 at 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid)Rev. Brita Gill-Austern preachingPlease join us for this special Sunday as Rev. Brita Gill-Austern shares her reflections on the story of the Road to Emmaus, and what it means to walk faithfully with Jesus. We’ll be invited to put our faith into action following the service by learning about and signing the letters below.
Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
Image by falco from Pixabay Sunday, April 16 at 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid)Eastertide & Blessing our RunnersIn this first Sunday following Pastor Wendy’s departure, we will hold her in prayer and gather in the hope and promise of Easter. Pastor Amy will preach and share the story of doubting Thomas, and we will bless our Boston Marathon runners.
Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
Special Easter CollectionIn this time of Easter, of Renewal, and of Celebration we are reminded of rebirth and of God’s Creation as we enjoy the beauty of Spring revealed.
We have the opportunity with our special Easter offering to support Green Newton (website here) and the work they do to combat climate change and improve our environment. In doing so they also work for climate justice for all and work for housing density to combat our current environmental crisis. If you would like to make a contribution to Green Newton, please use the link below.
Donate HERE
Easter Special CollectionIn this time of Easter, of Renewal, and of Celebration we are reminded of rebirth and of God’s Creation as we enjoy the beauty of Spring revealed.
We have the opportunity with our special Easter offering to support Green Newton (website here) and the work they do to combat climate change and improve our environment. In doing so they also work for climate justice for all and work for housing density to combat our current environmental crisis. If you would like to make a contribution to Green Newton, please use the link below.
Donate HERE
Easter Sunday6:15 a.m. 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 at45 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.
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.
Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE
11:00 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt – Can you help the Easter Bunny?Join us for our beloved Easter Egg Hunt following worship! The Easter Bunny has lots of colorful eggs, but could use some help finding some candy (individually-wrapped, no nuts), stickers, or other goodies to put in them. If you can help, please leave any donations outside Pastor Amy’s office or email her (associatepastor@ucw.org) to arrange a pick up. Thank you!
Special Easter CollectionIn this time of Easter, of Renewal, and of Celebration we are reminded of rebirth and of God’s Creation as we enjoy the beauty of Spring revealed.
We have the opportunity with our special Easter offering to support Green Newton (website here) and the work they do to combat climate change and improve our environment. In doing so they also work for climate justice for all and work for housing density to combat our current environmental crisis. If you would like to make a contribution to Green Newton, please use the link below.
Donate HERE
- Maundy Thursday, April 6, 7:00 p.m. Service (Hybrid)A worship service in four movements meeting downstairs in the Vestry. Labyrinth available for walking to follow.
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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. Labyrinth available for walking to follow.
- 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.
- Easter Sunrise Service, April 9, 6:15 a.m., (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.
- Easter Sunday Worship, April 9, 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid) Bells, drums, a flower cross, Easter blooms, Farewell Liturgy with Pastor Wendy and an Egg Hunt to follow.
- Easter Egg Hunt following Easter Service – Can you help the Easter Bunny? Join us for our beloved Easter Egg Hunt following worship! The Easter Bunny has lots of colorful eggs, but could use some help finding some candy (individually-wrapped, no nuts), stickers, or other goodies to put in them. If you can help, please leave any donations outside Pastor Amy’s office or email her (associatepastor@ucw.org) to arrange a pick up. Thank you!
Sunday, March 26th at 10:00 a.m.
| Fifth Sunday in Lent |
Commitment SundayOn this Sunday, commonly known as Stewardship 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, God asks the prophet surveying a valley filled with dry bones 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.
The bulletin is available HERE (On Thursday)
Sunday, April 2 at 10:00 a.m. (Hybrid)
| Palm Sunday |
A Walk Through Holy Week led intergenerationally by all-ages. We hope you and your kids will join in this special service. We will share the special story of Holy Week (in age-appropriate ways) as we prepare our hearts for the hope of Easter. We hope you and your kids will join in this special service. There are ways for everyone to participate, and we hope you will! Please contact Pastor Amy if you can help (associatepastor@ucw.org).
Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE (On Thursday)
Sunday, March 26th at 10:00 a.m.
| Fifth Sunday in Lent |
Commitment SundayOn this Sunday, commonly known as Stewardship 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, God asks the prophet surveying a valley filled with dry bones 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.
Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE (On Thursday)
Friday, March 24 at 6:00 p.m.
Intergenerational Game NightRun by the Youth Groups!
| In person at the Union Church |
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 associatepastor@ucw.org to let us know if you are planning to attend so the we can plan for the right amount of PIZZA!!!
Sunday, March 26 at 10:00 a.m.Hybrid Service at the Union Church.
What’s PossibleYou are invited 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.
Our season of Stewardship this year leans into building a resilient future for Union Church in Waban (UCW). As we hold up all the good work of the transition team and search committee, we pray that we will have in our midst by August, a new settled pastor. What a cause for celebration and joy of what we will have accomplished during this transition. It has been hard work and we should take stock in how far we have come.
Learn more about this year’ campaign HERE.
A link to our 2023-24 online pledge form can also be found HERE.
A video chronicling the congregation’s dreams of what is possible and an opportunity to add your hopes for our shared future will be presented this Sunday.
In advance, thank you for your support!
Sunday, March 19th at 10:00 a.m.
| Fourth Sunday in Lent |
When it comes to faith, sometimes there are bad questions—questions that are formed by assumptions, questions that lead us to judgment or isolation.
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).
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.
Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE (On Thursday)
Friday to Saturday March 10-11
High School Overnight! We’ll share a fun overnight at the church, and are also looking into opportunities to travel to Boston to share a Shabbat service with friends and to see the Embrace sculpture on the Boston Common. We hope all HS students will join us!
Sunday, March 12th at 10:00 a.m.
| Third Sunday in Lent |
Continuing our Seeking theme in this Lenten season, we meet Nicodemus. Nicodemus comes to Jesus under the veil of night to ask him big faith questions. As a leader of Jewish law, Nicodemus holds beliefs that no longer align with the kingdom of God Jesus embodies. Jesus invites him to begin again, to learn a new way of knowing and living out his faith. Through the lens of a personal testimony, Pastor Wendy will explore beginning again with Jesus.
Online Option:Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE (On Thursday)
Sunday, March 5th at 10:00 a.m.
| Second Sunday in Lent and Communion SundayNicaragua Travelers Share |
On this second Sunday in lent we will consider the story of Moses drawing water from a stone, and we will consider where we are finding the living water that sustains and refreshes our faith in this season. The Nicaragua travelers will share some of their experiences of God’s presence and renewal in their service and fellowship, and we will eat and drink together at the Communion Table.
Following Worship, the travelers will share stories and photos during a special reception.
Online Option:Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE (On Thursday)
Our physical journey has begun here on the pacific coast of Nicaragua in the fishing village of San Juan Del Sur and we have been carrying all of you in our hearts as we serve as ambassadors of the Union Church.
The work so far feels truly meaningful and impactful. We have begun painting the La Escuela Maria Auxaladora and assisting in the building of a sustainable drip irrigation garden adjacent to the hospital in San Juan Del Sur. This will help them plant a vegetable and herb garden to serve the population. The painting of the school alongside the children not only beautifies the school but also creates a sense of pride among the students and teachers. The students and teachers have been alongside us and we have shared many smiles and laughs. Additionally, we are providing electricity for a pump to supply water to the school which is a vital and practical contribution. Access to clean water is a basic human need and is non existent at the school. We are hoping to get the water running before we head back to the US.
In addition to this physical work, we have been building connections with the community and reconnecting with old friends. As we look to the end of the week, we still have more to do with what feels like so little time (hosting a mobile library event, traveling on the mobile library, sharing a meal and conversation with our past and present scholarship students). We hope our impact is creating a sense of shared purpose and joy.
For the Team,
David Spertner
Sunday, February 26th at 10:00 a.m.
| First Sunday in Lent |
On this first Sunday of Lent we will consider the creation story in Genesis. To begin our engagement with questions we find in the scripture, we will ask – “who do you listen to?” Questions are a part of our practice of faith- come let us share with God the deep questions within us.
Online Option:Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE (On Thursday)
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 February through June. 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: |
- 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! See the ucw.org homepage for the link.
- Friday to Saturday, March 10-11 – High School Overnight! We’ll share a fun overnight at the church, and are also looking into opportunities to travel to Boston to share a Shabbat service with friends and to see the Embrace sculpture on the Boston Common. We hope all HS students will join us!
- Friday, March 24th – 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!
| Children and Sundays this February and MarchWe begin this Lenten season together with faith and joy, and have a wonderful few months planned for our kids on Sundays. We hope you and yours will join us! | | Sundays, February 19th and 26th – “Nigel and the Moon” Special Series. The Children of Nicaragua will be reading this wonderful story and we will be joining them, dreaming with Nigel about the best we can be. Sundays, March 12th and 26th – Kids Sing in Worship! Our wonderful music director, Mijin Choi will work with the kids in Sunday School on February 19, and March 5th and 19th to prepare songs to share in worship. We hope your kids will come and be part of this joyfulLenten 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 (amy@ucw.org). |
Sunday, February 19th at 10:00 a.m.
| Last Sunday after Epiphany |
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!PJs! Childcare and special activities will be available after lunch during the Congregational Conversation.
Online Option:Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE (On Thursday)
The Season of Lent at The Union Church in WabanIn the season of Lent, the scriptures offer us many stories of Jesus encountering people who are seeking. What unfolds is an exchange filled with questions and exploration. Our Lenten series is founded on questions. “Can these bones live?” “Who will you listen to?” “How do we begin again?” Our questions won’t necessarily lead to answers, but we pray they lead to a new beginning, a restoration, a wider grace.
Like the characters in our Lenten scriptures, we are also seeking many things: clarity, connection, wonder, justice, balance. Throughout this season, we hope you will continually ask yourself: what am I seeking? What is God seeking? We will have resources and a prayer station to help us focus together.
This Lent, we invite you to stay curious, open, and nimble. We hope you will soften your assumptions and expand your perspectives. We pray that these questions will create a safe space to explore—to be drawn more deeply into the fullness of life, into the heart of God.
Sunday, February 12th at 10:00 a.m.
| Nicaragua Bake Sale for Youth and PJs & Pancakes for Children |
We will join in worship together as we remember how God works to grow the seeds we plant and water. 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. Children are invited to come in PJs! Childcare and special activities will be available after lunch during the Congregational Conversation.
Online Option:Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE (On Thursday)
Transition NewsMonday, February 6, 2023
Dear Friends and Members of Union Church,
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.
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.
The hard part about “calls to” is that they also necessitate being led from dearly beloved community. We see this call as a step towards moving permanently to Minnesota. We are leaving people and communities we have loved for over 38 years. You, beloved Union Church, are among that community that is hard to leave. I am so grateful for the good and sometimes hard work we have done together, with God’s help. In the words of the UCC farewell liturgy we will rehearse on Easter are these true words, “As I leave, I carry with me all that I have learned here.”
Below you will read words from our stellar and faithful Co-Moderators about the work yet ahead and how the ministry will be held in the months to come. We are blessed with denominational partners as resources for these days as well.
At the Council meeting where I first shared these words, we began our meeting pondering how the Star Word/phrase “Chosen Family” might shape our ministry to come. That phrase holds new meaning for me now. As we part company, I will smile and thank God that you enfolded me into this shared ministry as Chosen Family for a time. Thank you Union Church for all you are and all God yet shall inspire you to be.
Peace,
Wendy
Rev. Wendy Vander Hart (she/her)
Interim Senior Pastor (seniorpastor@ucw.org)
Union Church in Waban
Monday, February 6, 2023
Dear Church Family,
When Wendy told Jenny and me she had accepted a call in Minnesota, we felt very mixed emotions. Wendy has been so deeply involved with our church for the last two years we almost forgot she was an interim. I am sure you feel the same emotions we felt: There was shock and sadness for having to say goodbye to her, but also joy for her next step and what that might bring for her and Joanne.
I was reminded of a Dutch poem by Rutger Kopland about leaving. The last strophe goes something like this in English:
Leaving is really a form
of staying, nobody waits for you
because you are still here, nobody
says goodbye because
you are not leaving.
While Wendy is moving to another call, she will still be with us in so many ways: The Church Profile she guided us through and that will be our foundation for the coming years, the we way put our mission-statement front and center of everything we do, her deep kindness and pastoral care, her laugh that will still echo in the sanctuary, and her sermons always stirring us.
We feel a sense of anticipation, knowing this is an essential step toward the end of our time of transition. Given the search is progressing well, we are not going to call another “interim” pastor. Instead, Jenny and I are looking for a bridge-pastor for up to five months or so. The bridge-pastor would provide us with some continuity in worship and also support to Amy and our church leadership. We are working together with both our affiliated denominations, and with our HR committee on this. We will welcome your questions and comments and share further details with you on what that last stretch is going to look like at our after church lunch conversation this Sunday, February 12.
As Wendy already stated, her last Sunday will be Easter Sunday, April 9, when we will have our official farewell liturgy. But we will host a farewell reception for her the week before on Palm Sunday, after worship. We hope to see many of you on these special Sundays, not to say “goodbye”, because she is not leaving, but to share in the memories and the fellowship of a road well-traveled.
If you have any questions or concerns, as always, feel free to reach out to me and Jenny.
In peace,
Your Co-Moderators:
Jenny Weisz (jenweisz@icloud.com)
Jaap van Reijendam (jaapvanr@gmail.com)
Sunday, Feb.12 at noon
Congregational Conversation LunchListen, wonder, ask questions, connect about the present day for Union Church. Just up, no RSVP needed.
Wednesday, Feb. 22 To mark the season of Lent we begin a journey of seeking on Ash
Wednesday. Union Church will offer two ways to observe the day.
“Ashes to Go” will be offered between 5 – 6:15 p.m. just near the
Accessible Entrance to the church. 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.
Sunday, February 5th at 10:00 a.m.What’s Possible?
We will continue to joyfully engage with our stewardship theme of “What’s Possible” in this special Communion Sunday. Pastor Wendy will preach as we remember how Jesus calls us to both be the salt of the earth, and the light of the world.
Online Option:Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE (On Thursday)
Sunday, Feb. 5 at 6:00 p.m. At the home of Kevin Johnson and Linda Lynch
What’s possible Potluck Dinner?Gather, connect, dream, eat, enjoy each other – that’s the whole agenda. No pitches, asks or heavy lifting- just connection. Hosted at the Johnson Lynch home.
Kids from 1 – 99 are welcome!
Sign up HERE
Help Plan the Future for
Mission Programs at UCW!
Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 6:30 -8:30 p.m. At the home of Kevin Johnson and Linda Lynch
At a time of transition, the future of Mission Programming at UCW is ours to shape.
Come one, come all to share your thoughts (over a dinner)!!
- What do we want Mission to do and to be?
- How can we design mission activities so they work for more of us and help more people?
- What do we prioritize? What are our strengths that we draw on to have impact?
- How much is too much, too little, & just the right amount to take on?
Whether you’ve run many mission programs or are not sure what it really means,we want to hear from you!
Sunday, January 29th at 10:00 a.m.*Guest Preacher: Rev. Alex Shea Will, Area Conference Minister, UCC*
Your presence this Sunday is especially valuable as Rev. Alex Shea Will, Area Conference Minister UCC (see below) gets to know our church and support us in our search for a new Senior Pastor.
Rev. Alex Shea Will is the Area Conference Minister, for the Northeast Region, of the Southern New England Conference, UCC. In this role he advises and supports the congregations, pastors, and associations of the region as they discover how God is calling them to be the Church in a new era. Alex is a native of the Boston, Massachusetts area. He received a Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Catawba College, a UCC affiliated school. In his free time you’ll likely find him enjoying rugby, basketball, or soccer.
Online Option:Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE (On Thursday)
Advocates for Racial Justice (ARJ)Union Church, joined with other Newton Houses of Worship as the Newton Interfaith Coalition for Housing Equity, and prepared testimony for City Council consideration in zoning reform for more abundant and affordable housing.As Newton’s Clergy, faith leaders and representatives of NICHE, the Newton Interfaith Coalition for Housing Equity, we have kept informed and participated in the zoning and planning work this year. We contributed, as well, to the Community Engagement process. And today, our faith leads us to speak about a Newton that is inclusive, welcoming and just.
We have come to see equality in society as a religious imperative as well as a civic imperative. The religious imperative of equality was expressed by the friendship and social activism of Rabbi Joshua Heschel and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who, together, prayed with their feet during the voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery on March 21st 1965. Rabbi Heschel taught that once one understands that the divine exists in every person (b’tzelem elohim), one can not harbor any hatred (or ill-will) towards others. From this posture, Rev. Devlin Scott and I, with support of the rest of NICHE, advocate for housing and zoning codes in the City of Newton that foster diversity and inclusion. Today, we “pray with our feet, from a place of love not anger, and with strength not weakness relying on the guidance that is offered by our sacred bonds.
These sacred bonds guide us to care about many issues in Newton, but zoning touches on multiple ones. Housing density is good for our climate crisis. Our Congregations have Climate Justice as a priority mission as well as housing justice. We are praying for God’s earth and know that abundant and affordable housing serves key environmental sustainability goals as well as inclusion goals.
We acknowledge the West Newton Armory rebuild as an excellent example of climate conscience, equity and justice in housing reform and inclusion as it will be a home for over 50 people and includes support services within the building.
Currently our antiquated zoning, colored by historic redline exclusion and disinvestment, has resulted in the serious outcomes that we need to respond to vigorously. Our pastors, teachers, nurses, first responders and other key members of the community cannot afford to live in Newton, where there is a mismatch between employment and housing. Those who work in Newton during the day should be able to sleep in Newton at night. Our Seniors cannot find smaller homes, our graduates must live outside of Newton, rents are unaffordable, and the average home price is 1.6 million dollars. This is the result of housing that is not abundant nor diverse nor adequate for those who are very much a part of our community. We advocate for that to change.
We support housing that sustains Newton’s commitment to racial equity and justice in an effort to remove the stain of Newton’s history of redlining. Just one week ago, we gathered at Newton North High School to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King. We proclaimed Justice to be a community value. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King said that “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.” We can not merely move on from the atrocities of this city’s past, we have an ethical call to intentionally recognize our history of prejudice and segregation, doing all that we can to correct this history. That is justice. Newton’s zoning practices should reflect our values as a community and demonstrate that we believe in this kind of justice for all no matter their race or income level, especially through our housing policy and zoning reform, otherwise our gatherings, our statements and speeches are simply “lip-service” with no return.
We support you in your efforts to create a reformed zoning ordinance that allows families to live in Newton, that revitalizes our communities, and that welcomes people of diverse income, race, and faith.
Housing is everything. So, we offer this new prayer: Yes In God’s Back Yard (YIGBY)
We say Yes to Village Center rezoning that allows multi-family housing by right.
We say Yes to Newton thriving with more families and more young people.
We say Yes to a welcome to all who want to live here.
We say Yes to small homes, affordable apartments and support to people on the margins.
We say Yes to finally addressing our wrongdoing of redlining and doing what is just.
Thank you for the opportunity tonight to speak.
Nicaragua Student Marvin ColladoEnters Final Year or Nursing School
The beginning of January marks the beginning of the school year in Nicaragua. As you may know, we have been sponsoring college students as well as engaging with them since 2008. Over the last four years we have sponsored Marvin who is a nursing student. Marvin works alongside us when we are in country and very much appreciates our Church wide support. As he begins his fifth and final year we wish him all the best of luck and look forward to graduation day in December. A fantastic milestone !
Sunday, January 15th at 10:00 a.m.*Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day*
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.
Online Option:Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE (On Thursday)
Our Next Meeting
Wednesday, Jan 18 at 6:30 p.m.In person at the Union Church.
WellspringWellspring 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 myamcm58@gmail.com.
Celebration Dinner of Our Nicaragua MinistryFood, 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 thankful to celebrate this ministry with the support of the Union Church.
Nicaragua 20 Year Anniversary celebration – January 7, 2023
Guided by the podcast All There Is
January 27 at noonYou can hear a trailer about the podcast HERE.
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.
We will meet in the Meeting Room at church, across from the Church Office. Please let Pastor Wendy know if you plan to attend seniorpastor@ucw.org
Sunday, January 8th at 10:00 a.m.Celebrating Epiphany
We will celebrate Epiphany! The visit of the magi following a star to the child Jesus will be the focus scripture of the day. We will ponder all the “yeses” the magi said along the way of their journey. We will join them in their possibility thinking and wonder together about what God makes possible in our shared ministry at UCW. Plan to stay after worship for a What’s Possible? conversation hosted by our stewardship committee.
Online Option:Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128
Passcode: 386028
Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656
The bulletin is available HERE (On Thursday)
Sunday, January 1st at 10:00 a.m.Share A Poem This Sunday
The Gospel of John begins in poetic verse about the Word become flesh and dwelling among us. To ring in the New Year we will let words of poetry lead us as we complete another trip around the sun.
Bring or send a poem to read as we gather around the communion table to break bread and share the cup. You can send a poem to Pastor Wendy seniorpastor@ucw.org Blessings in the New Year!
The bulletin is available HERE (On Thursday)
Next Book GroupTuesday, January 10th at 7:30 p.m. (zoom)Diamonds and Deadlines by Betsy PrioleauPlease join us on Tuesday, January 10th at 7:30 p.m. for our next book group meeting. Our book will be “Diamonds and Deadlines: A Tale of Greed, Deceit and a Female Tycoon in the Gilded Age” by Betsy Prioleau. Because we di not meet in December we decided not to meet in December and, instead move our January meeting earlier in the month.You will find a zoom link and sign-in information below. If you have any questions, please reach out to Alan Cody (almorrow@aol.com).Zoom Link: HERE
Meeting ID: 832 4667 4155
Passcode: 431699
Dial in: 1 646 558 8656
Christmas DayDecember 25th at 10:00 a.m. (In Person Only)Christmas morning worship will be held in a circle in Memorial Chapel. Led by Co-Moderator Jaap van Reijendam, the service will provide space for singing, community and reflection. This service will be in-person only. Merry Christmas!
To join Sunday Worship on Zoom: Zoom Link: HEREMeeting ID: 826 8730 1128Passcode: 386028Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656 The bulletin is available HERE (on Thursday)Theme for Advent: “From Generation to Generation”This year, our theme for Advent is “From Generation to Generation,” as we share the story of Christmas through the generations and remember that God is always with us. As part of our theme Generation to Generation – we will examine what God is calling us to pass along to new generations.
Saturday, December 24 at 6:00 p.m.We hope everyone will join us for this special service for all ages of lessons and carols, with a candle-lit singing of Silent Night, and interactive elements for little ones.
Advent 3All-Ages Telling of the Christmas Story!December 11th at 10:00 a.m. (In Person & Online)Our intergenerational telling of the Christmas story will help us live out our theme. We will be visited by Joseph and Mary seeking a space of welcome. As we invite them in to bring God more fully into our human experience we will delight in the chorus of angels, maybe a little dancing and joyous spirits.
Please email Pastor Amy (associatepastor@ucw.org) if you and/or your kids can be part of this wonderful service. Thank you!
To join Sunday Worship on Zoom: Zoom Link: HEREMeeting ID: 826 8730 1128Passcode: 386028Dial in only: 1 646 558 8656 The bulletin is available HERE (on Thursday)Theme for Advent: “From Generation to Generation”This year, our theme for Advent is “From Generation to Generation,” as we share the story of Christmas through the generations and remember that God is always with us. As part of our theme Generation to Generation – we will examine what God is calling us to pass along to new generations.
20th Anniversary Celebration All are invited !! Save the date for our 20th anniversary celebration of our work in Nicaragua.
When: Saturday evening, January 7th
Where: At the Union Church for dinner, fun, and reconnecting with friends.
After several years of support from home, The Union Church first traveled to Nicaragua in 2003 to serve in partnership with the local people in San Juan Del Sur. The experience was incredible and the people we met changed many lives for the better. What grew from that was more powerful connections by and between our congregation and the local Nicaraguan people, and by and between the travelers. More than 100 people have traveled since and more than 100 people have helped from home. On Feb 18, 2023 we will be traveling on our 11th trip and we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate our 20th anniversary with a party here at home on Jan 7th, so please save the date!!
Save the date for our 20th anniversary celebration of our work in Nicaragua.
Joy to the World! It’s the Youth Christmas Party!! All Middle and High Schoolers are invited to a fun Christmas lunch and party after the pageant on Dec. 11. Come for a morning of fun, just for lunch, or for any time you can. The schedule is:
10am – Worship and Telling of Christmas Story Pageant (we’d love for you to be part of it!)
11:30am – Cookies and Mittens: Meet in the kitchen to make some cookies and cards, and help sort gifts for Project Care and Concern (youth and other members of the Search Committee can go to their meeting)
12:30pm – Christmas Party and Lunch! We’re still picking a venue, so keep an eye out and RSVP to the Evite, or contact Pastor Amy (amy@ucw.org) with ideas of where we should go. Bring a free-to-under-$10 wild, wacky or wonderful gift and we’ll have our White Elephant exchange!
Sunday, December 11 at 10:00 a.m. All are invited to join our joyful intergenerational, interactive telling of the Christmas story! We will be visited by Joseph and Mary seeking a Learn More
Mitten Trees Gifts for Project Care & Concern Please return gifts by the afternoon of Dec. 11th – Thank you! Once again this year, UCW will be providing Christmas gifts Learn More
Sunday, November 27 Hanging of the Greens Join us for this joyous and interactive service for all ages! We invite you to dedicate this service to someone you would like to remember or honor this season.
Learn More
Retreat Weekend! Saturday, Nov. 12:00 to Sunday, Nov. 13 We’re excited to have so many joining the All-Church Retreat this Saturday, and so many youth staying for the overnight! If Learn More
We have an Advent season full of peace, hope, joy, and love ahead for children and families, and we hope you and yours will join us! Please be sure to Learn More
- Thurs., Nov. 10 at 7:00 PM -
We'll make real-time decisions on our issue team priorities : specifically, we'll consider a new Housing Justice campaign proposal for our near-term action focus. Learn More
- Sat. Nov. 5 at 10:00 a.m.-
Please join us in celebrating the life of Janet Ann Holly. At the Union Church in Waban (and Zoom). Learn More
Newton Freedge: Union Church Serves Once a Month The Union Church in Waban is a Freedge partner responsible for helping connect with local businesses, stock, and monitor this needed local resource Learn More
Sharing God’s Love and Light in The Ministry of Nicaragua at the Union Church 2023 will mark an important milestone for our work in Nicaragua. We will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of our Learn More
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 Learn More
Saturday, November 19th, 8:30 a.m. – noon It’s Time for another outdoor church clean-up! So, if you regret missing the last one, or you just need to be together again, Learn More
Sunday, October 16th @ 1:00 p.m. (rain or shine) Bring your dog, cat, rabbit, cow, chicken, pig, reptile, bird, or any other pet you love, and get them blessed on Learn More
Treetop Adventures in Canton is one of the favorite outings of the year for kids in the youth groups, and the adults, too! Learn More
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 Learn More
Pastor Wendy took the lead in worship on this Sunday. She examined the call story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10: 38-42.
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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. Read More ...
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).
Sunday, July 31st
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....
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Sunday, August 28th & September 4th at 10:00 a.m
Our Summer Services continue through August, 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). For connection and bulletin links click on Read More ...
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
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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. Read More ...
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 Read More ...
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. Read More ...
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).
Sunday, July 31st
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....
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Join us for Our Last Sundaes on Wednesdays of the Summer, featuring a conversation with the Transition Team! Come enjoy each other's company over a frozen treat . Read More ...