Please note that Union Church services are livestreamed.
Church World Service Earthquake Aid: the faithful of every nation are uniting to bring relief to the hundreds of thousands of victims in of the recent earthquakes in Asia Minor. Gift can be made online to Church World Service, https://cwsglobal.org/donate/turkiye-syria-earthquake-2023/, or designated on your check or contribution to Union Church.
Last few days for the pastoral survey! Please fill one out if you haven’t already done so! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PastorEval Paper copies are available in the Chapel vestibule today & upon request. Responses are needed by February 15.
New Members Welcomed Next Week! As a family of faith committed to boldly and creatively embodying the life and ministry of Jesus, we would like to join with YOU. We’d like to be a context and inspiration for your own spiritual path, and work with you to make your heart, your world, your life more peace-filled and joy-full.
Next Sunday there will be an opportunity to covenant together — whether you are a member of the community who worships online, in-person, or both! No prior action on your part is required, but if you have any questions at all, we’d like to help. Working together, we want to make God’s love visible and real to all.
Did you miss last week’s Union Church Orientation Zoom session? Well, here’s another chance! TODAY – February 12, 3 pm
Want to know more about Union Church, how it works, who’s here, and what happens Monday through Saturday? Have a question or two for the minister or other staff? Wondering if this is a community that can support you on your spiritual journeys? Then this orientation is for you! During this Zoom meeting with Rev. Kent we’ll look at:
· Your questions about worship, participation, and support and the “flavor” of this congregation
· What prayers and support the church can offer on your journey at this time
· Your questions about work we do in the community and what partnerships God is calling us toward
· Your questions about the long history of this community of believers and how you might already be connected!
· What membership means and looks like and the many ways to be family on a walk of faith.
So you’re invited to this very casual, easy-going conversation for all people interested in knowing more and getting better acquainted. Register here: https://bit.ly/Orientation2-12
Writing Workshop Offered. You are invited to do Arts & Writing then make it into a booklet with Jennifer Elam at the Berea Library, Feb 18, March 9, 16, 23, & April 6. For more info and to register: jenelam@aol.com.
A Gathering: Reading in Worship March 5 after worship This gathering is open to ANYONE who is interested in reading to the congregation during worship, which would include the Call to Worship, a Scripture Reading, and the Community Prayer. Even if you are currently a worship reader, please come and share your experience. It will be an informal time for conversation and sharing of resources, led by Diane Bailey, with special guest, Rev. Kent.
We’ll meet on Sunday, March 5, at noon, in the Community Room. Please join us and enjoy a bowl of soup!
If you loaned the church a fan, dehumidifier, cords, etc., to help dry up after the flood, it’s ready to be picked up. THANK YOU!!!
Mark your calendars! Union Church’s Annual Meeting will be March 19. Format (Zoom, in-person, hybrid) tbd. Annual Reports from Boards due March 1.
Help Wanted
Art and Decoration Team: Have a flair for decorating? Union Church has many beautiful pieces of art in our collection and also many blank walls! Pastor Kent would like to gather those of us who could help arrange and display our art in hallways, classrooms, and the community room. Interested? Call the church office or sign up here https://bit.ly/UnionArtsDecoration
Book Keeper Position Our beloved Shirley Carlberg, our current book keeper, will be retiring on March 31, 2023. She has been doing this work since 2016 and prior she was our volunteer treasurer for five years. She is a joy to work with and loves working with numbers. We’ll celebrate her work as she moves toward retirement!
A Request for Proposals is available in the church office or let Dave Kobersmith know if you are interested in learning more, davek@union-church. org. Applications for the contract will be open until 5 p.m. March 7, 2023 (this is a paid position). Our expectation is that services will begin April 1.
Assistant Youth Director Union Church is hiring for the position of Assistant Youth Director to help with our vibrant youth program that serves grades 7th-12th. This part-time position is for 5 hours per week during the school year, as well as one week over the summer for travel to camp or mission trip. There is the potential for growth with this position including expanded hours and responsibilities in the future. The Union Church youth group is an accepting group that welcomes youth from all backgrounds and identities, and a successful candidate will be able to work with a wide range of youth.
If you are interested, please send a letter including contact information, work history, other qualifications, and reason you would like to work with the youth program. Letters need to be received at the office no later than Monday, March 6th, 2023. Send to Union Church; 200 Prospect Street; Berea, KY 40403
Nursery Help Sought Union Church is seeking a Nursery Attendant for Sunday mornings during the worship service. Please contact Rev. David Jones for more info — djones@union-church.org or call 765-744-8406.
February is Black History Month
Black History Month began in 1976 but was initiated by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History,” as “Negro History Week” in 1926 to ensure students would learn Black History. Here are a few local education opportunities:
¨ Learn about Dr. Woodson Fridays in February – the Berea College Hutchins Library offers the public a chance to learn more about Berea College graduate and historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson during the library’s upcoming Friday Finds series. Dr. Woodson is a distinguished 1903 Berea College alumnus. Every Friday through Feb. 24, the Berea College – Special Collections & Archives will give participants a look at Dr. Woodson’s published and unpublished writings. https://libraryguides.berea.edu/archives
¨ Join the local chapter of the NAACP in Richmond. https://www.facebook.com/freelives5/
¨ Read poets, seek out artists, draw connections to your own life from the rich contributions of black artists, philosophers, and professors.
¨ Events at EKU include:
· Critical Conversation Series: Exploring the Black Heritage – 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Monday, Feb. 13, CIEGE-Powell 013
¨ Coffee House Poetry Night featuring guest poets Ephraim Nehemiah, Brotha Ash and Kimelle Ash – 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, March 2, CIEGE-Powell 013
Full schedule at https://inclusive.eku.edu/insidelook/black-history-month-2023
¨ PBS is celebrating Black History Month by throwing a Block Party! Throughout the month of February, stream new and beloved programs celebrating Black excellence. Whether it’s history, music, documentaries, science or genealogy, PBS is your destination. pbs.org/blockparty
** If you know of other events, let us know in the office & we’ll share!!
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