The Kentucky Council of Churches is offering a weekly webcast on Kentucky legislation issues of interest to persons of faith. Episodes will be posted each Tuesday afternoon on the KCC Facebook Page facebook/Kycouncilofchurches (Please like and follow!), and on the KCC YouTube Channel, youtube/@kycouncilofchurches. You can sign up for legislative alerts from the council by going to kycouncil ofchurches.org/legislative-info. Union Church was a founding partner in the KCC, one of the broadest and oldest councils of churches in the country.
Lent Begins Lent is the 42 days leading up to Easter. For almost 2000 years it has been a time of renewal, reflection, and recommitment for those seeking Christ’s path. The special season begins on Wednesday, Feb 18. Many people note the beginning of their spiritual work during this time by receiving a cross on their forehead or hand drawn with ashes (Thus the name “Ash Wednesday”). There will be a special service at 7pm in Cowan Chapel to begin our Lenten journey. If you are not able to come then, Rev. Kent will be offering ashes during the lunch hour in the church parking lot (yes, you can drive by).
NEXT WEEK! Beginning Feb. 22: Parents / Caregivers of kids in grades K – 5: During Lent, the Children’s Team will be offering the Faces of Easter program. This is part of the Godly Play Montessori curriculum, and allows children to explore the story of Easter using simple props and a lot of wondering. Children who want to participate will be led to the chapel rather than back to the nursery after Children’s Moment.
Looking for ways to step closer to the work of the church? Finance Boards still has an open position. Thank you to those who’ve agreed to join the good folks on Admin & Worship Boards!!
· Finance Board: reviews and makes recommendations about the ins and outs of the church’s various budgets.
The Board meets monthly, primarily on zoom. Term is three years in length and begins in the spring. Questions? Want more information? Please contact Laura Nagle at joyfulsunflower@gmail.com or 859-358-0106 (call or text).
We Celebrate Black History this Month and Every Month. Black history is American history and it is especially true for Union Church, founded on the principles that powered the movement to abolish the enslavement of more than a fifth of Kentucky’s population. Black history month was founded by one-time Union Church member, Dr. Carter G. Woodson (wikipedia.org/wiki/Carter_G._Woodson). Throughout the month we will be celebrating the diverse, rich, and beautiful contributions to American history made by black persons and black culture. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are gifts to us all.
Get Informed. Get Trained. Love Your Neighbor. To meet love’s demands everyone is encouraged to increase their knowledge and skills so we can Lead with Love and let Justice Roll down as we protect neighbors, human and civil rights in the way of Jesus. Here are online resources you can use ANYTIME to advance your abilities:
*FreedomTrainers.net: Look for the “non-cooperation library” for videos, slide decks, etc.
Rev. Kent is a certified FT trainer and will be leading live workshops soon.
*www.trainingforchange.org/tools/
*marchminnesota.org The interfaith group that sponsored Rev. Kent’s recent action in Minneapolis
Open Table Community Meals Every Wednesday 5:30pm-6:30pm:“Open Table” is a “pay what you can” ($0-$$) meal open to anyone. Chef Deb Beishline and a wonderful crew of volunteers prepare the menu each week always with gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly options . The food is great, the company is better, the hungry are fed, and we pray the love Jesus will be shown!
Feb. 18 Menu
· Broccoli Cheese Soup
· Chicken, Rice, Vegetable Soup
· Salad
· Rolls
· Banana Pudding
Be a Hero to a Child This Summer Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) is seeking summer camp volunteers and AmeriCorps members to serve children in Jackson and Floyd Counties. CAP summer camps support children from low-income families, ensuring every child can enjoy a summer camp experience.
Ways to Serve:
¨ Camp Counselors & Lifeguards
¨ RNs & LPNs
¨ Arts & Crafts
¨ Photography/Content Creation
¨ Kitchen Help
Commitment:
¨ RNs/LPNs: Minimum 1 week
¨ All other volunteers: Minimum 3 weeks
Room & board and travel reimbursement provided.
Those serving 5–8 weeks may be eligible for AmeriCorps, which includes:
¨ Up to $2,340 summer living allowance
¨ A $1,500 Education Award for tuition or student loans
To learn more or apply: Visit christianapp.org or contact Amy Schill – aschill@chrisapp.org |859-230-4027
There IS such a thing as a free lunch!!
Kentucky River Foothills invites everyone 60 and over to a FREE lunch every weekday at 11:30 with activities, stories and smiles with others!
¨ In Berea at the Berea Senior Citizens’ Center, 214 W. Jefferson St. 859-986-8350
¨ In Richmond at the Richmond Active Living Center, 801 Brighton Ave. 859-623-0474
What’s Going on Around Here?
Regular Union Church social/musical/educational events that YOU might be interested in. Call or email the office for details, and PLEASE let us know if we’ve missed something!
*Third Sundays of the month
1:30 pm, ShapeNote Singers, Parlor
*Third Tuesdays
7:00 pm Book Club
*Wednesdays
10 am Zoom Coffee Hour with the Pastor
1-4 pm Bridge
5:30 pm Open Table supper for all – NO charge!
6:15 pm Handbell Ensemble
*2nd Wednesdays
4:00 pm Psalm Study, Office Level Classroom (pls. note change, starting March 11)
*1st & 3rd Wednesdays
6:30 pm “Theology in the Round” focusing on the Lord’s Prayer, in person or Zoom
*Thursdays
10:30 am Zoom Bible Study
5:30 pm Orchestra
6:30 pm Choir
*2nd & 4th Saturdays
10 am Old Time Music Jam: play, sing, dance, or watch, listen & enjoy!
Feb. 18 – Ash Wednesday, Lent begins. 7 pm service in Cowan Chapel
March 15 – Union Church’s 173rd Annual Meeting after worship & lunch
Community Meetings
Presence is prayer, too. Being visible and informed is an important way to put prayers into action.
· Berea City Council
Feb. 17, 6:30 pm, City Annex Bldg, 304 Chestnut St.
· Madison County Fiscal Court
Feb. 24, 9:30 am, Madison Co. Courthouse, Richmond
· Richmond Board of Commissioners
Feb. 19, noon, City Hall, 239 W. Main St., Richmond
· Madison County Board of Education
March 10, 6:00 pm, 301 Highland Park Dr., Richmond
· Berea Community School Board
Feb. 16, 7 pm, Kennedy Theater at Berea Community School
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