Monday Announcements from Union Church

A Memorial Service in celebration of Ruth Butwell’s life will be held on Saturday, 2 pm. Reception to follow.
Special Epiphany Service Next Week. Also called Three Kings’ Day, Epiphany celebrates the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. The feast commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child, and thus Jesus’ physical manifestation to the Gentiles. Epiphany also commemor-ates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, seen as his manifestation to the world as the Son of God. Qasr el Yahud in the West Bank, and Al Maghtaas in Jordan on the East Bank, is considered to be the original site of the baptism of Jesus and the ministry of John the Baptist.
Ordination Service of Les Small Stokes, here at her home church! January 6, 4:00 pm. The service will be followed by a reception. Can you help? Call Mary Lou Wiese at 260-571-4959. Thanks!
If you can bring some easy-to-eat-without-forks snacks (savory or sweet) to either the Memorial Service and Ordination this weekend, please bring to church Saturday or Sunday afternoon, before the respective events. Thank you!!
 4th Annual Union Church Handbell Ensemble Retreat, Saturday, January 18, 9:30am – 3:30pm(-ish) at the home of Laura Nagle, 306 Center St. Each year we get together over MLK weekend to get a good start on the music for the Spring Festival. We also eat, laugh, play games, and just enjoy each other’s company. YOU are very welcome to join the group. You don’t need to know how to read music!  This would be a great time to jump in. Rehearsals begin again on January 2.
Pre-Lent retreat for adults (ages 18+) on March 4-6 led by Donna Eder and Carla Gilbert. The focus will be on Solitude and Sharing in Sacred Space, held at the Loretto Community guest house, located 1 ½ hours west of Berea. We will be offering opportunities for contemplation and spiritual sharing. The cost per day for meals and lodging is $45 for a double room and $65 for a single room. There is space for a few more—if interested, let us know soon. On January 15 we will open the registration to the public. Contact Donna (859-868-1142) or Carla (859-985-1144). Our email addresses are: donnajeder@ gmail.com and carla_gilbert@ windstream.net.
Online Alternative Giving Market continues. Why not give alternative gifts this year that reach toward your loved ones’ hopes and dreams for a better world? Maybe what your friends and family really want for this year is health care, food and housing for those in need – or maybe disaster relief. Visit www.union-church.org and shop for that alternative gift for your loved ones.
LOOKING AHEAD:
Ampersand Sexual Violence Resource Center is seeking volunteers to support survivors of sexual violence. Volunteers answer a 24-hour hotline, meet survivors at regional hospitals, give out information and referrals, and are trained in crisis intervention and advocacy. Training held at Union Church in January & February. Applications due by Jan. 17. Visit www.ampersand.org/volunteer.
Please Sign up to Read Scripture or to Help Greet and Usher!  Please use our electronic sign up system at union-church.org, and click on “Volunteer.” You can pick a date that works for you!  OR you can also call the office and we’ll get you on the lists.
Have a Heart For Fellowship, Communication and Welcoming New Members? We Need 3! The Community Life and Growth Board of the church helps “outsiders” become “insiders” by helping Rev. Kent welcome new members, get people acquainted with each other for ministry and spiritual support, and oversees our website, social media, and media outreach (advertisements, banners, webcasts, etc). We need three people to help fulfill this vital work with our pastor. Is one of them you? Please contact Carla Gilbert of the Nominating Board: carla_gilbert@ windstream.net or call the church office!