New members! In December, we had the joy of welcoming Robert & Andrea Wescott, Michael & Sara Murphy, Sean Mack and Brianna Neal into the Union Church family. Yesterday, we welcomed Maria Hartz. Thanks be to God for these strong hearts! New members are received the second Sundays of the month. YOU are welcome here!! (If you’re a newer member and we don’t have your complete contact info, birthdays, photos, etc., please send to the office if you’re willing – thanks!)
Next Monday, Jan. 21, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. In the sanctuary: Welcome & Remarks and music by the Black Music Ensemble at 10 am, March to First Christian Church at 10:35 am. Program in conjunction with Berea College & the Carter G. Woodson Center. Church office closed in observance.
What Next Union Church? Help Discern and Decide at the second of two Church Family meetings on Weds. the 16th at 6:30, after the meal. Last summer our congregation met in homes to ask, “What is God calling and empowering us to do next?” The ideas were collected and in September Church Council appointed a vision group to discern values expressed and propose possible actions. We will hold the second church “Family Meeting” to hear what the Vision Team found, see where we are, where we are feeling called, and prayerfully craft some 1-3 year goals. Childcare available.
Thursdays — our Music Director, Bernardo Scarambone, will teach a very basic music reading class right before choir (5:45 pm). Everyone is welcome to join them — no pressure to stay for choir – but you’d be welcome!
Friday — Everyone is invited to the January 18th SongFarmer Gathering in the Community Room. A community supper will begin at 5:30. Sign up to perform by 6:00 PM. A “SongFarmer” is any musician, songwriter and fan who use their music to make their families, hometown and lives better. The event runs from 5:30 – 8:30.
Union Church is participating in Room in the Inn! Room in the Inn is:
- an opportunity to directly intervene in homelessness
- a way for churches and community groups to welcome in small groups
- a chance for both guests and hosts to change
- about serving without prejudice or pride and about accepting everyone
Union Church will participate as one of the “Inns,” every Sunday night until the end of the season (likely March 10) and we are looking for volunteers who can help with things like
- cooking a meal or cleaning up afterwards;
- moving supplies from one location to another;
- spending the night at church with our guests on the nights they are here.
- Whether it’s just once, once a month or once a week, we can use your help. Contact Shirley Carlberg (985-5501 or nonesuch1998@yahoo.com), Mary Lou Wiese (260-571-4959 or wiesemary911@gmail.com), or John Payne (859-986-8100 or johnvpayne@yahoo.com) if you’re interested in being trained as a volunteer.
A Midwinter Night’s Dream. January 25. Concert of original music by Rainbow Star and Jesse Wilhite in Cowan Chapel, 6:00 – 7:45 pm. No charge, donations welcome.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!
Beyond: Encaustic Sculpture. Exhibit by Michelle Hayden at Mill & Max Contemplative Arts Gallery, 385 S. Mill St. Lexington. January 18, 5-9 Gallery Hop opening, January 19 at 1 pm artist talk.
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.
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