Next Week: new members welcomed! 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. 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.
Wednesday Night Live Supper is a POTLUCK Jan. 9!! Special guest, Caux Scholar Marissa Morales. Marissa is a senior undergraduate student majoring in nursing at Berea College. She has an interest in promoting public health specifically within low income populations and populations of people of color. She has been recognized for her service through the Homer A. Porter, Jr. Citizen-Servant Emerging Leader Award as well as the Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King Award for her efforts to educate others on the layers of diversity and inclusion. She will be discussing her experiences in Caux, Switzerland as a participant of the Caux Scholars Program. During the year of Ms. Morales’s participation, the Caux Scholars Program accepted 24 students from 22 countries. The program focuses on educating scholars about justice and peacebuilding. Our own Michelle Tooley was a passionate supporter of the work of Caux Scholars.
What Next Union Church? Help Discern and Decide, Jan 13 & 16.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. Next Sunday afternoon 1:30-3:00 pm will be the first of two chances for a 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. An additional opportunity will be held Wednesday, Jan 16, 6:30-8:00 pm, following our regular dinner.
A thousand thousand thank-yous to all who made that Advent and Christmas season such a joyful time! The setter-uppers, clearer-uppers, decorators, greeters, cooks, ushers….THANK YOU!!!
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 in the program as one of several “Inns” 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;
- or 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 (nonesuch_1998@yahoo.com), Mary Lou Wiese (wiesemary911@gmail.com), or John Payne (johnvpayne@yahoo.com) if you’re interested in being trained as a volunteer.
It’s time to take home your poinsettia! They’re in the parlor and the back hallway.
Thursdays — Bernardo will teach a very basic music reading class right before choir (6:00 pm). Everyone is welcome to join them –no pressure to stay for choir.
Board meetings: if your Board took time off over the holidays and is getting back to a regular meeting time in January, please let us know in the office so we can (try to) prevent double-booking meeting rooms. Thanks!!
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!
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.
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.
Pre-Lenten 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.
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