"That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are rooted and
grounded in love."

Large enough for a variety of opinion; Small enough to know your name.

Join us for fellowship, and educational and personal growth opportunities throughout the year, many of which respond to ad hoc needs and interests suggested by our members.
 
Adult Forum: Adults of all ages are invited to Adult Forum each Sunday morning beginning at 9am in the Community Room. Adult Forum is a casual, conversational gathering centered on topics of faith and social concern.

The facilitators of Adult Forum work to create an enjoyable, rewarding, thought-provoking experience for adults of all ages each Sunday morning. The Christian Education and Spiritual Formation team has selected as our overall theme this year “Listening to the Others.” Who are these “others”? We have only to look around us and find people of different cultures, races, faiths, socio-economic levels and sexual orientations. What can we learn from them? Our mission statement reflects our intent to honor diversity stating “The people of Union UCC discern God’s presence in the beautiful diversity of voices and respond by seeking justice for the silenced, marginalized and oppressed.”

In Adult forum we will start the year out by looking at the similarities and differences in world religions – Buddism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Protestantism and Catholicism. We will spend the first half of our Sunday morning sessions viewing a DVD, followed by discussion time. Please note - Adult Forum will now take place from 8:45 – 9:45 prior to each Sunday Worship Service. Even if you must leave a session early for choir or handbells, there will still be ample time to participate. Whether you are a regular participant or have never attended in the past, we invite you to stop in and join us. Adult Forum is held in the community room near the kitchen.

Adult Forum in December
Did you know that after the Roman Catholic Church, the Mormon Church is the largest sect in 10 U.S. states? Or, that the Mormon Church is the 4th largest individual denomination in North America? Join us for Adult Forum Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Community Room to learn more about the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church), and various other faiths, as we spend the year studying world religions. So far, we have discussed Judaism, Roman Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity, and Protestantism. We are currently in the middle of learning about the Mormon Church, which will continue through December. Hope to see you Sunday mornings!

Theologically Sound
This popular book/bible study met for it's last session of 2011 last Sunday. But never fear! Theologically Sound resumes in January! Watch for more information on dates and the title of the book.

Open and Affirming (ONA)

As we discern what it means to be a justice-seeking and welcoming church, the question has arisen, “Should Union Congregational Church, United Church of Christ become an Open and Affirming church?” Before we can answer that question, we as a congregation would need to engage in a time of study, prayer and conversation. After discussing this idea, our church council voted to support the formation of an Open and Affirming Task Force to begin planning these educational events. Starting in September 2011, we will begin exploring the many issues, possibilities and concerns surrounding being an Open and Affirming church. After this period of discernment (typically 1-2 years), a vote can take place on adopting an Open and Affirming statement.

What does Open and Affirming (ONA) mean?
Open and Affirming (ONA) is an official designation within the United Church of Christ denomination. ONA means that a church has publicly declared that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people are welcome and affirmed into the full life and ministry of the church. A manifestation of God’s Extravagant Welcome, it is an outward demonstration of hospitality, support and love.

We already say: “We welcome everyone.” Would being Open and Affirming make a difference?
In a word, yes. Open and Affirming is a public declaration of a welcoming and affirming commitment. Too many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families live with the pain of having believed that “everyone is welcome” included them, only to discover otherwise. No one should have to guess about the “boundaries of inclusion” of a congregation.
• A clear welcome matters to LGBT adults who, seeking to share their faith and gifts with the church, often wonder if they will meet with silence or condemnation if they are “out”.
• It matters to LGBT youth who need the guidance of faith communities as they question and establish their understandings of sexuality, spirituality, and relationships, but fear disapproval.
• It matters to families which too often hide the fact that they have LGBT children or other relatives. Fearing the indifference or rejection of their church, they are cut off from support and sharing which would enrich them and their congregation.
• It matters to all Christians who believe that God’s affirmation of the gift of a loving relationship is not restricted to those who are heterosexual, and who look to their church to witness to God’s inclusive love and help them to better understand and live it.

Recent Book Studies

Thrive Earlier this summer, some of us met to discuss Dan Buettner's book, Thrive. This book explores places in the world in which people are the happiest.

The Lord's Prayer  This winter, while the snow came down, down, down outside, book study participants were warm inside where they met to discuss by John Dominic Crossan. 

To the Tune of a Welcoming God  by David Weiss. Weiss calls for a Christian faith that extends an affirming welcome to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, and writes of the crucial role of the straight ally in LGBT justice.

Jesus For the Non-Religious   by John Selby Spong. In his book, Spong challenges much about our traditional beliefs surrounding Jesus, from the miraculous birth to a virgin, to the cosmic ascension at the end of his life. He speaks to the contemporary critics of Christianity who contend that Christianity has become evil and destructive. The reader is invited to consider a new way of understanding the divinity of Christ. Traditional Christians who cling to dated concepts of the past will not be comfortable with this book. One reviewer wrote: "This book is a very important challenge to the 'literal text with a spiritual meaning' so prevalent in American Christianity. It will speak to the persons who long for a theological image of Jesus preaching a desperately needed message about justice, reconciliation, compassion and personal integrity.."

Movies available in the Union Church Library:

Out in the Silence

For the Bible Tells Me So

Discovery Group has hosted a handful of movie screenings, and has donated copies of the movies for our library in the church. Movies and books (and CDs of Sunday Worship Service) are all available for you to check out at no charge.

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See Current Events for upcoming events offered by members and guest speakers. These are offered throughout the week.

Are you interested in helping the Youth of Union Church grow in faith? The Christian Education & Spiritual Formation Ministry Team is always looking to find more ways to build relationships between our Youth and Adults. Speak with Shelley Petters, Keith Stevens, Cheryl Wold or Marthe Herbert to find out how to get involved.