The Prayerful Pause - July 3

July is here, and summer is in full swing! This month, we celebrate freedom and also begin a new church year. I can't wait to see what God will do in and through us in 2024-25! I am so grateful that you are a serving church! You faithfully put your hands and hearts into our shared ministry! Today, please pause and ask God to guide our ministry forward in sharing Christ's love and welcoming all as Jesus welcomes us. Please also thank God for the faithful servants who have served as Elders, Deacons, Church Council Members, and on various Committees and Service Teams in 2023-24. Pray also for those who will serve in these roles in 2024-25.

This month, please also thank God for Kay Benton, who has faithfully served as our Church Custodian for many years. Kay is taking on a new cleaning role with the school system that will require more time, and she needs to step away from her work at Union. We will be sharing a parting love gift with Ms. Kay, but if you would like to share a card or personal note to express thanks and appreciation, please drop that off in the church office by July 8.

With Kay Benton's departure, the Personnel Committee is diligently working to fill the vacancy she leaves behind. However, in the interim, we will need the support of our church community. We are seeking volunteers to assist with various cleaning duties. We will pass the clipboard the next few Sundays, looking for volunteers who could spare a few hours to help in the coming days. Your help will ensure a smooth transition.

I also wanted to update you about our Cemetery Committee and Columbarium Phase 2 Committee. Please join me in welcoming Ken Clark as the new chairperson of the Cemetery Committee and saying thank you to  Julian Beckwith for his faithful service as the chairperson for many years. In the coming months, our Cemetery Committee will be working hard to determine what repairs and regular maintenance is needed. They will also be formulating a plan to accomplish this work together. If you are interested in more details or are curious about how you could help, please reach out to Ken Clark. Additionally, our Columbarium Phase 2 Committee, co-chaired by Hal Tatum and Angie Eades, has decided to pause while the Cemetery Committee tackles this vital work.

Finally, I wanted to express my most profound joy in welcoming Susan Hansford as an official member on the last Sunday in June! Susan has been an active participant at Union for a while now, and we are thrilled to have her join. We look forward to serving with Susan and are excited about our future together!

Church, I love you, and I love being your Pastor!  May God continue to draw us closer to Jesus and use us well to share his love.

The Prayerful Pause - June 26

A remarkable little event unfolded late this spring and early summer right on the front door of Union Christian Church. A diligent mama bird chose one of the wreaths on the front door as the perfect spot to build her nest. Soon, tiny eggs appeared, delicately cradled in the nest she had so lovingly prepared. The eggs appeared only days before VBS, and we all worried that they would not make it with so many people coming and going in and out of the front door that week.
 
Yet, as the eggs hatched into chirping baby birds the following week, our congregation faced another significant challenge. Our front door, a portal of welcome and community, now served as a sanctuary for these baby birds. You continued to adapt quietly and thoughtfully, ensuring our comings and goings did not disturb the new family on our doorstep. You worked hard to approach the door gently, aware of the fragile baby birds sheltering in the wreath.
 
Watching all of this unfold reminded me that just as God’s eyes are on the tiny baby birds in that nest, God’s eyes are also on each one of us. Indeed, the same God who watches over the sparrows is attentive to all the struggles and joys in our daily lives. God values each of us more than we can ever comprehend. Additionally, while we moved with great care to protect the baby birds, God, even more so, moves through our lives with gentleness and grace, protecting and guiding us with his loving hand. God's love and tender care invites us to a deeper trust and faith in the One whose eye is on the sparrow!
 
As your pastor, I was also grateful to see how you worked toward protecting these little birdies as you entered and exited the church doors. It made me thankful to be part of a church that seeks to care for God's creation with love and respect. As I continued to walk in and out of the front door, I prayed quietly, “God, thank you that Union is working together to welcome baby birds so well! Please use us even more to welcome people who need a place to grow and develop in Christ!”
 
As we continue to walk through the doors of Union Christian Church, let us remember the lesson of the mama bird and babies: In God’s kingdom, no creature is too small, no person is insignificant, and no act of welcome is ever wasted. Thanks be to God, for the birds and for the good people of Union Christian Church! Amen!

The Prayerful Pause - June 19

Recently I’ve been thinking about the importance of praying for others. Sometimes we tell others we will pray for them but then struggle to follow through and actually pray for them. Thankfully, the Spirit intercedes on our behalf in groans too deep for words, when we fall short in our prayers. Even so, this summer when things are a little slower and less hectic, I want to encourage us to pause and spend intentional time praying for others.
 
Our dear friend Tom Cook took prayer seriously.  Even in his later years, he made a special effort to pray for each person on our Union prayer list every week. He would divide up the names on the prayer list and pray for several people each day until he had prayed through the entire list by the end of the week. Such a remarkable ministry of prayer was a gift to those in need and a gift that God used to grow Tom’s relationship with Christ. I am so thankful for the legacy of faithful prayer that Tom offered, and I know we miss him in our life together. One of the best ways we can honor his legacy is to take praying for others as seriously as he did.
 
Like many churches, Union has a full church prayer list. Yet, I want to encourage us to remember that our prayer list is far more than a list of names. It’s a list full of actual people, with both joys and concerns. It’s a list full of people who have challenges and hardships in life. It’s a list full of people in need of God’s love, grace, and peace each day.  It’s a list we should take seriously, because it's a list full of people who God loves.
 
At the end of today’s midweek, we have printed our entire prayer list to encourage us all to spend some time praying for these dear ones. Maybe try Tom’s strategy of dividing up the names and praying for several folks each day until you’ve prayed through the whole list!
 
As you pray this week, please also take a moment to share any recent updates you have about friends or family members on our list with us by emailing office@unionchristianchurch.net. This helps us know how to pray for each person more specifically. Sometimes, we may not know all the details as we pray, but we can trust that God does and hears our humble prayers for those in need. I’ve always found comfort in Paul’s words in Philippians 4:6 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"
  
Thank you for being a praying church! It means so much to Union and to those we seek to uphold in prayer together!

The Prayerful Pause - June 12

Each of us is an integral part of the Body of Christ, and we each have various gifts, talents, and passions that God has given us for service and ministry together. The Apostle Paul's words to the Church at Corinth remind us, "You are the Body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it” (1 Cor. 12:27). Indeed, we need each other in our life and ministry together!
 
A great way to get plugged in and use some of the gifts God has given you is to serve on one of Union’s Service Teams! Below are some short descriptions of our Service Teams. If you are interested in serving on a team, please take a moment to sign up as the clipboard is passed over the next several weeks. We are looking for more volunteers for each team. I would love to see a mixture of ages serving on these teams together. That way, team members can share knowledge, skills, and new ideas across the various generations of the church. This type of intergenerational approach will help us keep our shared ministry vital and strong for years to come.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me for more information if you have any questions about Union’s Service Teams. I am thankful that we are a serving church! Here are our Service Teams for 2024-2025:
 
Worship Leader Team- Lead the Call to Worship, offer the Invocation, and read the Opening Scripture during morning worship.
 
Children’s Church Teacher- Teach a Bible lesson to our preschool and elementary-aged children. A lesson plan with fun activities will be provided.
 
Children’s Ministry Assistants- Assist the lead teacher or childcare provider as needed on Sunday in children's church or the nursery.
 
Children’s Chat Team- Share a Bible story or object lesson with our children during morning worship.
 
Greeter Team- Welcome guests and members to Union in a warm and friendly way.
 
Sanctuary Prep Team- Prepare the Sanctuary and Communion Table for morning worship.
 
Hospitality Team- Help provide food and hospitality during times of illness, bereavement, or for special events.
 
Maintenance Team- Troubleshoot and work with a team to tackle the maintenance and repair needs of the church building and grounds.
 
Safety and Security Team- Secure and monitor the church building and parking lot on Sunday mornings.
 
I am thankful for each of you and the many ways we can serve together as the Body of Christ!

The Prayerful Pause - June 5

Vacation Bible School is in full swing, and we are having a great time! Check out the pictures below of our children, volunteers, and camp mascot, Lumen. Continue to pray for all our children and volunteers; ask God to bless them and grow each one in his grace. 

The Prayerful Pause - May 29

Vacation Bible School is just five days away, and the anticipation for Camp Firelight is building! We are thrilled to have a wonderful group of children and volunteers participating, and we are grateful for the generous friends who have stepped up to share supplies and donations. Without your support, VBS would not be possible!

As we prepare Camp Firelight, I've been reflecting on how the light of a campfire represents safety and guidance for the campers. Imagine sitting around a campfire on your first night at an unfamiliar campground with a group of fellow campers you don't know all that well, yet. You're homesick, and the night is dark and full of unusual sounds. You wonder if any critters may try to raid your food supply or if a thunderstorm will make sleeping in a tent a miserable and soggy experience. Camping in a new place for the first time can be a little frightening. But when you look into a campfire's warm glow, suddenly the unfamiliar darkness doesn't feel so overwhelming. The light from the campfire dispels the shadows and brings a comforting presence.

Likewise, when we feel unsure and afraid on the journey of faith, God dispels the shadows and offers us the guiding light of his comforting presence. We might be scared of trying something new or worried about taking a big leap of faith to follow God into uncharted territory. We may be dealing with a difficult challenge and need some light to see how to navigate the trail up ahead. We may be stuck and unable to move forward, afraid of taking a wrong turn that would cause us to lose our way. In moments of fear and uncertainty, our theme verse for this year's VBS speaks clearly: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you" (Psalm 56:3). Indeed, we can trust God to disperse the shadows and light the way, providing the safety and guidance of his love.

During VBS week, the children will learn about how God offered the guiding light of his presence to people like Jacob, Ruth, and the disciples in uncertain and frightening times. These Bible stories remind us that when we are unsure and afraid, God is always there to light the way and strengthen us. That's a great reminder, not just for our VBS children, but for all God's children, no matter our age or stage!

This year, let us unite in prayer for the children who will be part of VBS. May they trust in Jesus to provide love, guidance, and the light of life. Let's also pray for our volunteers, that they may be filled with strength and wisdom as they share the Good News of Jesus’ love. Finally, in all the ups and downs of life, may we, as a church, continue to trust in God's guiding light, even in the shadows of challenge or uncertainty. May Psalm 56:3 be our heartfelt prayer and proclamation, 'When I am afraid, I put my trust in you!'

The Prayerful Pause - May 15

This Sunday, we will joyfully observe Pentecost Sunday, a time to commemorate the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit and celebrate the Church's birthday. The color red is used on this special day to remind us that the Spirit arrived with not only a powerful, rushing wind but also with fiery tongues that rested on those gathered together. This miraculous event enabled the people to speak and understand a multitude of languages as the Spirit was poured out on all flesh!
 
To honor this significant day, we encourage everyone to wear red to our Sunday service!
During our opening hymn, we'll also be waving red streamers, a vibrant reminder of the Holy Spirit's presence and power.
 
Below, you can find a little more insight about the significance of Pentecost. I encourage you to spend some time in prayer this week, asking God's Spirit to lead us forward together in our shared ministry as Union Christian Church.
 
Pentecost's Historical Significance
 
Originally, Pentecost was a pivotal celebration for the Jewish community, marking the early wheat harvest 50 days post-Passover. Devout Jews from various regions would journey to the Temple to present their finest wheat as a thank offering to God. This celebration, also known as the Feast of Weeks, served as a time to commemorate the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai as well.
 
What does the Pentecost in Acts 2 mean for us today?
 
For Christians, the Pentecost described in Acts 2 is extraordinarily unique. The diverse crowd was amazed to hear and understand multiple languages, leading them to question, "What does this mean?" This question remains relevant as we prepare to celebrate Pentecost all these years later. What does it mean for us to be the Church together, sustained, empowered, and united by the Holy Spirit?
 
Here are a few reflections on what the Spirit means to me. I would love to hear the reflections that God puts on your hearts and minds as you think about the gift of the Holy Spirit this week!
 
The Sustaining Spirit: The Holy Spirit continuously sustains and guides us for our shared life and ministry as the Church.
 
Our Advocate: The Spirit prays for us and advocates for us even when we are at a loss for words. The Spirit comforts us when we are in distress.
 
Empowered Ministry: The Spirit enhances and empowers our individual and collective efforts as the Church to share God’s love with others in both word and deed.
 
Unity in Diversity: Through the Holy Spirit, we, as God's people, can discover unity even amidst our diversity when we remember that the Spirit was poured out on all flesh. All of us are needed in the Church; each of us has a unique and wonderful gift to share in life together.
 
Yes, the Holy Spirit is a powerful and precious gift! May Union Christian Church be attentive to the Spirit's dynamic leadership in our life and ministry together, not just at Pentecost but always.

The Prayerful Pause - May 8

This Sunday, May 11, is Mother's Day! Let’s pause and thank God for all who mother us and pray for them as well. Here are a few prayer points to guide our prayer.

• Thank God for the mothers who raised us and also for all the women who have mothered us over the years in one way or another.

• Thank God for those who mothered us in the home and for those who mothered us in the faith.

• Thank God for all the women who have mothered us, nurtured us, taught us, prayed for us, encouraged us, and given us wise counsel and guidance.

• Pray for those who long to be mothers and for those who grieve the loss or absence of children.

• Pray for those who are missing mothers who have passed away or who are absent.

• Pray for those who may be estranged from their mother. Ask God to bring healing, hope, and reconciliation.

• Pray that God will provide wisdom, encouragement, and strength to all the women who mother others daily.

• Union is filled with mighty women who mother others in such amazing ways! Thank God for all who mother in the Family of God.

Indeed, God has used and continues to use women to love, nurture, and guide us. Thanks be to God for the mothering care of the mighty women in our lives. Amen.

The Prayerful Pause - April 3

Thank you for caring for our family as we prepare for my upcoming surgery. You all are wonderful people, and you continually encourage us with Christ's love even in difficult times. My surgery will take place on April 4, and I will be taking some time off to recuperate after the surgery until April 26.
 
While I am recovering, many folks are stepping in to help cover my preaching, teaching, and pastoral care responsibilities. Below is a guide to help you know what to expect while I am away.
 
Sunday, April 7

• Teaching Sunday School - Jonathan Byrd

• Preaching - Rev. Parrish Myers

• Communion - Alan Hickerson 

Sunday, April 14

• Teaching Sunday School - Jonathan Byrd

• Preaching - Rev. David Webb

• Communion - Rev. David Webb 

Sunday, April 21

• Teaching Sunday School - Jonathan Byrd

• Preaching - Rev. Hoyt Huff

• Communion - Alan Hickerson

Here are a few other notes for the month of April:

• For Pastoral Care needs or emergencies, please contact Pasty Orr, our Elder Chairperson, so that one of our Elders can reach out to you.
   

• For any other church needs, please contact Patti Clark, our Church Council Chairperson.
   

• Our Spring Bible Studies will not take place as we originally planned. We will finish our Psalms Study next Fall.
   

• For any questions about GriefShare, please contact Mimi Benkoski, Amy Pritchett, Nan Deal, or Kay Smith.
   

• We made a few other changes to the April church calendar. The most up-to-date calendar is at www.unionchristianchurch.net/calendar. We will continue publishing calendar updates in upcoming Bulletins and Midweek emails.
   

• This month, Holly will begin recruiting volunteers for our VBS in June! I hope you will prayerfully consider how God can use your gifts, talents, and skills for VBS this year! Please let Holly know if you are interested in serving.

Thank you again for your prayers and support! I love you, Union Family, and I love being your pastor. May God continue to grow and guide us forward together!

The Prayerful Pause - March 20

I am looking forward to this Sunday! It is Palm Sunday, and we will remember Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We will remember that the crowds welcomed Jesus by waving palm branches and shouting, "Hosanna." We will remember that Jesus entered the city most unexpectedly, riding on the back of a humble donkey. We will remember that those welcoming cheers of Hosanna soon turned to jeers, sneers, and angry voices shouting, "crucify him."
 
As we prepare our hearts for Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week, let's prayerfully pause and remember that Jesus, our King, comes to us daily as we experience ups and downs on the road of life. In times of joy, celebration, sorrow, challenge, or peace, Jesus, our King, comes to us and is with us on the journey every day! May we welcome his presence and rejoice!
 
Palm Sunday also begins Holy Week, the week that we journey with Jesus from the shouts of “Hosanna” on Palm Sunday, to the Upper Room and the Garden on Thursday, to the horrific events of Good Friday, and to the joy of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Below, you can find a complete calendar of our services during Holy Week. Please invite someone you know to come and worship with you during Holy Week!
 
This year, I am especially excited that we will gather with other Disciples for worship twice during Holy Week! On Maundy Thursday, Union will gather with our brothers and sisters from First Christian Athens and Bogart Christian for a combined Communion Service at First Christian of Athens at 6:30 PM. A carpool will leave from Union at 5:40 PM that afternoon, with several of our Elders driving.
 
On Easter Morning, our brothers and sisters from Watkinsville First Christian will join us at Union for our Easter Sunrise Service, which begins at front of the church at 7:00 AM. After the Sunrise Service, we will gather for a potluck breakfast in the Fellowship Hall. Biscuits will be provided, and you are encouraged to bring an easy breakfast side dish to share.  
 
As we prepare for Holy Week, please pray that God will draw us and others in the wider community closer to Jesus. I look forward to experiencing Holy Week with you as we remember Jesus' life, death, and resurrection together! 

The Prayerful Pause - February 21

This week, I am really looking forward to the start of our annual Lenten Soup and Study taking place over the next five Wednesday evenings. Each week, we will enjoy some delicious soup and desserts at 5:30 PM and then spend time feasting on God’s word together until 7:00 PM.
 
During the sessions, we will use our Bibles and draw insights from a daily devotional book by Taylor Mills. His devotions will guide us through a series of heart-sharping lessons for Lent. During our time together, we will explore the qualities and characteristics of Christian discipleship that lead us to claim Jesus as our highest priority. Below is an outline of the topics we will cover each week. If you want to read Toward the Cross along with us during Lent, you can purchase a book at any ­­­­­­­­­­­online retailer.

• Chapter 1- A Humble Heart- 2/21/24
   

• Chapter 2- A Committed Heart- 2/28/24
   

• Chapter 3- A Gracious Heart- 3/6/24
   

• Chapter 4- A Heart for Seekers-3/13/24
   

• Chapters 5 and 6- A Purposeful Heart and A Heart of Extravagant Love- 3/20/24
   

• Chapter 7- A Joyful Heart- Easter (On your own) 

My prayer for us during Lent is that God will mold and shape our hearts, our minds, and our spirits as we seek to follow Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life!

The Prayerful Pause - February 14

Today is Ash Wednesday, and our Lenten journey begins in earnest. Please join us this evening for our Valentine’s “Breakfast for Dinner" Potluck at 5:30 PM, followed by our Ash Wednesday service at 6:30 PM, as we remember our deep need for Jesus.
 
During our Lenten Journey, we will remember Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness just after his baptism and before the start of his public ministry. During Lent, we walk with Jesus in the wilderness, trusting that God is with us daily in hard places and spaces of life.
 
Lent is sometimes considered a heavy season, as we remember the 40 difficult days Jesus spent in the wilderness. However, Lent is also a time of joyful growth. Indeed, God grows and stretches us as only He can, and it's joyous to see what God can do when we are open to growth.
 
I think it is interesting that the word Lent comes from the old English word for "lengthen." Lent is a season of the church year that takes place just as the days are becoming longer. I wonder, what does God want to grow and "lengthen" in us during Lent? Maybe God wants to "lengthen" the amount of time we spend in daily prayer or study. Perhaps, God wants to grow and "lengthen" the impact of our shared ministry together. Maybe God wants to "lengthen" our understanding of grace so that we can receive it and extend it more freely.
 
No matter what God wants to "lengthen" in us as individuals or as a church family this Lenten season, God's growth is always rooted in love and exactly what we need. May God continually grow our understanding of how wide, long, high, and deep his love is through his son, Christ Jesus!

The Prayerful Pause - February 7

Union Christian Church is a caring community! That's the way our mission statement starts, and it's something we seek to live out within and beyond our walls. This month, we have several ways to share God’s love and care with those in need. I hope you will take some time to prayerfully consider how the Lord can use you this month as we seek to care for others in Jesus' name!
 
This Sunday, our youth will participate in the Souper Bowl of Caring. They will collect donations for the Oconee Area Resource Council’s (OARC) Food for Kids Program following worship and our called Congregational Meeting. Please prayerfully consider taking part in this special collection. Please also pause and pray for the children and families who receive food from OARC's Food for Kids Program.
 
Throughout February, we have several opportunities to support Family Promise as they seek to help families in crisis situations achieve sustainable independence. The La Table signature fundraiser was held yesterday and was a great success! As your pastor, I was so proud of how Union contributed and helped raise funds to support such a great cause.
 
Our Christian Women’s Fellowship will also collect supplies for Family Promise this month. The most needed items include Walmart Gift Cards, Kroger Gift Cards, new sheet sets (all sizes), new pillows, paper towels, toilet paper, body wash, lotion, shampoo, dish soap, laundry detergent, and dryer sheets. You can bring items to the Gathering Space any time this month. Please pray for Family Promise as they are transitioning to a new hosting model in 2024. Union’s first host week this year will be February 18-25. If you are interested in volunteering with Family Promise, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our coordinators, Patti Clark and Kelly Hansford!  
 
This month, Union also has the opportunity to support the ministry of Area Churches Together Serving (ACTS). ACTS provides food and clothing to our neighbors in need. In addition to prayer support, Union donates regularly to ACTS and also sends weekly volunteers to serve onsite. As a church, we staff the center every other month on the fourth Friday of the month. Union will volunteer again on Friday, February 23. If you are interested in serving that Friday, please meet at ACTS (130 East Thompson St., Bogart, 30622) at 9:00 AM. Contact Julian Beckwith, if you have any questions about serving with ACTS. This month, our Community Prayer Emphasis is ACTS. Please pray for all the clients and volunteers involved with ACTS.
 
Finally, our GriefShare Ministry will begin again this month as well. If you or someone you know is grieving the death of a family member or friend, we invite you to join our GriefShare Support Group. This group will meet once a week for 13 weeks beginning Thursday, February 29, at 1:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall, and the group is open to any adults grieving in the community. We would love your help providing snacks for our weekly meetings, and we will pass the clipboard in church so you can sign up. Please pray that the deep peace of Christ will surround all those leading and participating in GriefShare.
 
I thank God that Union Christian Church is a caring community! May God continue to use us together to reflect his love and care both within and beyond our walls!

The Prayerful Pause - January 31

Church life is often exciting and full of fun. Yet, at times, we must also attend to the nuts and bolts of our life together to keep us moving forward. This week, I want to share about the important work of two of the Union's Short-Term Committees appointed and tasked with special projects by the Church Council.
 
The Columbarium Committee:
Thank you for your participation in the Columbarium Survey last fall. The results were presented to the Church Council at their November meeting, and the Council decided to appoint a Phase II Columbarium Committee. This Phase II Committee will work to develop a concept design and cost estimate for a Union Church Columbarium, which, upon development, will be presented to the
Council and Congregation for consideration and approval. At their January meeting, the Church Council approved Patti Clark’s recommendation as Chairperson to appoint the following people to the Phase II Columbarium Committee:  Angie Eades and Hal Tatum, Co-Chairs, Julia Beckwith, Ken Clark, Eric Sherrer, and Sharon Tatum.
 
Please be in prayer for the Columbarium Phase II committee as they undertake their work in 2024, and please reach out to them with any ideas, suggestions, or feedback you have as well.
 
Bylaw Review Committee:
Just as the Columbarium Phase II Committee begins its work, our Bylaw Review Committee seeks to finish its work. The Bylaw Review Committee, appointed by the Church Council in the fall of 2022, has worked diligently over the last 18 months to revise Union’s Constitution and Bylaws from 2012. For any church to stay agile in doing ministry together, a review of the documents that govern the church must be evaluated and revised from time to time. 
 
This Bylaw Committee has spent countless hours working on this project together, and we give thanks to God for the way that they sought to include the whole church in this process. To inform their work, the Committee collected feedback from the Elders, Deacons, Congregation, Church Staff, and twice from the Church Council as they evaluated and revised the document. As they worked, they made edits that clarified language and reflected the church's current practices. Below is a summary of the Committee's proposed revisions to the Constitution and Bylaws.

• A Table of Contents was added to make the document more user-friendly.
   

• The Article on Membership was updated to reflect current practices.
   

• The duties of the Administrative Officers were updated to match current practices.
   

• An Article on Committees and Service Teams was added. This Article includes a description of Union's Standing Committees, outlining their work and detailing how they nominate new members or a new Committee Chairperson to the Church Council for final approval. Information about Union’s Short-Term Committees was clarified, and a description of Union’s Service Teams was also included in this Article.
   

• A section on Staff Ministers, Support Staff, and Personnel was added to clarify details related to the hiring, supervision, and evaluation of those who serve in these roles.
   

• An Article outlining the importance of Christian Stewardship to the overall life and ministry of the church was added.
   

• Language was added to authorize the Church Council to conduct votes electronically as the Chairperson sees fit, as long as a quorum of 2/3 of the Council participates in the vote.
   

• The duties of the Elders and Deacons were updated to match current practice. The Elders were also given the responsibility of handling any situations involving nepotism in the church.   

This Church Council approved these changes at their January meeting and is now sending the document to the Congregation for consideration and action at a called Congregational Meeting on Sunday, February 11, 2024, after morning worship. Before this important meeting, please prayerfully read and reflect on the proposed Constitution and Bylaws. Copies are available in the Gathering Space or online (see link below). If you have any questions, please get in touch with any of these Committee members: Julian Beckwith, Angie Eades, Rose Mary Martin, or David Webb, Chairperson.
 
Indeed, attending to the nuts and bolts of our life together in open and transparent way is a marker of a healthy and active church. We It is also a hallmark of our congregational polity in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). I am thankful to be the church together with you and so grateful to be your pastor!

The Prayerful Pause - January 24

I have always loved to sing! As a child, I would make up new songs about everything under the sun, usually while coloring or playing with my dolls. As a grown-up, I feel more hesitant to make up new songs and share them publicly. Yet, in the Psalms, we are repeatedly encouraged to sing new songs to God.

• Psalm 96:1 implores us: “Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth."
   

• Psalm 40:3 reminds us: “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.”
   

• Psalm 33:3 beckons us: "Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy."

So, this week, I am going to step outside of my comfort zone and offer a new song that I wrote as an adult. I first penned the lyrics below in 2010 for David’s ordination service to be sung to the tune of Amazing Grace. I recently found a copy of my "new song," and I remembered how I worried that it would miss the mark and fall flat on David’s special day. But now, when I read or sing the words, I remember that it takes courage to sing a new song! It takes courage to follow Jesus outside our comfort zones and try something new! It takes courage to sing a new song and follow Jesus as he leads us forward together in ministry!
 
Friends, just as Jesus called ordinary fishermen on the new adventure of discipleship and ministry, God continually calls us individually and collectively to new opportunities for discipleship and ministry that we may never have imagined.
 
Will we take a risk and follow his lead, singing new love songs to God, to each other, and to those who need to know that God loves them beyond measure? I pray we will always open our hearts, our minds, and our lives to the One who says, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people." Amen.
  

O Jesus, You Are Calling Us
Sung to the Tune of Amazing Grace
 
O Jesus, you are calling us, 
We've heard your voice 'tis true.
Teach us to cast aside our nets,
And always follow you.
 
O Jesus, you are teaching us,
Please show us how to love.
Teach us to love the poor and weak,
And tell of God above.
 
O Jesus, you are loving us,
Please help us love you too.
Teach us to tell of your great love,
In all, we say and do.
 
O Jesus, you are guiding us, 
To give our lives for you.
Teach us to shine for you alone,
While here or far from home.
 
O Jesus, you are showing us,
That we must preach the cross.
Teach us to sing that Gospel song,
No matter what the cost!

January 17 - The Prayerful Pause

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."  Psalm 46:10
 
I love the Book of Psalms! Every human emotion and struggle is recorded there in honest conversations with God. We find countless reminders of God’s continual presence in the Psalms as well. It’s truly a book that we can use in our day-to-day lives. This year, I am taking up the challenge to read and pray through a Psalm each day, and I hope you will too.
 
This week, I wanted to highlight a word that is found in the Psalms after some sections and verses in the right margin. It’s the word Sehlah, which means "pause" or "interlude." The word Sehlah signifies a musical pause or a moment to reflect on what has been said or sung. In our lives, we need these Sehlah moments too, don’t we?  We need pauses that allow us to catch our breath, reflect on our journey, and most importantly, to connect with God.
 
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, amidst the noise of responsibilities, expectations, and deadlines, there is a call to embrace Sehlah moments – moments of intentional pause, moments of stillness in the presence of our God.  As you take time to be still with God this week and pause, I invite you to pray some verses from the Psalms as you talk with God, openly and honestly. Here are a few suggestions of verses from the Psalms that can use as you pray.
 
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7
 
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. Psalm 42:1
 
How lovely is your dwelling-place, Lord Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Psalm 84:1
 
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

The Prayerful Pause - January 10

Many folks make New Year's resolutions each January. You may want to eat a bit healthier or be more intentional about spending time with your family this year. You may want to exercise a little more or finally clean out all your closets and donate some things you don't need to charity this year. New Year’s Resolutions can sometimes be a really good thing, but if we are honest with ourselves, we often abandon our resolutions by the time February rolls around.
  
So, this year, instead of making a resolution, I want to invite you to prayerfully ask God some visioning questions for 2024 as you pray during January. Below are 10 suggested questions to ask God this month. As you pray, seek to listen and discover the new things he wants to do in and through you and us together in 2024.

• Oh Lord, how do you want to grow me in grace, wisdom, or service this year?

• How do you want to enrich my life through Bible Study, fellowship, or worship this year?

• How do you want to grow my prayer life and draw me closer to you?

• How do you want to use me this year to share love and encouragement with those who need it most?

• What do you want me to subtract or add this year so that I might focus more on you?

• What do you want to teach me this year?

• What do you want me to share with others this year?

• What are your dreams for me? For my family? 

• What are your dreams for Union Christian Church?

• What are your dreams for our community, and how might you want to use me and the Union Family to make those dreams a reality this year? 

Right from the start of this year, may we focus on how God works in our lives instead of what we can accomplish on our own. God is always doing something new, and we are invited to catch a glimpse of it daily as we seek his face in prayer.
 
Indeed, may God give us eyes to see and hearts that embrace the new things he wants to do in us, through us, and in our midst in 2024! I look forward to seeing all the ways God will grow and guide us this year!

The Prayerful Pause - December 20

My heart is full this Advent! It’s been a joy to journey toward the manger with you, Union family!
 
As we continue to prepare our hearts for Christmas this week, let's focus our attention on the gift that Jesus is for all people. Jesus fills our hearts with hope, peace, joy, and love during December and every day of the year! What will we do with the gift of Jesus this Christmas? May we celebrate and savor the Advent of Christ in our own hearts but also continue to share the gift of Jesus with others in both word and deed this Christmas.
 
I also encourage you to connect with Christ in worship this week. We have three upcoming services, and each will be a unique opportunity for you to reflect on the gift of Jesus.
 
We will hold our Blue Christmas Service tonight, Wednesday, December 20, at 6:00 PM. Some are carrying the heaviness of grief and are feeling blue during this season. Union’s Blue Christmas Service will offer a quiet and reflective time of worship that acknowledges the heaviness of grief and loss while also pointing to the hope that Jesus gives. After the service, we will have some light snacks in the Fellowship Hall for those who wish to linger and experience the warmth and love of Union's caring community. 
 
Since Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year, we have two chances to worship together on December 24!
 
At 11:00 AM, we will gather for a joyous, family-friendly service with all ages of the Union family, from the youngest to the oldest. Our children and those young at heart are welcome to join us for worship wearing your Christmas PJs if you like! Please note that Sunday School will not meet on Christmas Eve morning.
 
Our Candlelight Christmas Eve Service will take place at 5:00 PM on December 24. Come and share in the joy of Christmas as we light the Christ Candle, share communion together, and celebrate the birth of Jesus.
 
Finally, please take a moment this week to invite a friend or neighbor to worship with you this Christmas. Personal invitations mean so much, and they are also a great way to encourage others to connect with Christ and a caring church family.
 
May God bless you and your family this Christmas and continue to fill your hearts with the joy of Jesus!

The Prayerful Pause - December 13

Can you believe it? Christmas is almost here! In just 12 more days, we will celebrate Jesus' birth once again! Even as we await Jesus' arrival, we have several opportunities coming up this week to prepare our hearts for Christmas. I hope you will join us and invite others too.
 
On Saturday, we are participating in Wreaths Across America by laying Christmas wreaths on the graves of the 46 veterans buried in Union's cemetery. Volunteers are needed to help with this effort. We will gather on Saturday at 1:00 PM in the cemetery for this unique time of remembrance. 
 
This Saturday evening from 3-5 PM, you are also invited to a Christmas Open House at our home (3147 Meadow Springs Drive). We will have fantastic finger foods and warm fellowship together. Jyoti is also excited to show you all her Christmas decorations! You don't need to bring anything to the party, and you are most welcome to invite a friend or neighbor, too.
 
This Sunday, we have another tremendous opportunity to worship God and enjoy the music of the season. Our choir has been practicing hard and will lead us in worship this Sunday, sharing several anthems and readings during the service. Our music ministry blesses us at Union, and we are thankful for the faithful service of JR, Gina, the Choir, and our Worship Band. Please take a moment to invite a friend or neighbor to join us for our special music service this Sunday.
 
Finally, as we continue to prepare our hearts for Christmas, I want to encourage each of us to be intentional about pressing the pause button during this busy time of year by spending time with God each day. We can spend time with God anywhere, praying, reading Scripture, listening to music, or reflecting on God's goodness in silence. As we prepare for the coming of Christ, I am praying that we will be even more intentional about abiding in Christ each day. For when we abide in Christ, God fills us with the love of Christ and helps us share that love with others, too. May the hope, peace, joy, and love of Jesus dwell with you richly today and always.

The Prayerful Pause - December 6

I love the season of Advent! The word Advent means "coming," and it's a season of preparation and waiting where we anticipate the coming of Christ. But Advent is more than just a countdown to Christmas that we fast forward through, hoping to get on to the big day and the big celebration of Christmas. Advent is a season of waiting where we are called to remember the past and anticipate the future, opening our hearts and our lives up to the new and unexpected things that God wants to birth in us.
 
During Advent, we look to the past, and we remember how God’s people longed for a rescuer. They, too, were waiting for the promised Messiah to set them free from the oppressive rule of the Romans. Yet, God had even more abundant plans, sending his one and only Son to rescue, redeem, and deliver humanity from the oppression of sin, setting people free forever.
 
But in Advent, we also look to the future—watching and waiting for Christ to come once again. Yes, Advent reminds us that Christ, who once came as a little baby in Bethlehem, will one day come again in glory to make all things new and set right all the world’s wrongs once and for all. 
 
Indeed, Advent is a call to remember the past and anticipate the future. This Advent, may we open our hearts and our lives up to the coming of Christ once again, and may he fill us with hope, peace, joy, and love.