As we traveled through Lent this year with the theme of “The Body Remembers”, adults were offered opportunities to try out a few embodied spiritual practices. The series opened with a session on various forms of meditation including a body scan and breathing techniques. Next, Ellie Horwitz led us in Qi Gong teaching us about body energy and deliberate movement and balancing practices. This was followed by Nan Gibbons who led us in a drum circle – the art of using our hands to make music together, basking in sound vibrations and building community. Next we tried some hand reflexology and chair yoga. And finally, we used our hands to create warmth and comfort for others making several fleece blankets for Project Linus to be distributed to children in hospitals, shelters, and foster care. You can read about this great organization here: https://www.bostonprojectlinus.com. We had such a good time feeling the Spirit in our bodies, learning some new practices, and being creative together for the sake of our neighbors.

One of the many great donations to our church auction was a promise by the youth group to spend a few hours helping out someone in need of their energetic and resourceful labor. This promise was fulfilled on Sunday as we traveled to the home of Polly and Keith Jenkins Man to help them begin the process of packing up for their move to Lincoln Commons. The kids climbed up into a small attic space to bring down boxes and other assorted items, and then into an even smaller cubby storage area to do the same. Next were the highest cupboard shelves in the kitchen and finally outside to rescue a beloved garden toad from its frozen spot in the snow. All of this, plus a pizza lunch and fun chocolate sticks for hot cocoa, made for a fabulous and productive afternoon.

In a world where many feel isolated, disconnected, or even invisible, it’s increasingly important for our church to find ways to bring people together. Now that we’ve made it through the pandemic and we’re not forced to look at each other only on computer screens, our in person gatherings feel even more special. Whether we’re at Walden Pond for walking prayer enjoying the company of others in nature, at With Us Wednesdays sharing stories and laughter, or baking pies together for church members who could use some extra cheer this year, the people of WCUC – young, old, and young at heart – are finding comfort and joy in this weary world.

Thanks to all the folks who gave and gathered to help us dedicate our gifts to Mission Partners and engage in service together on October 1st! Together we gave $47,629, made cards and sweets for delivery, worked with Art for All to upcycle political signs into mental health messages, painted kindness rocks, sorted donations for Cradles to Crayons, and made pollinator homes.

On the third Wednesday of every month, the parlor at WCUC is transformed into a community space where members and friends come to enjoy refreshments, conversations, and games/puzzles. The space is open from 10:30am – 12noon and is open for adults of all ages and abilities. Transportation is also provided by volunteers so please email Joyce (joycedegreeff@gmail.com) if you need or could offer a ride. Our next two gatherings will be on November 15th and December 20th.

Families, friends and church members came together as Team WCUC raising over $1500 in support of the Minute Man Arc March. It was a great day for fellowship and community.

Minute Man Arc (MMArc) is a human services agency that supports people of all ages who have disabilities providing therapeutic services, day programs, and a variety of supported residential options. West Concord Union Church (WCUC) and MMArc first began to partner back in the 1980’s when the first group home opened on West Street. Since that time, WCUC has hosted Sunday Fellowship, a ministry of worship and friendship for people with disabilities. Minute Man Arc is WCUC’s largest mission partner.

To open the March, State Senator Jamie Eldridge and State Representative Simon Cataldo spoke warmly about their experiences with Minute Man Arc, especially the self-advocates who regularly meet with them. Cataldo shared his excitement about a bill he co-sponsored to increase pay rates for direct care workers employed by the Department of Developmental Services. As a whole, the March raised over $125k. Enjoy the photos!

Our church has a new Community Garden! This planter was built as part of our Service Sunday last fall, and this summer we have added some marigolds and herbs to the soil. It is completely wheelchair accessible, and tools are provided so all passing by are encouraged to weed, plant, or harvest as they please. Stop by when you’re in the neighborhood!

The youth class welcomed 5th and 6th graders to join us on Sunday for a special Valentine’s Day card making project – continuing our relationship with Many Helping Hands 365. After a mini lesson on the different types of love found in the Bible, the kids decided that this project could be considered a mix of Philia (friendship) and Agape (unconditional) love. What a treat to have a jam packed youth room with kids ranging from ages 10-15, from five different towns: Maynard, Concord, Westford, Acton, and Wayland! The cards will be delivered to Helping Hands this week and will be distributed to elders in Cambridge and Boston on Valentine’s Day.

In conjunction with the Cambridge based organization Many Helping Hands 365, WCUC youth gathered on Monday to design fleece blankets and scarves, accompanied by personal notes, for unhoused young people. These items will be delivered to shelters in and around Boston sometime next week.

Check out this great organization if you’re ever looking for volunteer opportunities, social justice activism, and/or civic engagement. There’s something for everyone!

We had a great crowd for our second Service Sunday and achieved a great deal, including:
– 30 backpacks packed for those released from incarceration with Concord Prison Outreach
– 52 bags of kid-friendly food packed in decorated bags for Open Table
– 120 pounds of additional miscellaneous groceries collected for Open Table
– 51 rocks painted to share with neighbors at the Healing Garden and our Welcome Garden
– Many cards of care for members and friends written
– 1 accessible planter constructed
– Cooperation and relationship building achieved between all ages and abilities
– Cheerful adjustments made as we realized that we had a good problem: too many people to keep busy with the tasks we had planned!

Take a look! Thanks to all who participated and supported this effort!