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Dear Family and Friends of Union Church…
The Apostle Paul, writing to the young pastor, Timothy, offers these instructions that are fitting in every time and place:
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4, ESV)
I don’t know about you, but I have experienced no shortage of prayer concerns this past week. Between our neighbors to the south, in Haiti, to the distressing situation in Afghanistan, one may wonder where to begin! Paul’s words to Timothy could not better for such a time as this. So, as we prepare to gather for worship this weekend, I encourage you to PRAY! Honor Paul’s urging to pray in the face of human suffering due to natural disaster, the violent lust for power, and a pandemic that continues to rage. Offer petition to the Lord in view of your personal day to day struggles that, though they seem to pale in comparison, are no less real or significant. Do so without neglecting prayer of thanksgiving because the Lord is present and at work amid the brokenness of the world. We pray, not as a last resort, or in resignation to being “powerless to help in more significant ways.” No, we pray because this is our first and best response. We pray in the interest of the Lord’s desire to extend the hope of the Gospel into the direst situations.
This week in worship, we will consider the conversion story of Lydia in Acts 16. It is a remarkable story that reaffirms what is fundamentally true about Jesus’ ministry in the gospels, that the good news of the Kingdom restores women to full dignity as image-bearers of God – the Lord’s intention from the start! This is a particularly well-timed encounter with Lydia, given the real concern for women and girls in Afghanistan today. So, come ready to hear Lydia’s story. Prepare yourself for the encounter by praying now and in the days ahead for all people, but particularly the women and young girls of Afghanistan and other places around the world where their dignity is denied.
The latest forecast is looking favorable for outdoor worship on Sunday. So, bring your camp chairs if you like, and a few dollars for ice-cream after worship. I hope to see you Sunday…until then, rest secure in the Lord’s goodness and mercy!
Peace,
Tom |
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Union Church Family,
Wow! Fall is practically here and preparation for the new ministry season continues full-steam ahead. We are truly excited to welcome you back and to kick off the new ministry year together. Our tentative worship schedule is as follows:
August 22nd at 11:00am: Outdoor, parking lot worship (weather permitting) with Graeter’s ice cream to follow.
August 29th and September 5th at 11:00am: Indoor worship in the Sanctuary.
September 12th at 11:00am: Rally Day Sunday! Outdoor, parking lot worship (last one of the season, weather permitting) with food, Bruster’s ice cream and kids activities to follow.
September 19th: Kick-Off Sunday!
- 9-10am: Contemporary Worship in the Sanctuary.
- 9:30-10:45am: Children’s “Discipleship Connect Hour” in CE building. (Children will be dismissed during the offering and led to their classroom)
- 10:00-10:45am: Adult “Discipleship Connect Hour” — Gathering for Parents and Caregivers of Children in the CE lounge; Other Adult offerings and locations TBA.
- 11:00-12:00pm: Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary.
- 8:45am-12:15pm: Nursery care and coffee fellowship will be provided all morning.
Next, due to the amazing generosity of an anonymous giver (and the availability of a quality contractor) we are moving forward with plans to repair and paint the sanctuary throughout the month of October. Because of the extensive scaffolding work required to complete the project we will have to endure some minor inconvenience. But hey! If we have learned anything over the past year and a half, inconvenience is an enduring fact of life.
Finally, the leadership is well aware that COVID cases are on the uptick in several parts of the country. If those numbers should continue to increase in our community we may need to change and/or alter any of the plans above. Know that we will take any reasonable steps to limit the disease, just as we have done throughout the pandemic. However, that said, we are moving full-steam ahead with our fall ministry plans! We are not in the same situation as March 2020, without preventive and other measures to help. Right now, the risks are not as significant as they were before, and our community needs the good news of Jesus Christ more than ever. There is more to health than the absence of disease. There is emotional, spiritual health that requires our being together. So, let us move forward together this fall as a worshipping, loving and mobilizing people of God’s grace!
With anticipation in Christ,
Billy |
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Usher Team Ministry
Join this ministry that helps guests and members experience the joy of worshipping God. Ushers create a great hospitality experience by helping people find a seat if needed, and making the service run smoothly by passing collection plates, taking attendance and more. If you are interested speak to or email Tom MacLachlan at thomas.maclachlan@pnc.com
Serve on the Welcome Team
Union desires to foster a warm, friendly, hospitable environment that surprises skeptics, eases the unchurched, and empowers members. Join the Welcome Team and help us! It’s fun and easy, say hello, exude warmth and friendliness. As Christ has welcomed you, so welcome one another. For more information contact Anne Burke at aburke3503@gmail.com
Serve with the Coffee Fellowship Team
Coffee, tea and snacks are an essential component of Sunday morning church life and community. Join the Coffee Fellowship Team and help provide for this much needed ministry. Tasks include setting up, cleaning up and just providing help where needed. If you feel called to serve speak to or email Joann Barker jobarker59@comcast.net
Serve with the Live-Stream Team
[TBR] As we move to two worship services, we would like to expand our Live-Stream Team that takes care of operating the camera and the streaming box. The technology is pretty simple and easy to use. If you are the least bit tech savvy, this could be a good fit for you. We plan to put together a rotation so that team members would be responsible for 1 or 2 Sundays a month. If you are interested speak to or email Pastor Tom at tbribar@outlook.com
Serve with the Nursery Team
Our new format for worship and the Discipleship Connect Hour will require expanded hours for our nursery care for infants and toddlers. We encourage parents and grandparents to consider signing up for one Sunday a quarter to help in the nursery. (Of course you don’t have to be a parent or grandparent to help out! All adults are welcome!) The nursery will always have one paid staff who will “be in charge.” Adults who sign up to serve will act as helpers, so there is no need for extensive knowledge of the nursery procedures or special clearances. Just an affinity for holding babies, changing diapers, and loving the children of our Union Family! If you are interested speak to or email Pastor Tom at tbribar@outlook.com
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LOCATION
Union Church of Robinson Twp.
6165 Steubenville Pike
McKees Rocks, PA 15136
Ph: 4127871818
Email: Click Here
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Services
Sunday Morning Combined Worship is at 11 a.m.
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