Dear Union Church Family and Friends…

I made a comment this past Sunday, at the start of my message, about music’s power to shape our faith. Some songs tell the gospel story in a manner that is both memorable and profoundly theological. This Sunday, we’ll consider what many consider to be one of the earliest songs in the church’s repertoire. Paul seems to be quoting a “Hymn to Jesus Christ” in Philippians 2. He does so in the interests of spurring us on to think and act faithfully. The Christian faith is never just about what we believe – what happens between our ears, or internally as a matter of the heart. The Christian faith leads to a seamless life characterized by knowing, trusting, and doing. Jesus is the perfect model of human integrity in this regard.

As you prepare for worship this week, please take some time to consider those songs of the faith that have shaped your walk with Christ. Where and when did you learn the songs that come to your mind? What are the circumstances in life that cause those songs to move from memory to voice (whether you are a “sing out loud” or a “sing to myself” kind of person)? Do those songs encourage you to be brave? Do they lift your spirit when you are down? Do they reassure your faith when it waivers? Do they inspire you to pursue a more noble path of faithful obedience to Christ? Do they teach you to better love your neighbor, or enemy, or brother, or sister?

When all is said and done, we want to be able to say that we are more like Jesus day-by-day. Each day, we strive to walk in the way of Jesus – having the mind of Jesus Christ, sharing his motivations, embracing his priorities, and pursuing love for God and neighbor as he so perfectly did. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul says the goal of the church is, “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:12–13 (NIV) The fullness of Christ? That is a tall order, but not at all impossible. Only let us gather for worship, for fellowship, for service, so that the purpose of God’s work in us may be accomplished.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions or prayer concerns. I hope to see you this Sunday in worship!

Peace,

Tom

The Deacon’s have open flower calendar dates for the sanctuary flowers. The cost is $30 payable to the Union Church Deacons. Open dates for 2022 are as follows: July 17th, September 4th, October 16th, October 30th, November 20th and November 27th. If you are interested in purchasing an arrangement, please contact a Deacon or call the church office.

Do you have an upcoming high school or college graduate in your life? Union Church Discipleship team is preparing for Graduation Sunday on June 5th! If you would like someone included in this year’s celebration, please send Sarah Shaffer the name of your graduate along with a baby/childhood picture, senior picture, and intended plans post graduation (e.g. college/university, major, career path, etc.) Please respond by no later than May 29th if you would like to have your graduate included. Email information to: sashaffer37@yahoo.com

In order to ensure the directory is current for our new Interim Pastor, Doug, we will be offering to take new family pictures as well as update contact information after worship on June 12th. Pictures will be taken in the Bride’s room and directory updates will take place in Fellowship Hall to ensure you can enjoy Donut Sunday.

Our youth ministry, UYM program, is in dire need of adult leaders. As an adult leader you will be asked to help build relationships with middle school and high school students. We do this by being present for UYM weekly Bible study, monthly Youth Group meetings, and various events and activities, like 30 Hour Famine, retreats, and mission trips. If you are interested in serving with UYM please contact Kellyn von Arx, 412.337.6417

Join Union Church for Faith Night at PNC Park. Ed Jackson, Mission Elder, lined up 40 tickets for this year's game on Saturday June 4th at 4:05 p.m. in Section 108. Tickets are $35 each with a $10 food voucher on that ticket. A family of 4 would be $140, immediate family members of 5 or more would be capped at that $140. If you would like to attend, pick up a form and drop it off in the offering box OR contact Ed Jackson of Outreach/Mission Team at 315-868-1085

Looking for a mission project? Come and learn how to knit or crochet baby afghans. We just gave 95 baby afghans to Magee Women’s Hospital picked up by MedSpeed and delivered to Magee and clinics throughout Alleghany County. They are given to the less fortunate newborns. We thank all of you who continue to give yarn and monetary donations, they are much appreciated. For more information, please contact Loraine Shaffer at (412) 452-0297.

This year’s VBS will be an evening program taking place from July 18th - 22nd. The theme this year is “Making Waves” children will learn how trusting Jesus can impact their lives and the lives of those around them. Check out the registration form below for more information and to sign up. If you are interested in serving Union through VBS, please contact a member of the Discipleship Committee.

As the school year wraps up and we look forward to summer, our school year programs are coming to a close. Our last youth group will be Sunday, May 15th 6:30 - 8 p.m. Our weekly bible studies will end May 29th. Starting in June we will have a weekly brunch bible study for all UYM and Union’s first weekly mini golf league!

We are in need of students in 6th-12th grade to help with the worship service on Sunday, June 5th. Please contact Kellyn if you are interested in serving or would like more information.

UCA is looking for full time and part time summer help in both the School Age and Transitional Two's classroom. If you are interested in applying, or would like more information, please email the director, Taylor, at childcare@unionpresbychurch.org