In a world often divided over many things, God calls us to find unity in Christ and his love. In the coming weeks, we have several significant opportunities for us as a church to connect with people both within and beyond our walls. These events are not just social gatherings, but they are manifestations of God's love and unity in action. I hope you will take part as the Lord leads and also pray that God's love and unity will be evident in all of these interactions with the wider community.
On Friday, October 25, Union members will volunteer at Area Churches Together Serving (ACTS) from 9 to 1. ACTS faithfully shares food and clothing with neighbors in need. This hands-on opportunity to serve at ACTS is not just a duty, but a joyous experience that allows us to step into God's calling to care for the vulnerable with love. Join Union friends and folks from sister churches serving at ACTS as we seek to love our community together.
This Sunday, we will welcome our local community to Union for our annual Fall Family Fun Night on Sunday, October 27, from 3-5 PM! Our Fall Family Fun Night is a chance to reach out to young families in our community and create memories that will last long after the leaves have fallen. Please take a moment to invite friends, neighbors, and family to experience the warmth of our church community at this outreach event. We still need a few more volunteers and donations to make this event a success, so please consider lending a hand. You can reach out to Holly if you would like to help.
On Monday, November 4, at 5:30 PM, we will join other churches in our area for a Community Prayer Service at Watkinsville First United Methodist Church. This service is a time for us to come together as a community of Christ followers in unity, peace, and love. In the face of political polarization and division, we are reminded that Christ calls us to unity. This service with other sister churches is an opportunity for us to lay aside our differences and seek God's unifying heart together. I hope you will join us for this special service.
This November, we also have two unique opportunities to honor the veterans in our congregation and the wider community! Please invite a veteran you know to join us for these special days.
We are hosting a Veterans' Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, November 6, at 11:30 AM in the Union Fellowship Hall. This Luncheon is a time to come together, express gratitude, and share a meal in fellowship with those who have given so much to our country.
On Sunday, November 10, we will also have our annual veterans' recognition in morning worship. If you have a loved one who has served, we would love to include their picture in our photo slideshow.
Each of these upcoming events offers a chance for us to come together in love and unity with others! Just as a puzzle cannot be complete without every piece, the tapestry of God's beloved community is made whole when Christ brings us together in his love. Let's continue prayerfully seeking connection and unity in the coming days, remembering that as Disciples, we are a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world! I love you, Union Family, and I love being your pastor, too!