Announcements
You can't get there from Here
Access to the church from the west (parking lot) side is for CONSTRUCTION WORKERS ONLY. There is no access to the church through this entrance. Please enter on Alabama or through the handicap entrance on the SW corner of the church.
New Organist and Choir Director hired
Music staffing updates at Union:
We’re thrilled to announce that Luke Foster, one of our substitute organists that we’ve all enjoyed so much, has accepted the position of Organist. Luke grew up playing organ at his hometown Methodist church in Traer, Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Bachelor of Arts in piano and organ. During dental school in Iowa, he studied collaborative music and performed recitals with students and faculty at the University. Luke has extensive experience playing for churches, performing solo recitals, and accompanying for a variety of soloists and students. He especially enjoys bringing energy to worship through sacred and classical works and accompanying his wife’s violin, students, and his own children. Welcome Luke!
We’re also thrilled to announce that Sarah Foster, whom we’ve enjoyed listening both to her violin and solo singing during our preludes, has accepted the position of Part-Time Choir Director. Sarah grew up in Robbinsdale, MN. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. She currently is a Strings Teacher at Blake School in Hopkins, a Contractor of Orchestral Musicians with the Valley Chamber Chorale in Stillwater, and a Violinist with the Cavatina String Quartet in Minneapolis. She previously was the Music Director and Choir Director at Vista Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park. She is thrilled to be called to lead people in musical worship. Welcome Sarah!
New Designated Term Pastor hired
June 24, 2023
It is with great joy that I can announce that with a recommendation from the Search Committee and approval of the Executive Council, Union has hired a Designated Term Pastor. The Search Committee worked hard to consider the talents, skills and availability of the candidates. I am very grateful for the thought, concern and care members of the Search Committee displayed during the past couple months to make this difficult and important recommendation. Many thanks go out to Betty Wentworth, Sharon Wittorf, Marv Bunnell, Barb Johnson for their work on this committee.
I would like to introduce you to our new Pastor: The Reverend Doctor Elizabeth Mahan. Pastor Liz holds a BA and an MBA. She also holds a Master of Divinity and a Doctorate in Ministry. She has worked in business, as a chaplain in healthcare and hospice facilities, and as an Intentional Interim Minister. She has a wide range of interests and experiences.
The Search Committee notes from the initial interview with Pastor Liz state, “She is very warm, likable; a good listener; thoughtful, intentional, caring. She is analytical…discerns what you’re saying; good at identifying issues and concerns; her skill set: Chaplaincy, MBA with business administration background. We feel she will bring out the best in us.”
The following is a quote from her profile, used with permission:
“I am passionate about …
I am passionate about the community of the Church, both within and outside the church. At the heart of the local church lies love and deep care for the members, the staff, the building, and the ministries. I become passionate when the love of the church extends to the community partnerships whether it be social service agencies, the wider UCC, and/or ecumenical ministries. My passion becomes joy when I witness these partnerships between the Church and its community. I am passionate about stories. As a pastor and chaplain, I am passionate about hearing people’s life stories. My years in ministry have taught me that our life stories are sacred. They shape how we relate to each other, our world, and to God. I am passionate about serving my community as a volunteer. My current volunteer service includes the Protestant Committee of the Northern Star Council, BSA, the American Association of University Women, Fergus Falls Branch and the Medical Team for the Loppett Foundation’s outdoor adventure races. I am passionate about learning and teaching. I earnestly uphold my ordination vows to be a pastor and teacher as a way to engage in professional development and self- care practices. I love to learn and I love to teach. My current learning adventures include Intermediate Swedish classes and playing the harmonica.”
Pastor Liz will start on September 1, 2023. Her first service will be on September 3, 2023.
I personally look forward to the development of the housing project we have waited so long for. There is such a great need for affordable housing and I see this project as one large way that Union has lived out its mission. I also see that Union will be fresh and new in many ways. New staff and changes in the building will give a different setting for our congregation. I hope that we can promote other changes to include new ways of being church and being involved to help our community.
Cindy Budd
Moderator
Union Congregational UCC
New Worship Times starting May 28th
Due to “Dust and Demolition” and to accommodate a move to our smaller space, Worship will be held at 9:30 AM on Sundays starting on May 28th, 2023. This will allow time for Fellowship to be held in the back of the Sanctuary after the service during the construction period.
Addressing Period Poverty
The Faith Development & Outreach Board is sponsoring a “PERIOD POVERTY” collections of menstrual products (pads and tampons) to donate to STEP and to St. Louis Park schools. Ongoing donations are needed. Items can be put into the STEP box in the Narthex. Thank you!