The Rev. Ashley Renée, Union's Deacon-in-Residence, invites us into deeper connection with each other, reminding us that we are each other's gift from God. 📖 Preaching from Luke 8 43 Now there was a woman who had been suffering from a flow of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all she had on physicians, no one could cure her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, and immediately her flow of blood stopped. 45 Then Jesus asked, “Who touched me?” When they all denied it, Peter[m] said, “Master, the crowds are hemming you in and pressing against you.” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I noticed that power had gone out from me.” 47 When the woman realized that she could not remain hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him and how she had been immediately healed. 48 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” 💜 About Union: The Union Combined Parish is a multisite United Methodist congregation in Boston committed to love and liberation—historically Black, multicultural, and LGBTQ+ empowering. Learn more about Union at https://unionboston.org. 🔗 Connect with us: We are a family of believers from all walks of life from all over the world. Let us get to know you, become a member of Union, or find community in person and online at https://unionboston.org/connect. 💪 To give to Union's mission of love, justice, and service, go to https://unionboston.org/give.

The Rev. Laura Everett delivers a powerful word on wholeness, bodies, and worth continuing our Lenten sermon series, "Longing." "God" by Doechii: https://youtu.be/7cdBJ9cwxKI?si=1iuSgtDwNENB2_Gu ABOUT LAURA The Rev. Laura E. Everett serves at the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches. A graduate of Brown University, Laura received her Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School. Ordained by the United Church of Christ, Laura is formed by many parts of the Church. She is happiest exploring somewhere new, preferably by bike. A dedicated urbanist and bicycle evangelist, Rev. Laura is the author of “Holy Spokes: The Search for Urban Spirituality on Two Wheels.” Committed to the renewal and thriving of vibrant Christian institutions, she serves as an advisor with Leadership Education at Duke Divinity School. Laura is also the co-host of the podcast “Can These Bones” with Bill Lamar, from Faith & Leadership at Duke Divinity School. Laura aims for attraction not persuasion. A moderately competent seamstress, Laura loves working with her hands. 📖 Preaching from 1 Corinthians 6 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we[b] are the temple of the living God, as God said, “I will live in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, 18 and I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 7v1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of flesh and of spirit, making holiness perfect in the fear of God. 💜 About Union: The Union Combined Parish is a multisite United Methodist congregation in Boston committed to love and liberation—historically Black, multicultural, and LGBTQ+ empowering. Learn more about Union at https://unionboston.org. 🔗 Connect with us: We are a family of believers from all walks of life from all over the world. Let us get to know you, become a member of Union, or find community in person and online at https://unionboston.org/connect. 💪 To give to Union's mission of love, justice, and service, go to https://unionboston.org/give.

The Rev. Nikki Renée, Union's Preacher-in-Residence, begins our Lenten sermon series, "Longing," by preaching on clarity in listening for God's voice. 📖 Preaching from Luke 4 1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tested by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over he was famished. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” 4 Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’" 5 Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And the devil said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered him, “It is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’ 9 Then the devil led him to Jerusalem and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ 11 and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” 12 Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13 When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time. 💜 About Union: The Union Combined Parish is a multisite United Methodist congregation in Boston committed to love and liberation—historically Black, multicultural, and LGBTQ+ empowering. Learn more about Union at https://unionboston.org. 🔗 Connect with us: We are a family of believers from all walks of life from all over the world. Let us get to know you, become a member of Union, or find community in person and online at https://unionboston.org/connect. 💪 To give to Union's mission of love, justice, and service, go to https://unionboston.org/give.

The Rev. Nikki Renée, our Preacher-in-Residence, begins Women's History Month at Union urging us to find ourselves in the margins to be in solidarity with those who need us. 📖 Preaching from Luke 9 28 About eight days after saying this, Jesus took Peter, John and James and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 While Jesus was praying, his face changed in appearance and the clothes he wore became dazzlingly white. 30 Suddenly two people were there talking with Jesus-Moses and Elijah. 31 They appeared in glory and spoke of the prophecy that Jesus was about to fulfill in Jerusalem. 32 Peter and the others had already fallen into a deep sleep, but awakening, they saw Jesus' glory-and the two people who were standing next to him. 33 When the two were leaving, Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, how good it is for us to be here! Let's set up three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah!" Peter didn't really know what he was saying. 34 While Peter was speaking, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and the disciples grew fearful as the others entered it. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice which said, "This is my Own, my Chosen One. Listen to him!" 36 When the voice finished speaking, they saw no one but Jesus standing there. The disciples kept quiet, telling nothing of what they had seen at that time to anyone. 💜 About Union: The Union Combined Parish is a multisite United Methodist congregation in Boston committed to love and liberation—historically Black, multicultural, and LGBTQ+ empowering. Learn more about Union at https://unionboston.org. 🔗 Connect with us: We are a family of believers from all walks of life from all over the world. Let us get to know you, become a member of Union, or find community in person and online at https://unionboston.org/connect. 💪 To give to Union's mission of love, justice, and service, go to https://unionboston.org/give.

Lead Pastor Jay Williams preaches a comforting word about the God that cares for us, caring for ourselves, and caring for one another—especially during these times. 📖 Preaching from 1 Peter 5 1 I send a word of advice to the elders among you. I, too, am an elder, as well as a witness to the sufferings of Christ and a partaker of the glory that will be revealed. 2 Shepherd the flock entrusted to you. Shepherd it, not just out of duty, but eagerly, as God would have it. Don’t do it for money, but do it freely. 3 Don’t be pompous or domineering, but set an example for the whole community to follow. 4 Then when the chief Shepherd comes, you will receive a crown of unfading glory. 5 Let the young among you respect the leadership of the elders. Let all of you clothe yourselves in humility toward each other, for “God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble.” 6 Therefore, humble yourselves before God’s mighty power, that you may be exalted by God on the appointed day. 7 Cast all your cares on God, who cares for you. 8 Be sober. Be watchful. For your adversary the Devil roams about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. 9 Stand up to the Devil as one strong in faith, fortified with the knowledge that your sisters and brothers throughout the world share the same afflictions. 10 But the God of all grace, who called you to eternal glory through Jesus Christ, will fulfill, restore, strengthen and establish you after you have suffered a little while. 11 To God be glory and dominion forever and ever! Amen. 💜 About Union: The Union Combined Parish is a multisite United Methodist congregation in Boston committed to love and liberation—historically Black, multicultural, and LGBTQ+ empowering. Learn more about Union at https://unionboston.org. 🔗 Connect with us: We are a family of believers from all walks of life from all over the world. Let us get to know you, become a member of Union, or find community in person and online at https://unionboston.org/connect. 💪 To give to Union's mission of love, justice, and service, go to https://unionboston.org/give.

Discipleship Pastor Kyle Walden continues preaching for Black History and Futures Month on our collective struggle for freedom. The liberation of all of God's children is intertwined. 📖 Preaching from Romans 12 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly;[b] do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 Instead, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink, for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 💜 About Union: The Union Combined Parish is a multisite United Methodist congregation in Boston committed to love and liberation—historically Black, multicultural, and LGBTQ+ empowering. Learn more about Union at https://unionboston.org. 🔗 Connect with us: We are a family of believers from all walks of life from all over the world. Let us get to know you, become a member of Union, or find community in person and online at https://unionboston.org/connect. 💪 To give to Union's mission of love, justice, and service, go to https://unionboston.org/give.

Lead Pastor Jay Williams preaches from the Song of Songs, leaning on Black theology, to proclaim the beauty in Black Christianity—a Christianity that calls us to a better future for all. 📖 Preaching from Song of Songs 1:4 We will exult and rejoice in you; we will extol your love more than wine; rightly do they love you. They are right to love you, every one of them! 5 Me Do you think me dark, oh daughters of Jerusalem? Oh, I am; I am black and beautiful Dark as the night inside a tent in Kedar; dark as the secrets inside Solomon’s tents. 4:7 Beauty was named for you, my darling; your beauty is perfect. 8:6 Set me as a seal upon your heart, As a seal upon your arm; For love is strong as death, Passion fierce as the grave. Its flashes are of fire, A raging flame. 7 Many waters cannot quench love, Neither can the flood drown it. If one offered for love All the wealth of one’s house, It would be utterly scorned. 💜 About Union: The Union Combined Parish is a multisite United Methodist congregation in Boston committed to love and liberation—historically Black, multicultural, and LGBTQ+ empowering. Learn more about Union at https://unionboston.org. 🔗 Connect with us: We are a family of believers from all walks of life from all over the world. Let us get to know you, become a member of Union, or find community in person and online at https://unionboston.org/connect. 💪 To give to Union's mission of love, justice, and service, go to https://unionboston.org/give.

Lead Pastor Jay Williams preaches on Black history and how it guides us to radical solidarity with the oppressed and vulnerable—especially now. 📖 Preaching from 1 Thessalonians 5 12 We ask you, sisters and brothers, to respect those who labor among you, who have charge over you in Christ as your teachers. 13 Esteem them highly, with a special love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 We urge you, sisters and brothers, to warn the idlers, cheer up the fainthearted, support the weak, and be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that no one repays one evil with another. Always seek what is good for each other—and for all people. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 and give thanks for everything—for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Don't stifle the Spirit; 20 don't despise the prophetic gift. 21 But test everything and accept only what is good. 22 Avoid any semblance of evil. 23 May the God of peace make you perfect in holiness. May you be preserved whole and complete—spirit, soul, and body—irreproachable at the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ. 24 The One who calls us is trustworthy: God will make sure it comes to pass. 25 Sisters and brothers, pray for us. 26 Greet all the sisters and brothers with a holy kiss. 27 My orders, in the name of Christ, are that this letter is to be read to all the sisters and brothers. 28 The grace of our Savior Jesus Christ be with you. 💜 About Union: The Union Combined Parish is a multisite United Methodist congregation in Boston committed to love and liberation—historically Black, multicultural, and LGBTQ+ empowering. Learn more about Union at https://unionboston.org. 🔗 Connect with us: We are a family of believers from all walks of life from all over the world. Let us get to know you, become a member of Union, or find community in person and online at https://unionboston.org/connect. 💪 To give to Union's mission of love, justice, and service, go to https://unionboston.org/give.