Weekly Vigil: Peace & Justice for Immigrants
2025-11-25 16:45 - 17:45, 2025-12-02 16:45 - 17:45, 2025-12-09 16:45 - 17:45, 2025-12-16 16:45 - 17:45, 2025-12-23 16:45 - 17:45, 2025-12-30 16:45 - 17:45, 2026-01-06 16:45 - 17:45, 2026-01-13 16:45 - 17:45 (America/New_York) and 2 more dates | Unitarian Universalist Church, 147 High St, Medford, MA, United States
As we witness our neighbors in the United States accosted by masked government agents, incarcerated, and in many cases deported without due process, we believe that we must as people of conscience stand up
against this violation of human rights and United States law and the cruel upending of countless people’s lives.
Please join this standout in front of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Medford, 147 High St., each Tuesday, 4:45-5:45.
This is a silent, peaceful demonstration.
Please bring a sign if you wish.
For more information, contact Steve Schmidt lesapeuruu@gmail.com or Liz
Ammons elizabeth.ammons@tufts.edu

Sunday Soul Circle: Ache & Anticipation
2025-11-30 08:30 - 09:30 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82882360638?pwd=[REDACTED]
The week after Thanksgiving often feels like a soft exhale—too soon for tinsel, too soon for frenzy, not quite ready for the turning of the liturgical wheel. And yet Advent arrives anyway, quiet as a breath, asking us to notice the shimmer beneath the numbness, the tremble beneath the familiar.
This season begins in the half-light: where the sky feels unsteady, where our hearts do too, where waiting holds both ache and anticipation. The gospel imagines trembling stars and roaring seas, but our own lives hum with smaller signs—unspoken longings, tender hopes, the subtle glow of something about to change.
This Sunday’s Soul Circle invites you into that thin place between what is and what might be. We’ll breathe, listen, and reflect together as we sit with the slop and the shimmer—the griefs we carry and the hopes that flicker in the quiet. Come experience a spacious circle of poetry, scripture, honest sharing, and gentle wisdom as we open ourselves to the possibility that God’s almost-presence is drawing near, even now.

Sanctuary UCC Sunday Spiritual Circle – for prayer, care, reflection, and connection.
~~~~
Wendy Miller Olapade – 617.592.5853 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
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Annual Congregational Meeting (2025)
2025-12-02 19:00 - 20:30 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82581670394?pwd=[REDACTED]
CALL TO ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING (2025) (click for details and agenda)
Congregational Church of West Medford DBA Sanctuary United Church of Christ
ONLINE ONLY – Tuesday, 12/02/2025 (7:00 – 8:30 pm)
Location: Sanctuary UCC via Zoom
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Sunday Soul Circle: Holding On With Grace
2025-12-07 08:30 - 09:30 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82882360638?pwd=[REDACTED]
Be patient, therefore, siblings… Strengthen your hearts… do not grumble against one another… – James 5:7-10
Advent asks us to do something most of us resist: slow down, breathe deeply, and trust that what we cannot yet see is already taking shape. But honest waiting is hard. Life feels turbulent. People feel pushy. Our patience wears thin in the lines, delays, disappointments, and everyday friction of being human. The epistle of James invites us into a different posture—a holy kind of waiting that strengthens the heart and keeps our community tender even when the world feels tense.
This Soul Circle explores three movements: wait, brace, and be kind—through scripture, poetry, silence, and shared reflection. We gather not to pretend everything is peaceful, but to practice a peace that can withstand turbulence. Together, we will notice where impatience grips us, where fear tenses us, and where grace might invite us to soften, release, or respond differently.
Come sit in community. Come be restored. Come listen for the gentle wisdom that grows in the space between now and what God is still bringing to birth.
Sanctuary UCC Sunday Spiritual Circle – for prayer, care, reflection, and connection.
~~~~
Wendy Miller Olapade – 617.592.5853 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 828 8236 0638
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Rev. Wendy Preaching @ Shiloh Baptist
2025-12-07 11:30 - 13:00, 2026-01-04 11:00 - 12:30, 2026-02-01 11:00 - 12:30 | Shiloh Baptist Church, 1 Holton St, Medford, MA, United States

Living Soulfully: A Circle for Conversation and Connection
2025-12-12 14:00 - 15:15, 2026-01-09 14:00 - 15:15 | Riverside Towers, 99 Riverside Ave, Medford, MA, United States
Riverside Towers Community RoomRev. Wendy hosts a monthly Circle for Conversation and Connection with the residents of Riverside Towers. Using a wide range of inspiration (poetry, art, music, oracle cards, and more) the participants reflect on prompts designed to make soul connections and each other’s stories.
This month’s theme is: Watch this space for more information about the theme.

In Good Company: The Art of Becoming Together
2025-12-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Arts Collaborative Medford, 162 Mystic Ave, Medford, MA, United States
Please RSVP for this Event Here
Art & Soul Circle: In Good Company
Friday, Dec. 12 | 6:30–8:30 pm · Arts Collaborative Medford
What if the real masterpiece is not the art on the walls — but the way we shape one another?
This month’s Art & Soul Circle steps inside In Good Company, ACM’s first Studio Artist Group Show, to explore the quieter, often unseen ways creativity grows in shared space. These fourteen artists have been changed simply by being near each other — borrowing courage, exchanging ideas, carrying one another’s stillness and spark.
In this Art & Soul, we ask a different kind of question:
What happens when we enter that same atmosphere of shared becoming?
Together, we’ll wander the exhibition, notice what rises in us, and practice the art behind all art — the art of connection, presence, and community.
No need to make anything. Just come willing to listen, reflect, and be shaped by the company you keep.
Come curious. Come open. Come discover what is possible when we stop creating alone — and start becoming, together.
Please RSVP for this Event Here

Sunday Soul Circle: Joy That Roars
2025-12-14 08:30 - 09:30 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82882360638?pwd=[REDACTED]
This Sunday at Sanctuary Soul Circle, we gather not for the glittery kind of joy, but for the kind that can stand its ground. The kind that sings through sorrow. Inspired by a powerful reflection from Quinn Caldwell, we’ll explore what it means to be the only species on earth that sings together in rhythm—even when danger is near. We’ll reflect on the fierce courage of communal song, the rhythm that unites our hearts, and the kind of Advent joy that doesn’t whisper—it roars.
Most creatures fall silent when predators approach. But humans? We lift our voices louder. We harmonize. We breathe together. And we become a body that does not back down. This is joy as defiance. Joy as connection. Joy with a job to do.
Come join the circle. You’ll experience breath prayer, soul-centered music, sacred silence, communal reflection, and a space where your voice—and your longing—are welcome. Whether you feel ready to roar or can barely hum, come as you are. We’ll sing anyway. Together.
Sanctuary UCC Sunday Spiritual Circle – for prayer, care, reflection, and connection.
~~~~
Wendy Miller Olapade – 617.592.5853 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82882360638?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 828 8236 0638
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• +1 305 224 1968 US
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Remembering Doug Weeks
2025-12-16 19:30 - 21:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84467247573?pwd=[REDACTED]
A Virtual Gathering of Remembrance for Doug Weeks
We gather to remember and celebrate the life of our beloved friend and congregation member, Doug Weeks—a man whose spirit moved as easily through a song as it did through a story, a shared meal, or a moment of kindness. With a life shaped by artistry and generosity, Doug brought his gifts to stages from Broadway to Europe, to film sets with Scorsese and Eastwood, and to the circles and communities he called home. He was a singer, actor, guitarist, chef, storyteller, partner, and friend; someone who carried his craft with humility, warmth, and joy.
This virtual gathering will offer space for memory and mourning, celebration and gratitude. We will share stories, hear music he loved, recall moments that made us laugh, and hold one another as we grieve the ache of his absence. Though his funeral service will take place in the spring in his hometown of Falmouth, this time together allows our community to honor his life now—to remember the sound of his voice, the way he lifted spirits, and the creativity and compassion he brought to all he touched.
All are welcome. Bring a story, a memory, a candle, or simply your heart.
Together, we will give thanks for Doug’s life and entrust him to God’s eternal care and peace.
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Sunday Soul Circle: A Wilder Light
2025-12-21 08:30 - 09:30 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82882360638?pwd=[REDACTED]
A Wilder Light: When a Candle Isn’t Enough
“Night will be no more. They won’t need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will shine on them.” – Revelation 22:5
The winter solstice brings the longest night—and an ancient promise. Despite the shadows that linger all around us, the Light that darkness cannot overcome is coming.
So, despite the real darkness in the world (and perhaps in our lives) we gather—not around a tree but around a fire—a fire of justice, healing, and fierce hope.
Join us for a special Christmas Soul Circle where we lean into the darkness not with fear, but with faith. Through poetry, music, candlelight, and shared reflection, we’ll kindle a flame that even the longest night can’t put out.
Bring a friend. Bring your shadows and your longing. Come blaze with us.
With love, Rev. Wendy
Sanctuary UCC Sunday Spiritual Circle – for prayer, care, reflection, and connection.
~~~~
Wendy Miller Olapade – 617.592.5853 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82882360638?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 828 8236 0638
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Dial by your location
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• +1 305 224 1968 US
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──────────

Christmas Sunday - Sanctuary @ Shiloh Baptist
2025-12-21 11:30 - 13:30 | Shiloh Baptist Church, 1 Holton St, Medford, MA, United States
An Ordinary Man
When we picture the Christmas story, Joseph of Nazareth often fades into the background—silent, supportive, steady. But what if that quiet faithfulness is the very heart of the story? Joseph may not speak a word in Scripture, but his actions reveal a deep and courageous obedience that can inspire us all.
This Sunday, we’ll reflect on the man who stayed. The man who laid down pride for love, who trusted God in a dream, and who stepped into the background so that God’s light could shine forward. Joseph shows us that faith doesn’t always shout—it sometimes whispers in acts of mercy, gentleness, and quiet strength.
Join us as we honor this “average Joe” who turned out to be anything but average. In a world that celebrates noise and power, come hear the good news of a quiet saint whose faith still echoes through the ages.
~~~
Shiloh Baptist and Sanctuary UCC will share Worship and Fellowship for the Christmas Season.
Bring a special treat to share if you are able, and join in this special joint service of praise and prayer!
Onsite or online – more details here.

Sunday Soul Circle: Wintering Well
2026-01-04 08:30 - 09:30 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82882360638?pwd=[REDACTED]
Wintering Well: Rest, Roots, and the Holy Slowdown
January keeps trying to sell us a “fresh start.” But the earth is not in a hurry. Seeds are underground. Sap is low. The north is sleeping. And maybe—just maybe—your soul is too.
This Sunday’s Sanctuary Art & Soul Circle is an annual permission slip to reject linear time and return to nature’s pace: Rest. Renew. Remember. We’ll sit with a bold winter reflection, share a grounding scripture about seeds growing in the dark, listen for what is ready to be composted, and tend the inner fire that keeps you alive.
Come for gentle music, a simple art-based practice, honest conversation, and a pastoral prayer for those feeling heavy, slow, or resistant. Nothing is wrong with you. You might just be listening to the earth.
All are welcome—come as you are. Bring a pen & paper. Bring a tired heart. Bring your winter self.
Sanctuary UCC Sunday Spiritual Circle – for prayer, care, reflection, and connection.
~~~~
Wendy Miller Olapade – 617.592.5853 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82882360638?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 828 8236 0638
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Dial by your location
• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
• +1 305 224 1968 US
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All Hands Meeting - Committee of the Whole/Leadership Circle
2026-01-06 19:00 - 20:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82581670394?pwd=[REDACTED]
Committee of the Whole/Leadership Circle Meeting
All are welcome! Gather online!
Did you miss last month’s meeting? Here’s where you can find minutes from previous meetings. (https://medfordchurch.org/minutes/)
Here’s the Agenda:

Recruit Note Taker
Review MInistry Completion and Legacy Process (the things that need to happen)
Elect/Commission the Legacy Working Group (the Job Description, Composition, Characteristics of the team and the work).
Set Schedule for All Hands Meetings through June, 2026

For Reference: Complete Living Legacy Resource Guide
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Meeting ID: 825 8167 0394
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Sunday Soul Circle
2026-01-11 08:30 - 09:30 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82882360638?pwd=[REDACTED]
This week, it can feel like the world is being turned into a fear factory, and the conveyor belt never stops. Some of us are numb. Some are furious. Some are simply tired in places sleep cannot reach.
So tomorrow, we’re gathering online for Sanctuary Soul Circle to listen for wisdom that has helped people survive hard seasons for a long, long time.
Six African proverbs will be our lanterns:

Bend, don’t break.

Wait for morning.

Ask the questions that keep you from losing your way.

Weave your strength together.

Honor small steps.

Remember Ubuntu: I am because we are.

Come as you are, tender or tough, skeptical or praying. Bring a candle, a cup of something warm, and the part of you that still wants to be human.
Sanctuary UCC Sunday Spiritual Circle – for prayer, care, reflection, and connection.
~~~~
Wendy Miller Olapade – 617.592.5853 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82882360638?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 828 8236 0638
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Dial by your location
• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
• +1 305 224 1968 US
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Sunday Soul Circle: Brick by Brick, Choice by Choice
2026-01-18 08:30 - 09:30 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82882360638?pwd=[REDACTED]
This King Holiday weekend, Sanctuary Soul Circle is leaning into Dr. King’s central vision: Building the Beloved Community, not as a distant dream, but as a daily practice. Not passive hope, but active construction. 🧱🕊️
Many of us are tired. Tender. On edge. And still… here we are. This circle will be a place to tell the truth without becoming brittle, to remember that we’re not meant to carry the world alone, and to practice a love that has muscle, boundaries, and forward motion.
Scripture Lesson: 1 Corinthians 12:12–27“When one member suffers, all suffer together with it; when one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.”
In the circle, we’ll share a brief reflection, grounding breath prayer, and an embodied practice: each person will name one “brick” they’re laying this week toward Beloved Community, one concrete choice that turns faith into hands-and-feet. You’ll leave with something you can actually do, not just something nice to feel.
MLK Quote to hold us steady:

“The aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community.”

Come as you are. Come weary, come willing, come curious. We’re not trying to be heroes. We’re practicing extraordinary love the ordinary way: day after day after day
Sanctuary UCC Sunday Spiritual Circle – for prayer, care, reflection, and connection.
~~~~
Wendy Miller Olapade – 617.592.5853 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82882360638?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 828 8236 0638
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Dial by your location
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• +1 305 224 1968 US
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──────────

Rev. Wendy Preaching @ Shiloh Baptist
2026-01-18 11:00 - 12:30 | Shiloh Baptist Church, 1 Holton St, Medford, MA, United States
Details for this service and the Themes/Speakers – see the Shiloh Webpage

Sunday Soul Circle: Come Get Your Name Back
2026-01-25 08:30 - 09:30 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82882360638?pwd=[REDACTED]
“And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Child, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’” –Luke 1:22b
This Sunday, Sanctuary Soul Circle heads to the Jordan River, where Jesus steps into the water and the sky breaks open. Before Jesus preaches a sermon or performs a miracle, God speaks three names over him: Beloved. Belonging. Delight. Not as a reward, but as a beginning.
If you’re tired of carrying untrue names, if you’re longing to feel grounded again, or if you simply need a place where your nervous system can unclench for an hour, come. We’ll listen to a vivid retelling of Jesus’ baptism, connect to our own belovedness, and practice returning to God’s good name for us!.
No perfection required. Just bring your whole self. The water is waiting.
with love, Rev. Wendy
Sanctuary UCC Sunday Spiritual Circle – for prayer, care, reflection, and connection.
~~~~
Wendy Miller Olapade – 617.592.5853 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82882360638?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 828 8236 0638
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Dial by your location
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• +1 305 224 1968 US
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Sunday Soul Circle: 💔 + ❤️ Looking for a Lifeline?
2026-02-01 08:30 - 09:30 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82882360638?pwd=[REDACTED]
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.” -Romans 12:12
Micro Joys, Macro Grief: Small Wonders Help Us Survive
When the grief of the world feels too big to bear, sometimes the smallest joys are what carry us through: a deep breath you didn’t know you were holding, a warm shower on a cold morning, a song that meets you right where you are.
This week at Soul Circle, we’ll gather in the spirit of Glo Atanmo’s truth: “Micro joys are how we survive macro grief.” We’ll name what hurts. We’ll notice what helps. We’ll breathe, share, and remember that even here—especially here—beauty still finds a way.
Come as you are. Bring your weary, your wonder and leave with a lifeline.
Sanctuary UCC Sunday Spiritual Circle – for prayer, care, reflection, and connection.
~~~~
Wendy Miller Olapade – 617.592.5853 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82882360638?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 828 8236 0638
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Dial by your location
• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
• +1 305 224 1968 US
Meeting ID: 828 8236 0638
Passcode: [REDACTED]
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