The Tower Chimes

We hope you enjoy receiving our weekly email designed to keep you informed on current and upcoming events scheduled here at Union Church of Pocantico Hills

Message from the Pastor

Dear Friends,

What a wonderful picnic we had on Sunday! We had perfect weather to enjoy our beautiful space. It was fun to watch our children run and play. I greatly enjoyed spending this time with all of you! Thank you to our Deacons, especially Bill Graham and Bill Schellhas (with Robby, the young apprentice) for procuring supplies and managing the grill!

Last Saturday, I had the privilege of joining the Graham family as we dedicated a bench alongside Swan Lake to Bill Graham, Sr. There is a plaque on the bench. Stop by and sit for a while in this reflective spot and join us in honoring Bill Graham and his love of these woods.

Thank you to Shakira Brunson for her wonderful leadership of our Sunday School this year! Our children finished out the Sunday School year by leading us in the Call to Worship and sharing their donation choices for the Heifer Project! We look forward to another wonderful Sunday School year beginning in September. We will have childcare available for all children throughout the summer.

In worship this Sunday, we will revisit the story of Jesus calming the storm, found in Mark 4:35-41. I am always drawn in by the disciples’ poignant question, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” We all have asked this question in some form, perhaps at many points in our lives. Why does Jesus sleep when the disciples are terrified? Why does he let the storm rage rather than putting it out right away? Let’s explore together!

See you Sunday!

Rev. Tricia

Picnic Update

All I can say is Wow in response to our Father's Day/end of Sunday School picnic! We had a beautiful day and the company was fantastic! A big "Thank You" to Bill Schellhas and Bill Graham Jr. for planning and organizing such a wonderful celebration. They along with Gloria and Bobby grilled all the hamburgers, turkey burgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs. The congregation supplied all of the accompanying salads and desserts we needed. It took four long tables to hold the bounty. We enjoyed our repast outside under the canopy of the trees near the parking lot with just the right amount of sunlight passing through the branches.

 To update or add a request, please speak to a Deacon or email the office at office@unionchurchph.org. 

Prayers of Thanksgiving: John becoming a father on Father's Day 40 years ago and 3 Garabaldi's birthdays, Michael's parents with us today, all the fathers and father figures in our lives, getting back into gardening and nature and continued growth and health.

Prayers of healing and support: the family and friend of John B, a longtime member who passed away, healing for Uncle Steve recovering from surgery, Ike who is undergoing chemo.

Stewardship Committee Update

Remarks delivered by Carla De Landri Sunday, June 16, 2024

Hello from the Stewardship Committee. I bring good news. And it will be short because I never want to get between anyone and their barbecue…thanks to Bill Graham and all the others working on Father’s Day to revive our Church Picnic. I am here to say ‘thank you’ to all of you for your support and your stewardship of Union Church. I want to share a snapshot of what our stewardship looks like so far this year:

1) 12 Children in our Sunday School

2) Staffing a food pantry so that it can serve folks during the summer months

3) Welcoming many new members this spring

4) 7 Children making their first Communion

But the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Thanks to you, the Music Works program grew and served 14 students this past school year. We generously gave to their fundraiser practice-a-thon. With our help-- for the first time-- the program added vocal lessons for two students. Many of us heard the students perform for their families at the end of year concert hosted by us in our Parish Hall. We did that. We brought dreams to life.

Now what is ahead for us? Collaborating with schools for a local art show and continuing to build relationships in the community.

We will also continue to fund a growing Sunday School and improvements to our audio and video Sunday service live stream.

I think it is safe to say that a year ago we would not have been able to imagine that our classrooms would now be filled with kids, we would need another section of Sunday School, and our pews would have more folks in them.

So, my ask today is a simple one—and it’s fun. Let’s imagine what the next year of growth can bring to Union Church when we share our gifts so that God can use them to grow. Who knows what can happen? That is how each of us can cultivate community and steward the community that we grow here together. If you would like to join the Stewardship Committee, please let me or Rev. Calahan know of your interest. Thank you.

Watch Pastor Tricia's Thursday YouTube video here!

This short video is a quick look at what Pastor Tricia is working on for Sunday’s service. They will be posted to YouTube each week on Thursday. Please subscribe to our page to increase our reach in YouTube’s algorithm. While you’re at it, if you are on Facebook or Instagram, follow us there too!

Click the button below to watch her Video.

Thursday's with Pastor Tricia

Hiring: Childcare Providers

We are seeking 2 childcare providers to cover our preschool and nursery age children on Sunday mornings from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Childcare providers will coordinate their schedules; in an alternating week fashion, adjusting as needed; to ensure weekly coverage of our nursery. Applicants must be 16 years old, have experience caring for children, and be able to assist with Sunday School lessons when needed.

Interested candidates may submit a letter of interest to Rev. Tricia at (pastor@unionchurchph.org).

Summer Sunday School Plans!

Our Sunday School class is on summer break. Our children are welcome to join us for worship and/or childcare. Childcare will be offered each Sunday. We look forward to seeing our children there!

We will be expanding our Sunday School into two classes, one for elementary aged children, and a childcare for younger children. Over the summer, we will be outfitting an additional room to accommodate our new class!

If you are searching for an activity to do, consider downloading the complimentary summer Heifer Activity Pack

Volunteer to help this summer

at the SHHS Food Pantry and please continue to donate to the Food Drive!

Please drop off items for the Food Drive at the Church Parish Hall,

the most needed items:

Canned Meat/Fish | Canned Beans |Peanut Butter and Jelly

Sleepy Hollow High School is a volunteer-run organization that distributes food each week to families with children registered in the Public Schools of Tarrytown who are experiencing food insecurity. During the school year, they are staffed each week with district staff, and high school student volunteers. However, when school is not in session, they are in great need of volunteers.

Every Monday in July and August. Packing bags from 9am to 10am and Distribution to families from 10am to 11am.

Thank you to everyone who has already signed up to volunteer!

We are still in need of additional volunteers for the dates below:

July 01 | August 05 | August 19

Click on the link below to sign-up!

Summer Volunteer SHHS

Celebrate your next event here!

contact Natasha for more details at office@unionchurchph.org

Are you planning a wedding? We have openings in 2025 and 2026—call us to book your date. Celebrating a graduation, birthday, reunion, or anniversary? Our venue offers the ideal indoor and outdoor spaces for your event.