Programs & Events

UPC’s “Zoom room”

Modern technology is marvelous! Thanks to the Zoom meetings system, we can gather virtually even when it’s difficult to be together in person. We’ve used our “Zoom room” for worship but also for prayer groups, book studies, hymn sings, and social times.

You can join our meetings and worship services online via your computer, tablet, or mobile device by going to https://upcbgm.org/zoom. If you’ve never used Zoom before, you’ll be prompted to download the Zoom meetings app, which will ask for permission to use your microphone and your camera. We use our “Personal Meeting ID” for worship and most of our programs, so they’re always in the same familiar place.

You can also call in over the phone, if you don’t have a microphone on your device or you can’t join online. To join as a phone call, dial 1-646-558-8656, then enter our Meeting ID: 865 274 8433 #

If you have questions or need help using Zoom, feel free to call the church office for assistance.

Bible Study

Mondays, 1–2pm in the Upper Lounge or the Zoom room

We’ve been reading from Marcus Borg’s Evolution of the Word: The New Testament in the Order the Books Were Written. Everyone is welcome to join us in person or on Zoom.

The general format is to read the introductory material for each section, then to read through the Biblical texts and talk about what it meant for early Christians and what it might mean for us today. We try to discipline ourselves to keeping the conversation to an hour every week.

UPC Sewing Group

Wednesdays, 10am–1pm in the Upper Lounge, with Zoom lunch hour at 12pm

Lobsters, Rocky Coastline, and UPC Quilts

As you may know, the Wednesday Sewing Group distributes handmade quilts, walker “carry bags”, scarves, hats, mittens, and blankets to Binghamton-area groups and organizations each December. What you may not know is that during the “off” season, the group is still spreading cheer, even as far away as the land of lobsters and L.L. Bean — the State of Maine.

Pastors Kimberly and Becky bless quilts for distribution to Camp Sunshine in Maine.

Over many years, UPC quilts have been given to Camp Sunshine, a special place in Casco, Maine, that provides year-round retreats for children with life-threatening illness and their families. The camp offers a supportive, fun, and safe environment with on-site medical and psychosocial support. It provides a place for hope, joy, and community, with a focus on recharging together. The programs are free for families and include activities for all ages, connecting those facing similar challenges. More than 60,000 children, siblings, parents, and caregivers from all 50 states and 27 countries have participated.

UPC’s connection to Camp Sunshine was initiated by Sewing Group member Jean Hill, who knew Rich Wilson, a popular local singer with ties to Camp Sunshine. Because part of the Sewing Group’s mission is to spread warmth (literally and figuratively) to those needing comfort, a relationship with Camp Sunshine was established.

The long-standing tradition of donating quilts continues, with thanks to Chris and Cindy Burger. Each year, when traveling to visit their daughter in Maine, they take quilts that are hand-delivered to Camp Sunshine. Just this month, Camp Sunshine received quilts that were much appreciated by staff, recipients, and their families. It’s refreshing to know that our outreach efforts go beyond the borders of Binghamton, Broome County, and even New York State. Lobster roll, anyone?

If you’d like to join the Wednesday Sewing Group to enhance its mission, please contact the church office or one of the members of the group: Ellen Berti, Cindy Burger, Cindy Chadwick, Monserrate Deida-Rodriguez, Linda Fiaschi, Marilynn Guinane, Jean Hill, Sally Hunt, Sharon Landon, Betsy Perry, Nancy Walter, Alan, Anntanette, Pastor Becky and Pastor Kimberly.

Zoom Happy hour

Friday evenings, 5–6pm

After more than five years of “Zooming” together, our weekly social-distance gathering is still going strong. Bring your own beverage, Zoom in, and join the fun as we catch up on the events of the week and share how we’re doing. It’s a great way to keep in touch with friends near and far.

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