Programs & Events

Bystander Intervention Training

Sunday, March 2, 5–7pm at UPC

Come learn how to effectively de-escalate conflict and protect your community, and learn what your rights are. Presented by Citizen Action.

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

As many of you know, the Wednesday Sewing Group works throughout the year to create quilts, carry bags for walkers, hats, mittens, and scarves for organizations in our community.

This past holiday season, the Sewing Group focused its donations on three local organizations: the YWCA of Binghamton, UHS Neonatal Unit, and NoMa (“North of Main”). NoMa is a partnership of local residents, small business owners, community organizations, and local leaders invested in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life on the west side of Binghamton between Front, Jarvis, and Main Streets.

The YWCA’s heartfelt thank-you stated that, “Your thoughtful gifts will bring warmth and comfort to those we serve, and your kindness makes a meaningful difference in their lives. The handmade items not only provide physical warmth, but also remind the women and children at our shelter that they are cared for and supported by our community. Your generosity brings both comfort and hope to those who need it most. Thank you for standing with us in our mission to empower women, support families and strengthen our community.” This response makes it all worth it!

Marion Dice (left), Jean Hill (center, in the background), and Betsy Perry bring years of experience to the Sewing Group.

Every Wednesday in the Upper Lounge, the UPC Sewing Group meets to design, cut, sew, tie, and hem quilts, and create carry bags that can be used on walkers. If Wednesdays don’t fit your schedule, projects can also be worked on at home. The group continues to bring much to the mission of UPC by enhancing our internal and external church spirit and providing functional gifts to help others and spread kindness.

Thank you to those who have donated cotton fabric for use in making quilts, worked on items at home for the greater good, or participated on Wednesdays. We welcome new members at any time. Join us on Wednesdays, 10 am to 1 pm. At noon we enjoy lunch together (chips, tea, and cookies are provided); if you can’t be there in person, we have a Zoom option to join us at lunch.

Zoom Happy hour

Friday evenings, 5–6pm

After more than four 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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