Christian Education & Spiritual Formation

Equipping Minds and
Inspiring Souls

We believe that faith is a lifelong journey, and as a community value being able to continue to learn and grow in relationship with God and one another. Through worship and prayer, along with many opportunities to study, learn, discuss, ask questions, and discern God’s truth, we continue that journey together. We believe that God is Still Speaking, meaning that there is always more to learn, no question is off limits, and we are enriched by the ability to wrestle with it all in community.

A Weekend Of Reflection

Men's Retreat: October 3-5, 2025

From the evening of Friday, October 3rd through the early afternoon of Sunday, October 5th, the Men of Union meet at Crossroads Retreat Center in Port Murray, New Jersey. Our theme this year will be “The Changing Role Of Men In Family And Society.” This year’s facilitator is Rev. Rusty Eidman-Hicks. In addition to our themed discussions, a key goal of the retreat is to deepen the camaraderie and support we find among this group of men.

Click here to register for the Men’s Retreat.

If you have questions, reach out to Mike Spinella at 973-943-0501 or mspinella2554@gmail.com.

Daytime Bible Study

Tuesdays at 12:30pm in the Guild Room

Bible Study is on hiatus for the summer and will return on September 2 to discuss the summer congregational read “Just Action – How To Challenge Segregation Enacted Under The Color Of Law.”

From Bible Study Leader Paul N:
During Daytime Bible Study, we discuss the Bible and books that analyze the Bible in depth. We also have fun and food. In 2024, we studied Mark and screened films Sabbath and 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted A Culture. We read books about Holy Week, the Sabbath, The Sermon On The Mount, and Biblical women. All reference resources, translations, and interpretations are welcome.

Past Bible Study Books Have Included:
Sabbath As Resistance by Walter Brueggeman
Entering The Passion Of Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine
Jesus’ Alternative Plan: The Sermon On The Mount by Richard Rohr

Second Hours

Our Second Hour programs take place in the Assembly Room after Sunday worship. Second Hours give us an opportunity to gather and continue to learn and grow with non-profit partners, education, and service projects.

Past Second Hours Have Included:
Rev. Dawn Jefferson ‘From Hospitality To Belonging” “The Future Of Food” With Analisa Winther
Discussion Of Montclair Redlining Maps  

Retreats

Discover a space for profound spiritual exploration and personal renewal at Union Congregational Church’s retreats. These retreats allow people a unique opportunity to step away from daily pressure, connect with their inner selves, and foster deeper connections with others on a shared spiritual journey. The Men’s Retreat occurs annually in October at Crossroads Retreat Center. The Women’s Retreat takes place annually in January at Trinity Retreat Center in Connecticut. Details on each retreat are published about a month before the event.

Past Interfaith And Clergy-Led Programs

Most recently, Rev. Marie lead a book discussion series on Zoom about the book “How We Learn To Be Brave” by Bishop Mariann Budde.

Union Cong co-sponsored a film screening Of I Will Build This World From Love with Temple Ner Tamid.

Rev. Ron lead a 5-week discussion series around “America’s Unholy Ghosts” by Joel Goza.

Past Congregational Reads Have Included:
How To Be Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Sharing Leadership by Sarah B. Drummond
How To Begin When Your World Is Ending by Molly P. Baskette

Learning Together, Growing Together

Summer Congregational Book Read

We just concluded discussion of our summer congregational read Just Action – How To Challenge Segregation Enacted Under The Color Of Law by Richard and Leah Rothstein. This book is a follow up to the film, Segregated By Design, about the lasting impact of government-sponsored redlining, that we screened in January, and offers concrete policies and actions to begin to address this intergenerational injustice and undo the damage. There will be book discussions over the summer and the authors will speak in Montclair in person on September 10. Contact Ina with any questions.