Dear Friend of Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church,
I am writing because I know you care deeply about our church and would want to know about the
critical point we are at. We have a $30,000 deficit because our maintenance and operational expenses far
outpace the contributions of our small but generous community. The strategic investments we made in the last
few years to the church building—updating fire alarm systems, handicap accessibility, improved sound system
for the hearing impaired and for our music events, plus greater energy efficiency—were critical to our
continuing mission, but have resulted in rapidly depleting our investments. And our mounting debt leads us to
consider some very difficult decisions.
At our emergency meeting with the church leadership a week ago, we reviewed our finances and
budget. We decided that we have one year before our reserves are depleted and we must sell the building. As
we considered our options we also reaffirmed our decision at last year’s Annual Meeting to do everything
possible to keep Karl as our full-time pastor – his warm, thoughtful presence is the heart of Clarendon Hill. And
we rededicated ourselves to the church and our mission.
We know that one year isn’t very much time but we are at a point where we must be proactive before it
is too late to save our church and the many communities we serve: our faith community, the Open Center
daycare, ARTSomerville, the Nave Gallery and the music performances that fill our church with joyful sounds.
During this time we are reaching out to you with an appeal to contribute financial and time resources (members
can submit pledges by mail or in the collection basket).
Please take heart that amid all this, our church has never been more vibrant or relevant to the
community it serves. In the 5.5 years since Karl joined us, our community involvement has grown considerably.
With groups for young adults, writing, yoga and Bible study, we have activities for a wide range of interests and
needs:
• Our peace and justice mission-giving includes $500 in donations to the RESPOND domestic violence
agency during our interfaith fundraiser last April, $500 to Teen Empowerment, and $500 to Somerville
Early Head Start, as well as Christmas gifts this December to Somerville Early Head Start families;
• The Nave Gallery, a collaboration between ARTSomerville and Clarendon Hill, now in its fifth year,
provides a vital exhibition space for local artists, fundraisers, and even pancake breakfasts. Thanks to a
diverse lineup of music performances, The Boston Globe recently named Clarendon Hill “the church of
rock” (the tireless Randy Winchester uploads podcasts of concerts at
www.clarendonhillchurch.org/music.html). Sunday services are also available as podcasts at our
dynamic website: www.clarendonhillchurch.org, or check out our Facebook group http://groups.to/
clarendonhill created by our outreach committee;
• We are also managing and administering a one-year grant from the New England Presbyterian
Campus Initiative (NEPCI), coordinated by Harvard Divinity School student Kelsey Rice Bogdan. Kelsey
is investigating campus ministries at accredited colleges and universities throughout New England to
create a common mission statement and strategy.
We know the economic climate is difficult and the times are troubling. But we hope you can help us
keep Clarendon Hill’s mission alive. Please join hands, hearts, and prayers so we may continue to nurture and
grow the vibrant spiritual community and mission of Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church.
Sincerely,
Liz Cavano on behalf of The Clarendon Hill Session
The Clarendon Connection
January 2009
www.clarendonhillchurch.org
Introduction to Yoga
Come join our small class after coffee hour to
practice mindful breathing and gentle yoga postures.
We will meet on January 4 and (possibly) 25. Great
for stress release, improved flexibility and strength.
Contact Liz at cavatorta1@hotmail.com for more
information.
Dates at a Glance
Jan. 4
Coffee Orders; Yoga
Jan. 11
Coffee Delivery
Jan. 18
Annual Meeting and Potluck
Jan. 23
Horizons Bible Study
Jan. 25
Yoga (maybe)
Writing Group
Everyone is welcome to join the writing group. We
begin with a group check-in, move through 1-2
writing exercises, and finish with a group check-out.
We will tailor each session to the interests of those
who attend. Contact Rachel, reichiru@gmail.com,
for meeting dates and more details.
Clarendon Happenings
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Equal Exchange
Coffee orders will be taken on
January 4 for delivery on
January 11. If you will not be in
church on Jan. 4, be sure to
email your order to Katherine
by that date (kath.gustafson@gmail.com).
Sunday Worship at Clarendon Hill
9:45 a.m.
Choir rehearsal
10:30 a.m.
Worship
10:45 a.m.
Children’s education
11:30 a.m.
Refreshments and fellowship
Communion will be celebrated on Jan. 4.
Women’s Horizons Bible Study
The Horizons Bible Study will meet at Salam
Lebbos's house in Arlington on Friday, January 23
and February 27. We gather at 3:30 p.m. and Bible
study runs from 4 to 5 p.m. All are welcome.
Contact Katherine Gustafson if you need a ride:
kath.gustafson@gmail.com.
Resident Acupuncturist
Ching Ling is a CHPC member and an acupuncturist
who has an office in the church building. She is
looking for new clients, so if you or someone you
know would like to try acupuncture, contact
chingling1943@yahoo.com.
Engagement
Congratulations to Alex Weisiger and Sarah Glass,
who became engaged this December. They wanted
to make sure everyone at CHPC had heard their
news, especially since CHPC is how they met!
Thank You
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the
Somerville Early Head Start Christmas gifts and the
Christmas Joy Offering.
Our Sympathy
Mary Reynold’s mother, Ruth Evelyn Reynolds,
passed away on December 17, 2008. A memorial
service was held Dec. 27 at the Presbyterian Church
in Sudbury. For several years, Ruth joined us in
worship and would sing with the choir. Heartfelt
sympathy to Mary Reynolds and the extended family.
Annual Meeting and Potluck
On January 18, we will hold an Annual Meeting and
potluck after church. Everyone is welcome and
encouraged to attend the meeting as we discuss the
life of the church. All committees: please turn in your
reports to Karl by the 13th.
Visit Gusti’s Blog!
The Massachusetts Bible Society has hired Gusti
Newquist to provide weekly commentary on the
Sunday lectionary. Her "mini-sermons" may be
viewed on-line at www.massbible.org/blog.
scripture
focus on mission
coffee hour
nursery
Jan. 4
A. Kwaa
S. Lebbos
Siggers
K. Gustafson
Jan. 11
E. Schemerhorn
R. Liberace
Gustafson/Cavano
V. Donovan
Jan. 18
P. Auger
K. Graf
POTLUCK
E. Schemerhorn
Jan. 25
L. Cavano
T. Siggers
Schemerhorn
N. Jirmanus
Feb. 1
M. Jirmanus
E. Schemerhorn
Donovan
K. Gustafson
Feb. 8
S. Donovan
C. Milanesi
Jirmanus
V. Donovan
Feb. 15
R. Winchester
H. Rantisi
Augers
E. Schemerhorn
Feb. 22
E. Sweeny
P. Auger
Milanesi/Kumpa
N. Jirmanus
If you would like to be added to the rotation for any of these ministry opportunities, please contact
Ann Crews Melton, editor@clarendonhillchurch.org or 617.646.9690.
The Clarendon Connection is edited by Ann Crews Melton. Articles for the February issue are requested
by Jan. 25. Email editor@clarendonhillchurch.org with news, photos, tidbits, corrections or suggestions.
Church Assignments
Lectionary Readings
January 2009
January 4
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Psalm 147:12-20
Ephesians 1:3-14
John 1:(1-9) 10-18
January 6 (Epiphany)
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
January 11
Genesis 1:1-5
Psalm 29:1-11
Acts 19:1-7
Mark 1:4-11
January 18
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
John 1:43-51
January 25
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Psalm 62:5-12
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Mark 1:14-20
February 2009
February 1
Jeremiah 1:4-10
Psalm 71:1-6
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Luke 4:21-30
February 8
Isaiah 40:21-31
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39
February 15
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30:1-12
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Mark 1:40-45
February 22
2 Kings 2:1-12
Psalm 50:1-6 2
Corinthians 4:3-6
Mark 9:2-9
February 25 (Ash Wednesday)
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12
Psalm 51:1-17
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
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Per Capita and Initial Envelopes
The offering envelopes for 2009 have
arrived. You will find them on the table at
the back of the church, near the door.
Please pick yours up. If you don’t
currently have envelopes and would like
to have some, please contact Ellen:
ellends@verizon.net.
The amount of per capita for this year
has been calculated as well: $69.01. This
is the amount our church will be sending
to the national church for each member of
our congregation. Please do all that you
can to help us send the full amount – we
must send it whether or not we are
reimbursed from you. Please remember
when figuring out your per capita that it
includes all members of your family who
are members of the church, even if they
are away at school or living and working
elsewhere.
Due to diligence, we have been able to
cut back on the amount of envelopes that
we have ordered in recent years. The cost
per giving unit is $3.00. The initial
offering envelope is to help with the cost
of the giving envelopes.
155 Powder House Blvd.
West Somerville, MA 02144-1613
tel: 617-625-4823
www.clarendonhillchurch.org
Rev. Karl
Gustafson, Minister Augustus Kwaa, Parish
Associate/Evangelist John Adams, Music Director
Arnie James, Sexton
To volunteer to help with an event, contact Randy at rwinchester@artsomerville.org.
www.artsomerville.org
the nave gallery
Upcoming Exhibit: “Shout Out!”
Jan. 16 to Feb. 7, 2009
Call for Artwork: Open to artists 21 and under from Somerville and neighboring towns
Artist Reception: TBA
"Shout out!" will showcase the creativity of local young artists. Participants are invited to
express their opinions on the issues that matter in their lives through art. The subject matter is completely
open. Suggestions include but are not limited to: family, pets, love, sorrow, politics, violence, war, fantasy,
happiness, poverty. The work chosen will represent the creative insights and thoughts of young people on
these sometimes very adult subjects.
All media is accepted including video on DVD.
Artwork can be dropped off at the Nave Gallery on the following dates:
Friday, 9 January 2009, 4 - 6 p.m.
Saturday, 10 January 2009, 12 - 2 p.m.