Oct 26, 2014 Announcements

Sermon: “Into the Sacred Waters”
Scripture: Mark 1:1-15
On this Reformation Sunday, we are celebrating with the Ma family the baptism of their son. What a glorious thing this is to do, for baptism is a gift from God to us. And when we celebrate this Sunday, we are also remembering and reaffirming our own baptism as a marker and reminder of what God has done for us. Let us wade into the sacred waters this week as a congregation, and be guided by the Reformation motto “Reformed, and always reforming” as we engage and immerse ourselves into the sacred places and relationships of our lives.

Join us for worship on Sunday, October 12th at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

Child Baptism
We will celebrate with joy the baptism of the son of Laura and Ryan Ma on Sunday, October 26th. May God’s blessings be with their family.

The Men’s Bible Study
Meeting at Panera Bread in Porter Square on Wednesday, October 29th at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre.

All Soul’s Day
Sunday, November 2 – A Celebration of Students – All students of all ages! Join us for a mid-semester break – the Deacons will have a special treat for you…

Potluck and Program: “Grief and Loss: A Spiritual Challenge”
Sunday, November 16th – We’ll have a potluck meal after the service and then a presentation from Melissa Kelley. Melissa M. Kelley is associate professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling and the faculty director of the Professional Ministry Practicum at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. Mark your calendars!

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ART AND SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS

Nave Gallery – Truth Telling: Art in Search of Social Justice
Special exhibit! The Nave Gallery, located in our building, will be holding a special show in October.  Celebrating the gallery’s 10th anniversary, it’s called Truth Telling: Art in Search of Social Justice and will be curated by our former pastor, Karl Gustafson. Please note Sunday, October 5th, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. in your calendar, and plan to attend the opening!  Karl will be visiting the area for a week, and will be at the opening.

The Blues as Truth-Telling:  Scott Ainslie in Concert
Sunday, October 26th, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Reflect on the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and civil rights today with noted blues historian and musician, Scott Ainslie.

5:00 p.m.:  Community Reception to meet the artist (free)
6:00 p.m.:  Concert and discussion ($10.00 suggested donation)
Public welcome!  More information about Scott Ainslie at http://scottainslie.com/

Oct 19, 2014 Announcements

Sermon: “The Cost of Amazement”
Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22; First Thessalonians 1:1-10
Note in the gospel passage how those trying to trap Jesus hear themselves shamed in front of the crowd, and then he answers their question in a way that “amazes” them. I am struck by this notion of what is was like to be caught in the gaze of Jesus, and think they must have been shaken to their very core as to how they saw themselves. I think this is close to what many conversions are like, when someone begins to see themselves from the divine perspective, and yet somehow feel beloved in spite of it all. I am also remembering Bonhoeffer’s “Cost of Discipleship”, and think there is a cost to seeing oneself from this divine perspective…..

Join us for worship on Sunday, October 12th at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

Prayer Meeting
Sunday, October 19th:  We will meet in the Green Room after coffee hour. Jesus said, ‘When two or three are gathered in my name, I am there.” Bring your prayers about whatever joys or concerns you may have on your mind and in your heart. All are welcome to attend.

Talk Poetry – Hear the Truth!
Poetry Jam hosted by Clint Smith, National Poetry Slam Champion
Come to the Social Justice Poetry Night to hear some powerful, inspiring words on the biggest issues plaguing our society. The event features Clint Smith, Alison Bwalya Erlwanger, Katerina Canyon, and local, young poets. All donations from the event go to the Center for Teen Empowerment (http://teenempowerment.org/).
5:00 pm: Community reception to meet the artists (free)
6:00 pm Performance by Clint Smith and area poets
$10 suggested donation to benefit the Center for Teen Empowerment in Somerville

The event is organized by the Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church in collaboration with the Nave Gallery as part of the exhibition Truth Telling: Art in Search of Social Justice. The show celebrates the 10-year partnership of the Nave and the Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church in showing and supporting the work of hundreds of artists, while reinforcing a mutual commitment to strengthening the community through art activism. Truth Telling is a celebration of this partnership and an assertion that art is a vehicle through which conversations on social change can be held, compelling people to action.

Conversations on Eco-Justice:
Wednesday, October 22nd: Introduction to the Watershed Discipleship Movement
What does Christian discipleship have to do with our local watershed, our farms and gardens, and the ecosystems on which all life depends?
The interlocking crises of deepening climate change, resource exhaustion, and social disparity are stalking our history. To truly face these crises is to commit ourselves, as Christians and citizens, to radical and urgent changes that are both profoundly political and personal. What are the perceptions and practices that center on ecological and economic resiliency, restoration, and renewal?
Anyone who is interested in the intersection of Christian spirituality and ecological restoration is encouraged to attend!
Gathering begins at 6:30,ending at 8:00 p.m. in the Green Room.
Public Welcome!! Booklets available at the meetings.

Child Baptism
We will celebrate with joy the baptism of the son of Laura and Ryan Ma on Sunday, October 26th. May God’s blessings be with their family.

——————

ART AND SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS

Nave Gallery – Truth Telling: Art in Search of Social Justice
Special exhibit! The Nave Gallery, located in our building, will be holding a special show in October.  Celebrating the gallery’s 10th anniversary, it’s called Truth Telling: Art in Search of Social Justice and will be curated by our former pastor, Karl Gustafson. Please note Sunday, October 5th, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. in your calendar, and plan to attend the opening!  Karl will be visiting the area for a week, and will be at the opening.

The Blues as Truth-Telling:  Scott Ainslie in Concert
Sunday, October 26th, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Reflect on the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and civil rights today with noted blues historian and musician, Scott Ainslie.

5:00 p.m.:  Community Reception to meet the artist (free)
6:00 p.m.:  Concert and discussion ($10.00 suggested donation)
Public welcome!  More information about Scott Ainslie at http://scottainslie.com/

Oct 12, 2014 Announcements

Sermon: “Prayer from the Heart”

In our passage from Philippians this week, Paul tells people not to “worry about anything.” Paul must be a little crazy to think that it is possible not to worry. I certainly think that not to worry is one of the hardest commandments Paul could say to that ancient church and to us! As human beings, is it possible not to worry? Our prayers of the people time each week is evidence enough that opportunities to worry are not in short supply. We will focus this week on what God’s Word to us might say about prayer and peace. In preparation, I suggest reflecting on Paul’s statement that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds.
Scripture: Philippians 4:1-9

Join us for worship on Sunday, October 12th at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

HONK!Fest Parade in Somerville
October 12th:  Join us to walk from the church to view the parade in Davis Square.  More information at http://honk.fest.org/2014-festival/schedule/

Fall Fellowship Event-Apple Picking and/or wine tasting!
Saturday, Oct. 18th, 1pm-Join us on Saturday October 18th at Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton for Apple Picking and/or wine tasting! We will meet in front of the winery building at 1pm. Wine tasting is $6, and apple picking is $15 for a peck or $25 for a 1/2 bushel. If enough of us want to pick apples, we can split the cost of a bag. There are picnic tables on site that we can use to eat a snack or mingle. If anyone needs a ride please contact Jenny Herzig and we will set something up. Questions? Visit Nashoba’s website at http://www.nashobawinery.com/ or email Jenny Herzig jnherzig2@gmail.com.

Prayer Meeting
Sunday, October 19th:  We will meet in the Green Room after coffee hour. Jesus said, ‘When two or three are gathered in my name, I am there.” Bring your prayers about whatever joys or concerns you may have on your mind and in your heart. All are welcome to attend.

Conversations on Eco-Justice:
Wednesday, October 22nd: Introduction to the Watershed Discipleship Movement
Gathering begins at 6:30,ending at 8:00 p.m. in the Green Room.
Public Welcome!!   Booklets available at the meetings.

Infant Baptism
We will celebrate with joy the baptism of the son of Laura and Ryan Ma on Sunday, October 26th. May God’s blessings be with their family.

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ART AND SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS

A Flute is Not a Bird: A Recital of Natural Selections
Sunday, October 12th at 2:00 p.m.
with Kristen Dye. Contemporary music inspired by nature. Works by Forrest Pierce, Kaijo Saariaho, William Kenlon, David Farrell, Mark Dancigers, and George Crumb. Featuring the ridiculously talented Rachel Barringe.

Nave Gallery – Truth Telling: Art in Search of Social Justice
Special exhibit! The Nave Gallery, located in our building, will be holding a special show in October.  Celebrating the gallery’s 10th anniversary, it’s called Truth Telling: Art in Search of Social Justice and will be curated by our former pastor, Karl Gustafson. Please note Sunday, October 5th, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. in your calendar, and plan to attend the opening!  Karl will be visiting the area for a week, and will be at the opening.

Talk Poetry – Hear the Truth! 
Sunday, October 19th, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Poetry Jam hosted by Clint Smith, National Poetry Slam Champion. A high-energy evening of poetry on today’s critical social justice issues.
5:00 p.m.:  Community reception to meet the artists (free)
6:00 p.m.  Performance by Clint Smith and area poets ($10 suggested donation)
Public welcome!  More information about Clint Smith at www.clintsmithiii.com

The Blues as Truth-Telling:  Scott Ainslie in Concert
Sunday, October 26th, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Reflect on the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and civil rights today with noted blues historian and musician, Scott Ainslie.
5:00 p.m.:  Community Reception to meet the artist (free)
6:00 p.m.:  Concert and discussion ($10.00 suggested donation)
Public welcome!  More information about Scott Ainslie at http://scottainslie.com/

The Boston Food Justice Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) Program
They are in need of several kitchen items at their Watertown apartment, including: uncoated, stainless steel pots and pans; a loaf pan; a glass measuring cup; and glass or plastic containers large enough to store flour/sugar/oats. Donations are greatly appreciated and can be brought to the church (leave in the Green Room or with Allen). Thank you! More information about the Boston Food Justice Young Adult Volunteer Program, an initiative of the Boston Presbytery can be found at http://bostonfoodjusticeyavprogram.wordpress.com/about/
Sunday, October 12th is the HONK!Fest Parade in Somerville. Join us to walk from the church to view the parade in Davis Square. More information athttp://honk.fest.org/2014-festival/schedule/

Oct 5, 2014 Announcements

Sunday, October 5th
Sermon: “Telling the Truth in the Vineyard”

In this story told by Jesus to the religious leaders in Jerusalem, the image of a vineyard that he uses (and used elsewhere in scripture) is one that reminds us that as the “people” of God (ethnos — used in this story) have new responsibilities and are co-creators with God in the life of this world. We are called to take care of those vineyards/fields/workplaces/families/communities/corporations/churches, etc. in which we are called individually and collectively to serve. As you study this passage, don’t assume the tenants are wicked to anyone else hearing the story as Jesus talks (only the religious leaders who had just challenged him)….

Join us for worship on Sunday, September 28th at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

Conversations  on Eco-Justice:

Wednesday, October 5th: Introduction to Ched Myers’ Sabbath Economics
Gathering begins at 6:30,ending at 8:00 p.m. in the Green Room.
Public Welcome!!   Booklets available at the meetings.

World Communion – Peacemaking Offering

On Sunday, October 5th, we will celebrate World Communion Sunday.  We will also collect the Peacemaking Offering.  The Peacemaking Offering funds the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, enabling us to bring in International Peacemakers, hold conferences, and advocate for active nonviolent solutions to conflict.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) views peace as a core part of our identity and calling as believers. It is a central declaration of the gospel, calling us to model our lives in the pattern of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.

The offering is used to inspire new approaches to active peacemaking, to equip God’s people to be compassionate and prophetic peacemakers, and to connect communities of peace in accompaniment, mutual learning and shared action for the transformation of the world.

Our congregation receives 25% of the fund collected to promote local and global peace and justice efforts.  This year we will support Grassroots International (grassroots.org) and a fund to aid Syrian refugees in Lebanon, run by the Near East Theological Seminary, based in Beirut.

Please participate in this offering and make this a time to renew your commitment and reaffirm your called to peacemaking. Together we can transform cultures of violence into communities of peace.

Nave Gallery – Truth Telling: Art in Search of Social Justice
Special exhibit! The Nave Gallery, located in our building, will be holding a special show in October.  Celebrating the gallery’s 10th anniversary, it’s called Truth Telling: Art in Search of Social Justice and will be curated by our former pastor, Karl Gustafson. Please note Sunday, October 5th, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. in your calendar, and plan to attend the opening!  Karl will be visiting the area for a week, and will be at the opening.

Men’s Bible Study
Meeting at Panera Bread in Porter Square on Wednesday, October 8th at 6:30 p.m.

Session Meeting
The Session will meet on Wednesday, October 8th in the Green Room at 7:30 p.m.

Food Justice Sunday
Sunday, October 12th, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Discussion with the Young Adult Volunteers working for food justice throughout the Presbytery of Boston this year.  Public welcome.  More about the program at http://bostonfoodjusticeyavprogram.wordpress.com

HONK!Fest Parade in Somerville
October 12th:  Join us to walk from the church to view the parade in Davis Square.  More information at http://honk.fest.org/2014-festival/schedule/

Fall Fellowship Event-Apple Picking and/or wine tasting!
Saturday, Oct. 18th, 1pm-Join us on Saturday October 18th at Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton for Apple Picking and/or wine tasting! We will meet in front of the winery building at 1pm. Wine tasting is $6, and apple picking is $15 for a peck or $25 for a 1/2 bushel. If enough of us want to pick apples, we can split the cost of a bag. There are picnic tables on site that we can use to eat a snack or mingle. If anyone needs a ride please contact Jenny Herzig and we will set something up. Questions? Visit Nashoba’s website at http://www.nashobawinery.com/ or email Jenny Herzig jnherzig2@gmail.com.

Prayer Meeting
Sunday, October 19th:  We will meet in the Green Room after coffee hour. Jesus said, ‘When two or three are gathered in my name, I am there.” Bring your prayers about whatever joys or concerns you may have on your mind and in your heart. All are welcome to attend.

Talk Poetry – Hear the Truth! 
Sunday, October 19th, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Poetry Jam hosted by Clint Smith, National Poetry Slam Champion. A high-energy evening of poetry on today’s critical social justice issues.
5:00 p.m.:  Community reception to meet the artists (free)
6:00 p.m.  Performance by Clint Smith and area poets ($10 suggested donation)
Public welcome!  More information about Clint Smith at www.clintsmithiii.com

Conversations on Eco-Justice:
Wednesday, October 22nd: Introduction to the Watershed Discipleship Movement
Gathering begins at 6:30,ending at 8:00 p.m. in the Green Room.
Public Welcome!!   Booklets available at the meetings.

Baby Baptism
We will celebrate with joy the baptism of the son of Laura and Ryan Ma on Sunday, October 26th. May God’s blessings be with their family.

The Blues as Truth-Telling:  Scott Ainslie in Concert
Sunday, October 26th, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Reflect on the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and civil rights today with noted blues historian and musician, Scott Ainslie.
5:00 p.m.:  Community Reception to meet the artist (free)
6:00 p.m.:  Concert and discussion ($10.00 suggested donation)
Public welcome!  More information about Scott Ainslie at http://scottainslie.com/

Greeting Card Collection
The Deacons are collecting greeting cards to send to church members/friends in need. We can especially use sympathy cards, and friendly “thinking of you” cards. We would like to create a collection so we can respond to needs more immediately. Please bring in unused cards and leave them in the container in the copy room if you would like to donate.