Year: 2016

Sermon: “If God is Love”
Scripture: John 17:20-26
Sermon Focus: In looking at the passage below, note where Jesus uses the phrases “completely one” and the promise of a unity between God, Jesus and us. The force that brings all this about is love (or, God’s love; God’s active relentless forging of a loving relationship with us). If God is God’s Love, what does it mean for us. We have been exploring this in our adult education gatherings, and we will explore some more in our time together on Sunday.
Join us for Worship at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service. All are welcome!

Publicity!
Check out http://somerville.wickedlocal.com/. There’s an article about Scot Bennett’s artwork, an interview with Allen, and a pictures of the Palm Sunday walk that shows members of our congregation!

Pastor Allen Regular Office Hours
He will be in the church office during the following times unless called away:
Mondays and Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Monday evenings: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday afternoons: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Rev. Fairfax is generally available for pastoral concerns or other church business at most other times as well, so don’t hesitate to contact him outside of these office hours.
Please drop by the church or contact him in our Contact Page

 

– – – Upcoming Events – – –

Deacon’s Meeting
The next Deacons meeting is on Sunday, April 17th. We will meet in after coffee hour in the church basement.

Fundraiser for the Boston Food Justice Young Adult Volunteer Program
Join us for an evening of lively and uplifting music with The Porch Party Mamas, and support the Boston Food Justice Young Adult Volunteer Program! The Porch Party Mamas are an engaging and magnetic group of 5 musically dynamic artists. They perform unique arrangements of original songs, have 4 strong lead vocalists, and back it up with sweet 3 & 4-part harmonies, guitar, bass, accordion, fiddle, and percussion.
This coffee house style event will feature delicious desserts and beverages, great music, and an opportunity to learn more about the work of the Young Adult Volunteers and the programs and churches in which they serve. Your ticket price will support the work of the program and it will be a fun evening out with friends from the Presbytery of Boston and beyond.
Join us on Saturday, April 30th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., at the Presbyterian Church in Needham, located at 1458 Great Plain Avenue, Needham, MA.
For more info, and to purchase tickets, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/clappin-and-toe-tappin-with-the-porch-party-mamas-tickets-22130756689

Presbyterians for Pride
Presbyterians for Pride will once again be marching in the the 2016 Boston Gay Pride Parade, held this year on Saturday, June 11th, from noon – 3:00 p.m.
We have one person who has volunteered to be a parade marshal – we need two parade marshals in order to participate. Marshals are the coordinators between the marching groups and the parade organizers. You need to be there for the entire parade, and attend a one hour training session (the sessions are held on various dates and times in May.) If you are interested in participating in the parade, would like to be a marshal, or would like more information, please contact Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com).

 

– – – Deacons News – – –

Prayer Request Email
The Deacons are in the process of setting up an online prayer request list. This will be a closed group (to insure privacy.) If you would like to be a member of the group so that you can ask for prayers, and have others pray for you, please send an email to Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com). Once we have everything set up, we will share information about the group with the congregation, so that others can join.

 

– – – Nave Gallery Music Series – – –

SWQ CD Release Concert
Join us for a SWQ release concert for their CD “Ramble”
just coming out on Leo Records!
S. W. – alto saxophone / bassoon, Jonathan Moritz – soprano and tenor saxophones, Kenny Warren – trumpet, Sean Ali – double bass, Carlo Costa – drums
Demi Exegesis:
Dei Xhrist- vocals, Matt Samolis- flute, Emilio Gonzalez- piano,
Rested Field:
Chuck Furlong- bass clarinet / electionics, Clifton Ingram- guitar / electronics, Dan Lewis- percussion / electronics
https://mattsamolis.bandcamp.com/…/i-closed-my-eyes-and-it-…

Suggested Donation – $10 to $15

Sunday, May 1
7:00 pm: Rachel Barringer, cello; Emilio Gonzalez, piano. Elliott Carter cello sonata.

 

Sermon: “Restoration and Remembrance”
Scripture: John 21:1-19
Join us for Worship at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service. All are welcome!

Publicity!
Check out http://somerville.wickedlocal.com/. There’s an article about Scot Bennett’s artwork, an interview with Allen, and a pictures of the Palm Sunday walk that shows members of our congregation!

Pastor Allen Regular Office Hours
He will be in the church office during the following times unless called away:
Mondays and Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Monday evenings: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday afternoons: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Rev. Fairfax is generally available for pastoral concerns or other church business at most other times as well, so don’t hesitate to contact him outside of these office hours.
Please drop by the church or contact him in our Contact Page

 

– – – Upcoming Events – – –

Deacon’s Meeting
The next Deacons meeting is on Sunday, April 17th. We will meet in after coffee hour in the church basement.

CHPC Bible Study
Bible study meets at Porter Square Panera Bread every other Wednesday. For details on dates, time, place, and more information, please contact Kevin. (kevin.sungwon@gmail.com)

Fundraiser for the Boston Food Justice Young Adult Volunteer Program
Join us for an evening of lively and uplifting music with The Porch Party Mamas, and support the Boston Food Justice Young Adult Volunteer Program! The Porch Party Mamas are an engaging and magnetic group of 5 musically dynamic artists. They perform unique arrangements of original songs, have 4 strong lead vocalists, and back it up with sweet 3 & 4-part harmonies, guitar, bass, accordion, fiddle, and percussion.
This coffee house style event will feature delicious desserts and beverages, great music, and an opportunity to learn more about the work of the Young Adult Volunteers and the programs and churches in which they serve. Your ticket price will support the work of the program and it will be a fun evening out with friends from the Presbytery of Boston and beyond.
Join us on Saturday, April 30th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., at the Presbyterian Church in Needham, located at 1458 Great Plain Avenue, Needham, MA.
For more info, and to purchase tickets, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/clappin-and-toe-tappin-with-the-porch-party-mamas-tickets-22130756689

 

– – – Deacons News – – –

Prayer Request Email
The Deacons are in the process of setting up an online prayer request list. This will be a closed group (to insure privacy.) If you would like to be a member of the group so that you can ask for prayers, and have others pray for you, please send an email to Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com). Once we have everything set up, we will share information about the group with the congregation, so that others can join.

 

Sermon: “Taking Off Our Cloaks”
Scripture: Luke 19:28-40
Why did the people on the Mount of Olives take off their cloaks for Jesus? At one level, it may simply have been an ancient way of showing respect for a king. At another level, however, I believe Luke is telling a story that suggests that taking off our cloaks as Jesus passes by is much more than showing respect for him as a “king”. We will explore this dimension, this opportunity for becoming truer selves, in the message this Palm Sunday.
Join us for worship and the celebration of Easter on Sunday, March 27th at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service. Fellowship will be held in the Nave Gallery, adjacent to the church sanctuary. All are welcome!
If you would like to bring a sweet or savory snack to supplement our coffee hour spread for Easter Sunday, we would love to have you share them with us. Due to serious allergies, we have to ask for NO NUTS in your treats. Unless it needs to be refrigerated, the dish can be left in the Nave Gallery.

Publicity!
Check out http://somerville.wickedlocal.com/. There’s an article about Scot Bennett’s artwork, an interview with Allen, and a pictures of the Palm Sunday walk that shows members of our congregation!

Special Offering for Francis Situma
A former and beloved member of this congregation, Francis Situma (from Kenya), lost his wife in a tragic accident several months ago. Many of our members who remember him (he has also visited twice in recent years) have wanted to find a way to support him during this time. NOTE: Rather than try to select out only people who remember him, and possibly miss people, this financial request is going out to our larger church list. Those who did not know him should feel no obligation to support this request (it is not a regular offering of the church).
We have determined that it would be helpful to Francis and his family if we wired them a contribution (Western Union) directly to him in Nairobi to assist him and his family in paying for various hospital bills, and to help do something in his wife’s memory (possibly through their church, St. Andrews Presbyterian, in Nairobi).
If you wish to contribute to this, please either bring a check/cash this Sunday or send a “pledge” e-mail to Ellen Schemerhorn (ellends1313@gmail.com) with a particular amount. There will also be pledge cards available this Sunday. We are hoping to write a check from the church this coming week and wire the money.

Pastor Allen Regular Office Hours
He will be in the church office during the following times unless called away:
Mondays and Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Monday evenings: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday afternoons: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Rev. Fairfax is generally available for pastoral concerns or other church business at most other times as well, so don’t hesitate to contact him outside of these office hours.
Please drop by the church or contact him in our Contact Page

 

– – – Upcoming Events – – –

CHPC Bible Study
Bible study meets at Porter Square Panera Bread every other Wednesday. For details on dates, time, place, and more information, please contact Kevin. (kevin.sungwon@gmail.com)

Lenten Study
For our Lenten study this year, we will be reading and discussing the book, “If God is Love” by Pastors Philip Gulley and James Mulholland. Copies of the book are available; contact Pastor Allen if you would like a copy. The book is easy to read, and the topic is interesting and relevant. We had such a great discussion at our last meeting that we decided to extend it for one more session. We will meet next on Sunday, April 3rd, in the Green Room, after coffee hour, to finish our discussion. After we finish our Lenten study, we will choose a fiction book for our next discussion. If you have suggestions for a fiction book, let us know.

Upcoming Fellowship
Our next fellowship event will be on Saturday, April 9th. Save the date and stayed tuned for details!

Opening Reception
Claire Roll welcomes you to the Boston University MFA Thesis Exhibition. The Opening Reception is on Friday, April 8th from 6-8 p.m. The exhibit runs from April 8th to April 24th. It’s located at the 808 Gallery, 808 Commwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215. The exhibit hours are Tuesday to Sunday from noon- 5:00 p.m., and Thursdays from noon – 8:00 p.m. Open Studios will be on April 23rd and 24th from 1-6:00 p.m., at 808 Commonwealth Avenue, 3rd floor.

Fundraiser for the Boston Food Justice Young Adult Volunteer Program
Join us for an evening of lively and uplifting music with The Porch Party Mamas, and support the Boston Food Justice Young Adult Volunteer Program! The Porch Party Mamas are an engaging and magnetic group of 5 musically dynamic artists. They perform unique arrangements of original songs, have 4 strong lead vocalists, and back it up with sweet 3 & 4-part harmonies, guitar, bass, accordion, fiddle, and percussion.
This coffee house style event will feature delicious desserts and beverages, great music, and an opportunity to learn more about the work of the Young Adult Volunteers and the programs and churches in which they serve. Your ticket price will support the work of the program and it will be a fun evening out with friends from the Presbytery of Boston and beyond.
Join us on Saturday, April 30th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., at the Presbyterian Church in Needham, located at 1458 Great Plain Avenue, Needham, MA.
For more info, and to purchase tickets, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/clappin-and-toe-tappin-with-the-porch-party-mamas-tickets-22130756689

 

– – – Deacons News – – –

Prayer Request Email
The Deacons are in the process of setting up an online prayer request list. This will be a closed group (to insure privacy.) If you would like to be a member of the group so that you can ask for prayers, and have others pray for you, please send an email to Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com). Once we have everything set up, we will share information about the group with the congregation, so that others can join.

 

 

– – – – – – –

Press Release
Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church, 155 Powderhouse Blvd in Somerville, is hosting in its sanctuary an art exhibit by Scot Bennett during this Easter season. The exhibit is themed Sacrifice, and consists of 12 pieces evocative of the stations of the cross. Also included are 2 longer scrolls and a smaller triptych related to the theme.
The sanctuary will be open for viewing the exhibit on Good Friday between 2 and 4 pm, and also on Holy Saturday between 1 and 3
m, in addition to Easter Sunday during worship, starting at 10:30 a.m.
For further information, please contact the church at 617-625-4823; pastor@clarendonhillchurch.org or see our facebook post.

 

– – – – – – –

Sunday, March 20, 2016 – Palm Sunday
The Palm Sunday Donkey Walk begins in Powderhouse Park at 9:00 a.m. and ends after a parade down to Davis Square.

Sermon: “Taking Off Our Cloaks”
Scripture: Luke 19:28-40
Why did the people on the Mount of Olives take off their cloaks for Jesus? At one level, it may simply have been an ancient way of showing respect for a king. At another level, however, I believe Luke is telling a story that suggests that taking off our cloaks as Jesus passes by is much more than showing respect for him as a “king”. We will explore this dimension, this opportunity for becoming truer selves, in the message this Palm Sunday.
Join us for Worship at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service. All are welcome!

Potluck and Program
On Palm Sunday, March 20th we will have potluck meal after the service, and learn more about The Palestinine Children’s Relief Fund. Please bring a dish to share (appetizer, soup, salad, side dish, main dish or dessert – NO NUTS, PLEASE!) If you would like, please bring a Middle Eastern dish. Laila Kassis will join us to provide more detail about the projects that the fund supports. For more information, see http://pcrf.net/
The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund is a registered non-political, non-profit, 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization that was established in 1991 by concerned people in the U.S. to address the medical and humanitarian crisis facing Palestinian youths in the Middle East. It has since expanded to help suffering children from the region, based only on their medical needs. We do not discriminate based on religion, gender, nationality or sect.
“I commend The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (The PCRF) for over 20 years of dedication to healing the wounds of war, occupation and poverty for children in the Middle East by providing urgent medical and humanitarian care to thousands of children.” -President Jimmy Carter
Our presenter, Laila Kassis, is a Palestinian American and a proud mother of two little ones -3-year old Noora and 1-year old Omar. She’s happily married to Mohamad Elzein, a Lebanese American. Laila has been active in the Arab-American and Palestinian-American communities since she was a young child. Her weekends were filled with dabke practices (dabke is a traditional Arabic dance), letter writing campaigns, picnics, galas and other forms of activism. She was President of the Arab Student Organization at the University of Virginia, she co-founded the Network of Arab American Professionals – Boston Chapter, the Harvard Arab Student Organization and the Harvard Palestine Trek. Laila also co-founded the Boston Chapter of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and currently serves on its board. Laila holds an MBA from Harvard Business School where she was a Baker’s Scholar and an MPA in International Development from the Harvard Kennedy School. She currently works full time as a management consultant.

One Great Hour of Sharing
Around the world, people lack access to food, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. Each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) serves to help change the lives of people in these challenging situations. The Offering provides us a way to share God’s love
with our neighbors in need. This year’s quote is “Serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” 1 Peter 4:10.
One Great Hour of Sharing, received during the season of Lent, makes a difference in the world through three programs: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People. The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People) all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need.
From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope. We remain grateful for the transformation made possible through this special offering. In places here in the U.S., and around the world, those most in need are finding hope and help through the work of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, the Self-Development of People program, and their partners in ministry.
When we give this year, we give in faith—knowing that staff in the three One Great Hour of Sharing programs will be responding in Christ’s name to the cries of our sisters and brothers throughout the next year. We trust that they will respond immediately, directly, and through our partners wherever the emergency occurs. But equally important, we know that they will remain in areas of devastation long after the news cameras have moved elsewhere as they continue rebuilding both lives and communities.
Feeding the hungry, helping people build up their own livelihoods, responding to disasters—these are all ways that your gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing are changing lives, changing communities, and changing the world. During the next few weeks, we’ll read and hear about examples of this in bulletin inserts and during our Focus on Mission in the service. Clarendon Hill will be collecting the offering on Palm Sunday (March 20th.) Please give as generously as you are able!

Passion Week Events
Maundy Thursday meal and service, March 24th at 7:00 p.m.
We will have a meal/worship service upstairs in the sanctuary.
People can gather to help prepare the meal, bring up from the kitchen, etc. at 6:30 p.m.
We will sit down for the service and meal at 7.
At the end of the service, we will cover the cross and make the sanctuary bare in some other ways. We will clean up in silence and leave with minimal talking.

Special Offering for Francis Situma
A former and beloved member of this congregation, Francis Situma (from Kenya), lost his wife in a tragic accident several months ago. Many of our members who remember him (he has also visited twice in recent years) have wanted to find a way to support him during this time. NOTE: Rather than try to select out only people who remember him, and possibly miss people, this financial request is going out to our larger church list. Those who did not know him should feel no obligation to support this request (it is not a regular offering of the church).
We have determined that it would be helpful to Francis and his family if we wired them a contribution (Western Union) directly to him in Nairobi to assist him and his family in paying for various hospital bills, and to help do something in his wife’s memory (possibly through their church, St. Andrews Presbyterian, in Nairobi).
If you wish to contribute to this, please either bring a check/cash this Sunday or send a “pledge” e-mail to Ellen Schemerhorn (ellends1313@gmail.com) with a particular amount. There will also be pledge cards available this Sunday. We are hoping to write a check from the church this coming week and wire the money.

Pastor Allen Regular Office Hours
He will be in the church office during the following times unless called away:
Mondays and Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Monday evenings: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday afternoons: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Rev. Fairfax is generally available for pastoral concerns or other church business at most other times as well, so don’t hesitate to contact him outside of these office hours.
Please drop by the church or contact him in our Contact Page

 

– – – Upcoming Events – – –

CHPC Bible Study
Bible study meets at Porter Square Panera Bread every other Wednesday. For details on dates, time, place, and more information, please contact Kevin. (kevin.sungwon@gmail.com)

Lenten Study
For our Lenten study this year, we will be reading and discussing the book, “If God is Love” by Pastors Philip Gulley and James Mulholland. Copies of the book are available; contact Pastor Allen if you would like a copy. The book is easy to read, and the topic is interesting and relevant. We had such a great discussion at our last meeting that we decided to extend it for one more session. We will meet next on Sunday, April 3rd, in the Green Room, after coffee hour, to finish our discussion. After we finish our Lenten study, we will choose a fiction book for our next discussion. If you have suggestions for a fiction book, let us know.

Upcoming Fellowship
Our next fellowship event will be on Saturday, April 9th. Save the date and stayed tuned for details!

Fundraiser for the Boston Food Justice Young Adult Volunteer Program
Join us for an evening of lively and uplifting music with The Porch Party Mamas, and support the Boston Food Justice Young Adult Volunteer Program! The Porch Party Mamas are an engaging and magnetic group of 5 musically dynamic artists. They perform unique arrangements of original songs, have 4 strong lead vocalists, and back it up with sweet 3 & 4-part harmonies, guitar, bass, accordion, fiddle, and percussion.
This coffee house style event will feature delicious desserts and beverages, great music, and an opportunity to learn more about the work of the Young Adult Volunteers and the programs and churches in which they serve. Your ticket price will support the work of the program and it will be a fun evening out with friends from the Presbytery of Boston and beyond.
Join us on Saturday, April 30th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., at the Presbyterian Church in Needham, located at 1458 Great Plain Avenue, Needham, MA.
For more info, and to purchase tickets, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/clappin-and-toe-tappin-with-the-porch-party-mamas-tickets-22130756689

 

– – – Deacons News – – –

Prayer Request Email
The Deacons are in the process of setting up an online prayer request list. This will be a closed group (to insure privacy.) If you would like to be a member of the group so that you can ask for prayers, and have others pray for you, please send an email to Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com). Once we have everything set up, we will share information about the group with the congregation, so that others can join.

 

 

– – – – – – –

Press Release
Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church, 155 Powderhouse Blvd in Somerville, is hosting in its sanctuary an art exhibit by Scot Bennett during this Easter season. The exhibit is themed Sacrifice, and consists of 12 pieces evocative of the stations of the cross. Also included are 2 longer scrolls and a smaller triptych related to the theme.
The sanctuary will be open for viewing the exhibit on Good Friday between 2 and 4 pm, and also on Holy Saturday between 1 and 3
m, in addition to Easter Sunday during worship, starting at 10:30 a.m.
For further information, please contact the church at 617-625-4823; pastor@clarendonhillchurch.org or see our facebook post.

 

– – – – – – –

Sermon: Are You Filling Alright?”
Scripture: John 12:1-8
This story of Mary washing Jesus’ feet should be read along with the way she fell at Jesus’ feet in John 11:32, and with the story of Jesus’ washing the disciples feet starting in John 13:5. There is an even larger Christian context for the symbolism of feet (how it is related to the death of Jesus) if one looks at First Corinthians 15:24-26, and Ephesians 1:22. What all of this is tied up with is the way the “pure” (read “faithful” in Greek) nard fills the space. The writer of the Gospel is bringing the teaching of Jesus to an amazing symbolic depth here (and why Judas did not see it), and we are invited to explore this Spirit-ual “filling” of the world, of our hearts, of our churches, as we continue along our Lenten journey.

Join us for Worship at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service. All are welcome!

Special Offering for Francis Situma
A former and beloved member of this congregation, Francis Situma (from Kenya), lost his wife in a tragic accident several months ago. Many of our members who remember him (he has also visited twice in recent years) have wanted to find a way to support him during this time. NOTE: Rather than try to select out only people who remember him, and possibly miss people, this financial request is going out to our larger church list. Those who did not know him should feel no obligation to support this request (it is not a regular offering of the church).
We have determined that it would be helpful to Francis and his family if we wired them a contribution (Western Union) directly to him in Nairobi to assist him and his family in paying for various hospital bills, and to help do something in his wife’s memory (possibly through their church, St. Andrews Presbyterian, in Nairobi).
If you wish to contribute to this, please either bring a check/cash this Sunday or send a “pledge” e-mail to Ellen Schemerhorn (ellends1313@gmail.com) with a particular amount. There will also be pledge cards available this Sunday. We are hoping to write a check from the church this coming week and wire the money.

Pastor Allen Regular Office Hours
He will be in the church office during the following times unless called away:
Mondays and Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Monday evenings: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday afternoons: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Rev. Fairfax is generally available for pastoral concerns or other church business at most other times as well, so don’t hesitate to contact him outside of these office hours.
Please drop by the church or contact him in our Contact Page

 

– – – Upcoming Events – – –

CHPC Bible Study
Bible study meets at Porter Square Panera Bread every other Wednesday. For details on dates, time, place, and more information, please contact Kevin. (kevin.sungwon@gmail.com)

Lenten Study
For our Lenten study this year, we will be reading and discussing the book, “If God is Love” by Pastors Philip Gulley and James Mulholland. Copies of the book are available; contact Pastor Allen if you would like a copy. The book is easy to read, and the topic is interesting and relevant. We will meet next Sunday, February 28th, in the Green Room, after coffee hour, to begin our discussion. We will also meet on March 13th. After we finish our Lenten study, we will choose a fiction book for our next discussion. If you have suggestions for a fiction book, let us know.

Potluck and Program
On Palm Sunday, March 20th we will have potluck meal after the service, and learn more about The Palestinine Children’s Relief Fund. Please bring a dish to share (appetizer, soup, salad, side dish, main dish or dessert – NO NUTS, PLEASE!) Laila Kassis will join u to provide more detail about the projects that the fund supports. For more information, see http://pcrf.net/
The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund is a registered non-political, non-profit, 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization that was established in 1991 by concerned people in the U.S. to address the medical and humanitarian crisis facing Palestinian youths in the Middle East. It has since expanded to help suffering children from the region, based only on their medical needs. We do not discriminate based on religion, gender, nationality or sect.
“I commend The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (The PCRF) for over 20 years of dedication to healing the wounds of war, occupation and poverty for children in the Middle East by providing urgent medical and humanitarian care to thousands of children.” -President Jimmy Carter

One Great Hour of Sharing
Around the world, people lack access to food, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. Each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) serves to help change the lives of people in these challenging situations. The Offering provides us a way to share God’s love
with our neighbors in need. This year’s quote is “Serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” 1 Peter 4:10.
One Great Hour of Sharing, received during the season of Lent, makes a difference in the world through three programs: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People. The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People) all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need.
From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope. We remain grateful for the transformation made possible through this special offering. In places here in the U.S., and around the world, those most in need are finding hope and help through the work of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, the Self-Development of People program, and their partners in ministry.
When we give this year, we give in faith—knowing that staff in the three One Great Hour of Sharing programs will be responding in Christ’s name to the cries of our sisters and brothers throughout the next year. We trust that they will respond immediately, directly, and through our partners wherever the emergency occurs. But equally important, we know that they will remain in areas of devastation long after the news cameras have moved elsewhere as they continue rebuilding both lives and communities.
Feeding the hungry, helping people build up their own livelihoods, responding to disasters—these are all ways that your gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing are changing lives, changing communities, and changing the world. During the next few weeks, we’ll read and hear about examples of this in bulletin inserts and during our Focus on Mission in the service. Clarendon Hill will be collecting the offering on Palm Sunday (March 20th.) Please give as generously as you are able!

Fundraiser for the Boston Food Justice Young Adult Volunteer Program
Join us for an evening of lively and uplifting music with The Porch Party Mamas, and support the Boston Food Justice Young Adult Volunteer Program! The Porch Party Mamas are an engaging and magnetic group of 5 musically dynamic artists. They perform unique arrangements of original songs, have 4 strong lead vocalists, and back it up with sweet 3 & 4-part harmonies, guitar, bass, accordion, fiddle, and percussion.
This coffee house style event will feature delicious desserts and beverages, great music, and an opportunity to learn more about the work of the Young Adult Volunteers and the programs and churches in which they serve. Your ticket price will support the work of the program and it will be a fun evening out with friends from the Presbytery of Boston and beyond.
Join us on Saturday, April 30th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., at the Presbyterian Church in Needham, located at 1458 Great Plain Avenue, Needham, MA.
For more info, and to purchase tickets, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/clappin-and-toe-tappin-with-the-porch-party-mamas-tickets-22130756689

 

– – – Deacons News – – –

Prayer Request Email
The Deacons are in the process of setting up an online prayer request list. This will be a closed group (to insure privacy.) If you would like to be a member of the group so that you can ask for prayers, and have others pray for you, please send an email to Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com). Once we have everything set up, we will share information about the group with the congregation, so that others can join.

 

Sermon: “Naming Our Fears”
Scripture: Luke 13: 31-33

Join us for Worship at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service. All are welcome!

New Leaders
This week, Wellington Mtshali will be ordained and installed to the office of Elder, serving for a one year term. Sarah Donvan will be installed to the office of Elder, serving for a three year term. Currently serving elders on Session include Paul Beran, Chris Roll, and Diana Santiago. We thank Josh Herzig for his service, and heartily thank Liz Cavano and Craig Milanesi for their years of service on Session.
We will also install the Deacons. Liz Cavano and Val Donovan will be installed to the office of Deacon, serving for one year. Also to be installed as Deacons for a one year term of service are Anne Camelio, Jenny Herzig, Kevin Kim and Ellen Schemehorn.

Session Meeting
The Session will meet after church in the Green Room on Sunday, February 21st.

Deacons Meeting Meeting
On Sunday, February 21st, the Deacons/Congregational Care circle will meet after church.

Do Something Else: The Road Ahead for the Mainline Church
Ruth Allen and Craig Milanesi contributed a piece on our relationship with The Nave Gallery for a new book that will be published at the end of the month!
The book is divided into two parts: Part 1 is entitled Where We Are, and includes chapters on Why Would Anyone Want to Do This? Good Old Stones, What We Mean When we Say Church and The Road to Inclusion. Part 2 is entitled The Road Ahead, which has 6 chapters. We are in Chapter 7, which is about Evangelism. Chapter 10 is about cooperative parishes, and includes a piece on Mission at the Eastward (MATE).
In addition, there is a study guide and discussion questions at the end of the book. Our Adult Education group is considering this for future reading and discussion!
Here’s more information about the book, which will be available for sale in a few weeks – tell your family member, neighbors and friends! To pre-order a copy, please see:
http://www.amazon.com/Do-Something-Else-Mainl…/…/ref=sr_1_5…
You can also pre-order the book, and read the blog by the author of the book here: http://www.natephillips.org/

Pastor Allen Regular Office Hours
He will be in the church office during the following times unless called away:
Mondays and Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Monday evenings: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday afternoons: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Rev. Fairfax is generally available for pastoral concerns or other church business at most other times as well, so don’t hesitate to contact him outside of these office hours.
Please drop by the church or contact him in our Contact Page

 

– – – Upcoming Events – – –

CHPC Bible Study
Bible study meets at Porter Square Panera Bread every other Wednesday. For details on dates, time, place, and more information, please contact Kevin. (kevin.sungwon@gmail.com)

Lenten Study
For our Lenten study this year, we will be reading and discussing the book, “If God is Love” by Pastors Philip Gulley and James Mulholland. Copies of the book are available; contact Pastor Allen if you would like a copy. The book is easy to read, and the topic is interesting and relevant. We will meet next Sunday, February 28th, in the Green Room, after coffee hour, to begin our discussion. We will also meet on March 13th. After we finish our Lenten study, we will choose a fiction book for our next discussion. If you have suggestions for a fiction book, let us know.

 

– – – Deacons News – – –

Prayer Request Email
The Deacons are in the process of setting up an online prayer request list. This will be a closed group (to insure privacy.) If you would like to be a member of the group so that you can ask for prayers, and have others pray for you, please send an email to Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com). Once we have everything set up, we will share information about the group with the congregation, so that others can join.

 

Feb 14, 2016 Announcements
Given the record-setting cold, we will not be having a formal worship service this Sunday. However, Pastor Allen will be at the church, and for those who do wish to venture out into the cold, we will have an informal worship gathering (probably in the Nave Gallery). No one who has a responsibility (worship leader, child care, etc) should feel any obligation to attend. Anyone who shows up will be “warmly” welcomed (perhaps some hot cider while we gather)!! Keep warm everyone!

Guest Preacher
We welcome the Rev. Dr. R. Ward Holder as our guest worship leader and preacher. R. Ward Holder is professor of theology at Saint Anselm College and a minister member of the Presbytery of Boston. He has written and edited several books, concentrating upon the Reformation, the interpretation of scripture, and political theology. He has served in many roles in the presbytery, including service on COM, Nominating, Council, Stewardship and Budget, and the Permanent Judicial Commission. In 2014, he was the honored to serve as the moderator of the presbytery. He is a long-time friend of Clarendon Hill!

Sermon:”Where the Spirit of the Lord is….”
Scripture: Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12 – 4:2

Join us for Worship at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service. All are welcome!

Children’s Christian Education News
We wanted to share the good news with folks that Danielle Feerst will be providing coverage for our nursery this Spring 2016. Some of you may know Danielle from her attendance of services here at Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church. Danielle is currently working on a Bachelors of Science degree at Tufts University. Originally from South Carolina, Danielle has experience working with children and autistic individuals. She is CEO and founder of AutismSees an online software development and research company for individuals with autism. We are very excited to have Danielle with us, and her first day covering the nursery will be February 7, 2016. Please join us in welcoming Danielle.

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

Do Something Else: The Road Ahead for the Mainline Church
Ruth Allen and Craig Milanesi contributed a piece on our relationship with The Nave Gallery for a new book that will be published at the end of the month!
The book is divided into two parts: Part 1 is entitled Where We Are, and includes chapters on Why Would Anyone Want to Do This? Good Old Stones, What We Mean When we Say Church and The Road to Inclusion. Part 2 is entitled The Road Ahead, which has 6 chapters. We are in Chapter 7, which is about Evangelism. Chapter 10 is about cooperative parishes, and includes a piece on Mission at the Eastward (MATE).
In addition, there is a study guide and discussion questions at the end of the book. Our Adult Education group is considering this for future reading and discussion!
Here’s more information about the book, which will be available for sale in a few weeks – tell your family member, neighbors and friends! To pre-order a copy, please see:
http://www.amazon.com/Do-Something-Else-Mainl…/…/ref=sr_1_5…
You can also pre-order the book, and read the blog by the author of the book here: http://www.natephillips.org/

Pastor Allen Regular Office Hours
He will be in the church office during the following times unless called away:
Mondays and Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Monday evenings: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday afternoons: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Rev. Fairfax is generally available for pastoral concerns or other church business at most other times as well, so don’t hesitate to contact him outside of these office hours.
Please drop by the church or contact him in our Contact Page

 

– – – Upcoming Events – – –

CHPC Bible Study
Bible study meets at Porter Square Panera Bread every other Wednesday. For details on dates, time, place, and more information, please contact Kevin. (kevin.sungwon@gmail.com)

Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesday, February 10th at 7:00 p.m. Please join us as we begin our journey in to Lent.

Lenten Study
For our Lenten study this year, we will be reading and discussing the book, “If God is Love”. Copies of the book will be available at the annual meeting (January 31st). We will likely meet once or twice during Lent, with the exact dates to be decided. After we finish our Lenten study, we will choose a fiction book for our next discussion. If you have suggestions for a fiction book, or if you would like a copy of “If God is Love”, but won’t be at the annual meeting, please contact Pastor Allen. Here’s a synopsis of the book:

Synopsis of If God is Love
If God is love, why are so many Christians fearful, and why do so many church leaders sound hateful? Two controversial pastors address issues the church won′t face, calling us to restore grace as the center of the Christian life.
In “If Grace Is True”, Pastors Philip Gulley and James Mulholland revealed their belief that God will save every person. They now explore the implications of this belief, and its power to change every area of our lives. They attempt to answer one question: If we took God′s love seriously, what would our world look like?
Gulley and Mulholland argue that what we believe is crucial and dramatically affects the way we live and interact in the world. Beliefs have power. The belief in a literal hell where people suffer eternally has often been used by the Church to justify hate and violence, which contradicts what Jesus taught about love and grace. The authors present a new vision for our personal, religious, and corporate lives, exploring what our world would be like if we based our existence on the foundational truth that God loves every person.
Gulley and Mulholland boldly address many controversial issues people in the pews have wondered about but churches have been unwilling to tackle. For too long, the Christian tradition has been steeped in negativity, exclusion, and judgment. Gulley and Mulholland usher us into a new age–an age where grace and love are allowed to reign.

 

– – – Deacons News – – –

Prayer Request Email
The Deacons are in the process of setting up an online prayer request list. This will be a closed group (to insure privacy.) If you would like to be a member of the group so that you can ask for prayers, and have others pray for you, please send an email to Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com). Once we have everything set up, we will share information about the group with the congregation, so that others can join.

 

Sermon: “A Place of Grace”
Scripture: First Corinthians 13:1-13
What happens to us when grace becomes the centerpiece of how we interact with one another? Where is God when that happens? What happens to our hearts? What happens to our community?

Join us for Worship at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service. All are welcome!

Offering Envelopes for 2016
If you are newer to our congregation, and interested in having a set of offering envelopes for 2016, please contact Ellen. (ellends1313@gmail.com) The envelopes allow us to credit you for the donations that you give to the church, and allow you to deduct them from your taxes! For those of you who already have envelopes, you will find your box on the table in the back of the sanctuary, by the door. They are in numerical order.

Annual Meeting
This Sunday, January 31st is the annual congregational meeting. We will have a potluck lunch after the service, and then conduct the meeting. Please bring an appetizer, soup, salad, side dish, main dish or dessert to share. (NO NUTS, PLEASE!)
The annual meeting is the time when we look back on 2015 to note what we have accomplished. We will also elect officers, elders, deacons, and approve a budget for 2016. In addition, we will look forward, to begin to decide what we would like to accomplish during the coming year. All are welcome!

Pastor Allen Regular Office Hours
He will be in the church office during the following times unless called away:
Mondays and Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Monday evenings: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday afternoons: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Rev. Fairfax is generally available for pastoral concerns or other church business at most other times as well, so don’t hesitate to contact him outside of these office hours.
Please drop by the church or contact him: 508-801-7294 (cell)/617-625-4823 (office), pastor@clarendonhillchurch.org.

 

– – – Upcoming Events – – –

CHPC Bible Study
Bible study meets at Porter Square Panera Bread every other Wednesday. For details on dates, time, place, and more information, please contact Kevin. (kevin.sungwon@gmail.com)

Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesday, February 10th at 7:00 p.m. Please join us as we begin our journey in to Lent.

Lenten Study
For our Lenten study this year, we will be reading and discussing the book, “If God is Love”. Copies of the book will be available at the annual meeting (January 31st). We will likely meet once or twice during Lent, with the exact dates to be decided. After we finish our Lenten study, we will choose a fiction book for our next discussion. If you have suggestions for a fiction book, or if you would like a copy of “If God is Love”, but won’t be at the annual meeting, please contact Pastor Allen. Here’s a synopsis of the book:

Synopsis of If God is Love
If God is love, why are so many Christians fearful, and why do so many church leaders sound hateful? Two controversial pastors address issues the church won′t face, calling us to restore grace as the center of the Christian life.
In “If Grace Is True”, Pastors Philip Gulley and James Mulholland revealed their belief that God will save every person. They now explore the implications of this belief, and its power to change every area of our lives. They attempt to answer one question: If we took God′s love seriously, what would our world look like?
Gulley and Mulholland argue that what we believe is crucial and dramatically affects the way we live and interact in the world. Beliefs have power. The belief in a literal hell where people suffer eternally has often been used by the Church to justify hate and violence, which contradicts what Jesus taught about love and grace. The authors present a new vision for our personal, religious, and corporate lives, exploring what our world would be like if we based our existence on the foundational truth that God loves every person.
Gulley and Mulholland boldly address many controversial issues people in the pews have wondered about but churches have been unwilling to tackle. For too long, the Christian tradition has been steeped in negativity, exclusion, and judgment. Gulley and Mulholland usher us into a new age–an age where grace and love are allowed to reign.

 

– – – Deacons News – – –

Prayer Request Email
The Deacons are in the process of setting up an online prayer request list. This will be a closed group (to insure privacy.) If you would like to be a member of the group so that you can ask for prayers, and have others pray for you, please send an email to Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com). Once we have everything set up, we will share information about the group with the congregation, so that others can join.

 

Sermon: “Third Day Ministry”
Scripture: John 2:1-11
Note that the writer of the Gospel has this event at a wedding in Cana happened on the “Third Day”. When early Christians used this term, it was a shorthand way of reminding themselves and others that new life was coming (a new solution, a new energy, a renewal time, etc.) — life lived in light of the resurrection. Think about the role of the servants. Think about the role of Mary (was she an assistant to the Steward?). Notice that the servants did what Jesus asked them to do. Lots of good things to gather from this story of Gospel Truth!

Join us for Worship at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service. All are welcome!

Offering Envelopes for 2016
If you are newer to our congregation, and interested in having a set of offering envelopes for 2016, please contact Ellen. (ellends1313@gmail.com) The envelopes allow us to credit you for the donations that you give to the church, and allow you to deduct them from your taxes! For those of you who already have envelopes, you will find your box on the table in the back of the sanctuary, by the door. They are in numerical order.

Pastor Allen Regular Office Hours
He will be in the church office during the following times unless called away:
Mondays and Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Monday evenings: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday afternoons: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Rev. Fairfax is generally available for pastoral concerns or other church business at most other times as well, so don’t hesitate to contact him outside of these office hours.
Please drop by the church or contact him: 508-801-7294 (cell)/617-625-4823 (office), pastor@clarendonhillchurch.org.

 

– – – Upcoming Events – – –

CHPC Bible Study
Bible study meets at Porter Square Panera Bread every other Wednesday. For details on dates, time, place, and more information, please contact Kevin. (kevin.sungwon@gmail.com)

Concert
Corinne Auger will be participating in The Music For Food concert, on Monday, January 25th. It’s a concert to fight hunger ($25.00 suggested donation, $10.00 for students, with all proceeds to benefit the Brookline Food Pantry), to be held at 7:00 p.m. in Brown Hall at the New England Conservatory, 290 Huntington Ave, Boston. The musicians are From the Top alumni, along with members of the Omer Quartet. The repertoire includes Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto no. 3, “Winter” from Vivaldi’s Four Season, and more. A 16 year old pianist is organizing the concert, in conjunction with From the Top, Music for Food, and the Omer Quartet.
Music to the Ears and Food to the Table! For more information, please visit www.tinyurl.com/musicforfood.

Transform Somerville Neighborhood Working Group
Since January 2014, the Office of Somerville Commissions has facilitated a working neighborhood group of interested folks to learn and promote knowledge, skills, and awareness about restorative justice (RJ), circles, jail diversion, etc.
Transform Somerville Neighborhood Working Group met on March 6, 2014 gathering Somerville residents to practice any form of restorative justice circles: dialogues or conflict transformation; supported by the director of the Office of Somerville Commissions. The goal has been to build a network of practicing lay and professional residents for educating, learning, sharing restorative justice.
The first public event by the working group was held on June 30, 2015 at Clarendon Hill Towers with Adina Davidson facilitating, video equipment by SCATV, and a video by Communities for Restorative Justice (C4RJ). The group was made up of four youth leaders, a Somerville police officer, commissioners, a professor teaching and advocating on restorative justice and jail diversion as well as volunteers from C4RJ. The members of Transform Somerville Neighborhood Working Group participated as facilitators and discussion participants for the Health & Human Services Department’s month-long (nine event) series on race and racism in October.
The next public event will be to hold a public circle for participants to experience how circles work on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at the Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. The members of Transform Somerville are supporting with their attendance of events the Arlington Mass Incarceration Working Group for monthly events from November through Spring 2016.
Everyone is invited to attend – bring your family, friends and neighbors!

Annual Meeting
Mark your calendars now for the annual congregational meeting on Sunday, January 31st. We will have a potluck lunch after the service, and then conduct the meeting. This is the time when we look back on 2015 to note what we have accomplished. We will also elect officers, elders, and deacons, and approve a budget for 2016. We will also look forward, to begin to decide what we would like to accomplish during the coming year.

Lenten Study
For our Lenten study this year, we will be reading and discussing the book, “If God is Love”. Copies of the book will be available at the annual meeting (January 31st). We will likely meet once or twice during Lent, with the exact dates to be decided. After we finish our Lenten study, we will choose a fiction book for our next discussion. If you have suggestions for a fiction book, or if you would like a copy of “If God is Love”, but won’t be at the annual meeting, please contact Pastor Allen. Here’s a synopsis of the book:

Synopsis of If God is Love
If God is love, why are so many Christians fearful, and why do so many church leaders sound hateful? Two controversial pastors address issues the church won′t face, calling us to restore grace as the center of the Christian life.
In “If Grace Is True”, Pastors Philip Gulley and James Mulholland revealed their belief that God will save every person. They now explore the implications of this belief, and its power to change every area of our lives. They attempt to answer one question: If we took God′s love seriously, what would our world look like?
Gulley and Mulholland argue that what we believe is crucial and dramatically affects the way we live and interact in the world. Beliefs have power. The belief in a literal hell where people suffer eternally has often been used by the Church to justify hate and violence, which contradicts what Jesus taught about love and grace. The authors present a new vision for our personal, religious, and corporate lives, exploring what our world would be like if we based our existence on the foundational truth that God loves every person.
Gulley and Mulholland boldly address many controversial issues people in the pews have wondered about but churches have been unwilling to tackle. For too long, the Christian tradition has been steeped in negativity, exclusion, and judgment. Gulley and Mulholland usher us into a new age–an age where grace and love are allowed to reign.

 

– – – Deacons News – – –

Prayer Request Email
The Deacons are in the process of setting up an online prayer request list. This will be a closed group (to insure privacy.) If you would like to be a member of the group so that you can ask for prayers, and have others pray for you, please send an email to Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com). Once we have everything set up, we will share information about the group with the congregation, so that others can join.