Author: kevinskim

Sermon: “Under the Fig Tree: A Vision of Peace”
Scripture: John 1:43-51
The fact that Nathana-el was sitting under a fig tree was significant for his encounter with the Christ (cf. Micah 4:1-4; a vision of peace). And it is very significant that Jesus told him that he “saw” him – a very key Greek word in the New Testament. What did Jesus see about this man that made him astonished to see Jesus? What does Jesus see in us What does this vignette tell us about peace of Christ for our world?

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

New Hymnal Donations
Our new “Glory to God” hymnals are here! If you’d like to help “give our congregation the gift of song”, you ‘ll find envelopes out on the table in the narthex. For a $20.00 donation, you can help to pay for a hymnal, and have a bookplate placed in the hymnal in memory or in honor of a loved one. Envelopes can be placed in offering plates during the service, or handed to a member of the congregation.

Adult Education Study
Sunday, January 18th, After coffee hour in the Green Room: “An Exploration of Frederick Buechner’s Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy and Fairy Tale.” Buechner, a Presbyterian minister, has written many books that have influenced both lay and clergy over these last few decades. He has an engaging way of helping us to see the extraordinary aspects of our ordinary lives. In this volume, we can explore the gospel through the lenses of tragedy (of God’s seeming absence), comedy (of God’s unpredictability and unexpectedness), and of fairy tale (of God’s “too good to be true” truth). During the season of epiphany, when we seek to be intentionally open to the ways that God’s Light is present for us, let us use Buechner’s offering here to deepen our ability to see God at work in our too often humdrum, humbug lives.
Book Availability: A few books will be ordered. Please let Allen know if you would like one of these books or will be finding your own copy.

The Men’s Bible Study
Meeting at Panera Bread in Porter Square on Wednesday, January 21st at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre.

Annual Congregational Meeting
Mark your calendars now for Sunday, January 25th. We will have a potluck lunch after the service, and then conduct the meeting. This is the time when we look back on 2014 to note what we have accomplished, elect officers, elders and deacons, and approve a budget for 2015. We will also look forward to begin to decide what we would like to accomplish during the coming year.

Sermon: “Utter Trust”
Scripture: Luke 1:26-38
Second Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Comments: I have been struck in preparing for this week’s message about Mary’s utter trust in what was happening. Nothing reluctant is happening here. It would not have been lost on any listeners of this story in the ancient world that she was perhaps as young as 12 years old. But somehow she was struck by God’s Presence in a way that inspired a great trust in her about what was going to happen. An incredible experience of grace enshrouded her, and she knew something essential about God and how God relates to us. Let us explore this passage, and God’s transforming power for us, this coming Sunday.

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

The Advent Meditations are here…
Pick up your copy in the narthex, or check our Facebook page to read them daily!

Advent/Epiphany Study
“An Exploration of Frederick Buechner’s Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy and Fairy Tale.”
uechner, a Presbyterian minister, has written many books that have influenced both lay and clergy over these last few decades. He has an engaging way of helping us to see the extraordinary aspects of our ordinary lives. In this volume, we can explore the gospel through the lenses of tragedy (of God’s seeming absence), comedy (of God’s unpredictability and unexpectedness), and of fairy tale (of God’s “too good to be true” truth). During the seasons of advent and epiphany, when we seek to be intentionally open to the ways that God’s Light is present for us, let us use Buechner’s offering here to deepen our ability to see God at work in our too often humdrum, humbug lives.
Book Availability: A few books will be ordered. Please let Allen know if you would like one of these books or will be finding your own copy.

Times: From 7 to 8:15 p.m. In the Green Room
Wednesday, December 3rd (focus on chapter 1)
Wednesday, Dec. 17th (focus on chapter 2 — tragedy)
Wednesday, Jan. 7th (focus on chapter 3 — comedy)
Wednesday, Jan. 21st (focus on chapter 4 — fairy tale)

The Christmas Joy Offering
Collecting on Sunday, December 21st. A gift to the Christmas Joy Offering helps provide financial assistance to current and former church workers and their families and also enables deserving students to attend Presbyterian-related racial ethnic colleges and schools. Please give as generously as you are able.

Christmas Eve Service
Wednesday, December 24th at 4:00 p.m. Child are welcome in the service, but childcare will be available as well. We invite you to join us for cookies, beverages, and fellowship in the Nave Gallery (next door to the sanctuary) right after the service.

Session Meeting
The Session will meet on Wednesday, January 14th in the Green Room at 7:30 p.m.

Sermon: “Shocked and __________ “
Scripture: Luke 1:46-555
In Mary’s song about God, she is shocked in so many ways by what God has promised to do through her, and what she sees about God’s actions and presence in the world. Many commentaries link this passage to the theme of Christianity and the “great reversal” scriptures that fill the pages of Luke’s gospel. Mary is overwhelmed, shocked by what is happening. I am realizing as I work on this passage this week that the term “shock” gets linked with all kinds of words in the press and in the general culture. One can think of “shock and awe” as a military strategy during the first Gulf War, for example. Mary’s shocked feeling is connected to joy and rejoicing at what she saw that God was doing with her and for her community, etc. Can we capture some of that sense of joy and rejoicing for ourselves this Christmas? What is it that would bring us to a state of rejoicing?

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

The Advent Meditations are here…
Pick up your copy in the narthex, or check our Facebook page to read them daily!

Nomination Committee
The second meeting of the Nominating Committee will be on in the Green Room on Sunday, December 14th, after the coffee hour.

Somerville families need our help – Christmas gifts for Early Head Start
For several years, CHPC has partnered with the Somerville Early Head Start to sponsor families for Christmas, purchasing presents for them. This year Early Head Start is experiencing a 25% increase in the number of local families requesting support, making our help vital for our neighbors to enjoy the holiday. Starting on November 23rd, please look for the mini-tree in the back of the sanctuary and choose one or more slips of paper with gift requests/suggestions. We will collect the gifts at church and have a wrapping party during coffee hour on December 14th. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Val (mabel312@aol.com) or Ruth (ruth.rhoads.allen@gmail.com)

Advent/Epiphany Study
“An Exploration of Frederick Buechner’s Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy and Fairy Tale.”
uechner, a Presbyterian minister, has written many books that have influenced both lay and clergy over these last few decades. He has an engaging way of helping us to see the extraordinary aspects of our ordinary lives. In this volume, we can explore the gospel through the lenses of tragedy (of God’s seeming absence), comedy (of God’s unpredictability and unexpectedness), and of fairy tale (of God’s “too good to be true” truth). During the seasons of advent and epiphany, when we seek to be intentionally open to the ways that God’s Light is present for us, let us use Buechner’s offering here to deepen our ability to see God at work in our too often humdrum, humbug lives.
Book Availability: A few books will be ordered. Please let Allen know if you would like one of these books or will be finding your own copy.

Times: From 7 to 8:15 p.m. In the Green Room
Wednesday, December 3rd (focus on chapter 1)
Wednesday, Dec. 17th (focus on chapter 2 — tragedy)
Wednesday, Jan. 7th (focus on chapter 3 — comedy)
Wednesday, Jan. 21st (focus on chapter 4 — fairy tale)

The Christmas Joy Offering
Collecting on Sunday, December 21st. A gift to the Christmas Joy Offering helps provide financial assistance to current and former church workers and their families and also enables deserving students to attend Presbyterian-related racial ethnic colleges and schools. Please give as generously as you are able.

Christmas Eve Service
Wednesday, December 24th 4:00 p.m.

Session Meeting
The Session will meet on Wednesday, January 14th in the Green Room at 7:30 p.m.

——————

NAVE GALLERY EVENTS

Illuminated: A Photographic Essay of Holiday Lights
EXHIBITION DATES: November 15, 2014-December 14, 2014 (Closed Thanksgiving weekend)
GALLERY HOURS: Saturday and Sunday, 1:00-5:00 pm (Closed Thanksgiving Weekend)
ARTISTS: Jim Baab Jr., Zsolt Bátori, Kelly Burgess, Greg Cook, Melissa Eder, Ileana Doble Hernandez, MaryAnne Hinkle, Bill Kouwenhoven, Rachel Mello, H.D. Motyl, Lenny Rigione, Robert Thurlow, V Van Sant, Jill Waterman

The Eighth Annual Good Cheer Festival
DATE & TIME: Sunday, December 14, 7 PM
LOCATION: Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church (Teele Square), 155 Powderhouse Blvd, Somerville, MA
ADMISSION FEE: Free ($5-$10 suggested donation benefits the Nave Gallery)
Now in its eighth year, the Good Cheer Festival returns to Boston. Hosted in the beautiful Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church, home to the Nave Gallery, this is a heartwarming event for the whole family. There will be carols, stories, cookies and nog. Come ready to sing, smile and, please, dress the part; there is a prize for the best holiday sweaters!

Sermon: “Got Milk?”
Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46
There are 2 images being drawn upon by Jesus in telling this story of the “final judgment”… The first relates to the notion in the book of Leviticus of the sins of the people being confessed and placed on the head of a goat that is sent into the wilderness — the scapegoat in our modern culture. There are 2 goats in Leviticus, one is offered as a purity offering to God, and the other is sent out. The second image has to do with a shepherd separating the sheep and goats in order to shear the sheep and milk the goats. In this case, the goats obviously did not provide “milk” / nourishment, etc., for those in need. Both allusions are present in this story told by Jesus. Questions: Is Jesus/Matthew in this scripture suggesting eternal damnation for those who don’t practice (what we would call) charity? I want to say, “not exactly”. Thus, I want to explore this week the notion of “sin” (exemplified by the list offered by the “king” to the “goats”) as a sign. What evidence (or signs) do we show that Christ is present and alive in our lives? What kind of people has God made us into if we practice the sorts of actions listed in this scripture? What is happening at the final judgment to all the “sin” in the world?

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

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!

Prayer Meeting
Sunday, November 16th: We will meet in the Green Room after our potluck and program. 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.

Make-a-Wish Benefit Concert featuring The Cambridge String Quartet!
Sunday Nov. 16th, 2pm – Come see CHPC’s own violinist Jenny Herzig perform with her quartet and support Make-a-Wish of Massachusetts and Rhode Island! The event will take place right here at Clarendon Hill! Tickets are $14 for adults and $4 for kids. There will also be a raffle and reception afterward. 80% of net ticket sales and 100% of raffle sales will all go to Make-a-Wish. The quartet will perform a Beethoven string quartet and some tango, samba, and mambo music! For more information and to purchase tickets please visithttp://www.cambridgequartet.com/events.html or contact Jenny Herzig.

What a blanket can do!
CHPC’s annual support to Church World Service, November 23rd
For the third year in a row, CHPC is raising funds to support the work of Church World Service through their “Blankets and Tools” initiative. Contributions mean Church World Service will be ready to help families here in the U.S. and around the world recover from disasters and displacement by providing blankets, as well as the tools and training to rebuild sustainable communities. CHPC joins over 8,000 congregations and groups across the U.S. in holding “Blankets and Tools” events and we can’t do it without your support. Please join us during worship on Sunday, November 23rd in giving generously to this important mission. For more information, visithttp://www.cwsglobal.org/get-involved/cws-blankets/ Have questions or can’t be there on November 23rd, but want to contribute? Please talk with Ruth or email Ruth.rhoads.allen@gmail.com Thank you!

The Advent Meditations are coming…
As part of our tradition at Clarendon Hill, we will be producing another booklet of Advent Meditations from members and friends of the church, based on the Advent season lectionary. Craig Milanesi and Jaja Kumpa will be seeking volunteers to sign up for a 1 – 3 paragraph reflection or some creative artwork relative to the reading, this Sunday, November 16th, during fellowship. If you won’t be at church on the 16th, but would like to participate, please contact Craig. (craze@mit.edu) The deadline for submissions will be Sunday, November 23rd (and last minute submissions no later than Wednesday, November 26).We hope to have the printed versions on Sunday, November 30th.

Somerville families need our help – Christmas gifts for Early Head Start
For several years, CHPC has partnered with the Somerville Early Head Start to sponsor families for Christmas, purchasing presents for them. This year Early Head Start is experiencing a 25% increase in the number of local families requesting support, making our help vital for our neighbors to enjoy the holiday. Starting on November 23rd, please look for the mini-tree in the back of the sanctuary and choose one or more slips of paper with gift requests/suggestions. We will collect the gifts at church and have a wrapping party during coffee hour on December 14th. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Val (mabel312@aol.com) or Ruth (ruth.rhoads.allen@gmail.com)

Advent/Epiphany Study
“An Exploration of Frederick Buechner’s Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy and Fairy Tale.”
uechner, a Presbyterian minister, has written many books that have influenced both lay and clergy over these last few decades. He has an engaging way of helping us to see the extraordinary aspects of our ordinary lives. In this volume, we can explore the gospel through the lenses of tragedy (of God’s seeming absence), comedy (of God’s unpredictability and unexpectedness), and of fairy tale (of God’s “too good to be true” truth). During the seasons of advent and epiphany, when we seek to be intentionally open to the ways that God’s Light is present for us, let us use Buechner’s offering here to deepen our ability to see God at work in our too often humdrum, humbug lives.
Book Availability: A few books will be ordered. Please let Allen know if you would like one of these books or will be finding your own copy.

Times: From 7 to 8:15 p.m. In the Green Room
Wednesday, December 3rd (focus on chapter 1)
Wednesday, Dec. 17th (focus on chapter 2 — tragedy)
Wednesday, Jan. 7th (focus on chapter 3 — comedy)
Wednesday, Jan. 21st (focus on chapter 4 — fairy tale)

Advent Fellowship Event/ Potluck
Please join us on Saturday, December 6th for a trip toZoolights at the Stone Zoo followed by a potluck dinner. Zoolights is a winter wonderland of tree lined paths decorated with holiday lights. In addition to being able to see some of the animals of the Yukon Creek section of the zoo, there is also Santa’s Castle, along with fairy tale characters and dancing plush animals.
Tickets cost $7 or $6 for Zoo New England members. Children under 2 years old are free. Tickets can be purchased online athttp://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/zoolights or at the zoo.
We will meet at the Stone Zoo, 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA at 5pm. After enjoying Zoolights, we will travel to Josh and Jenny’s House for the potluck (~6:30 PM). Feel free to attend one or both parts of the evening. For more information, or if you would like to carpool, please email Jenny at jnherzig2@gmail.com. See you there!

Wrapping Party during Coffee Hour
December 14th – Join as we wrap gifts for the members of the families we are sponsoring through Somerville Early Head Start.

Christmas Eve Service
December 24th-  4:00 p.m.

——————

NAVE GALLERY EVENTS

Wrap Around Sale: A sale of handmade knitted, crocheted, and sewn goods to benefit the Somerville Homeless Coalition.
Dessert Reception: Kick off our annual sale on a sweet note! Live music by Amy Kucharik, on Sunday, November 16th, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Sale Dates: November 15-December 14, 2014, Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving weekend
Midnight Madness at Davis Square:
Thursday, December 4, 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
For more info, see navegallery.org

Illuminated: A Photographic Essay of Holiday Lights
EXHIBITION DATES: November 15, 2014-December 14, 2014 (Closed Thanksgiving weekend)
GALLERY HOURS: Saturday and Sunday, 1:00-5:00 pm (Closed Thanksgiving Weekend)
ARTISTS: Jim Baab Jr., Zsolt Bátori, Kelly Burgess, Greg Cook, Melissa Eder, Ileana Doble Hernandez, MaryAnne Hinkle, Bill Kouwenhoven, Rachel Mello, H.D. Motyl, Lenny Rigione, Robert Thurlow, V Van Sant, Jill Waterman

The Eighth Annual Good Cheer Festival
DATE & TIME: Sunday, December 14, 7 PM
LOCATION: Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church (Teele Square), 155 Powderhouse Blvd, Somerville, MA
ADMISSION FEE: Free ($5-$10 suggested donation benefits the Nave Gallery)
Now in its eighth year, the Good Cheer Festival returns to Boston. Hosted in the beautiful Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church, home to the Nave Gallery, this is a heartwarming event for the whole family. There will be carols, stories, cookies and nog. Come ready to sing, smile and, please, dress the part; there is a prize for the best holiday sweaters!

Sermon: “Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself”
Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30
In this parable told by Jesus, we learn something about fear in a world where there is plenty to which one can focus his/her fear. Why was the third slave afraid? Why did the master respond so harshly? What are the things about our lives that generate fear? Are fear and faith connected?

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

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!

Prayer Meeting
Sunday, November 16th: We will meet in the Green Room after our potluck and program. 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.

Make-a-Wish Benefit Concert featuring The Cambridge String Quartet!
Sunday Nov. 16th, 2pm – Come see CHPC’s own violinist Jenny Herzig perform with her quartet and support Make-a-Wish of Massachusetts and Rhode Island! The event will take place right here at Clarendon Hill! Tickets are $14 for adults and $4 for kids. There will also be a raffle and reception afterward. 80% of net ticket sales and 100% of raffle sales will all go to Make-a-Wish. The quartet will perform a Beethoven string quartet and some tango, samba, and mambo music! For more information and to purchase tickets please visithttp://www.cambridgequartet.com/events.html or contact Jenny Herzig.

What a blanket can do!
CHPC’s annual support to Church World Service, November 23rd
For the third year in a row, CHPC is raising funds to support the work of Church World Service through their “Blankets and Tools” initiative. Contributions mean Church World Service will be ready to help families here in the U.S. and around the world recover from disasters and displacement by providing blankets, as well as the tools and training to rebuild sustainable communities. CHPC joins over 8,000 congregations and groups across the U.S. in holding “Blankets and Tools” events and we can’t do it without your support. Please join us during worship on Sunday, November 23rd in giving generously to this important mission. For more information, visithttp://www.cwsglobal.org/get-involved/cws-blankets/ Have questions or can’t be there on November 23rd, but want to contribute? Please talk with Ruth or email Ruth.rhoads.allen@gmail.com Thank you!

The Advent Meditations are coming…
As part of our tradition at Clarendon Hill, we will be producing another booklet of Advent Meditations from members and friends of the church, based on the Advent season lectionary. Craig Milanesi and Jaja Kumpa will be seeking volunteers to sign up for a 1 – 3 paragraph reflection or some creative artwork relative to the reading, this Sunday, November 16th, during fellowship. If you won’t be at church on the 16th, but would like to participate, please contact Craig. (craze@mit.edu) The deadline for submissions will be Sunday, November 23rd (and last minute submissions no later than Wednesday, November 26).We hope to have the printed versions on Sunday, November 30th.

Somerville families need our help – Christmas gifts for Early Head Start
For several years, CHPC has partnered with the Somerville Early Head Start to sponsor families for Christmas, purchasing presents for them. This year Early Head Start is experiencing a 25% increase in the number of local families requesting support, making our help vital for our neighbors to enjoy the holiday. Starting on November 23rd, please look for the mini-tree in the back of the sanctuary and choose one or more slips of paper with gift requests/suggestions. We will collect the gifts at church and have a wrapping party during coffee hour on December 14th. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Val (mabel312@aol.com) or Ruth (ruth.rhoads.allen@gmail.com)

Advent Fellowship Event/ Potluck
Please join us on Saturday, December 6th for a trip toZoolights at the Stone Zoo followed by a potluck dinner. Zoolights is a winter wonderland of tree lined paths decorated with holiday lights. In addition to being able to see some of the animals of the Yukon Creek section of the zoo, there is also Santa’s Castle, along with fairy tale characters and dancing plush animals.
Tickets cost $7 or $6 for Zoo New England members. Children under 2 years old are free. Tickets can be purchased online athttp://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/zoolights or at the zoo.
We will meet at the Stone Zoo, 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA at 5pm. After enjoying Zoolights, we will travel to Josh and Jenny’s House for the potluck (~6:30 PM). Feel free to attend one or both parts of the evening. For more information, or if you would like to carpool, please email Jenny at jnherzig2@gmail.com. See you there!

Wrapping Party during Coffee Hour
December 14th – Join as we wrap gifts for the members of the families we are sponsoring through Somerville Early Head Start.

Christmas Eve Service
December 24th-  4:00 p.m.

——————

NAVE GALLERY EVENTS

Wrap Around Sale: A sale of handmade knitted, crocheted, and sewn goods to benefit the Somerville Homeless Coalition.
Dessert Reception: Kick off our annual sale on a sweet note! Live music by Amy Kucharik, on Sunday, November 16th, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Sale Dates: November 15-December 14, 2014, Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving weekend
Midnight Madness at Davis Square:
Thursday, December 4, 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
For more info, see navegallery.org

 

Sermon: “Waiting”
Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13
This scripture, oddly enough, is trying to get at a basic anxiety that I suspect all of us have about waiting. Waiting is related to hope often enough, and hope is (as psychologist Erik Erikson once said) the “basic attribute of being alive.” What is it that we are waiting for in our lives? What is it that is missing from our lives? Is it a relationship? Is it a meaningful career? Have some hopes been dashed that we wish would be resurrected somehow? Can God be present in the midst of this waiting (for whatever is absent from our lives)?No easy answers for these questions, but let’s explore them this week through this passage.
New Members
We will welcome with joy Christopher and Claire Roll as members of the church, by reaffirmation of faith during our service. We are glad that they are joining us as we all continue our journeys of faith and service.

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

The Men’s Bible study
Meeting at Panera Bread in Porter Square on Wednesday, November 12th at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre.

Make-a-Wish Gift Basket
(Deadline Sunday, Nov. 9th) This year Clarendon Hill will help support Make-a-Wish by contributing a gift basket to be raffled-off at the Make-a-Wish benefit concert. The theme for our basket is “dinner and a movie”. If you would like to participate, you can donate money and/or items for the basket. To participate, please check your email for the sign-up sheet or contact Jenny Herzig. All items/money must be delivered to Jenny Herzig by November 9th in order to be included.

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!

Prayer Meeting
Sunday, November 16th: We will meet in the Green Room after our potluck and program. 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.

Make-a-Wish Benefit Concert featuring The Cambridge String Quartet!
Sunday Nov. 16th, 2pm – Come see CHPC’s own violinist Jenny Herzig perform with her quartet and support Make-a-Wish of Massachusetts and Rhode Island! The event will take place right here at Clarendon Hill! Tickets are $14 for adults and $4 for kids. There will also be a raffle and reception afterward. 80% of net ticket sales and 100% of raffle sales will all go to Make-a-Wish. The quartet will perform a Beethoven string quartet and some tango, samba, and mambo music! For more information and to purchase tickets please visithttp://www.cambridgequartet.com/events.html or contact Jenny Herzig.

What a blanket can do!
CHPC’s annual support to Church World Service, November 23rd
For the third year in a row, CHPC is raising funds to support the work of Church World Service through their “Blankets and Tools” initiative. Contributions mean Church World Service will be ready to help families here in the U.S. and around the world recover from disasters and displacement by providing blankets, as well as the tools and training to rebuild sustainable communities. CHPC joins over 8,000 congregations and groups across the U.S. in holding “Blankets and Tools” events and we can’t do it without your support. Please join us during worship on Sunday, November 23rd in giving generously to this important mission. For more information, visithttp://www.cwsglobal.org/get-involved/cws-blankets/ Have questions or can’t be there on November 23rd, but want to contribute? Please talk with Ruth or email Ruth.rhoads.allen@gmail.com Thank you!

——————

NAVE GALLERY EVENTS

Wrap Around Sale: A sale of handmade knitted, crocheted, and sewn goods to benefit the Somerville Homeless Coalition.
Dessert Reception: Kick off our annual sale on a sweet note! Live music by Amy Kucharik, on Sunday, November 16th, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Sale Dates: November 15-December 14, 2014, Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving weekend
Midnight Madness at Davis Square:
Thursday, December 4, 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
For more info, see navegallery.org

 

All Saints Day
This Sunday is All Saints Day in the Christian tradition. It is also a time at Clarendon Hill where we gather together to honor and remember those loved ones in our lives who have passed away (not just this past year, but anyone for whom you would like to remember in this way). We will offer special prayers and a litany of remembrance for those people who have gone before us and have had a special place in our lives. I encourage you to bring any mementos/pictures/symbols that we can place on a table in the front of the church.

Sermon: “Saintly Sinners”
Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12
I love this quote by Nelson Mandela: “I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.” In our gospel lesson, Jesus calls out the religious elite, describing the opposite of what we might call saintliness — except for the last 2 sentences. Thus, this Sunday we will do some exploring of what it means to walk humbly before God and others as we understand what it means for any of us to be a saint.

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

A Celebration of Students
Sunday, November 2nd – All students of all ages! You are invited to join us for a special celebration of our students at church this Sunday (Nov. 2nd). After the service, please join us during our coffee hour for a mid-semester break – the Deacons will have a special treat for you. Hope to see you there and good luck with midterms!

The Men’s Bible study
Meeting at Panera Bread in Porter Square on Wednesday, November 12th at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre.

Make-a-Wish Gift Basket
(Deadline Sunday, Nov. 9th) This year Clarendon Hill will help support Make-a-Wish by contributing a gift basket to be raffled-off at the Make-a-Wish benefit concert. The theme for our basket is “dinner and a movie”. If you would like to participate, you can donate money and/or items for the basket. To participate, please check your email for the sign-up sheet or contact Jenny Herzig. All items/money must be delivered to Jenny Herzig by November 9th in order to be included.

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!

Prayer Meeting
Sunday, November 16th: We will meet in the Green Room after our potluck and program. 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.

Make-a-Wish Benefit Concert featuring The Cambridge String Quartet!
Sunday Nov. 16th, 2pm – Come see CHPC’s own violinist Jenny Herzig perform with her quartet and support Make-a-Wish of Massachusetts and Rhode Island! The event will take place right here at Clarendon Hill! Tickets are $14 for adults and $4 for kids. There will also be a raffle and reception afterward. 80% of net ticket sales and 100% of raffle sales will all go to Make-a-Wish. The quartet will perform a Beethoven string quartet and some tango, samba, and mambo music! For more information and to purchase tickets please visithttp://www.cambridgequartet.com/events.html or contact Jenny Herzig.

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ART AND SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS

Throughout October, Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church and the Nave Gallery (housed at the church) are hosting the event series “Learn to Talk: Engaging Art, Community and Social Justice.” Join us in celebrating art activism and social change in our community!
More information about the events and other details are below, or at our website, or on our Facebook page, noted above. All events are free and open to the public, with free childcare provided. Donated proceeds will benefit the Center for Teen Empowerment in Somerville, supporting youth and young adults as agents of individual, institutional, and social change. For more information, see www.teenempowerment.org

Truth Telling: Art in Search of Social Justice
The art exhibit in the Nave Gallery was curated by Rev. Karl Gustafson, and runs on Saturdays and Sundays, from 1:00 -5:00 p.m., now through Nov. 5th

About the Exhibition & Events:
In May 2014, The Nave Gallery marked it’s 10 year anniversary at The Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church. Their support through the years has allowed The Nave to show and support the work of hundreds of arts, while reinforcing our mutual commitment to strengthening our community through art activism. “Truth Telling: Art in Search of Social Justice” 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. We ask your assistance in urging the City of Somerville to declare October Social Justice month.

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!

——————

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/

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/