Author: kevinskim

Sermon:  “An Unsettled Life”

In this brief ending to the Gospel of Matthew, the presence of Jesus on the mountain has an unsettling effect on at least some of the disciples, and maybe on all of them.  What does it mean for us if Christ is truly risen?  How does it change anything about our lives?  What do we do with our doubts and uncertainties?  Does our faith offer a way forward?

Scripture:  Matthew 28:16-20  (NRSV)

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Join us for worship on Sunday, June 15th at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

Nave Gallery Music Series: A Night of Cole Porter with Christine Fawson and David Thorne Scott
Sunday, June 15th, at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary
Celebrate Fathers’ Day with one of the Founding Fathers of American music!

Cole Porter is one of the greatest composers of the Great American Songbook, bringing wit, romance and style to generations of music-lovers. Christine Fawson (trumpet, voice) and David Thorne Scott (piano, voice) are 21st-century torch bearers of these classic songs, singing and playing their way through Porter’s gems with originality, virtuosity and humor.

As members of the vocal group Syncopation, Christine and David performed with the Boston Pops at the 2009 Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular. Christine has performed as a solo artist at festivals and concerts in the U.S., Australia, Hong Kong, Germany, Italy, Spain and Mexico. David’s jazz album “Shade” was chosen as a top 5 CD by the Jazz Education Journal, while Cadence Magazine says “he phrases like a saxophone player and is as slippery and hip as the young Mel Tormé.” Both are faculty members at the Berklee College of Music.

For more information see:  https://www.facebook.com/navemusicsomerville

The Men’s Bible Study Group
Will be meeting on Wednesday, June 18th at Panera Bread at Porter Square at 6:30 p.m.  For more information, please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre.

Deacons Meeting
On Sunday, June 22nd, the Deacons will meet right after coffee hour, in the Green Room.

Nave Gallery Music Series:  The Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, “Originals, Classics, and Rarities”
music by Mary Lou Williams, Gary Mulligan, Duke Ellington and Mark Harvey.  Saturday, June 28th at 8:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.  For more info, see www.aardvarkjazz.com.

Prayer Group
The Prayer Group will meet right after coffee hour, in the Green Room, on Sunday, June 29th.  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.

Nave Gallery Music Series: The Fourth Wall, Monday, June 30th, 8:00 p.m.in the sanctuary.
The Fourth Wall explores a new hybrid of the performing arts in which musicians are also dancers and actors. Stretching the boundaries of instrumental performance, The Fourth Wall commissions new interdisciplinary works and reinterprets established repertoire to make music that leaps off the stage.

Hilary Abigana, flute | C. Neil Parsons, bass trombone | Greg Jukes, percussion
For more info, see www.TheFourthWallEnsemble.com.

Summer Church Hours
Beginning on Sunday, July 6th, our Sunday morning services will start at 10:00 a.m., rather than our usual 10:30 a.m. start time.  This time will be in effect throughout the summer.  We hope the church will be a little cooler at an earlier time, and we will get you out the door of the church a little bit earlier to enjoy the rest of your summer Sundays.

Mission at the Eastward (MATE) -North Parish Housing Ministry Work Camp 
Sunday, July 13th – Friday, July 18th, based in Farmington, Maine.  Join us for a day or two, or the whole week, as we work with others from the Presbytery of Boston to maintain and improve the housing for families in and around Farmington, Maine.  For more information, please contact Ellen. (ellends1313@gmail.com)

Join Boston Presbytery’s Young Adult Volunteers for Table Gatherings Dinner!
On July 13, 4-7 pm at Church of the Covenant (67 Newbury St, Boston), enjoy an evening feast with the Presbytery’s four Young Adult Volunteers! The YAVs will teach participants to a cook a tasty dish learned during their year living and cooking together in intentional community, and then all will come together for dinner to celebrate their ministry among us. Please join us! Tickets are $50 per individual, $80 per couple, and will support living expenses for our 2014-2015 YAVs.

To purchase tickets: Send a check made out to the Presbytery of Boston, with “BFJYAV Dinner” in the memo line, to:
The Boston Food Justice Young Adult Volunteers Program
c/o Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church
155 Powder House Blvd.
Somerville, MA  02144

Questions? Contact Maggie Holmesheoran, Site Coordinator, at bfjyavprogram@gmail.com. You can also learn more about the Young Adult Volunteer program and work in the Boston area at bostonfoodjusticeyavprogram.wordpress.com.

 

Scripture:  Psalm 60: 8-20  and John 14: 15-21   
Sermon:  Close Encounter
We welcome the Rev. Patricia Budd Kepler as our guest preacher and worship leader this coming Sunday.  We also welcome the Rev. Thomas Kepler.  The Keplers have a decades-long relationship with Clarendon Hill.  Pat was the pastor here before Karl Gustafson, and she recently served as Interim University Chaplain at Tufts.  Tom served here before Pat did, and he was also a valuable member of the choir.   Pat and Tom currently serve as pastors at First Presbyterian Church in Waltham.  It is always a blessing to have them with us.

Join us for worship on Sunday, May 25th at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

Save the Date! Spring Fellowship event!  
On Saturday, May 31st at 1pm, we will meet at the Boston Common for a picnic lunch and an afternoon of enjoying the spring weather.  We can enjoy socializing in the common, strolling through the Boston Public Garden, and riding the famous swan boats (adults $3, seniors $2.50, children age 2-15 $1.50, children under 2 FREE!).  Please bring your own picnic lunch and if you want to bring extra food to share, you may.  Also feel free to bring frisbees, etc. to enjoy in the park.  Questions? Visit the Boston Public Garden website http://swanboats.com/schedule-faresand/or contact Jenny Herzig (jnherzig2@gmail.com, 617-797-2467).

Deacon’s Meeting
There will be a Deacon’s Meeting after coffee hour in the Green Room on Sunday, June 1st.

Scarves Deadline for General Assembly
Deadline for scarves is Sunday, June 1st.  Let Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com) know if you have completed scarves that can be sent for the 2014 General Assembly meeting.  She will be sending the scarves off to More Light Presbyterians on June 2nd, along with our love and prayers.

The Men’s Bible Study Group 
Wednesday, June 4th at Panera Bread at Porter Square at 6:30 p.m.  For more information, please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre.

Nave Gallery Music Series: The 9th Ear
Friday, June 6th, 8:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.  A group of composer-performers from the Boston and North Shore area of Massachusetts.  For more info, see https://www.facebook.com/the9thEar.

Ministry Circle Fair
Sunday, June 8th: Ministry circle fair during coffee hour after the service. The Session and Deacons have spent lots of time in the past few months working out a new way to organize our ministry and operations in a way that will let us all thrive. Please come to the ministry circle fair to hear from the circle leaders about the exciting opportunities we have for you. You’ll get a chance to ask questions and find ways to engage in the work of the church.

Session Meeting
The Session will meet on Tuesday, June 10th at 7:30 p.m.

The Presbyterians for Pride
The Boston Gay Pride Parade kicks off at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14th.  Join us, and fellow members of the Presbytery of Boston, as we march in the parade.  The Presbyterians for Pride will be walking the 2.2 mile route in down town Boston for the 3rd year.  If you’ll be joining us, let Ellen know.  (ellends1313@gmail.com)

Nave Gallery Music Series:  Somerville Squeezebox Slam
Saturday, June 14th 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. Seven Hills Park, Davis Square, Somerville. Free! Rain location:  Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church.  For more info, see somervilleartscouncil.org/squeezebox.

The Nave Gallery’s Semi-Annual Flea Market
Mark your calendars for The Nave Gallery’s semi-annual flea market, to be held at the church on Saturday, May 10th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

You can: Clean out your closets and donate items. Please note that we cannot accept the following items: USED PLASTIC TOYS. USED PLASTIC KITCHENWARE, ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (TVs, VCRs, DVD players, COMPUTERs). Items for the Flea Market can be dropped off at: The Nave Gallery in the Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church (Teele Square) on:Wednesday, May 7th 6:00-8:00 pm and/or Friday, May 9th, 3:00-7:00 pm..

You can:  Help price and sort items on Friday or Saturday morning and/or help to sell the items on Saturday.  To help, contact Susan (sberstler@navegallery.org).

You can:  Come and buy items!  Tell your family and friends to come and buy items!  Find things for your spring wardrobe, or your kitchen, or cool gifts.  A large portion of the profits will be donated to the church.

Sermon:  “I Know the Way Out”
Scripture:  John 10:1-14

Join us for worship on Sunday, May 11th at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

Session Meeting
The Session will meet on Monday, May 12th at 7:30 p.m.

10th Annual Somerville “Save Our Homes” Walk
On Sunday, May 18th, join us as we participate as a church in the 10th Annual Somerville “Save Our Homes” walk. The 5K (3.1 mile) walk route begins and ends at Somerville High School, and passes affordable housing landmarks.  Registration begins at 1;30 p.m. and the walk begins at 2:00 p.m.  Back up transportation is provided for walkers needing assistance.  If you’re interested in joining Clarendon Hill’s group, please contact Randy Winchester (randy@clarendonhillchurch.org ).  For more information about the walk, please see http://www.saveourhomeswalk.org/home.html.

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

Nave Gallery Music Series, Third Life Studio, 33 Union Square, Somerville Improvise, Hypothesize and Otherwise #5
Saturday, May 24th at 8:00 p.m.
For more info, see improvisehypothesizeotherwise.wordpress.com.

CHPC Fellowship: Boston Common for a Picnic Lunch
Save the Date! Spring Fellowship event!  On Saturday, May 31st at 1pm, we will meet at the Boston Common for a picnic lunch and an afternoon of enjoying the spring weather.  We can enjoy socializing in the common, strolling through the Boston Public Garden, and riding the famous swan boats (adults $3, seniors $2.50, children age 2-15 $1.50, children under 2 FREE!).  Please bring your own picnic lunch and if you want to bring extra food to share, you may.  Also feel free to bring frisbees, etc. to enjoy in the park.  Questions? Visit the Boston Public Garden website http://swanboats.com/schedule-fares and/or contact Jenny Herzig (jnherzig2@gmail.com, 617-797-2467).

Deacon Meeting
There will be a Deacon’s Meeting after coffee hour in the Green Room on Sunday, June 1st.

Scarves Deadline: More Light Presbyterians
Deadline for scarves is Sunday, June 1st.  Let Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com) know if you have completed scarves that can be sent for the 2014 General Assembly meeting.  She will be sending the scarves off to More Light Presbyterians on June 2nd, along with our love and prayers.

Nave Gallery Music Series: The 9th Ear
8:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.  A group of composer-perfomers from the Boston and North Shore are of Massachusetts.  For more info, see https://www.facebook.com/the9thEar.

Save the Date:  Sunday, June 8th
After the service come and find out what opportunities are in store for us as we seek to do God’s will in the world.  More details to follow!

Presbyterians for Pride: Boston Gay Pride Parade
The Boston Gay Pride Parade kicks off at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14th.  Join us, and fellow members of the Presbytery of Boston, as we march in the parade.  The Presbyterians for Pride will be walking the 2.2 mile route in down town Boston for the 3rd year.  If you’ll be joining us, let Ellen know.  (ellends1313@gmail.com)

Nave Gallery Music Series:  Somerville Squeezebox Slam
Saturday, June 14th 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. Seven Hills Park, Davis Square, Somerville. Free! Rain location:  Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church.  For more info, see somervilleartscouncil.org/squeezebox.

Spring Concert for 2014: The Somerville Community Chorus
The Somerville Community Chorus will present its Spring Concert for 2014 on May 3rd (Saturday), featuring a variety of American choral music from many eras — including traditional American spirituals, songs by Stephen Foster and William Billings, and popular music from the 60’s.  And featuring the Missa Brevis by Somerville-born Alan Hovhaness. It’s a program that highlights many facets of the American musical tradition — don’t miss it!

It will be held in the church sanctuary at 3:00 p.m. Tickets available at the door.
Suggested contributions: $15 General, $10 Seniors, $6 per person for families with children under 18.

Sermon:   “Covert Actions”

Scripture:   Luke 24:13-35;   Colossians 3:1-4

In our passage this week, and in all the resurrection passages, there is a quality of hiddenness in the disciples’ encounters with the risen Christ.  We will explore what this hiddenness might mean theologically for us in our own encounters with Christ.

Join us for worship and the celebration of Communion on Sunday, May 4th at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

The Nave Gallery’s Semi-Annual Flea Market, at church Saturday, May 10th from 10am – 2 pm.
You can: Clean out your closets and donate items. Please note that we cannot accept the following items: USED PLASTIC TOYS. USED PLASTIC KITCHENWARE, ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (TVs, VCRs, DVD players, COMPUTERs). Items for the Flea Market can be dropped off at: The Nave Gallery in the Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church (Teele Square) on:Wednesday, May 7th 6:00-8:00 pm and/or Friday, May 9th, 3:00-7:00 pm..

You can:  Help price and sort items on Friday or Saturday morning and/or help to sell the items on Saturday.  To help, contact Susan (sberstler@navegallery.org).

You can:  Come and buy items!  Tell your family and friends to come and buy items!  Find things for your spring wardrobe, or your kitchen, or cool gifts.  A large portion of the profits will be donated to the church.

Session Meeting
The Session will meet on Monday, May 12th at 7:30 p.m.

The Men’s Bible Study Group 
Meeting on Wednesday, May 14th at Panera Bread at Porter Square at 6:30 p.m.  For more information, please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre.

10th Annual Somerville “Save Our Homes” Walk
On Sunday, May 18th, join us as we participate as a church in the 10th Annual Somerville “Save Our Homes” walk. The 5K (3.1 mile) walk route begins and ends at Somerville High School, and passes affordable housing landmarks.  Registration begins at 1;30 p.m. and the walk begins at 2:00 p.m.  Back up transportation is provided for walkers needing assistance.  If you’re interested in joining Clarendon Hill’s group, please contact Randy Winchester (randy@clarendonhillchurch.org ).  For more information about the walk, please see http://www.saveourhomeswalk.org/home.html.

Scarves for 2014 General Assembly Meeting
Deadline for scarves is Sunday, June 1st.  Let Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com) know if you have completed scarves that can be sent for the 2014 General Assembly meeting.  She will be sending the scarves off to More Light Presbyterians on June 2nd, along with our love and prayers.

Save the Date:  Sunday, June 8th
After the service  Come and find out what opportunities are in store for us as we seek to do God’s will in the world.  More details to follow!

Sermon: “Faith and Doubt”  

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Join us for worship on Sunday, April 27th at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

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

Somerville Community Chorus: Spring Concert 2014
The Somerville Community Chorus will present its Spring Concert for 2014 on May 3rd, featuring a variety of American choral music from many eras — including traditional American spirituals, songs by Stephen Foster and William Billings, and popular music from the 60’s.  And featuring the Missa Brevis by Somerville-born Alan Hovhaness. It’s a program that highlights many facets of the American musical tradition — don’t miss it!

It will be held in the church sanctuary at 3:00 p.m. Tickets available at the door.
Suggested contributions: $15 General, $10 Seniors, $6 per person for families with children under 18

The Nave Gallery’s Semi-Annual Flea Market
Mark your calendars for The Nave Gallery’s semi-annual flea market, to be held at the church on Saturday, May 10th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

You can: Clean out your closets and donate items. Please note that we cannot accept the following items: USED PLASTIC TOYS. USED PLASTIC KITCHENWARE, ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (TVs, VCRs, DVD players, COMPUTERs). Items for the Flea Market can be dropped off at: The Nave Gallery in the Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church (Teele Square) on:Wednesday, May 7th 6:00-8:00 pm and/or Friday, May 9th, 3:00-7:00 pm..

You can:  Help price and sort items on Friday or Saturday morning and/or help to sell the items on Saturday.  To help, contact Susan (sberstler@navegallery.org).

You can:  Come and buy items!  Tell your family and friends to come and buy items!  Find things for your spring wardrobe, or your kitchen, or cool gifts.  A large portion of the profits will be donated to the church.

Maundy Thursday Service:   April 17th, 7:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary.
We will have a fellowship/last supper type of worship service, with readings surrounding the last night of Jesus before his crucifixion.  Various food items will be available as part of the service and fellowship time (nut-free only).   After our time together we will cover the cross and shut off the lights in the sanctuary, and leave in silence.

Good Friday Prayer Time:  April 18th, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary.
Anyone who wishes to come by the church for private prayer is welcome during this time period (covering the traditional time of day that Jesus died on the cross).

Easter Flowers and Snacks to Church
Please bring your Easter plants and flowers to church on Sunday, April 20th. Easter lilies, hyacinths, tulips, daffodils or other spring flowers would all be welcome decorations for our sanctuary as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection.

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.

Sermon:    “It’s Better to be Seen than to be Viewed”

Scripture:  John 20:1-18; Colossians 3:1-4 

In the passage from John this week, we have 3 disciples of Christ doing a lot of running, and then peering into an empty tomb on that first Easter morning.  As they peered into the darkness of the tomb, what did they see?  What did they discover about themselves and their lives after an encounter with the Risen Christ?
Join us for worship and the celebration of Easter on Sunday, April 20th at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

The Men’s Bible Study Group
Wednesday, April 23rd at Panera Bread at Porter Square at 6:30 p.m.  For more information, please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre.

The Nave Gallery’s Annual Flea Market
Mark your calendars for The Nave Gallery’s annual flea market, to be held at the church on Saturday, May 10th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  More information to follow soon!

Sermon:  “Challenging Our Status Quos”

Scripture:  Matthew 21:1-11

Join us for worship and the celebration of Palm Sunday on Sunday, April 13th at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

One Great Hour of Sharing Offering
On Palm Sunday, we will be collecting the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering. The donations to this offering support the work of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance program, The Self Development of People program and the Presbyterian Hunger Program. Please give as generously as you are able.

Palm Sunday, April 13th – Guest Speaker
Rima Rassi, who is Senior Program Coordinator, International Affairs and Refugees Research, at the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, American University of Beirut will be attending the service, doing the focus on Mission, and speaking during the coffee hour after church on the plight of Syrian and Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.  Please mark your calendars, and  come to hear more about this devastating issue.

Session Meeting
On Monday, April 14th, the Session will meet at 7:30 p.m.

Easter Plants and Flowers to Church
Please bring your Easter plants and flowers to church on Sunday, April 20th. Easter lilies, hyacinths, tulips, daffodils or other spring flowers would all be welcome decorations for our sanctuary as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection.

The Men’s Bible Study Group
The Men’s Bible Study Group will meet on Wednesday, April 16rd at Panera Bread at Porter Square at 6:30 p.m.  For more information, please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre.

The Nave Gallery’s Annual Flea Market
Mark your calendars for The Nave Gallery’s annual flea market, to be held at the church on Saturday, May 10th.  More information to follow soon!

Sermon:  “Alms for an Ex-Beggar”

Scripture:  John 9:1-41; Psalm 23

In studying the passage of the beggar who regained his sight, try looking besides and beyond the physical miracle of the healing.   Consider what kind of new journey this man was beginning with the gift of new sight (and insight).  He must learn to live in new ways, with a new perspective.  He had a previous identity in that culture as someone who was blind as a punishment for some imagined sinfulness on his part (or his parents).  His role in life before Jesus came was to ask for alms, and by so doing, remind others of what would happen to them if they did not live sinless lives.  What is it like for all of us when we have encountered the life-changing Christ?  What does it mean for any of us to truly live like an “ex-beggar”?

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

Church Work Days
Church work days will be held on Saturday, April 5th and Saturday, April 12th, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., but if folks wanted to come earlier or stay later that would be fine. We are looking to dust, wash windows in the sanctuary, do general cleaning in the common spaces, and especially in the children’s room, kitchen and overall basement area. We want to spruce up the church for Palm Sunday and Easter.  Mark your calendars now.  If you have questions, please contact Craig (craze@mit.edu).

Lenten Season Adult Education:   “Deepening Our Faith” – Led by Rev. Fairfax
During the Lenten season, we will gather in the Green Room at 12:15 p.m. for a 3 session focus on enriching and deepening our faith.   I am drawing on a Lenten study from 2008 by Paula Gooder (“Lentwise  Spiritual Essentials for Real Life”), but I will be adapting her work for our needs and expanding on her offering.  Materials will be available for class preparation (read as you can), and will include various sermons that can be found online (e.g. youtube, watch as you can!) and that relate to the scriptures and topic for the week.  The sessions do not “build on each other” in a direct way, so please attend any (or all) that you can, and enjoy the richness of faith that we share with one another.

• Third Gathering (April 6th):  “Living Water” – John 4:5-18

The Horizons Bible Study
will meet on Friday, April 11th at 3:30 p.m. at the home of a member.  For more information, please contact Salam. (salamlebbos@hotmail.com)

Sermon:  “This is Not a Dress Rehearsal?”

Scripture:  John 3:1-17

When Nicodemus, the teacher, comes to visit Jesus, he learns something about what it means to live in this world.  The notion of life as not being a dress rehearsal is always meant to remind people to take their lives seriously/intentionally — implied is that we don’t get another chance.  While I appreciate that perspective, and there is truth in it to be sure, I think the conversation that Jesus has with Nicodemus adds something, and deepens our understanding of what this life is about.

Join us for worship on Sunday, March 16th at 10:30 a.m. and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

Begins on this Sunday, March 16th – Lenten Season Adult Education:   “Deepening Our Faith” – Led by Rev. Fairfax
During the Lenten season, we will gather in the Green Room at 12:15 p.m. for a 3 session focus on enriching and deepening our faith.   I am drawing on a Lenten study from 2008 by Paula Gooder (“Lentwise  Spiritual Essentials for Real Life”), but I will be adapting her work for our needs and expanding on her offering.  Materials will be available for class preparation (read as you can), and will include various sermons that can be found online (e.g. youtube, watch as you can!) and that relate to the scriptures and topic for the week.  The sessions do not “build on each other” in a direct way, so please attend any (or all) that you can, and enjoy the richness of faith that we share with one another!

First Gathering (March 16th):   “Finding Direction”                     John 14:1-7
Second Gathering (March 23rd):   “Keeping Going”                   John 6:25-35
Third Gathering (April 6th):  “Living Water”                               John 4:5-18

Listening and Discerning Fellowship
Mark your calendars!  The Elders and Deacons of CHPC are inviting the church community to a Listening and Discerning Fellowship event after church on March 30th, with a potluck lunch.  All are welcome. We will finish up by 1:00 p.m. that Sunday.   More details to follow!

Church Nursery News
We are very pleased to announce that we have hired two young women to work in our church nursery (for infants to age 5) on Sunday mornings throughout the year.  Please introduce yourself to them!

Sarah Bahn is a freshman at Tufts University, where she hopes to major in Peace and Justice Studies.  She is a member of the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church in Mercer Island, WA.  She has extensive experience as a nanny and a tutor in addition to leadership positions in teaching at her home church.

Isabelle Milanesi grew up at Clarendon Hill, and is a recent graduate of Bryn Mawr College.  She is currently working as a 5th grade teacher at the Prospect Hill Academy Charter School, located in Somerville, and is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Special Education at Boston University. She also has extensive experience as a day camp counselor and babysitter.

March 8th Spring Potluck
Sstarting at 6pm at Ruth and Parke’s house – All welcome! (Please note change of location!)

What could be finer than an evening of good friends, good food and good fellowship?!  Please join us on Saturday, March 8th anytime after 6pm at the home of Ruth Allen and Parke Rhoads in Somerville (see email for the address).  We’ll have several games there, or bring your favorite to share!  And please bring a dish or beverage to share (no nuts please!).  All friends and family are most welcome.  For any questions, please contact Ruth at 617-571-3621 orruth.rhoads.allen@gmail.com

Sermon:  “The Road to Joy”

Scripture:   Matthew 4:1-9

What is it that drives you?   Where are you trying to go with the time you have left on this earth?  Is the Spirit saying anything interesting or joyful to you about where you are in your life?   Focusing on these questions may help us understand something about what our passage this week is saying; in particular, what it is saying about what is important and meaningful to do and to be in this life.

Join us for worship on Sunday, March 9th at 10:30 a.m. and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

Prayer Group 
The Prayer group will meet in the Green room right after fellowship on Sunday, March 9th.  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.

Lenten Season Adult Education:   “Deepening Our Faith” – Led by Rev. Fairfax

During the Lenten season, we will gather in the Green Room at 12:15 p.m. for a 3 session focus on enriching and deepening our faith.   I am drawing on a Lenten study from 2008 by Paula Gooder (“Lentwise  Spiritual Essentials for Real Life”), but I will be adapting her work for our needs and expanding on her offering.  Materials will be available for class preparation (read as you can), and will include various sermons that can be found online (e.g. youtube, watch as you can!) and that relate to the scriptures and topic for the week.  The sessions do not “build on each other” in a direct way, so please attend any (or all) that you can, and enjoy the richness of faith that we share with one another!

First Gathering (March 16th):   “Finding Direction”                     John 14:1-7
Second Gathering (March 23rd):   “Keeping Going”                   John 6:25-35
Third Gathering (April 6th):  “Living Water”                               John 4:5-18

The Session 
will meet on Monday, March 10th at 7:30 p.m.

Session and Deacons Retreat 
There will be a Session and Deacons retreat on Saturday, March 15th.

Listening and Discerning Fellowship
Mark your calendars!  The Elders and Deacons of CHPC are inviting the church community to a Listening and Discerning Fellowship event after church on March 30th, with a potluck lunch.  All are welcome. We will finish up by 1:00 p.m. that Sunday.   More details to follow!