Category: Uncategorized

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!

Sermon:  “Knocked to Your Knees” 

Scripture:   Matthew 17:1-9; Exodus 24:12-18

The scripture from Matthew this week offers us some insight into the Word of God as a divine encounter with us ordinary folk.   God speaks in many ways, and we are asked to listen, but we are not always good at hearing God’s Word.  As you prepare for worship this week, it is good to focus on how the disciples “fell to the ground and were overcome by fear” at the sound of God’s Voice.

Join us for worship and the celebration of Communion on Sunday, March 2nd at 10:30 a.m. and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

Ash Wednesday Service 
There will be an Ash Wednesday service at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary on March 5th.  Join us as we begin our journey in to Lent.

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

Session Meeting
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 onMarch 30th, with a potluck lunch.  All are welcome. We will finish up by 1:00 p.m. that Sunday.   More details to follow!

Last week we ordained and installed some of our leaders for the next few years.  Kevin Kim and Jennifer Herzig were ordained and 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, Val Donovan and Salam Lebbos.

Joshua Herzig was ordained and  installed to the office of Elder, serving for a three year term.  Ruth Allen agreed to another three year term of Elder.  She was installed again.  Currently serving elders on Session include Liz Cavano, Craig Milanesi, Ellen Schemerhorn and Randy Winchester.  We heartily thank Jill Auger for her six years of service on Session.

Sermon:  “Weapons of the Meek”

Scriptures:  Mathew 5:38-48;  Leviticus 19:1-2,9-18

The lectionary readings this week keep us focused on Matthew’s version of the Sermon on the Mount. These passages have sometimes been used to characterize the Christian life in a rather passive way — justifying domestic violence even!   To live in the ways that Jesus is suggesting is anything but passive!

Join us for worship on Sunday, February 23rd at 10:30 a.m. and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

The Men’s Bible Study Group
will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Panera Bread at Porter Square on Wednesday, February 26th. (Please note the date change.)  Please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre for more details.

Ash Wednesday Service
There will be an Ash Wednesday service at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary on March 5th.  Join us as we begin our journey in to Lent.

March 8th CHPC Quarterly Potluck
Save the date (think spring!) and more details to come.

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

Copies of the Clarendon Hill church directory are available.  You can find them on the table at the back of the sanctuary. If you would like an electronic copy of the directory, please contact Ellen. (ellends1313@gmail.com)

Sermon — “Seeing God”

Scriptures:   Deuteronomy 30:15-20;  First Corinthians 3:1-9

The church is not always an easy place to be.  Through our church gatherings, we are reminded that God cares for us, and also for others who are unlike us, or who worship God in different ways.  The Apostle Paul reminds us of how we are so limited in our understandings of God, and calls us to a path of unity — even when we disagree.  How does this make a difference for how we are to be and to act in the world?  How do we treat our fellow Christians?   How do we relate to those we may be close to but have such difficulty getting along?   I think the passages today offer us some guidance for these kinds of questions.

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

Session Meeting
The Session will meet on Wednesday, February 19th at 7:30 p.m.

Men’s Bible Study
The Men’s Bible Study Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Panera Bread at Porter Square on Wednesday, February 26th.  Please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre for more details.

CHPC Potluck
March 8th CHPC Quarterly Potluck – Save the date (think spring!) and more details to come.

Clarendon Hill Church Directory
Copies of the Clarendon Hill church directory are available.  You can find them on the table at the back of the sanctuary. If you would like an electronic copy of the directory, please contact Ellen. (ellends1313@gmail.com)

Scripture:   Isaiah 58;   Matthew 5:13-16

Sermon:  “When It Pours, It Restores”

The last part of the book of Isaiah has always been intimately connected to our understanding of the life and ministry of Christ in the world.  What does it mean to worship God in the light of our relationship with Christ?  As an answer to that, we are asked by Jesus in our gospels this week to consider the meaning and importance of being salt and light for others.  It is good to remember that we are part of the great call of God to be agents of transformation and healing.  Our world needs it, we need it.  Note in the scripture the various places where the notion of restoration is present.

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

Prayer Group
Our monthly prayer group will meet in the Green Room after coffee hour on Sunday, February 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.

International Student Potluck!  
Sunday, February 9th, 6-8pm – Whether you’re a current student, recent grad, work with international issues or want to join the fellowship of CHPC’s international community, we will gather on Sunday, February 9th at 6pm at the manse (50 Curtis Street, 1 block from church).  A great time to invite friends from school to meet the CHPC family!   Please bring a dish to share.  Street parking on Curtis Street is open on Sundays, or you can use the lot at the West Somerville Neighborhood School (entrance at 177 Powderhouse Blvd or via Raymond Street, off of Curtis). If you have any questions or would like a ride, please contact Ruth ruth.rhoads.allen@gmail.com or talk with Allen at church.

The Men’s Bible Study Group 
Meets at 6:30 p.m. at Panera Bread at Porter Square on Wednesday, February 19th.  Please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre for more details.

CHPC Quarterly Potluck
March 8th  – Save the date (think spring!) and more details to come.

The Clarendon Hill Church Directory
A draft copy of the Clarendon Hill church directory is available.  You can find it on the table at the back of the sanctuary.  Please take a look at it, and let us if there are corrections or additions that are need.  Once we have it updated, we will print copies for distribution. If you would like an electronic copy of the directory, please contact Ellen. (ellends1313@gmail.com)

Sermon:  “Keeping the Faith:  Living a Storied Life” 

Scriptures:  Micah 6:1-8;  Matthew 5:1-12

We have in our passages for this Sunday a couple of sermons, one by the prophet Micah and the other by Jesus the Christ.   These words have been important markers for what it means to be a people of faith.  What is especially interesting to me is how they are meant to speak to people who are not doing so well; people who are feeling in despair about the world and their place in it.   Maybe there’s a Word to us in the midst of our personal stories, and also our common stories.

Join us for worship on Sunday, February 2nd at 10:30 a.m. as we celebrate Communion,  and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

The Men’s Bible Study Group
At 6:30 p.m. at Panera Bread at Porter Square on Wednesday, February 5th.  Please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre for more details.

Horizons Bible Study 
At 3:30 p.m. on Friday, February 7th at the home of a member.  For more information, please contact Salam (salamlebbos@hotmail.com)

Prayer Group
Our monthly prayer group will meet in the Green Room after coffee hour on Sunday, February 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.

International Student Potluck
Sunday, February 9th, 6-8pm – Whether you’re a current student, recent grad, work with international issues or want to join the fellowship of CHPC’s international community, we will gather on Sunday, February 9th at 6pm at the manse (50 Curtis Street, 1 block from church).  A great time to invite friends from school to meet the CHPC family!  If you have any questions or would like a ride, please contact Ruth ruth.rhoads.allen@gmail.com or talk with Allen at church.

Session will meet
Monday, February 17th at 7:30 p.m.

CHPC Quarterly Potluck
March 8th – Save the date (think spring!) and more details to come.

Clarendon Hill Church Directory
The Clarendon Hill church directory is available.  You can find a copy on the table at the back of the sanctuary.  If you find anything that needs to be corrected, or if you would like an electronic copy of the directory, please contact Ellen.  (ellends1313@gmail.com)

Sermon:  “Help!”     Scripture:   Matthew 4:12-23

When Jesus went back into “Galilee of the Nations”, it was to a place of oppression and risk.  John the Baptist had just been arrested, and Jesus goes right into the area ruled by Herod to begin his ministry. This was an area filled with oppression.  Into this “darkness”, the scripture tells us a great Light appears to help the people gain new perspectives and to be healed.   That Light, as we learn throughout scripture, helps us to see new perspectives and healing perspectives on whatever challenges we are facing, and how to address those challenges in empowering and powerful ways.

Join us for worship on Sunday, January 26th at 10:30 a.m. and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

Annual meeting this Sunday! 
We will hold our congregational meeting in the basement on January 26th, immediately following the service.  It includes a potluck lunch.  Please plan to bring an appetizer, soup, salad, side dish, main dish, dessert or beverage to share.  This is the time to hear reports from our pastor and from various committees about the work of the church during the past year,  look at the budget for the upcoming year, and electing elders, deacons, and officers of the congregation.  All are welcome to attend!

Nave Music Series – Bards, Gazelles, Squirrels, and Sonatas: 
New Music by Jim Dalton, Karl Henning, Nancy Rexford and Charles Turner. Music for clarinet, guitar, mandolin, flute, piccolo, piano, shakuhachi, bass, violin and voice. February 1st at 8:00 p.m. at Clarendon Hill.  For more information, please see https://www.facebook.com/events/1383292031930197/.

Prayer Group
Our monthly prayer group will meet in the Green Room after coffee hour on Sunday, February 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.

Horizons Bible Study 
At 3:30 p.m. on Friday, February 14th at the home of a member.  For more information, please contact Salam (salamlebbos@hotmail.com)

March 8th CHPC Quarterly Potluck
Save the date (think spring!) and more details to come.

Do you like to knit or crochet? 
Here’s an opportunity to use your skills to help further marriage equality!  More Light Presbyterians is once again calling for knitted or crocheted scarves to be given out at this year’s General Assembly, which will be held in Detroit in June.  For more general information, see:http://www.mlp.org/2013/10/23/call-knit-crochet-pray-way-ga/.  If you’d like a pattern for a simple two-sided scarf, or a simple cowl/infinity scarf, or more information about Clarendon Hill’s contribution to this effort, contact Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com).

Sermon:   “Going for a Walk:  Bring Your Tent” 

Scripture:   John 1:29-42:   The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”
The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

Comments:  Notice the “action” in the scripture.  For example, the author of John intentionally has John the Baptist not just see (the “see” in Greek is more like discernment) Jesus, but sees “Jesus walk by”.   Let me say, it is hard to follow someone who is standing still, and I think this is why the Greek is used this way.  Jesus is not a Messiah who stands still, if you will.  And neither should we be standing still.

Join us for worship on Sunday, January 19th at 10:30 a.m. and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

The Building Committee 
will meet after fellowship time on Sunday, January 19th to discuss building issues for 2014.  For more information, contact Craig (craze@mit.edu).

The Outreach Committee 
will next meet on Monday, January 20th at 7:30 p.m.

The Men’s Bible Study Group 
will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Panera Bread at Porter Square on Wednesday, January 22nd.  Please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre for more details.

The Annual Meeting is coming! 
Mark your calendars now, for Sunday, January 26th (with a snow date of February 2nd.)  We will hold our congregational meeting in the basement, immediately following the service.  It includes a potluck lunch.  This is the time to hear reports from our pastor and from various committees about the work of the church during the past year, as well as having a chance to elect elders, deacons, and officers of the congregation.

Nave Music Series – Bards, Gazelles, Squirrels, and Sonatas: 
New Music by Jim Dalton, Karl Henning, Nancy Rexford and Charles Turner. Music for clarinet, guitar, mandolin, flute, piccolo, piano, shakuhachi, bass, violin and voice.February 1st at 8:00 p.m. at Clarendon Hill.