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.