Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church

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.

 

Scripture:   Isaiah 42:1-9;  Matthew 3:13-17 

Sermon:   “Now!  Now!   Now!” 

Have you ever felt like you heard a “voice from the heavens” giving you some much needed sense of direction, or a sense of peace and understanding?   Have you ever felt like some action you have taken has put you “right with God” in some special, deeper, eternal way?   As you prepare for this week’s lessons, try to imagine Jesus, in his full humanity, taking this step with John as an act of trust.   He knew the  time was now.

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

Also on January 12th – Boston Food Justice Young Adult Volunteers presentation at CHPC
Boston Presbytery is in its first year as a site for the Young Adult Volunteer program of the PC(USA). Four talented “YAVs” are spending the year working with area congregations and non-profit organizations on the theme of “Food Justice” and will visit CHPC on Sunday, January 12th.  In addition to participating in worship, they will make a presentation after the service about the YAV program in general and specifically their food justice work – from local food banks to global food security issues.  Lunch will be provided, so please plan to come, invite friends and learn more about the combined efforts and important ministry of the YAVs.  For any questions, please contact Ruth ruth.rhoads.allen@gmail.com

On Friday, January 10th, Horizons Bible Study 
will meet at the home of a church member, at3:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Salam (salamlebbos@hotmail.com).

The Porpentine Players have been rehearsing in our building, and are generously offering a special “Friends of the Cast” price to us.  There are limited amounts of these, so if a date is sold out, another must be chosen.

The link is : http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/469058
 Enter a Password or Discount Code
enter: PricklyPartners
and click on Show Available Tickets

The Porpentine Players Announce Their Inaugural Production
Robert Bolt’s A Man For All Seasons, January 10 ‐ January 25, 2014 at the Factory Theatre, 791 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02118
A Man for All Seasons is the story of Henry VIII’s friend and Lord Chancellor Thomas More and his resistance to the King’s divorce. Bolt’s More is the ultimate man of conscience, who pays with his life for staying true to his beliefs.
The cast is led by Ronald Nelson Lacey (Elliot Norton-‐nominee, Outstanding Actor 2012) as More. Phil Thompson (All My Children, Boston’s Finest) plays Cromwell. Floyd Richardson (founder of Koinonia Theatre) is Norfolk. The cast also include Rob Noyes (founder of Post‐Meridian Radio Players) as Common Man, Conor Burke as Richard Rich, Jenny Gutbezahl as Alice More, April Singley as Margaret More, Geoffrey Pingree as Chapuys and Cranmer, Anthony Dangerfield as Cardinal Wolsey and Chapuys’ Attendant, Christopher Davis as William Roper, Jonathan Fisher as Henry VIII, and Mary Driscoll (founder and artistic director of On With Living and Learning Theatre) as Woman. The show is directed by Jon Taie (Winner of SlamBoston 2010), with sets and graphics by Sharon Lacey.
Tickets are $14 each through Brown Paper Tickets (www.brownpapertickets.com/event/469058). Performance dates and times:
January 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, and 25 at 7:30pm; January 12 and 19 at 3pm
For more information, visit porpentineplayers.com or contact porpentineplayers@gmail.com.

Nave Music Series – The Yiddish Art Trio
will be performing at The Nave Somerville, Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 11 at 7:30pm. Fresh from their performance last week at The Kennedy Center, the Yiddish Art Trio is not to be missed!  For more info, seehttps://www.facebook.com/navemusicsomerville.

Session will meet 
at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, January 13th.

The Men’s Bible Study Group 
will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Panera Bread at Porter Square onWednesday, 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.

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 Camping” 

Scripture:   John 1:1-18;   Ephesians 1:3-14 

Note in the Gospel passage where v.14 typically is translated as “dwelt among us” or “made his dwelling with us”.  The more literal, and suggestive translation from the Greek, would use the English words tenting or camping — an image meant (intentionally used by the author of the Gospel I believe) to evoke images of Jesus as “God with us” — while also reaching back to the work of God with the people of Israel in the wilderness, etc.  The Gospel of John, written later than the Synoptic Gospels, brings to the fore through the narrative the fullest expression of the continuing work of God through the Spirit in our lives.   What does it mean that God has tented among us (and with each of us individually still) through the presence of the Spirit?  Think about our vulnerabilities in this life …..

Join us for worship on Sunday, January 5th at 10:30 a.m. and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

There will be a prayer meeting,
on Sunday, January 5th right after coffee hour in the Green Room.  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.

Men’s Bible Study
Wednesday, January 8th:  Men’s Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. at Panera Bread at Porter Square.  Please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre for more details.

Horizons Bible Study
On Friday, January 10th, Horizons Bible Study will meet at the home of a church member, at 3:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Salam (salamlebbos@hotmail.com).

January 12th – Boston Food Justice Young Adult Volunteers presentation at CHPC
Boston Presbytery is in its first year as a site for the Young Adult Volunteer program of the PC(USA). Four talented “YAVs” are spending the year working with area congregations and non-profit organizations on the theme of “Food Justice” and will visit CHPC on Sunday, January 12th.  In addition to participating in worship, they will make a presentation after the service about the YAV program in general and specifically their food justice work – from local food banks to global food security issues.  Lunch will be provided, so please plan to come, invite friends and learn more about the combined efforts and important ministry of the YAVs.  For any questions, please contact Ruth ruth.rhoads.allen@gmail.com

Session Meeting
Session will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, January 13th.

Annual Meeting
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.

 

Sermon:  “Try, Try, and Try Again” 

Scripture:  Matthew 2:13-23; Hebrews 2:10-18

The scripture in Matthew tells us of the story of Jesus’ first encounter with power and sin in this world.  And Matthew works hard to show that the birth and early life of Jesus is something of a “new exodus” from the reign of oppression/sin that is so common in perhaps every dominant social order.  God is trying once more, this time through the work of incarnation, to save us from our sinful and broken world.  This scripture tells us something essential about the nature of God in this world, and also suggests to us about what it means to be on board with God’s redemptive work in the world today.

Join us for worship on Sunday, December 29th at 10:30 a.m. and for coffee and fellowship after the service.

Prayer Group
There will be a prayer meeting on Sunday, January 5th right after coffee hour in the Green Room.  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.

Men’s Bible Study
Wednesday, January 8th:  Men’s Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. at Panera Bread at Porter Square.  Please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre for more details.

January 12th – Boston Food Justice Young Adult Volunteers presentation at CHPC
Boston Presbytery is in its first year as a site for the Young Adult Volunteer program of the PC(USA). Four talented “YAVs” are spending the year working with area congregations and non-profit organizations on the theme of “Food Justice” and will visit CHPC on Sunday, January 12th.  In addition to participating in worship, they will make a presentation after the service about the YAV program in general and specifically their food justice work – from local food banks to global food security issues.  Lunch will be provided, so please plan to come, invite friends and learn more about the combined efforts and important ministry of the YAVs.  For any questions, please contact Ruthruth.rhoads.allen@gmail.com

Session will meet
at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, January 13th.

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.

If you’d like to have a box of offering envelopes for 2014, please contact Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com).  Remember that all of your donations to the church are tax deductible…

Sermon:   “Reconnecting, Actually”

Scripture:   Matthew 1:18-25;    Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

Focus this week on the idea that Jesus is saving the people “from” their sins.   What does it mean to be saved from our sins?   Are we being saved from our sinful impulses?   From the effects of the sins of others?  From the sins of the Roman elite on the people?   What does it mean to actually “be” saved from sin?   How does it change how we see the world, how we live our lives, and how we relate to others?

Join us for worship on Sunday, December 22nd at 10:30 a.m. and for coffee and fellowship after the service.   We will celebrate the fourth and final Sunday of Advent.

Christmas Joy Offering
Sunday, December 22nd:  During worship we will collect the Christmas Joy Offering.  We’ll tell you more about the offering on the Sundays in December leading up to the 22nd.  Also, please remember to bring your poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary for the fourth Sunday of Advent and for our Christmas Eve service.

The Advent Meditations Booklet are here.
Every year we look forward to reading the meditations written by members and friends of the church as they reflect on the daily scriptures during Advent.  Make sure you get your copy!

Christmas Eve Service
Our Christmas Eve service will be in the sanctuary at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24th.  Children are welcome to attend the service, but child care for infants and children 5 and under will be available.

January 12^th – Boston Food Justice Young Adult Volunteers presentation at CHPC
Boston Presbytery is in its first year as a site for the Young Adult Volunteer program of the PC(USA). Four talented “YAVs” are spending the year working with area congregations and non-profit organizations on the theme of “Food Justice” and will visit CHPC on Sunday, January 12^th.  In addition to participating in worship, they will make a presentation after the service about the YAV program in general and specifically their food justice work – from local food banks to global food security issues.  Lunch will be provided, so please plan to come, invite friends and learn more about the combined efforts and important ministry of the YAVs.  For any questions, please contact Ruth ruth.rhoads.allen@gmail.com

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.

Sermon:  “Earn This”

Scripture:   Matthew 11:2-11;   James 5:7-10

The strange question from John the Baptist about the identity of Jesus can be difficult to comprehend.  How could John not know?  Didn’t he baptize Jesus himself?   Not surprisingly, this passage is about faith — enduring faith — and living up to one’s best self in the light of God’s great gifts.  How is our faith being challenged in personal ways these days?  How closely are each of us living up to his or her best self?

Join us for worship on Sunday, December 15th at 10:30 a.m. and for coffee and fellowship after the service.   We will celebrate the third Sunday of Advent.

Wrap Around Sale
Each November, the Nave Gallery hosts the Wrap Around Sale, a sale of handmade knitted/crocheted/sewn goods to benefit the Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC). The sale runs from 1-5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and this Sunday is the last day of the sale.

Wrap Around is a great way to buy some unique and handmade gifts, and support a wonderful local organization.

Last year they raised almost $3,000 for SHC. Can they raise $5,000 this year?

It’s a Wrap! party…
Sunday, December 15th – It’s a Wrap! party…Please remember to bring the gifts that you purchased for our Somerville Early Head Start families this coming Sunday.  Thank you for those who have already sent in their gifts…join us during coffee hour after the service, as we wrap Christmas gifts for the families that we are sponsoring from Somerville Early Head Start.

The Advent Meditations Booklet are here.
Every year we look forward to reading the meditations written by members and friends of the church as they reflect on the daily scriptures during Advent.  Make sure you get your copy!

Men’s Bible Study
Wednesday, December 18th:  Men’s Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. at Panera Bread at Porter Square.  Please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre for more details.

The Longest Night Service
Thursday, December 19, 7:00 p.m. A spiritual-but-not-necessarily-religious service for those who are lonely or in grief. In partnership with faith communities from around Somerville, it ends with the kindling of holy fire and hot cider.  Held at First Church Somerville (UCC), located at 89 College Avenue.

Open House: Pastor Allen, Melissa and Masebo
Saturday, December 21st: Open House: Pastor Allen, Melissa and Masebo will host an open house at the church Manse on Saturday the 21st between 6 and 8:00 p.m.  All are welcome to attend for some holiday goodies and good fellowship!   The Good Cheer Festival begins at the church at 8:00, so make a night of it!  8:00 p.m.: Nave Gallery Music Series:  Jason Anderson presents the 7th Annual Good Cheer Festival.

Christmas Joy Offering
Sunday, December 22nd:  During worship we will collect the Christmas Joy Offering.  We’ll tell you more about the offering on the Sundays in December leading up to the 22nd.  Also, please remember to bring your poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary for the fourth Sunday of Advent.

Christmas Eve service
Our Christmas Eve service will be in the sanctuary at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24th.  Child care available for infants and children 5 and under.

Sermon:  “Crossing the River” 

Scriptures:   Matthew 3:1-12; Romans 15:4-13 

In this week’s advent focus on “peace”, our Gospel lesson focuses on the prophet John baptizing in the river Jordan, re-enacting the crossing of the Israelites into the “promised land”.   It’s a powerful image of being called back to our spiritual roots as we engage in a renewal or re-direction in our journey homeward toward a God of infinite love — and therefore a perfect image for us to embrace during this time of advent waiting.  What about our lives needs renewing or redirecting?  How is God calling us to live lives of internal peace and to work for peace among those with whom we differ — both theologically and politically?
Join us for worship on Sunday, December 8tht at 10:30 a.m. and for coffee and fellowship after the service.   We will the second Sunday of Advent.

Wrap Around Sale
Each November, the Nave Gallery hosts the Wrap Around Sale, a sale of handmade knitted/crocheted/sewn goods to benefit the Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC). The sale runs from 1-5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, through December 15th (closed Thanksgiving weekend.)

Wrap Around is a great way to buy some unique and handmade gifts, and support a wonderful local organization.

Last year they raised almost $3,000 for SHC. Can they raise $5,000 this year?

Advent Meditations Booklets!
 Every year we look forward to reading the meditations written by members and friends of the church as they reflect on the daily scriptures during Advent.  Make sure you get your copy!

Sponsoring Two Families for Christmas
We will once again be sponsoring two families for Christmas, purchasing presents for them.  Our families this year are living in a shelter.  Look for the mini-tree in the back of the sanctuary this Sunday, which will have slips of paper with gift suggestions, along with instructions.  If you have questions, or need more information, contact Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com).

Prayer Meeting
on Sunday, December 8th right after coffee hour in the Green Room.  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.

Session will meet:
at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, December 9th.

Horizons Bible Study
will meet on Friday, December 13th at 3:30 p.m. at the home of a church member.  For more information, please contact Salam (salamlebbos@hotmail.com).

Advent Fellowship Potluck
Please join us on Saturday,  December 14 for a trip to Zoolights 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 $7.00 for non-members and $6.00 for zoonewengland members. Children under 2 years old are free. Tickets can be purchased online athttp://www.zoonewengland.org/StoneZoo or at the zoo. It is recommended to avoid long lines buying tickets online.

We will meet at the Stone Zoo, 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA at 5pm. After enjoying Zoolights we will travel to the home of church members for the potluck portion of the evening. Feel free to attend one or both parts of the evening. For those who are attending the potluck only please meet us at the home of church members  at 6:30pm and bring a main dish or appetizer. For those attending Zoolights first, please bring a dessert or item like a salad that will be ok sitting in a car.  For more information, or if you would like to carpool, please call Ruth at Ruth.rhoads.allen@gmail.com. See you there!

Sunday, December 15th – It’s a Wrap! party
Join us during coffee hour after the service, as we wrap Christmas gifts for the families that we are sponsoring from Somerville Early Head Start.

Men’s Bible Study 
Wednesday, December 18th at 6:30 p.m. at Panera Bread at Porter Square.  Please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre for more details.

Saturday, December 21st, 8:00 p.m.: Nave Gallery Music Series:
Jason Anderson presents the 7th Annual Good Cheer Festival.

Sermon:   “Jesus is in the House!”

Scripture:   Matthew 24:36-44;   Psalm 122

We enter into Advent in a spirit of hopefulness, and our scriptures today proclaim a special presence of God/Christ that is coming into our individual and collective lives.  What does it mean for Jesus to be present in your personal life?   What does it mean to be prepared for Jesus coming to visit?!   Do we really hope for these special moments where clarity is suddenly upon us, or times when we know (unexpectedly perhaps) that “all will be well”?  I invite you to read these passages with a sense of expectation, in preparation for this week’s worship experience.

Join us for worship on Sunday, December 1st at 10:30 a.m. and for coffee and fellowship after the service.   We will celebrate Communion on this first Sunday of Advent.

Coming soon:  Advent Meditations Booklets!
Every year we look forward to reading the meditations written by members and friends of the church as they reflect on the daily scriptures during Advent.  Make sure you get your copy.

We will once again be sponsoring two families for Christmas,
purchasing presents for them.  Our families this year are living in a shelter.  Look for the mini-tree in the back of the sanctuary this Sunday, which will have slips of paper with gift suggestions, along with instructions.  If you have questions, or need more information, contact Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com).

Decorate the Church for Christmas
Sunday December 1st, after coffee hour, we will decorate the church for Christmas. Join us and help to make the exterior of the building and the sanctuary ready.

Men’s Bible Study:
Wednesday, December 4th at 6:30 p.m. at Panera Bread at Porter Square.  Please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre for more details.

Thursday, December 5th, 7:30 p.m. : Nave Gallery Music Series: New Music of Viola D’Amore.
Marco Fusi and Davide Ianni.  World premiere of a new work by Davide Ianni.  U.S. premieres: “un uori con dentro un dentro (2013) by Clara Iannotta.  “Cinque notturni da braccio” (2013) by Federico Gardella.  For more information see https://www.facebook.com/events/213659032149065/.

There will be a prayer meeting
on Sunday, December 8th right after coffee hour in the Green Room.  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.

Session
will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, December 9th.

Horizons Bible Study
will meet on Friday, December 13th at 3:30 p.m. at the home of a church member.  For more information, please contact Salam (salamlebbos@hotmail.com).

Advent Fellowship Potluck
Please join us on Saturday,  December 14 for a trip to Zoolights 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 $7.00 for non-members and $6.00 for zoonewengland members. Children under 2 years old are free. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.zoonewengland.org/StoneZoo or at the zoo. It is recommended to avoid long lines buying tickets online.
We will meet at the Stone Zoo, 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA at 5pm. After enjoying Zoolights we will travel to the home of church members for the potluck portion of the evening. Feel free to attend one or both parts of the evening. For those who are attending the potluck only please meet us at the home of church members  at 6:30pm and bring a main dish or appetizer. For those attending Zoolights first, please bring a dessert or item like a salad that will be ok sitting in a car.  For more information, or if you would like to carpool, please call Ruth at Ruth.rhoads.allen@gmail.com. See you there!

Sunday, December 15th – It’s a Wrap!
party…join us during coffee hour after the service, as we wrap Christmas gifts for the families that we are sponsoring from Somerville Early Head Start.