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Greetings!
May is a very busy month here at Eliot Church!
Come and join us! |
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Is Your Pledge Payment Up-to-Date? |
We are in the final months of the current fiscal year, and the Treasurer relies on your timely pledge payments in order to pay the monthly bills. Please be sure your pledge payment is up to date. Thank you! -The Finance Commission
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| A Note from Pastor Tony | Dear Sisters and Brothers,
The month of May signals the winding down of one church program year, and the gearing up for planning the next year. This has been a very full and significant winter and spring in the life of our congregation, with the thoughtful, prayerful house meeting dialogues that so many of us engaged in, the special spring meeting, the culmination of another Confirmation class, and the planning and send-off of the Mission Trip - in addition to all the "regular" programs and activities of church life - the Lenten series, Holy Week and Easter, the special music programs, Sunday spirituality forums, Christian Education, special mission projects by the youth (from shoes to pet supplies to water buffalo!) etc. etc.
As we look forward to the year ahead, I want to first of all remind us all that providing and planning these many ministries requires not only volunteers, but also funds for staffing and program. And our only source of funds is each one of us. It is our commitment and generosity that makes the mission and ministry of the church possible. During this stewardship season, search your heart prayerfully, consider the church's place in your life and the life of your family, and pledge whatever you can.
We have given ourselves the challenge of reviewing our congregation's staffing and structures, and bringing Eliot into a balanced budget within the next year. That is a fiscally responsible decision. But I pray that that challenge does not lead us to think "smaller" and start to operate out of a scarcity model. Our God is abundant, and has blessed us with an abundance of grace, talent, energy and resources (including our individual financial resources, and our church's endowment funds). I pray that through a combination of wisdom, creativity, generosity, trust and faithfulness, we can will find ways to grow into an even fuller, more abundant embodiment of the church of Jesus Christ.
With care,
Tony
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| Greetings from Pastor Karla |
As I write this, I am simultaneously packing for the youth mission trip to Appalachia. My mind is on the coming week. I wonder what is in store for our band of twelve travelers.
I know the week will present us with hard work-one of our teams will be literally moving a mountain out of a backyard, the other painting a whole house and doing some leakage repairs. I know we will have a blast, but I wonder, what will God teach us during this week? In what ways will we see God, and how will others see God in us?
Actually, these are good questions for any week, and any day. Not just for the big moments where we are doing mission in an impoverished area, or in worship. These are questions for when we are talking, as a congregation, about our own Option 5, as we seek to implement steps to consider our fiscal responsibility. These are questions for the ordinary-est of days, of which I have many. Take a moment in your day, anytime, and pause for minute. Ask yourself, "What is God teaching me here?" Wonder, as you journey through your day, "Where do I see God?" "Can others see God in me?"
The gospel of Matthew bids us, "Seek ye first the kin-dom of God, and God's righteousness." (MT 6:33)
May you be blessed in your seeking.
Karla
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We Have Received Grace
Upon Grace | |
It's God, not the economy, who reminds us of our abundance.
We have received grace, and grace we give.
It's the Bible, not the budget, that calls our church to faithfulness.
We have received grace, and grace we give.
God, who created the bull and the bear,
teaches us stewardship beyond boasting or fearfulness.
We have received grace, and grace we give.
God who is the source of all resource, inspires creative uses
of finances, time, energy and enthusiasm.
We have received grace, and grace we give.
God is not broke - never has been, never will be.
God is not broke -- God is blessed.
We have received grace, and grace we give.
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Pastor's Summer Sabbatical | |
As is part of the contractual agreement of the called minister, Eliot provides for sabbatical every seven years. Tony's last sabbatical was in 2004, in his 10th year of ministry at Eliot. Since the church has not set aside sufficient funds to fully cover another sabbatical at this appropriate time, the Parish Staff Relations Committee and Tony have been discussing alternatives. One option that seems workable, and is in the best interest of Eliot and Tony, is to take two months of sabbatical this summer, while Karla can provide pastoral and program coverage. The optimal time for this to take place is between mid-June and mid-September. This translates to Tony taking two months of sabbatical leave, and one month of vacation. It is our hope that this time is good for reflection and renewal of our leader as it is intended in the employment contract.
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| The Sundays of May | |
May 2 The Fifth Sunday of Easter/Pledge Sunday
Rev Tony Kill preaching Service of the Lord's Supper (it's also Walk for Hunger day)
May 9
Mother's Day
Recognition of Long Time Members
Rev. Karla Miller Preaching
Presentation of Story Bibles to our Kindergartners
We will say "Farewell" to Emilia Halstead, our seminary intern, today.
May 16
Music Appreciation Sunday
The Eliot Church Chancel Choir and Orchestra will present the Mozart Mass in C Major, K. 317, "Coronation Mass"
Rev. Tony Kill preaching
Annual Spring Congregational Meeting following Worship
May 30
Trinity Sunday/Memorial Day Weekend
Rev. Tony Kill preaching
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| Spiritual Life Commission Notes |
Prayer Box
Did you know that Eliot Church has a drop-in Prayer Box at the parking lot entrance? It invites those who come through our doors to write their prayers and place them in the box. We share those prayers on Sunday morning, and pass them on to members of our prayer circle to remember during the week.
Pledge Sunday
Sunday, May 2
Look for your blue Stewardship letter and pledge card in the mail, and bring your pledge card to worship that day, or deliver it to the church office beforehand. It is only because of your generosity, and commitment to the mission and ministry of the church that we are able to carry on Christ's work in the world.
Sacred Conversations
Would you be interested in joining Pastors Tony and Karla for a few weekly gatherings for prayer and conversation about what matters most in our lives? We would like to invite a group to meet weekly for 4 to 6 weeks starting very soon at a time that is mutually convenient. If you would like to join us, you can email Pastor Tony or Pastor Karla or speak with either of them personally.
Worship And the Arts
Sunday, June 13
This year Eliot church will continue the tradition of bringing music and other art forms together, during worship and for display after the service on June 13. The theme of for this year is "The Lord's Prayer." In this newsletter, and in upcoming bulletins and weekly announcements, we will publish various translations and interpretations of the Lord's Prayer. We invite everyone in the congregation (and beyond!) to submit artwork of every kind (drawing, painting, poetry, music, sculpture, etc.) that that is inspired by the Lord's Prayer, or by any single phrase or petition in it. This event is designed for children, teens, and adults. Contact the pastors or Minister of Music for questions.
Versions of the Lord's Prayer
Traditional Translation
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
A Version of the Lord's Prayer (Prayer at Night)
Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-Bearer, Life-giver, Source of all that is and that shall be.
Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and for ever. Amen
An Aotearoa/New Zealand Paraphrase
O Most Compassionate Life-giver,
May we offer you thanks and praise;
May we work with you to establish your new order
of justice, peace and love.
Give us what we need for growth,
and help us, through forgiving others,
to accept forgiveness.
Strengthen us in the time of testing,
that we may resist all evil,
For all the tenderness, strength and love are yours,
now and forever. Amen.
from Celebrating One World, 1998.
Creator God, Ancient of days, Holy Parent of all worlds: may your sacred names be praised!
May your presence create a common wealth of mercy and, peace.
Your will for us always is love and so we pray:
may your love be done on earth as it is in eternity.
Give all of us each day the bread we need and hope for all who hunger for your life.
And as we share our bread along the way, pardon us the times we've broken faith.
Forgive our lack of love and move us quickly to forgiveness when wrongs are done to us.
Do not abandon us in the times of testing.
Save us from evil's every incarnation, from the powers that possess our spirits and our structures.
Infuse us with your liberating joy!
For you live in the grace of the power that is love, now and forever.
May it be so, Amen [back to top] |
| Walk For Hunger Day | |
Sunday, May 2
On Sunday, May 2, a tiny but titanic team from Eliot will be participating in Project Bread's 2010 Walk for Hunger to represent the mission and social justice passion and tradition of the Eliot Church.
Would you like to join us? Could you support us? So far, Doug and Chris Stuart are signed up-this is Chris' 25th Walk for Hunger!!! You can sign up to be a virtual walker, which is how Karla Miller is currently registered.
As you know, Eliot Church is the half-way point of the 20 mile walk-a major water stop- and this event is extremely important for our church community. Our own David Castillo-Gocher will be presenting a bombastic organ recital at 11:30 a.m. for the walkers.
Visit the Team Eliot page to learn more:
http://www.projectbread.org/goto/eliotchurchnewton
From there, you can join Team Eliot, make a contribution to the team or to an individual. Thank you for considering sponsoring Team Eliot, and for your support of hungry people.
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Eliot Annual Spring Meeting | |
Sunday, May 23
The 165th Annual Meeting of the Eliot Church of Newton will be held on Sunday, May 23, 2010 following Sunday worship. We will consider and vote the budget for the coming year, and address other business as needed.
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Celebrate Eliot Sunday | |
Sunday, June 6
During worship, we will honor our church volunteers, and we will celebrate the end of the program year with our annual picnic. The CE commission will be providing items for building sandwiches, and we are asking everyone to provide a side, salad, fruit or dessert.
If your last name begins with:
A-M Please bring a Side Dish or Salad
N-Z Please bring a Dessert or Fruit
Also, bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit upon!
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| Christian Ed. Corner | |
CE Retreat
Saturday, May 15
The CE Commission will have a half-day retreat to do planning for next year. If you have suggestions, questions, or comments for our CE programming, please let Laura Seoane or Sue Maraventano know.
Kindergarten Bibles
Sunday, May 9
We will present our kindergarten children with their own story bibles. Those receiving Bibles are Daniel Smith, Henry McPhereson, and Justin Robichaud.
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MACUCC Annual Meeting |
Saturday, June 19
Come join delegates from UCC churches throughout the Commonwealth for a day of discussions, storytelling, and lively worship, at a one-day Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Conference UCC on Saturday, June 19, at the DCU Center in Worcester. The theme for this year's meeting is from the Letter to the Hebrews: "Provoke One Another...to love and good deeds" Talk to Tony or Karla if you would like to be an Eliot Delegate, or learn more about the meeting. [back to top] |
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Greetings from Tottori |
On February 21, our sister church in Tottori Japan celebrated their 120th anniversary, and we sent them a congratulatory letter and a gift cross. They responded with a letter, and a silver metal bookmark with the opening words of Psalm 23.
Here is the translation of their letter:
Lent 2010
Dear Rev. Anthony Kill and the members of the Eliot Church,
The risen Lord's name be praised!
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the wonderful gift and message from you, as we celebrate the 120th anniversary of the founding of our church. On February 21 when we held the special anniversary service, our former pastor Rev. Ohmae and his wife graced us with their presence, and about 150 were there, including those from the neighboring churches.
At the celebration party after the service your gift was introduced to everyone. The significance of the wooden cross seems very deep and we are not sure whether we could understand its meaning fully, but we will always remember the Lord's guidance throughout the 120 years of our existence, and are determined to continue spreading the good news.
Please find enclosed a bookmark with the holy words from the scripture as our commemorative gift. In Japan Christian-themed items are scarce, so we chose from what was readily available, engraving on the back "UCCJ Tottori Church 120th Anniversary."
There are not too many churches that can boast 120 years of existence in Japan, but it is a "young" church compared with those in Europe and US. In fact, the history of Protestantism in Japan goes back 150 years, but to this day, only 1% of the population is Christian. Therefore we still have a long way to "go unto perfection (Hebrews 6:1)." Please remember us in your prayers, even more so than when we were founded 120 years ago.
Rev. Masahiko Hashihara and the members of Tottori Church, UCC [back to top] |
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Eliot Receives Award |
At the Annual Meeting on Massachusetts Interfaith Power and Light,
The Eliot Church of Newton received a "2010 Leadership By Example" Award.
The Award Read:
The Eliot Church of Newton, UCC has demonstrated leadership by putting its faith into action for Creation. Eliot installed a 92% efficient gas heating system in place of its oil-fired system in 2009. This follows actions in prior years including the installation of insulation, the replacement of incandescent lighting with compact fluorescents and installation of timers, and low-flow toilets in bathrooms. Eliot Pastor the Rev. Tony Kill and Eliot members were active in presenting a resolution to the Massachusetts Conference of the UCC by which it endorsed the 350.org campaign. [back to top] |
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The Honor of Your Presence Is Requested at the Marriage of |
David Castillo Gocher and Christopher T. McAdam
On Saturday. the twenty-sixth of June
Two thousand and ten
Four O'clock in the afternoon
At The Eliot Church of Newton [back to top] |
| Music Notes |
David Castillo Mini Organ Recital
Sunday, May 2
If you would like to hear Eliot's organ in full sound, our music minister David Castillo will "pull out the stops" during a mini concert right after worship. The program will feature the Prelude and Fugue in C Minor by Bach, choral preludes, and his Prelude and Fugue in A minor. All Eliot members and friends are invited to attend.
The Eliot Church Chancel Choir and Orchestra Will Present the Mozart Mass in C Major, K. 317, "Coronation Mass"
Sunday, May 16 during the Worship Service
David Castillo Gocher, Conductor
Amanda Kaipio, Soprano
Olivia Hauck, Alto
Matthew Wright, Tenor
Jim Jordan, Bass
The "Coronation" mass was completed on March 23, 1779. It was composed for the crowning of an image of the Virgin in the Cathedral of Salzburg. It was premiered on Easter Sunday April 4, 1779. It is scored for SATB soloists and chorus, 2 violins, 2 oboes, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani, and organ. The Coronation Mass is one of the most popular of Mozart's 17 mass settings. Rejoice in the pageantry of this masterful work with the Eliot Church music ministry!
Children's Choir
All children are invited to join this choir under the expert direction of Brita Lundberg and assisted by Heidi Nepf! Contact Brita at 617-527-6267 for more information.
Chancel Choir
It is always a great time to join the Chancel Choir! Rehearsals are Thursdays 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. and Sundays at 9:00 a.m. Contact David Castillo for more information.
Eliot Philharmonic
This organization, directed by Bill Powers and conducted by Jan Paul von Wendt, is an ensemble of many instrumentalists of all ages who play about three times a year for the church service. They accompany hymns and provide ensemble pieces. The Philharmonic rehearses on Sundays seasonally from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm in the downstairs Lounge. Contact Bill at 617-964-4635 for more information. [back to top] |
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Mission & Social Justice News |
Notice of Open Meeting
Please join us at the May meeting of the Mission and Social Justice Commission for an update from Communities Without Borders about our partner community in Zambia. Two board members from CWB have just returned from Zambia and spent time at the Linda Compound. They will be attending our May meeting to brief us on progress with the feeding station that we funded with our alternative giving project during the Christmas season. The meeting is on Tuesday, May 4 at 7:30 in the church parlor. Light refreshments will be served.
Haitian Relief
Thanks to the generous support of the Eliot community, a total of $985 was raised for our initial support of the Haitian community in the aftermath of the recent earthquake. Our commission hopes to identify additional ways to respond to this tragedy, which will have long-term consequences for the Haitian people.
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Recognition of Long Time Eliot Members |
Sunday, May 9
Our congregation is blessed with a number of long-time members. On Sunday, May 9 we will acknowledge and celebrate all the spirit, wisdom and dedication they bring to our congregation. We thank them, and we thank God for the gift of their presence in our congregation's life.
Over 70-Year member
Miriam Morrow - 1928
Jane Merrill - 1935*
Carleton Merrill - 1939
70 -Year Anniversary
Valerie Boynton - 1940
Patricia Hunt - 1940
Over 60-year member
Mary Lou Gleason - 1948
Fred Rosene - 1944
Dorothy Jean Beckler - 1942
Over 50-year members
Lillian Santilhano - 1951
Arline Weyler - 1952
Alice Pratt - 1956
Sandra MacDonald - 1957
Nancy Lob - 1958
Sandy Pratt - 1958
Treva Merrill - 1958
Over 40-year members
Jane Leighton - 1965
Ann Lennihan - 1966
Sharon Cronin - 1966
Gretchen Hunt - 1966
Peggy Sexton - 1967
Norman Totten - 1967
Klaudia Shepard - 1968
Over 30-year members
Marvera & Brian Murphy - 1971
Virginia & Bill Robinson - 1972
Ann & Philip Sharp - 1975
Nancy Mann - 1975
Kathy Shepard - 1975
Emily Shepard - 1975
Susannah Lob - 1977
Susan Nason - 1977
Robert Starbuck - 1977
Elizabeth Woodbridge - 1978
Philip Mann - 1979
Julie Totten - 1979
30-year Annivearsary
Carol & Blair Brown - 1980
Over 25-year members
Kristin Harper - 1981
Nicki & Richard Bibbo - 1981
Kay (Mann) Owens - 1981
Beth Murphy - 1981
Jeff Smith - 1981
Kristin Robertson - 1982
Ann Ellen & John Rutherford - 1983
Alynn Carey - 1983
Virginia Munkelwitz - 1984
Karen Ravin - 1984
25-Year Anniversary
Sharon & Fred Balfour - 1985
Nora Balfour - 1985
Connie Stubbs & Chris Dame - 1985
William MacDonald - 1985
Corin Brown - 1985
*Jane Merrill was an Eliot Church member from 1935-1949, and when away from Newton, was in continuous membership of Congregational Churches in Illinois, Ohio and California. When she returned to Newton, she re-joined Eliot Church in 1965. [back to top] |
| Church Family News |
Congratulations
On April 18th, we celebrated the Baptism of Katherine Sarah Umenhofer, daughter of Loren and Bob Umenhofer.
On April 25th, we celebrated the Baptism of William Chenier Smith, son of Jennifer and Steve Smith.
Graduates
Mary Gwen Scott is graduating with honors from Anderson High School in Austin, Texas. She plans to attend Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, where she hopes to sing in choir and musicals, continue her French studies, participate in the Study Abroad program, and major in film studies. Her goal is to work in the film industry as a screenwriter, film critic, or casting director. She and her family are glad to be part of Eliot's extended family, and send their love to you.
Do you have a graduate in your family?
Email Rev. Tony Kill or Email Terri WJ in the office with your student's name, where he or she is graduating from and their plans for the future. Thanks!
Happy May Birthday
Name May
Sarah Bassett 1
Dean Hashimoto 1
Alex Reid 1
Jaime MacDonald 2
Stephanie Apstein 2
Ann Sharp 3
Vince Maraventano 4
Brita Lundberg 5
Siu Wai Stroshane 5
Nancy Mann 5
David Ghormley 9
Drew Oppenheimer 9
Caileigh Byrne 10
Jasmin McNeil 10
Kay Owens 10
Blair Brown 11
Jeff Clark 12
Peggy Totten Sexton 12
Tony Kill 17
David Lipworth 18
Regina Moody 19
Sharon Balfour 20
Dan Flanagan 20
Megan Glock 21
Nick Creedy-Powers 22
Ryan Pond 22
Nate Persampieri 23
Warren Pettingell 26
Margaret Shue 27
Nicki Bibbo 29
Mark Vasu 29
Sandy Pratt 30
Jonathan Bassett 30
Happy May Anniversary
Name May
Martha & Norman Totten 12
Susan & Steven Nason 20
Marge & Patrick O'Reilly 30
Did We Miss Your Birthday or Anniversary?
Email Terri WJ to let her know!
Focus Group for Parent Networking
Be part of a new company! Volunteer for a fun and engaging focus group hosted by a mom who's a member of Eliot Church!
Amy McPherson, an Eliot mom and entrepreneur, is creating a parenting networking website and would like some input from other parents.
If you have an hour and a half in the evening in early May, please consider joining a focus group that will help Amy and her team better develop a business that meets your needs.
Are you interested in giving input on an exciting new business for parents? Would you like to connect with other local parents and meet Amy McPherson, the founder? Would you like to earn a $25 VISA gift card and be entered in a drawing for a night at Skip Jack's and a movie for 2? If so, then sign up for a focus group! Pick a date that works for you: May 6, 7, 12, 13, 7-8:30 pm in the Parlor of the Eliot Church at 474 Centre Street in Newton (this project is not affiliated with the Church). Refreshments will be provided. To sign up, email Amy McPherson at amymcp@verizon.net. If you cannot attend, but would like to fill out an online survey instead, email Amy.
College Student Available for Babysitting
May 11 through June 19
Nanny on vacation? Need a night out? Gap in childcare arrangements? College Junior, First Aid and Lifeguard certification, own transportation available before leaving for summer camp job as Lifeguard and Land Sports Director. Please contact Christine Couturier at couturci@muohio.edu or 617-947-9338 (cell). Excellent references. [back to top] |
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The Eliot Church of Newton 
