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Greetings!
There's lots happening at Eliot Church this month, and we'd love to have you be a part of them! |
 | A Note from Pastor Tony | | Dear Sisters and Brothers,
The summer already seems like a long time ago, but my mind and heart are filled with rich memories of my two-months of sabbatical. Most of the Sabbatical time was actually packed into July, since I had committed to performing two weddings in late June, and my vacation travels started in early August. The 8-day silent retreat at the Eastern Point Jesuit Retreat Center in Gloucester was very renewing and deeply nourishing to my spirit, and the 9-day visit to Israel with an interfaith group of Christian clergy and conservative rabbis was intense, educational, and very moving. I learned much more about the political as well as the religious complexities of that beautiful, historic, and troubled land than I had on my first visit a few years ago. Below are links to pictures from each of the six days of my trip.
My wife Karen and I also had the opportunity to visit and tour the Islamic Cultural Center and mosque in Roxbury, as the guests of Bilal Kaleem, the executive director. It is a lovely facility, very inter-cultural, and all the people we met were most warm and welcoming.
And it's great to be back "in the swing of things" at Eliot. Judging by the energy, spirit and level of engagement, the program year is off to a great start. We are delighted to welcome our new Minister of Music, Charles Raines, into our congregation's life, as well as our new field education student, Brendan Curran. May the Spirit bless us and guide us as we continue to envision and explore the ways to a vibrant future for Eliot Church.
With care,
Tony
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| Greetings from Pastor Karla | |
Welcomer Ministry-Please join in!
Research shows that someone visiting a congregation for the first time makes up his/her mind in the first 4-8 minutes if they are coming back. That means before the announcements, before the sermon, before the children's moment, before the anthem, people decide if they are interested in coming back.
Welcomers play a key role in those important first minutes. The primary task of Welcomers is to connect the unattached guest (someone who has come by his/her self) to people in the congregation. This begins by discovering if the person is new or not. The best way to determine this is to simply ask: "I don't think we have met before" (rather than "are you new?")
It is important to "read" the new person. Some folk want to dive right into a church and meet lots of people on the first visit, while others want to remain anonymous and sit in the back pew for a few weeks. The appropriate action by the Welcomer depends of understanding the needs of the Guest. We want people to feel welcomed but not assaulted.
After the greeting, the Welcomer may do some of the following:
Show the guest around the building
Show them directly to the worship center
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Provide access to coat racks, restrooms, etc.
When children are involved, show the parents to the nursery or church school room and introduce them to the teachers.
Offer to sit with the Guest during worship (if appropriate)
Offer to escort the Guest to the Coffee hour (again if appropriate) and introduce him/her to a variety of people. It is helpful to try to "match" the Guest with others in the congregation of the same age, family situation, etc.
Offer to walk the Guest to their car and send them off with a small gift or a flyer about an upcoming event or worship service.
Again, all of the above are determined by the Welcomer's understanding the needs of the Guest and acting accordingly. Such hospitality is more of an art form then it is an exact science.
Please, talk to Nadja or Robert Young to sign up for this integral ministry of our church.
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| The Sundays of October |
October 3: World Communion Sunday
Rev. Tony Kill preaching
Neighbors In Need Offering
First Sunday Spirituality Forum featuring Susan Nason
October 10: Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Rev. Tony Kill Preaching
Columbus Day Weekend - no Sunday School
October 17: Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
Rev. Karla Miller Preaching
Forum on State Ballot Initiatives 2 and 3
October 24: Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
Rev. Tony Kill Preaching
Communities Without Borders Forum on Zambia Mission Project
October 31: Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
Guest Preacher: Rev. Wendy Vander Hart
Wendy is the Associate Conference Minister for the Metropolitan Boston Association of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ
Adult Forum presented by Wendy.
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| Congrats Pastor Karla! |
On Sunday, September 5, the congregation of Eliot Church recognized Pastor Karla Milleron Sunday for two very important events in her life; her birthday and the 10th anniversary of her ordination. The following is written text of the presentation from the Moderator.
Karla, Happy Birthday. And many more.
But most precious to us is the fact that you have been ordained for 10 years. Happy anniversary. We are truly blessed. You have brought so much to the UCC and most especially Eliot.
You have taught us to practice, practice, practice, just like your piano teacher Mrs. O told you in order for us to get to the golden rule of loving God and thy neighbor as self. And may I quote "Faith takes practice, love takes practice, justice takes practice, and the golden rule takes practice."
You talk about the characters in the bibles as though you know them intimately. Reflecting on your sermon about countless hours people took to guide you in religion, you speak about Paul and Lydia. I now see Paul as and quoting you "a Very Big Personality with a Very Big Vision. Zealous, dogged, unbelievably faith-filled and highly educated." Lydia, who I didn't know was named after her place of birth and quoting you, "the most important point about Lydia is that she was already a God-worshiper. Perhaps you could say she was "spiritual" but not religious. Lydia's spirit was hungry. Her heart was open." This is another fine example of your descriptions about complex bible characters.
One of your recent sermons reflecting on the commonality of the Lord's prayer, had such an impact. All of us have been in a position of wanting to change the rules or the world for that matter, but Karla, you brought us to a simple place and that is; sometimes you have to respect something that everyone can relate to and to heck with trying to change something so intimate and shared.
Googling God? Who the heck does that? You did. Thank you...now we don't all look crazy.
Shoppertunistic? Makes me think of your sermon every time I go into Marshall's. Preying on everyone's misfortune? Not we as Christians.
You have been a great leader for our children. You show them the promise through your speaking, interactions, leadership and travels. You show the warmth to our babies through your touch and your voice. You show compassion to us when it comes to our pets ('cause you are the pet owner of the year).
The spirit of the Lord emanates from your lessons. The spirit of the Lord flows in, through and out of you. Thank you for taking ordinary life encounters and relating it to the word of the Lord and most of all our religious practice. Thank you for answering the call to the UCC and to Eliot especially.
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| Meet Our New Seminary Intern | |
Brendan Curran
Brendan grew up in Danvers MA where he graduated from St. John's Prep. After high school he completed a volunteer service year with Americorps before attending Umass Boston where he graduated from in 2007 with a B.A. in American Studies. After college he worked as an extended day teacher at the San Francisco friends school for a year. Brendan is now working toward his MDiv at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge MA and hopes to pursue ordination in the U.C.C. He is passionate about the arts, the church, inter-faith dialogue, gardening, and enjoys singing folk songs on his guitar!
Brendan is so happy to be able to be a part of the Elliot Church community this year as the seminary intern and looks forward to meeting you!
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| Eliot Leaders' Retreat | |
There's Still Time to Sign Up
For the October 2 Leaders' Retreat! It's happening on Saturday, October 2, from 9:00 - 1:00. Lunch is included. We need your presence; we need your ideas. Contact Tony or Karla or Terri to sign up.
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| First Sunday Spirituality Forums |
Would you be willing to share your spiritual journey with other Eliot members?
As we continue our First Sunday Spirituality forums (beginning October 3, with Susan Nason) we will be recruiting volunteers to share their journeys. What were the spiritual or religious influences (positive and negative) of your childhood or young adulthood. What churches or spiritual movements have you participated in? What drew you to the UCC or Eliot Church, and why? What is your spirit still hungering for, and how can we better serve the spiritual needs of our community? Please let Tony or Karla know if you would be willing to offer your story in a Sunday forum conversation. [back to top] |
| Sacred Conversations |
This small group ministry will be starting up again in October. Join Pastors Tony and Karla other Eliot folks for a few weekly gatherings for prayer and conversation about what matters most in our lives. We hope to find a time that works best for those interested in participating, and meet for 4 to 6 sessions, in October and November. For more information, and to sign up, contact Tony or Karla. [back to top] |
| Staff Schedules | |
Pastor Tony
On Mondays, Tony usually works on worship planning and other projects in his home office. He is available to take phone calls, and of course make any necessary appointments or visits.
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, he's available for meetings and appointments at church, and pastoral visits. Please call in advance to arrange a meeting or visit. And please let him know if there is a pastoral need.
Friday is Tony's "Sabbath" when he tries to refrain from any church-related work.
Saturday is sermon writing day again at his home office. He is available for phone calls, and of course for pastoral emergencies.
And on Sundays, we hope to see you in church!
Pastor Karla
Monday: Day off
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursdays: Office Hours in Newton, typically after 10:00 am, on. I usually have evening meetings two of the these three evenings each week.
Friday: Work from home, but available for appointments
Saturday: Prepare for worship, Sunday School, etc.
Sunday: Worship and Sunday School--the best day of the week!
Charlie Raines
Charlie is in the church
Wednesdays from 10:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Thursdays from 12:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Sundays from 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Terri Whitney-Jackson
Although Terri works a full day, some hours are reserved for her to work on office projects without interruption. So public office hours are posted from 9:00am to 2:00 pm, Monday - Friday. If you need to speak to Terri and cannot connect during those hours, leave her a phone message and she'll get back to you. [back to top] |
| Being Church in a post-Christian Culture | |
Did You Know??
87 % of people who come to a church and stay, do so because someone invites them.
The age of "attraction" is over
Growing churches develop a "culture of invitation" in which everyone is regularly inviting others.
Only 17% of the population in the United States attends worship anywhere.
The vast majority of people under the age of 25 have never stepped inside a church.
So, as we think into Eliot's future for vibrancy and vitality, let us keep in mind who might be outside our doors that are looking for a spiritual community who simply just need an invitation to "come, check us out!
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| Eliot Forum on State Ballot Initiatives 2 and 3 | | Sunday, October 17
There will be two very important proposals on the November 2 state election ballot. A "No" vote Question 2 would keep in place the existing state law ("Chapter 40B") that allows developers to obtain a comprehensive permit to build housing in local communities provided the development includes sufficient low- or moderate- income housing. A "No" vote on Question 3 would maintain the the state sales and use taxat the current 6.25%, rather than reducing it to to 3%. Both of these ballot initiatives could have serious repercussions for our state and local services. We invite everyone to come to an educational forum discuss these ballot initiatives and their possible implications. No matter where you stand on these issues, let's explore them together. Sunday, October 17, at 11:30 in the Eliot Church parlor.
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| Sunday School News |
We are off to a great start in Sunday School! IF you haven't been downstairs to check out the re-arrangement of the CE Resource room, please come on down We have a wonderful library of resources and children's book that are there for the borrowing!
Our children will be focusing on Pakistan and the flooding there as a mission project this fall. You will be hearing more about this, especially at the Fall Fair.
In addition, later this year, the CE Commission will be reviewing curriculum for use in FY11-12. If you are interested in being a part of that process, please contact Laura Seoane or Sue Maraventano. [back to top] |
| Youth News |
On October 3, Eliot Youth will be having a volleyball party at the home of Caileigh and Ryan Byrne at 4:00 p.m. Depending on the weather and what we feel like, we will cook out or order pizza. Please bring snacks and side dishes! For more information contact Amy McMahon. [back to top] |
| From the "Vibrant Future for Eliot" Implementation Task Force | | A Reminder: NOW is the time to join one of our Vibrant Future working groups!!
These groups are exploring how we can meet our collective goal to ensure a vibrant future for Eliot, by focusing on seven specific areas of special interest. Those areas include: responsible spending and revenue growth; lay leadership and staffing models; spiritual practice; and church collaborations. These are the focus areas that our congregation identified during last year's congregational discernment process.
Please join us as we develop strategies to enhance the quality of our spiritual lives and institutional health!! We need you!
Work plans for each of the groups are posted in the hallway along with the task force timelines for reports and updates.
REMINDER: This year there will be three congregational dialogue forums (November 14th, January 23rd, March 20th) to learn about research and data-gathering that these groups have done and to deliberate on this new information in preparation for congregational decision-making in the Spring.
For any questions or further information, feel free to contact Susan Jeghelian (by email at sjeghelian@gmail.com or by phone at 617-529-6202) or Kevin Curtin (by email at kjcurtin@gmail.com or by phone at 508-423-0140). Or speak with Robert Young, Carolyn Clark, John Clark or Marge O'Reilly.
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| Mission & Social Justice | | Adult Forum
Sunday, October 24
After the service on Sunday October 24th, Mission and Social Justice will sponsor a discussion about the group Eliot supports in Zambia, the New Chipego Women of Hope. Richard Bail, founder and president of Communities without Borders, will profile the work of CWB and the Chipego Women to help feed and educate the children in the Linda Compound of Lusaka. See video and slides as well as tie-dye cloths and bags from the most recent trip. Patrick O'Reilly was part of the travel group and will share his "miss-adventures." All adults and children are welcome. For more information contact Patrick.
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| From Your Music Ministry |
Our dedicated choir a non-auditioned ensemble of singers from teens to adults who provide choral music for Sunday worship as well as special services from September to early June. This choir sings a wide range of repertoire from standard classical anthems to spirituals to hymn arrangements to plainchant. The Chancel Choir is supported by four professional section leaders. Choir member need not be members of Eliot Church to participate, but they need to be willing to make a commitment.
Chancel Choir Job Description
Physical Qualifications:
Must be able to carry light musical notes part way across the Sanctuary. Must have sufficient vision to see the director.
Experience:
No applications will be accepted from persons who have not sung, hummed, or whistled in the bathtub or shower at some time.
Beginning
Wage:
Increased satisfaction and joy in the service of God.
Fringe Benefits:
Social Security. We promise you the security of social fellowship with other choir members.
Hours:
Thursday evenings from 7:15 - 9:15 and Sunday mornings at 9:00. There is an occasional opportunity for overtime.
Retirement:
Generally determined by the printed notes getting too small, the hymnal too heavy, notes too high, the sanctuary too hot or too cold, or the organist unable to play the notes you sing.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER!
The Festival Choir
The Festival Choir is a non-auditioned ensemble of singers who are invited to join the Chancel Choir for special music services at Christmas and Easter. A variety of choral music is chosen for these occasions including large, standard choral works. The Festival Choir is supported by four professional section leaders.
For our Christmas Music Sunday, 12th December, The Festival Choir will sing the delightful carol arrangements of popular British composer, John Rutter, An instrumental ensemble will be on hand to help bring Rutter's music to life in the Eliot sanctuary.
Festival Choir rehearsals begin the first Thursday evening in November from 7:15 - 8 p.m. With so few rehearsals to prepare our music, a commitment to the rehearsal schedule is important.
Join us! You'll LOVE Rutter's carol arrangements!!
New Chancel Choir Section Leader
Welcome our new soprano section leader, Kirsten Smayda. Kirsten. A student at Boston University, Kirsten is pursuing dual undergraduate degrees in vocal performance and psychology. A native of White Plains, New York, Kirsten brings ample solo and choral experience to Eliot's Chancel Choir. Please welcome this delightful young woman to Eliot Church.
Kammerwerke Concert
Sunday, November 7, 3:00 pm
Save the Date!! Instrumental chamber ensemble Kammerwerke returns to Eliot Church again this season. The season premiere concert is set for November 7.
Cabaret Workshop
Saturday-Sunday, December 11-12
Do You Love Singing the Great American Show Tunes?
Learn How the Pros Do It at a 2-Day Cabaret Workshop & Performance to be held at Eliot Church on December 11 & 12. Saturday 9:30 am- 8:30pm; Sunday 2:00pm - 9:30 pm.
Sponsored by Boston Musical Theartre.
All Abilities Welcome!!
Includes: Choosing songs, learning your music, how to combat performance anxiety, movement onstage, working with an accompanist, relating to the audience, what to wear, microphone techniques etc.
Performance by the Participants Sunday evening, December 12
Limited to 15 participants for individual coaching and an unlimited group of auditors
Fee: $200 per participant (Eliot member discount 10% for up to 5 participants); $75 for auditors (Eliot member discount 10%) Auditors will perform in one group number.
Tickets for Sunday evening event for non-participants, non-auditors $10.
For more information e-mail Boston Musical Theater at BosMusThtr@aol.com or call 617 323-2766 - All calls will be returned. [back to top] |
| ELIOT FALL FAIR - OCTOBER 23 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM |
We need you to help make this annual event both fun and profitable!
Items for the Flea Market may be brought to Fellowship Hall backstage beginning Friday, October 1. No clothes, computers or large pieces of furniture, please.
Books and Media may be brought to Narthex (the space at the Centre Street side of the Sanctuary).
Homemade goodies are always good sellers and the more we have the better. This includes not only baked goods, but anything homemade such as jams, beans, pickles, etc.
Cafe Donations - In order to maximize profit in the cafe, we are again asking members of the congregation to donate items such as hot dogs, rolls, soda, cider and water. Sign up during coffee hour or contact Susan Nason at nasonse@aol.com or 617-965-1811.
HELP is needed especially with sorting and pricing Flea Market items during the week before the Fair, set up on Friday, October 22, staffing all activities on the day of the fair, and clean-up at the end of the day. Even if you're going to be out of town on Fair Day, there are many ways that you can help ahead of time!!
We need items for our Raffle as part of the Fall Fair! Donations, creations, anything is welcome. We are also looking for someone to coordinate the raffle. If you are interested, please contact Rich Stroshane or Liz Thurston. We look forward to hearing from you!
Questions or suggestions?
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| Fall Meeting of the Metro Boston Association of the UCC |
Sunday October 24, 2:30 - 5:00 pm at East Congregational Church in Milton
The featured topic will be an introduction of the new praise hymnal "Sing, Prayer and Praise" from the United Church of Christ. All are invited to attend, particularly church musicians and choir members.
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| Church Family News |
Phil Sharp and Stand Up To Cancer
If you watched the Stand Up To Cancer
(SU2C) special on TV in September, you saw a familiar face on the stage - Eliot's
own Dr. Phil Sharp! Phil, who is a member of the Koch Institute for Integrated
Cancer Research at MIT and winner of a Nobel prize in 1993 for his work on split
genes, is now serving as Chairperson of Stand Up To Cancer's Scientific Advisory
Committee. SU2C is an exciting initative to accelerate groundbreaking cancer
research that will get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives. SU2C's goal
is to bring together the best and brightest in the cancer community, encouraging
collaboration instead of competition. You can learn more or make a donation on the
Phil called "Translating Science." Congratulations, Phil - we are honored that you
are a part of our church community.
Happy October Birthday
1 Marianne Iacuzio
3 Maggie Pond
3 Alice Pratt
4 Joanne Hults
4 Barbara Oppenheimer
7 Bo Ly
8 Chris Clark
8 Chris Dame
8 Joe Esbenshade
8 Jeremy Holt
10 Carolyn Clark
10 Jack Garvey
11 Daniel Smith
12 Howard Johnson
16 Nate Fritz-Kill
17 Diane Price
21 Jessica Bibbo
21 Thomas Byrne
22 Abbi Sauro
23 Clara Minehart
23 Klaudia Shepard
24 Calvin Carey
26 Fawn Dare
26 Jennifer Smith
29 Emma Brown
29 Rachel Hargreaves
30 Robbie Benner
30 David Wood
31 Gill Pettingell
31 Steve Stiriti
Happy
October Anniversary
9 Katrina & Logan McCarty
15 Sue & Vince Maraventano
Congratulations
To our Office Assistant, Megan Glock and her husband Michael DeCanio on the birth of their daughter Juniper on Friday, September 10. Their daughter Amelia is very happy to be a big sister.
To David Castillo Gocher and Chris McAdam on their wedding here at Eliot of June 26.
To Allison Krongel and Benjamin Kibler on their marriage on June 19.
To Cora Stubbs-Dame and Suriya Jeyapalan, MD, who were married on August 21.
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The Eliot Church of Newton 
