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The Eliot Church of Newton
474 Centre Street, Newton MA 02458
617-244-3639
www.eliotchurch.org
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here. |
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 The Columns
| December, 2011 |
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Greetings!
"I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus the Saviour did come for to die
For poor on'ry people like you and like I;
I wonder as I wander out under the sky."
Despite the grammatical errors of these lyrics, there is something about this Appalachian carol that speaks to our inner yearnings for a Christmas that reaches beyond the glitter and gift-giving to a quieter spiritual place that causes us to ponder the things of God, even as Mary did, so very long ago.
There are so many opportunities at The Eliot Church for thoughtful giving to those who are in need. There are so many opportunities for the joyous gathering of the faithful; there are so many opportunities to remember our Judeo-Christian heritage, and to value the ethics of Christ's life in our midst.
We all love giving and receiving gifts. It is even possible to love the glitter and the busy-ness of Christmas, as long as we are willing to ponder the magnitude of God's presence in our every-day lives. Take time to delight in a child's smile. Take time to delight in the small candle flame on a dark night. Take time to extend God's love to someone who is waiting for a word of encouragement from you. Take time to sing your favorite Christmas carol. Take time to receive God's love for yourself and for your loved ones.
We all love the sweetness of the baby Jesus and the drama of the Christmas story, but move more deeply into the story, realizing that this baby Jesus was God's incarnation for the purpose of salvation for all people, everywhere. We belong to this long history of generations of people who still look for hope; who still sing for joy; who still long for love; and who still desire to live in peace.
This Christmas season, may you know hope, and joy; love and peace; and may you journey to the manger doing small acts that reflect God's goodness and grace as it has been given to you.
Christmas Blessings!
Rev. Debbi
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Greetings from Pastor Karla
Beginning in mid-November, it began. The Big Holiday Baking Extravanganza that my mother would undertake every holiday season. It would begin with the first batches of lefse and flatbread that she would make on a special griddle. Flatbread is a sort of thin cracker, and lefse, well, it's like a Norwegian soft taco, with potato as its main ingredient. Then the cookies would begin: Krumkake, sunbuckles, rosettes, sugar cookies, candy cane cookies, coconut bon bons, refrigerator cookies, lemon bars, 7 layer bars, wedding cookies, sour cream turnovers, hershey kiss cookies, pies, and gallons of chex mix. Every day, up until a few days before Christmas Eve, it seemed that my mother was baking something.
When I look back--I can't believe all that work she put into those Christmas Cookies. Why on earth did she make so many? Was it fun? What was her drive? We of course, loved all of that sugar and carbs--and although some of the cookies would be shared with church, or delivered to a neighbor, most of them stayed at our house. We weren't supposed to eat them before Christmas, and never without permission, but you can be sure there was a lot of cookie filching in the dark of night. It's such a great memory. My mom still bakes at the holidays, although she has scaled back her operation quite a bit.
I like to think that Mom's bake-a-thon at Christmas was in part, her own way of observing Advent. The careful measuring of sugar and flour and eggs, the choosing of recipes, the daily practice of baking....her outward actions signified a different time, a holy time, a time to "get ready" for the miracle and blessing of Christmas.
Personally, I am no baker. Trust me. I have tried my hand at lefse, which was not exactly successful. However, I do find it necessary to do something intentional to prepare the way for the coming of the Christ child in the advent season. Usually, it is a daily practice of prayer or reading--but the point is to do something different, in this different waiting time.
How will you wait in Advent, this year?
With joy,
Rev. Karla
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Check Out the New Eliot Church Website!
Some parts are still "under construction" but if you haven't visited the site for awhile, you definitely should take a look. www.eliotchurch.org
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| The Sundays of December
December 4 - Second Sunday of Advent
Rev. Debbi preaching
9:00 AM: Festival Choir Rehearsal
10:00 AM: Service of Holy Communion
11:30 AM: Christmas Pageant Rehearsal after worship
12:30 PM: Pizza lunch with Crafts and Carols Workshop
December 11 - Christmas Music Sunday
9:00 AM: Festival Choir Rehearsal 10:00 AM: Worship in Music and Verse 11:30 AM: Christmas Pageant Rehearsal December 18 - Christmas Pageant at 10:00 am Service 10:00 Intergenerational Christmas Pageant 4:00 PM: Advent Taize and Anointing Service
December 24, Christmas Eve
5:00 PM Twilight Christmas Service
7:30 PM Family Candlelight & Carol Service December 25, Christmas Day
10:00 AM: Christmas Day Worship January 1,2012, New Year's Day
10:00 AM: Worship |
| Hanging of the Greens and Christmas Caroling
Saturday, December 3
12:30 - 3:00 pm - Decorating
3:00 - 5:00 pm - Caroling
Decorating the Sanctuary
Everyone is invited to join the Spiritual Life Commission in decorating the Sanctuary with evergreen wreaths, garlands, Christmas tree and window candles from 12:30 to 3:00 PM. Christmas Caroling Do you want to get some exercise? Have fun? Bring joy to others? Experience the true "meaning of Christmas"? Then plan on being part of the annual Eliot Christmas caroling event on Saturday, December 3 from 3 - 5 p.m. We divide into two groups, leaving Eliot promptly at 3 p.m. One group will go to Evans Park and the other to Golden Living/Chetwynde where Ginny Schock will be our hostess. Then each group will also go to several homes of our less "out and about" members, finishing no later than 5 p.m. The song sheets have been updated and we are endeavoring to add music packets so those with instruments can accompany the singers more easily. Caroling is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season. No singing skills are necessary. Children of all ages are most welcome to participate. Questions? Call Susan Nason at 617-965-1811 or e-mail at nasonse@aol.com. back to top |
Christmas Pageant Rehearsals Begin
Sunday, December 4 at 11:30 amWe will present our Intergenerational Christmas Pageant during worship on Sunday, December 18 at 10:00 am. Once again this year, our story has been penned by our own Jon Bassett. All ages will be touched by this story. For more info or to sign up to participate, contact Jon Bassett at 617-969-3234 or jabassett@gmail.comback to top |
| Cuisine, Crafts & Carols
Sunday 4, December from 12:30 - 2:30 pm
Following Christmas Pageant Rehearsal, join the CE Commission for lunch and enjoy crafting for kids and adults until 2:00 pm. We'll make ornaments, and other holiday crafts that you can use for gifts and decorations in your home. It's free and all are welcome! For more info contact Pastor Karla. |
Christmas Music Sunday
December 11 at 10:00 amThis year's Christmas Music Sunday will feature several the Eliot Festival Choir and guest musicians on the harp and flute. The repertoire for the morning is sure to delight both performers and listeners. Please join us at 10:00 am. back to top |
| CMS Gift Collection
Sunday, December 11
Once again, Eliot Church will be participating in the City Mission Society's Christmas Shop, which brings the joys of giving and receiving to many people in the Greater Boston Metropolitan area annually. In 2009, over 2,000 people benefitted!
Gift Suggestions: NEW UNWRAPPED Items Only! (listed by priority...you may bring wrapping paper)
- Winter coats, sweaters and sweatshirts (large sizes especially)
- Hats, mittens, gloves and scarves.
- Socks and underwear
- Blankets and backpacks
- Toys, games, and books for all ages
- Gift cards from Target, Walgreen's, CVS, Kohl's or other merchants
We will collect our gifts on Sunday, December 11 and transport them to first Church in Winchester. We know you will be as generous as you have been in the past.
For more info, contact Patrick O'Reilly at patevanvera@gmail.com or 617-964-4593 or contact CMS directly at (617) 742-6830. back to top |
| Advent Taize and Anointing Service
Sunday, December 18 at 4:00 pm
For some, the holidays are difficult to manage. Stress, depression, grief can be deep during a time that seems for everyone to be jolly. Do you need some quiet space? A healing space? Time for prayer, for support, for comfort? An hour to just be? Then join us for quiet reflection, prayer and meditation. For more information, contact 617-244-3639 or
email Pastor Karla or Rev. Debbi
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| Christmas Eve Worship
Saturday, December 24 at 5:00 pm
This shorter, early intergenerational service will include traditional carols, stories, and scripture, designed for those whom find it easier to worship earlier on Christmas Eve. Families with small children, elders, and everyone in between are welcome!
Saturday, December 24 at 7:30 pm
Join us for an intergenerational service of Candlelight and Carols!
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Special Christmas Day Worship
Sunday, December 25 at 10:00 am Please join us for Christmas Day Worship at 10:00 AM at The Eliot Church. I cannot think of a better way to experience Christmas than in the company of the church family. This service will be shorter and a little less formal than usual. We will focus our attention on Luke 2:1-20, without which there is no Christmas story to proclaim. Children are encouraged to stay in the service and are being asked to bring their favorite Christmas gift with them to church; adults are encouraged to bring a sense of joy! |
Youth Mission Trip Shares
On sale Sunday December 4, 11 & 18 during Coffee Hour
In April, our youth will travel to Washington DC to work with Youth Service Opportunity Project (YSOP), founded by Quakers to provide youth the opportunity to serve those who experience homelessness and hunger in our nation's capitol. They will do direct service, and also learn how just a little action can make a difference.
We are looking to raise $4000, and one way to do that is to invite YOU to invest in their trip by purchasing Stock Options in our trip. Stock shares make great alternative giving gifts! Youth will be selling them during coffee hour in December.
Thanks for your support!
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An Update on the Pastor Search Committee Process
Thanks to the interim leadership development committee, in particular Mary Anne Schoonover, Marge O'Reilly and Carol Brown for putting together and facilitating the Congregational forum on November 2nd. I think it was a very useful discussion. It was good to confirm the general consensus in the congregation on the need to simplify our commission structure, find ways that commissions can work together better and better use our governing council as a decision-making body. On November 8th, the coordinating council began to consider how we will move forward on this issue, so that it will be resolved by the time we call a settled pastor.
It was also great to have Wendy Vanderhart, our Associate Conference Minister, in attendance at the November forum. Wendy and Reverend Debbi, our Interim Senior Pastor, both strongly believe -- and it was confirmed by consensus at the forum and at coordinating council -- that our most important challenge as we move forward in the search and call process is to answer the three questions that we are called upon to answer, as preliminary matters to the search process:
(1) who are we now as a Church
(2) who are we being called to serve (i.e., who are our neighbors)
(3) what is God calling us to be in the future.
As we know, the Vibrant Future process has helped us. We have already done a lot of looking inward, discerning our core values. I believe we are well on our way to answering the first question - who are we now as a Church? Going forward, you will be hearing from the leaders of Vibrant Future initiative and working with them, to crystallize our answer to that question.
To help us answer Questions 2 (who are our neighbors-who are we being called upon to serve) and Question 3 (what is God calling us to be in the future), I am creating two new working groups -- a handful of volunteers from within and outside the coordinating council -- who will work with the congregation on these questions. These working groups will work together and with you all on really addressing and answering these two questions. Our work on these tasks in the next several months will make the development of our full-scale church profile, and job of the search committee, a lot more manageable.
Concerning the search committee, there has been some useful, practical, discussion about what is the appropriate size. The current bylaws call for thirteen members, but this seems a pretty large number to coordinate efficiently. The Massachusetts Conference of the UCC recommends a committee of no more than nine (9). The coordinating council is considering this issue. You will hear more about it.
This wonderful congregation has done a lot of great work already, but we have quite a bit more work to do. We are looking to change our commission structure and doing crucial work on the mission of Eliot Church. It is important to get these things squared away, so that the settled pastor we choose can lead us forward on the path that God is calling us to take.
We are in a good position, right now. Once these additional pieces are in place, we will be in a great position to move on to that next piece of this search and call process.
Blessings,
Kevin Curtin
Eliot Church Moderator
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Thanksgiving Thank You!
Thanks to all that made our Eliot Thanksgiving dinner such a success!
This includes Diane Pullen and her kitchen staff for their culinary expertise; all who made turkeys, delicious side dishes, and desserts; those that gave up their Saturday afternoon to decorate & setup; food shoppers; decorators; and our efficient cleanup volunteers on Sunday.
Again this year, a special thanks to our Sunday school children for making the darling packages for the take home meals, and assisting Susan Nason in preparing these packages; and, to our high school youth who were a terrific help in serving and cleaning up. And many thanks to Martha Totten for coordinating this culinary event!
We had quite a Feast!
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Capital Campaign Continuity Committee Update
November 15,
From Elizabeth Baker, Continuity Committee Chair
Since my last report in January 2011 when $61,950 was distributed, additional Capital Campaign contributions have come in. Once again the total is beyond the $50,000 threshold established by the Coordinating Council for the next distribution. Small to moderate sized contributions of around $1,000 or less have continued coming in monthly, many through the Vanco automatic payment program; but some larger contributions came in toward the end of the summer. With this announcement I am asking our treasurer, Rich Stroshane, to transfer the bulk of the funds out of the Capital Campaign account and distribute them according to the policy and plan established by the Coordinating Council in 2008. If we reach the $50,000 threshold again, we will make another distribution. The formal campaign will end at the end of this year. However, due to these difficult financial times, various members have asked to extend their payments into 2012. When we determine that all contributions have come in, we will make a final distribution according to the policy and plan. Thank you to all who have contributed and made these ministries and dreams possible for Eliot Church.
Total Contributions Received to date: $834,932
2/10/09 $378,000
10/15/09 $ 49,985
1/15/10 $160,148
10/04/10 $131,075
1/12/11 $ 61,950
11/15/11 $ 53,774
Balances & Expenses since 1/12/11:
1/12/11 Balance: 4
11/15/11 New Contributions: $53,774
1/12-11/15/11 Vanco (EFT) expenses: (13.75)
11/15/11 Total acct. balance: $53,765.25
Total November 2011 Distribution: $ 53,760
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Proportional Distributions
Membership @ 4.2%: $ 2,258
Mission & Social Justice @ 10.5%: $ 5,645
Building @ 85.3%: $ 45,857
Total 11/11 Distribution: $ 53,760
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| Alternative Giving
You can surprise and honor people on your Christmas list this year with an alternative gift that helps educate a child in our partner community in Zambia. Though the Newton organization Communities Without Borders, Eliot is connected to the education and encouragement of 70 AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children outside Lusaka, Zambia. As you'll see below, opportunities for support abound at all price levels.
$ 9 One pair of shoes for one child. (School requires children to wear shoes.)
13 Uniform for one child in primary school
42 Meals for a week for one child
75 Annual school fee for one child in primary grades
85 Tutoring program for secondary students taking national examination
(Required in order to advance to the next level)
105 One month's salary for preschool teacher
146 Annual tuition for one child in grades 8-12
300 One year of secondary school education for one child
(Tuition, uniform, shoes, supplies, etc.)
You'll receive an acknowledgement card with a photograph to give as your gift. Sponsored by the Mission and Social Justice Commission, the Alternative Giving table will be open during coffee hour on Sunday December 4 and 11. Or you may contact Connie Stubbs at 617-680-0660.
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| Martin Luther King - Day of Service
Saturday, January 16, 2012
Remember Monday, January 16, the MLK Day of Service sponsored by City Mission Society. Our 'Team Eliot' will be assigned a work project to complete in the morning and invited to a Boston-area worship celebration in the early afternoon. This event requires less than a full day's commitment and is designed for youth and adults. Last year 16 people from Eliot participated.) To register, please use the sign-up sheet in the hallway or contact Patrick O'Reilly.
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From the Finance Commission
Just a reminder to members and friends to consider keeping your pledge payments up to date before the end of the calendar year. It will help prevent any crunch when the end of June comes around. For those who itemize deductions on their income tax, those all important contributions to Eliot are tax deductible. If you find yourselves with a little more to share than you had anticipated, please keep Eliot in mind.
This fiscal year statements of your pledge payments, other contributions, and the status of progress toward completing your pledge will be sent in January, April, and July, 2011. January's statement will also include an account of your contributions during the calendar year 2010, which you may find helpful in completing your income taxes. Should you need any statements prior to that time, please contact our Financial Secretary, Mary Anne Schoonover, for assistance 617-332-8118. back to top |
Church Family News
Remember our Eliot Elders at Christmas
As you write your Christmas cards this year, consider sending a note to our shut-ins and not-so-out-and-about folks. They'll be glad to hear from you and know you're thinking of them! Mary Ann Sanders
Sudbury Pines Extended Care
642 Boston Post Rd.
Sudbury, MA 01776
Mary Lou Gleason
16 Garden Rd.
Newton, MA 02458 1
Jane Merrill
Golden Living Center
1650 Washington St.
W. Newton, MA 02465 Liz Woodbridge
164 Galen St. #86
Watertown, MA 02472 Susanna Peyser
164 Galen St. #48
Watertown, MA 02472 Miriam Morrow
70 Arlington St.
Newton, MA 02458 Arline Weyler
44 Pembroke St.
Newton, MA 02458 Jane Leighton
31 Colgate Rd.
Newton Lwr. Fls., MA 02462
Ginnie Schock
Golden Living Center/Chetwynde
1650 Washington Street
West Newton, MA 02465
Richard McCann
9 Billings Park Newton, MA 02458
Happy December Birthday!
1 Ann Brown
4 Virginia Robinson
4 Kate Reardon
5 Debby Jasset
5 Philip Mann
7 Tom Abbe
7 Joslin Pettingell
8 Ted Palés
10 Julie Totten
11 Katrina McCarty
11 Henry McPerson
14 Justin Robichaud
17 Pam Cunha
17 Jackie Scott
17 Tim Zielinski
20 Jon Ravin
21 Rich Bibbo
21 Francesca Curtin 22 Elijah Staples
23 Lucas DeVol
23 Gary Hashimoto
23 Nancy Dick Atkinson
23 Kate Minehart
24 Daniel Smith
28 Jesse Creedy-Powers
31 Mary Ann Sanders Happy December Anniversary!
4 Dee McMeekan & Michael Apstein
19 Virginia & Bill Robinson
20 Calder & Tom Reardon A Thank You from Susanna PeyserSusanna wishes to that all of her Eliot family that provided meals, support, prayers and love during her recent hospitalization and rehab! back to top |
Snow & Event Cancellation
Since most of the congregation is connected by email, we will use the Eliot Email list to "get the word out" about cancellations. For major events, an all-church email will be sent, as well as separate emails for special groups - e.g. the choir, church school families, etc. If possible, a special message will be put on the church telephone answering machine announcing the cancellations. If you don't have email at home, or would prefer to get a telephone call (rather than email message) if a cancellation might affect you, please email Terri Whitney-Jackson or call her in the church office at 617-244-3639 ext. 201 and asked to be put on the phone contact list. back to top |
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