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Abraham is 75 years old when he can't get this idea out of his head: God has something more in mind for him. What has been, is not all that will be. And what lies ahead will be even better - a blessing.
But to get to this new place - this new, blessed thing that God has in mind - means Abraham and Sarah will first have to give up much that has been familiar. Not everything; they can take all of their possessions, and some family. But other things must be left behind - it's the nature of every journey. The suitcase only holds so much.
What new thing might God have in mind for you? What notion has been tugging at you a while - maybe playing in the back of your mind, maybe waking you at night, maybe popping up as a possibility every few years though you've never acted on it...
How does the Power of Love entice, intrigue, "call" anyone? Why would we ever leave the familiar and move towards a new way of being, thinking, acting? How good does the blessing need to be, before we're willing to risk change in order to get it?
That's the stuff of our service this week. We'll celebrate Shawn's conviction that he was called to King's Chapel, leaving his familiar surroundings to join us. By Sunday morning he'll be "the Rev. Fiedler," celebrating communion for us, having been ordained the night before.
Come and share the blessing, given to us all.
--Joy |
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Caregiving as a Spiritual Journey, an interactuve program led by the Rev. Dr. Jade Angelica
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 | | King's Chapel Minister Emeritus Carl Scovel with Jade Angelica |
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Thursday, October 16, 6:45-8:30 pm.
64 Beacon Street, Boston
King's Chapel Parish House
The Rev. Dr. Jade Angelica will offer an interactive program addressing the spiritual aspects of caregiving for a loved one with a long-term illness, with some participation from parishioner Betsy Peterson. Dr. Angelica is the author of the thoughtful book entitled Where Two Worlds Touch: A Spiritual Journey Through Alzheimer's Disease, which contains much wisdom for all kinds of caregivers. Several copies are available to borrow from the Parish House library, or you can purchase the book online. For more information, contact Betsy Peterson.
Rev. Dr. Jade Angelica is a UU Community Minister and founder and Director of Healing Moments, is a graduate of Harvard Divinity School and Andover Newton Theological School. She leads workshops and services throughout the country, and offers spiritual direction for individuals and groups. Jade's most important ministry, to date, has been caring for her mother who died from Alzheimer's in 2011.
Where Two Worlds Touch has been described by reviewers as "consciousness-raising" and "world-view shifting," and as a "must have" for caregivers, health-care providers, chaplains, clergy, and anyone who loves or cares for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia.
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THIS SATURDAY, Shawn Fiedler will be ordained. Celebrate with us!
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The Old Colony Association of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ, along with North Congregational Church, joyfully requests your presence at the ordination to Christian ministry of Shawn Michael Fiedler.
Saturday, October 4th, 2014 5 o'clock in the evening
North Congregational Church 38 Plymouth Street Middleborough, Massachusetts, 02346
If you'd like to go to the Ordination Saturday evening, but need a ride to Middleborough, please contact Levina Wong, a member of Shawn's Search Committee, and she'll try to connect you with someone who is driving.
If you are not able to make it to Shawn's ordination on Saturday, please be sure to join us at the Parish House after church on Sunday for a celebratory reception and garden party! |
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Save these dates from the Adult Religious Education Committee!
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Sunday October 19 at 12:30 at King's Chapel
Some UU Perspectives
Rev. Mark Caggiano, minister of First Church Chestnut Hill
Friday November 7, Saturday November 8
Rev. Kate Braestrup, The Minns Lectures
Men, Women Children: Loving One Another in a Complicated World
January 16-18, 2015
Winter Retreat, Glastonbury Abbey, Hingham MA
Rev. Joy Fallon will lead the program.
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The City Mission Society of Boston and the Ecumenical Advocacy Coalition invite you to an upcoming event: "Faith and the Ballot: Forums on the 2014 MA Ballot Questions," Wednesday October 22, 6:30-8:30pm at Old South Church (UCC) in Boston.
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A simple meal, screening of short film about the 4 ballot questions, a brief presentation with ideas about how we might 'think theologically' about the 4 ballot questions, and facilitated ecumenical table discussion. We invite participants to amplify these events through social media, using the hashtag: #faithandballot.
The following questions will be put before Massachusetts voters on November 4, 2014:- Gas Tax Indexing Repeal (Repeals 2013 law that automatically increases gas taxes according to inflation)
- Update the Recycling Bottle Bill (Expands the state's beverage container recycling law to include all non-alcoholic containers)
- Casino Repeal (Repeals a 2011 law allowing resort casinos)
- Earned Sick Time (Entitles certain employees to earn and utilize paid sick days)
The Ecumenical Advocacy Coalition's primary goal at these forums is to cultivate informed, faithful voters. Many of our organizations advocate for specific positions on each question, but our primary objective at these forums is educational, not advocacy.
The event is free of charge; we simply request that all participants RSVP at the following address: http://EcumenicalAdvocacy.Eventbrite.com.
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A resounding Thank You to everyone who helped making Alto Extravaganza 4 a success this past weekend!
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 | | Not only our outrageous(ly talented) performers, but also our kitchen and door helpers, and all the parishioners, staff, and friends who came out in support of our worthy cause. We can't thank you enough for all your wonderful contributions. |
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 | Hostess with the Mostest
Is there an entry in the Guinness Book of Records for most volunteering in one weekend? If so, we nominate Mary Sears who not only was Kitchen Captain for Alto Extravaganza both Friday and Saturday night, but then transitioned effortlessly into hosting coffee hour at church on Sunday. Thank you, Mary!!!
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Dear friends ~ Saturday was such a wonderful day. We really enjoyed our time together in the Labyrinth. We had a warm, sunny day and each person brought something wonderful to share ~ food, thoughts, and spirit.
Here are a couple things that came clearer with some reading after our day together:
o The name 'labyrinth' comes from labrys - which is the double-edged axe, a symbol of the Minoan civilization, and was thought to represent the bull, which was central to their worship. It is fitting for the labyrinth symbolism in that the labrys are the places along that paths where the concentric circles are broken, or cut, and we find ourselves making 180 degree turns, seeming to send us in the opposite direction; and much as in life, an opportunity to embrace a change in direction and all that it offers.
o Dancing - YES! (next time?) Labyrinths have often been places to celebrate community by all holding hands and stepping forward and back to music, eventually weaving along the path - something like a Zorba the Greek dance.
OPEN INVITATION: Please know that you can come to our labyrinth on your own or with a friend - just give a call and let us know that you'll be coming by... if we're here we'll greet you; if not, just enjoy a walk in the labyrinth, gardens and woodland paths on your own; it's there to be enjoyed.
~ Cynthia and Dick
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Report on The Peoples Climate March - New York City, September 21, 2014, from Julie Hyde
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It was exhilarating to join with a huge crowd of strangers and walk the 60 block walk shoulder to shoulder and speak the truth of manmade climate disruption and sound an alarm. Hundreds of thousands of us joined to represent the many perspectives on the greatest single challenge to sustaining life as we know it, for the sake of future generations. And it was good to know King's Chapel's bell rang out in support of us that day.
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Report on the Community Action Committee's visit with the UU Urban Ministry to two faith communities in Roxbury
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On Sunday, September 28, seven members and friends of KC's Community Action Committee (CAC) attended an event sponsored by the UU Urban Ministry, which included visits to both historic First Church/Roxbury (gathered 1631, current building 1804, and the oldest wooden church in Boston) and its neighbor, the Islamic Cultural Center of New England at Roxbury Crossing (the biggest mosque in New England). KC participants were Todd Lee and Karen Dalton, Carol Genovese, Kim Northrop, LaToya Andrews and her little son, Omar, and Amy Meyer. We were happy to join more than 100 UUs from area churches, including some old friends such as Rev. Tricia Brennan. At the mosque, we were greeted by a very knowledgeable docent, named Barbara, who gave us an exceptionally warm welcome, let us observe one of the five daily prayers, and answered many questions.
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New Group Forming: Young Adults
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If you are in your 20s or 30s, and interested in gathering with others, please contact the Assistant Minister Shawn Fiedler at shawn@kings-chapel.org. Several from this group have been gathering informally, and will meet next on October 14 at the Parish House, from 6-8 p.m. for "New-Fangled Old-Fashioneds."
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SUNDAY OCTOBER 5
9:45 a.m. Early Service
10:30 a.m. Church School
11:00 a.m. Holy Communion
Joy Fallon, preacher
- Anne Sexton, Head Usher
- Richard Weeks, Usher-in-Charge
- Cliff Allen and Cathy Price, Ushers
- Amy Meyer, Lector
- Claire Shepro, JoeiPerry, and Brian Church, soloists
- Bill Kuttner, Volunteer Guide
The lesson is Matthew 18:15-20
The flowers on the Communion table will be given in loving memory of Dr. Hunter Sweaney and Frances Foushee Sweaney, by their daughter Betty Sweaney Lykins.
After the service, all are invited to a reception at the Parish House, in celebration of the ordination of Shawn Fiedler.
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 8
12:15 p.m. Midweek Service
Dean Denniston, guest preacher
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--By Heinrich Christensen
For World Communion Day this Sunday, we focus on British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958). You will hear two organ preludes based on Welsh hymn tunes, Rhosymedre and Hyfrydol. The choir will offer three movements of Mass in g minor for double chorus from 1922, as well as the beautiful motet "O Taste and See", and, for the offertory, a selection from Five Mystical Songs, Love Bade Me Welcome: Love bade me welcome, yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-ey'd Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
If I lack'd anything.
"A guest," I answer'd, "worthy to be here";
Love said, "You shall be he."
"I, the unkind, the ungrateful? ah my dear,
I cannot look on thee."
Love took my hand and smiling did reply,
"Who made the eyes but I?"
"Truth, Lord, but I have marr'd them; let my shame
Go where it doth deserve."
"And know you not," says Love, "who bore the blame?"
"My dear, then I will serve."
"You must sit down," says Love, "and taste my meat."
So I did sit and eat.
George Herbert (1593-1633) Our only "musical detour" to another composer this Sunday will be for the honorable purpose of introducing our newest alto, Claire Shepro. For our Introit, Claire will sing another Agnus Dei in g minor, namely the one from J.S. Bach's celebrated Mass in b minor. So don't be late for church now!
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 | | Meet New Choir Member Claire Shepro |
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Mezzo-soprano Claire Shepro began her singing career at the age of ten, performing at the Lyric Opera of Chicago in the Children's Chorus under the direction of Donald Palumbo. Now based in Boston, she appears regularly in concert with Canto Armonico under the direction of Simon Carrington and with Cantata Singers under David Hoose. She has appeared as a soloist with the Boston Youth Symphony, the Oriana Consort, and the Chancel Choir of the United Parish in Brookline, where she served as alto section leader for two years. She specializes in Renaissance and Baroque music, a passion she developed in college while singing with the Harvard Chamber Singers, a Renaissance chamber choir.
Claire can be heard on Canto Armonico's recent release of J.S. Bach's Clavierübung III: The Chorales with Bálint Karosi and Ulf Wellner. She holds an A.B. in Romance Languages and Literatures with a minor in Music from Harvard College and is currently pursuing a Certificate in Vocal Performance at New England Conservatory.
When she's not singing, Claire works for the popular radio program From the Top awarding scholarships to exceptional young musicians with financial need through the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. She also enjoys playing tennis, sight-reading parties, and riding along the Charles River on her beloved bicycle, Sparkleboogie Blue.
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On Sunday October 12, any donations in the offering plate not designated for the Annual Appeal will be donated by the Community Action Committee to Horizons for Homeless Children.
Horizons for Homeless Children is a Massachussetts-based non-profit which focuses exclusively on the needs of young homeless children and their families. Their programs touch the lives of 2,000 young homesless children each week.
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Please join us on Tuesday, October 7, 12:15 p.m.
as Evelyn Griffin, soprano, Peter H. Bloom, piccolo, Karl Henning, clarinet play Music by Karl Henning
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I am so looking forward to our second week of Church School! We will gather again for our Church School Service at 9:45am, followed by a time of fellowship and refreshment. At 10:30, children will then gather in the parlor room on the 2nd floor of the parish house for a time of musical fun, and then split into two groups to attend class with Katie, a Northeastern freshman with a gracious presence who will teach our youth (ages 11-12 and up), and myself, Eva, who will teach a Godly Play lesson to our younger children on the exciting story of liberation in the desert: the Exodus. I am also excited to announce that during our Church School Service we will be joined by Brendan Daly, King's Chapel choir member and music enthusiast. He will be leading us in song, and will also lead the children in the brief time of music activity following the service. We are in store for a wonderful Sunday! I look forward to seeing you all again and meeting those of you whom I haven't yet met!
See you Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
Eva Englert |
 | | Brendan Daly |
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HALLOWEEN! Volunteers Requested
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On Friday, October 31st from 4:30-7:30PM, King's Chapel will be welcoming ghosts and pirates, super heroes and princesses to the Parish House Garden (accessible via Branch Street). Joining in the reveling and festivity of one of Beacon Hill's most treasured children's traditions, King's Chapel will be hosting activities for children ranging from creative crafts to King size 'trick or treats'! We are in need of volunteers to welcome our neighbors and provide extravagant hospitality. If you are interested, please email shawn@kings-chapel.org.
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We hope you will join us on Sunday October 26 at 5pm for our next concert. The King's Chapel Choir will present Requiem Aeternam, two contrasting requiem masses: the Officium Defunctorum by Renaissance master Tomás Luis de Victoria, and the stunning Requiem of 20th century British composer Herbert Howells. The program closes with Howell's masterpiece, Take Him Earth, for Cherishing, an anthem composed in memory of Pres. John F. Kennedy. Everyone is welcome at the Parish House for a reception following the concert.
We are offering online/advance tickets this year! Use the "Buy tickets" link on the concert series webpage. The price for online reservations is $15 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors, with a small fee for processing. The recommended donation at the door is now $20 (general) or $15 (student and senior). |
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Accessibility and Hearing Assists
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Our beautiful Georgian sanctuary designed by Peter Harrison and completed in 1754, has been lovingly maintained by the congregation since its completion. Some of the box pews have been made wheel-chair accessible. Ushers are available to assist those who are wheelchair-bound to those pews.
Many of us have trouble hearing in our sanctuary, which does not have amplification. Small hearing devices are available; an usher also will be happy to provide one, and explain how they work.
The Book of Common Prayer According to the Use in King's Chapel is the cornerstone of worship at our 11 am Morning Prayer Services. Printed orders of service including hymns, Psalms, and responsive sections of the Prayer Book liturgy are available to facilitate participation in worship for everyone. |
This fall we will begin an experiment: no longer producing our monthly newsletter. After discussion at the Parish Council, we recognized that the weekly "Between Sundays" e-newsletter provides more up-to-date information, and is received by virtually all our members and friends. Recently, few committee chairs have provided articles for the monthly newsletter, because the Between Sundays is a more convenient communication tool. We therefore will save significant staff time, without major loss for members by suspending the monthly newsletter. Anyone wishing to share information with other members of the Church is encouraged to do so through the weekly Between Sundays newsletter; please send your article or news to Parish Administrator Julina Rundberg, for inclusion: julina@kings-chapel.org. If you have concerns about this change, please contact Rev. Fallon at joy@kings-chapel.org.
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More pictures from the Alto Extravaganza!
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