When Bob and I were in our mid-thirties, we had trouble conceiving our children; months and years passed. We were heart-broken, and I wanted to pray with all my strength that I might become pregnant. But I wondered, was I allowed to ask for this? What if it wasn't God's will? Are there any limits to what we can ask God for in prayer - is anything beyond the bounds?
In the reading from Mark this week, two audacious disciples ask Jesus to let them sit in the Kingdom of God in the positions of greatest honor, at his "right and left hand." Were they beyond the bounds? The other disciples certainly thought so. But Jesus didn't, and it's curious to consider why. In your own life, are there things you've decided are "beyond the bounds," so you've chosen not to ask God for them? or do you think that God doesn't really care about your needs anyway?
These are the questions we'll talk about this Sunday and next. For the full list of sermon topics in this ongoing series "The Questions We All Ask," see the King's Chapel website. For past sermons in the series, including Shawn's two excellent sermons on Divorce (10.4.15), and Jesus' requirement of the rich young ruler that he give away all his possessions to the poor (10.11.15), look at our YouTube channel. The immediate past Sunday's sermons can always be accessed from our website.
-Joy
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Sound System Update: This Week We'll Start Using It
On Monday and Tuesday this week, technicians have been at the church installing our new sound system, voted on by the Vestry this summer. Senior Warden Cliff Allen has been on hand to oversee the installation, and today the staff and a few volunteers are being trained in its use. Our hope is that we will be able to use the system this coming Sunday, October 18, at both our 11 AM Morning Prayer service, and at the 4 PM memorial service for our former Senior Warden, Mason Fernald. If you are willing to be trained in its use, please contact Cliff Allen at allencliff47@verizon.net As you know, a number of members had reported to leaders of the church that they could not adequately hear our services; in some cases, our oldest members had stopped attending for this reason. Because we hope to welcome all to our worship, the Senior Warden appointed a committee, chaired by Cynthia and Richard Perkins, to consider various options. Given recent technological advances in this arena, we hoped that there might be a system that could meet our needs, without requiring significant wiring or other alterations to our beautiful historic sanctuary. The Committee met from January-June this year, and proposed the system currently being installed, which uses a single Bose speaker. The Committee determined that there was no need to amplify our choir and organ. However, it was felt that some of our individual speakers - both clergy and lay - could not always be well heard. Under the new sound system, the ministers will wear wireless microphones so they can be heard whether they are in the chancel reading the prayers, in the Reading Desk, or in the Pulpit. Lay lectors will use a microphone located in the Reading Desk. Special care has been taken to minimize the use of speakers and microphones, to preserve our sanctuary. The best sound will continue to be on the first floor, in the center section; sound will be less good under the balconies. The Committee decided to start with improving hearing in the main section of pews, knowing that additions could be made later, if needed, to other parts of the sanctuary. For any of our members or visitors with special hearing needs, individual units will be available from the ushers. These will be able to work in sync with a listener's hearing aids. The system being installed this week is similar to that which was used for two of the lectures on Unitarian history delivered last spring, by Minister Emeritus Carl Scovel and by Harvard Divinity School Professor Dan McKanan. The feedback from those trial runs was very positive.
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Welcoming our New Parish Administrator Gretchen Horton
On Thursday, October 15, Gretchen Horton will begin as our new full-time Parish Administrator. Gretchen knows the workings of churches and other non-profits well. At her home church in Vermont, she served for 11 years as parish administrator, for six years on their Board of Trustees, and for five years as the elected Clerk of the Congregation. Gretchen also has been an administrator or manager in a number of other settings, including Director of two Childcare Centers; consultant and trainer to over 300 early childhood educators, and the businesses they served; and creator of a personal coach-mentoring system for low-income clients in a local program. In all of these roles, she has worked on the myriad of issues handled by our parish administrator, from personnel to budgets and building issues; and from data systems to outreach. We are blessed that she is willing to serve us. Gretchen earned her liberal arts degree from Vermont College, with a focus on business and organizational development, and received a certificate in non-profit leadership from Marlboro College Graduate School. She and her husband moved to Boston this year to live closer to their adult children, who are in Boston. Gretchen has agreed to serve us for four months in a temporary capacity, with the understanding that both we and she hope this becomes permanent. Please welcome Gretchen warmly when you call or email the parish house.
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Memorial Service for Mason Fernald this Sunday, 4:00 p.m.
Mason Fernald died his summer at age 97. He served King's Church with grace and wisdom for many years, including from 1982-1984 as our Junior Warden, and from 1984 - 1989 as Senior Warden. A service in celebration of his life will be held at King's Chapel this Sunday afternoon at 4 PM, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Carl Scovel and by the Rev. Joy Fallon. Among those who will deliver Remembrances are Carl Scovel, Mason's children Robert Fernald and Eliot F. Morgan, and Mason's friend, Mel Gadd. All of those attending are warmly invited to participate in a reception following the service at the Parker House Hotel.
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Save the Date | Theology on Tap Returns!
Believer. Non-Believer. Confident. Curious. Join us for a lively theological discussion in a relaxed setting. On October 21st at 7pm we will discuss "Who is Jesus? Prophet, Redeemer, Teacher, God?" over hearty appetizers. Anyone over 21 is welcome to join and purchase their own beverage. We will meet at Scollay Square (21 Beacon St. Boston, MA 02108). Conversations led by Rev. Shawn Fiedler. RSVP is required to ensure enough seating, contact shawn@kings-chapel.org
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Return of the King's Chapel Concert Series, Sunday October 25th!
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As you may have noticed in Morning Prayer, the choir has started preparing for our upcoming October 25 concert program, entitled A New Britain. Following up on our pomp and circumstance Evensong of Great British Classics for the Queen in September, in this program we explore the current generation of composers active in the sacred music realm in the United Kingdom. You will hear among other works the Ubi Caritas written by Paul Mealor for William and Kate's wedding, Jonathan Dove's Missa Brevis, Judith Bingham's Harvest, and several other excellent examples of the sumptuous works still emerging from the proud British choral tradition today.
The concert will be followed by a wine and cheese reception for performers and friends at the Parish House, to which all parishioners are cordially invited.
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All Saints & All Souls | Fauré Requiem
November 1
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On November 1st at 11AM, King's Chapel will observe the ancient Christian festivals of All Saints & All Souls with a service of Holy Communion with music selected from Requiem in D minor by composer Gabriel Fauré. This annual observance invites us to remember, grieve and rest from those things which are lost and those things which, for a time, are out of sight. Together we will sing, recite prayers, and kindle light.
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Seeker or Skeptic: Listening to Each Other Over Lunch. Sunday, November 1, 12:30 PM
Join us for an informal, small group discussion over a light, hot lunch, discovering our wonderful diversities and commonalities.
Sponsored by the Adult Religious Education
Committee. At the Parish House, 64 Beacon Street, immediately following the All Saints and All Souls Service.
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Save the Date! Wednesday, Nov 11, 7:15 pm. Ready or Not...the importance of advance health care directives.
Discussion led by Joyce Gallagher, RN, BSN, MSEd, Director of Nurses, Good Shepherd Community Care. She will explain their importance and suggest ways to start the conversation about end-of-life choices with family and friends. At the Parish House, 64 Beacon Street.
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King's Chapel Music Director to Play for the Seraphim Singers
King's Chapel Music Director and organist Heinrich Christensen will performwith The Seraphim Singers on Friday, Oct. 30 at 8pm at St. Cecilia's Parish (18 Belvidere St., Boston). "'For heaven is a different thing': Choral Settings of Sacred Poetry" features a world premiere by Boston composer Richard J. Clark, a U.S. premiere by Norwegian composer Jon Lautvik, and exquisite settings of the poetry of John Donne, George Herbert, Adam Wood, Jones Very and more by Gerald Finzi, Carson Cooman, James Woodman, and others. Tickets are $15-20; visit their website for more information.
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Reprinting of the Prayerbook
Due to limited availability of current stock, the Ninth Edition (1986) of the Book of Common Prayer according to the Use in King's Chapel will be reprinted in the coming weeks. This reprinting will provide the Society of King's Chapel with a new stock of Prayerbooks for new members, as well as be available for purchase for those around the world who delight in the history and liturgy of King's Chapel. This reprinting will also provide a high resolution PDF copy of our prayerbook.
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Wednesday Hospitality
Volunteers are needed to host simple refreshments following the Wednesday Evening
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Backpacks for the Homeless
As many of you know last year we donated 53 Backpacks for the Homeless to several organizations in the greater Boston area. The backpack program was a success with involvement from the church school and members/visitors of King's Chapel. The backpacks were a most welcome gift for many of our neighbors last winter. The Community Action Committee voted to support this program again. We will begin to accept backpacks and supplies to fill them now to be distributed just before Christmas. If you would like to help or would like more information please contact Judy Luca at judyg143@gmail.com.
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Sunday October 18th
The Rev. Joy Fallon,
preacher
- Jennifer Webb, Soloist
- Denton Crews, Lector
- Anne Sexton, Head Usher
- Sylvia Soderberg, Usher in Charge
- Todd Lee, Karen Dalton, & Betsy Peterson, Ushers
- Sylvia Soderberg, Hospitality
- Carolyn Conley, Verger
The Readings:
- Psalm 90: 104: 1-9, 24, 35c
- Old Testament: Job 38: 1-7
- New Testament: Mark 10:35-45
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From the Bench
By Heinrich Christensen
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This Sunday, the organ voluntaries will be from Suite by Norwegian composer Jon Laukvik, professor for historical keyboard instruments at the Musikhochschule of Stuttgart, Germany. In this work, Laukvik combines the sonorities and rhetorical gestures of French Baroque music with contemporary jazzy tonal language.
Our featured soloist this week is new member of the choir's alto section Jennifer Webb (read more about Jen below) who will sing Bach's luscious Vergnügte Ruhfrom Cantata 170.
We continue the previews of next week's concert of recently written anthems from the UK with two pieces by Scottish composer James MacMillan, O Radiant Dawnand The Canticle of Zachariah The canticle text will be very familiar to Morning Prayer regulars as we sing it once a month as the Benedictus. The text comes from Luke 1:68-79 and is proclaimed by Zachariah at the circumcision ceremony of his son, John the Baptist. You will notice that in MacMillan's version you get to hear the second part of the canticle, verses 76-79, that we don't typically sing as part of theBenedictus:
As for you, little child, you should be called a prophet of God the most high. You shall go ahead of the Lord to prepare the ways before him. To make known to his people their salvation through forgiveness of all their sins, the loving kindness of the heart of our God who visits us like the dawn from on high. He will give light to those in darkness, those who dwell in the shadow of death, and guide us into the way of peace.
This theme of the light dispersing the darkness is also found in our offertory anthem for the morning, Jonathan Dove's excellent Seek Him That Maketh the Seven Stars, which starts with the book of Amos and concludes with Psalm 139:
Yea, the darkness shineth as the day, the night is light about me.
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Meet the Choir!
Mezzo-soprano Jennifer Webb grew up in a musical family listening to Gilbert and Sullivan records. She appears regularly as a soloist and chorister in the Boston area. Since 2011, she has performed with Cantata Singers under the direction of David Hoose and has been featured as alto soloist in several of Bach's cantatas and the Magnificat. She has also sung with Cappella Clausura, Amelia LeClair's ensemble devoted to music by women, and the Oriana Consort. Highlights of her 2015-16 season include Handel's Israel in Egypt with Cantata Singers, Irving Fine'sMutability in the Cantata Singers Chamber Series, and the first-ever staged performance of Elena Ruehr's Cassandra in the Temples with Cappella Clausura.
Past solo appearances by Ms. Webb have included programs of German and Italian Baroque rarities and recitals of songs by Copland, Ives, Britten, De Falla, Poulenc, and Cole Porter. She also appears on two recordings as a member of the Christmas Revels Chorus. Ms. Webb graduated from Oberlin College, where she sang with the Oberlin Collegium Musicum. She studies voice with Mary McDonald Klimek. Ms. Webb works as a librarian at Cary Memorial Library in Lexington.
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Tuesday, October 20, 12:15 p.m.
Kelly Meraw, soprano
Michael Meraw, baritone
Laurence Carson, organ
Ralph Vaughan Williams: Five Mystical Songs
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Interested in Membership?
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| King's Chapel formally welcomes new members throughout the year. We are preparing to welcome new members in January 2016 with new member gatherings this fall. If you are curious about King's Chapel, or interested in membership, contact Cathy Price cmmp48@comcast.net. |
On Sunday, November 8th, all collection not designated for the Annual Appeal will go to Common Cathedral.
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More News from
The Parish
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Roots and Wings - Theme for the Year
On more than one occasion in the King's Chapel Book of Common Prayer, rubrics instruct the minister to say, "Hear what comfortable words the Lord Jesus saith unto all who truly turn to him...". The minister then recites sentences of scripture that are, in a sense, comfortable. They tell of God's love for us, the rest we receive in God, the peace given unto us. But there are times in the New Testament when Jesus gives us 'uncomfortable words.' In our reading this Sunday the Pharisees and the disciples ask Jesus about divorce. And Jesus gives an answer that is uncomfortable, painful, and distressing. On Sunday we will wrestle with these uncomfortable words and ask 'Did Jesus get it wrong?' Click here to read Shawn's sermon from last Sunday.
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Annual Appeal Update
Friends and families of King's Chapel: We are deeply grateful for the responses we have received to the 2015 Annual Appeal. Our financial blessings support and sustain the life and ministry of King's Chapel. Thank you for your generosity. October marks the sixth month of this year's Annual Appeal campaign. To date, we have reached 52% ($101,000) of our target goal of $195k in stewardship from King's families, members, and friends. Please join us in the joys of giving to this blessed community, and help us to meet our 2015 goals. As active citizens of a community of faith and city in need, let us share our financial blessings with those around us and know the joys of returning the gifts we have been given. For it is in giving that we receive. Orian Welling, Todd Lee Co-Chairs, 2015 Annual Appeal
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Sermon Series: The Big Questions We All Have
This fall your preachers are offering a Sermon Series: The Big Questions We All Have. The full list can be found on the church website.
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Midweek Bible Study
Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m. at the Parish House, starting September 23rd
Join us on Wednesdays at the Parish House for an informal study of both the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and the Christian Scriptures (New Testament). Each week, we will examine and reflect on the upcoming preaching texts. We will read the text together, explore commentary, and discuss how these ancient texts are made alive today. These sessions are led by Rev. Shawn Fiedler. All are welcome. No homework assigned. No preparation necessary. R.S.V.P. Encouraged. *If you are interested in attending a weekly bible study, but this time/day does not work, please email shawn@kings-chapel.org with hope that a better time/day may be selected in the future.* |
We Rejoice with those Who Rejoice, and Weep with those Who Weep
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KC member and choir member Ray Hardin retired from MIT this summer, after 20+ years in the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering. As Administrative Assistant for four professors, Ray handled all office business, coordinated their research group activities, and edited countless technical journal articles. For a number of years, Ray also coordinated both a seminar series and the MIT-France student exchange program for the Department. In appreciation for his many years of service, the professors gave him lots of tangible thanks, too -- no stuffy gold watches, but in true MIT style, a MacBook Air and an IPad. Not bad! Now Ray reports that he has a long Bucket List! We wish many blessings on Ray.
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We were saddened to learn of the death of our former member, David B. Arnold, Jr., who died at the age of 93 on Friday, September 25th, in Concord, Massachusetts, where he had moved with his wife Dorothy. A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, October 31, at 2 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street, Concord, MA.
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Accessibility and Hearing Assists
Our beautiful Georgian sanctuary designed by Peter Harrison and completed in 1754, has been lovingly maintained by the congregation since its completion. One of the box pews has been made wheel-chair accessible. Ushers are available to assist those who are wheelchair-bound to that pew.
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Submitting to Between Sundays
Want something in Between Sundays? Feel free to email Simon (simon@kings-chapel.org) with a written piece and/or pictures before Wednesday at Noon! |
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