This month's news
Praying for peace around the world
Diocesan Convention celebrates renewed Cathedral Church of St. Paul, takes up mission and world concerns
Fossil fuel-free investment fund unveiled
Bishop Gayle Harris reflects on installation of new presiding bishop
NewsNotes
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Nov 20: Middle School Retreat, Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center, Greenfield, NH

Nov 21: LDI "Discerning a Call to Action," Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Boston, 9:00am

Nov 22: Transgender Day of Remembrance , Cathedral Church of St. Paul , Boston, 4:00pm

Dec 2: "No? Maybe? Yes? Living My Truth": An Evening with author Grace Anne Stevens, St. John's Church, Arlington, 7:00pm

Dec 3: Diocesan Council Meeting, Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Boston, 5:30pm

Dec 5: SSJE Saturday Workshop: Waiting in the Dark, Society of St. John the Evangelist, Cambridge, 9:00am

Dec 5: Episcopal City Mission Advent Mission Discernment Day, St. Stephen's Church, Lynn, 9:00am

Dec 5: Advent Retreat Day, Bethany House of Prayer, Arlington, 9:30am

Dec 6: Advent Lessons and Carols at Episcopal Divinity School, St. John's Memorial Chapel, Cambridge, 5:00pm

Dec 7: Equilibrium Concert, St. Peter's Church, Cambridge, 7:30pm

Dec 9: Blue Christmas Service of Hope and Healing, Church of the Good Shepherd, Watertown, 7:00pm

Dec 9: National Vigil to End Gun Violence, First Church, Boston, 7:30pm

Dec 11: Priesthood Ordination: Edward Cardoza, St. Mark's Church, Foxborough, 6:30pm

Dec 12: Advent Quiet Day with Martin Smith, Parish of the Epiphany, Winchester, 9:00am

Dec 12: Priesthood Ordination: Stephen McCarthy, Cathedral Church of the Advent, Birmingham, Ala., 9:30am

Dec 12: Refugee Ministry 101 Workshop: Getting Started, Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Boston, 10:00am

Dec 12: Advent Quiet Day for Youth, Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Boston, 3:00pm

Dec 12: Priesthood Ordination: Andrea Wyatt, Grace Church, New Bedford, 4:00pm

Dec 12: Advent Concert Honoring Mary, Mother of God, St. John's Church, Arlington, 6:00pm

Dec 15: Priesthood Ordination: Charlotte LaForest, St. John's Church, Essex, 6:30pm

Dec 16: Contemplative Eucharist, Bethany House of Prayer, Arlington, 7:00pm

Dec 19: Priesthood Ordination: Noah Van Niel, Parish of St. John the Evangelist, Hingham, 10:00am

Dec 19: Priesthood Ordination: Matthew Lindeman, Trinity Church, Southport, 2:00pm

Dec 19: Lessons and Carols of Christmas, St. Peter's Church, Cambridge, 7:00pm
Praying for peace around the world 
candles 3 In the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris, Bishop Pierre Whalon of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe writes: "When we baptize or confirm people, Episcopalians always repeat the promise to 'strive for justice and peace among all people'... We need therefore to chart a way to make peace. Peace, not appeasement or total war. In order to be able to do that, we first need to turn back to Jesus and ask for help."  Read Whalon's full statement from Nov. 14 here.

Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry released a video statement calling people to prayer as news of the violence in Paris was breaking.  Watch here.

The Very Rev. Lucinda Laird, Dean of the American Cathedral in Paris, wrote on Nov. 14: "It is a very fearful time, and we are still bewildered and unsure.  Knowing we have prayers coming from around the world,  that we have a cloud of witnesses and that we are so inextricably connected in the Body of Christ makes all the difference." Read the full letter here.

Church leaders rebut Gov. Baker's position against Syrian refugees: In a Nov. 18 letter, Bishop Alan M. Gates and Bishop Gayle E. Harris joined with other Massachusetts church leaders to ask Governor Charlie Baker to reconsider his position against the local resettlement of Syrian refugees. The letter, issued by the Massachusetts Council of Churches, is a response to Baker's comments to reporters at the State House earlier this week. Citing safety concerns aroused by last week's terrorist attacks in Paris, he said, "No, I'm not interested in accepting refugees from Syria," according to the Boston Globe.

"We believe in a Commonwealth where all people can live safely, especially those fleeing war and persecution.  We pledge our voices and our churches' active support to resettle Syrian refugees in Massachusetts," the church leaders say in their letter.  "We must make sure that we do not allow fear to overwhelm us, crowd out our compassion or fundamentally change our character.  We refuse to live as a Commonwealth scared of those unlike us."  The full text of the letter is available here.
Diocesan Convention celebrates renewed Cathedral Church of St. Paul, takes up mission and world concerns
Bishop Gates knocks on the door of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul at the Friday evening Eucharist.
Photo: Matthew Cavanaugh
Gathering for the first time for worship and work in the newly renovated Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston, this year's annual Diocesan Convention had a special spirit of celebration about it as it voted its positions on world concerns and deliberated over mission matters closer to home.

About 500 clergy members and lay delegates representing the diocese's congregations gathered for the Nov. 13-14 convention, which began with a special Friday evening service to rededicate the cathedral church--closed for renovations since April of last year.  Bishop Alan M. Gates, who completed his first year as bishop while the cathedral church was under reconstruction, was officially seated during the service.

"Well thank you, Diocese of Massachusetts, for finally letting my friend Alan sit down," said the special guest preacher, Bishop Douglas J. Fisher of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts.

The service was filled with both traditional and celebratory moments--from Gates's opening knocks at the door and the sustained cheers and applause when he finally took his official seat in the bishop's chair, to the sprinkling of holy water across the new space and the congregation.

But with news breaking of terrorist violence in Paris, the service opened on a solemn note with prayer and silence.  Read more here.

Find a gallery of photos from Friday's rededication and seating service here.

Watch a video of Bishop Fisher's sermon here.

Watch the video of Bishop Gates's address to the convention here.
Fossil fuel-free investment fund unveiled
The Diocese of Massachusetts and participants in the Diocesan Investment Trust now have a new option for environmentally responsible investing.  The diocesan Financial Advisory Committee and the Trustees of Donations announced at Diocesan Convention on Nov. 14 the opening of the Diocesan Fossil Fuel Free Fund.

The fund will be provided by the Aperio Group, an investment group that helps design portfolios that fit each investor's environmental, social and corporate values and mission. The fund is being offered alongside the existing Stock Fund offered by the Trustees of Donations, and like the Stock Fund will exclude gambling, tobacco and coal companies.  Unlike the existing Stock Fund, the Diocesan Fossil Fuel Free Fund will screen out companies deriving more than five percent of their revenues from fossil fuel production, and will allocate five percent of its assets to companies that produce alternative energy, green building, energy efficiency and pollution prevention technologies.

The Diocesan Fossil Fuel Free Fund represents the culmination of a three-year conversation in the diocese around environmentally responsible investing.  Read more.
Bishop Gayle Harris reflects on installation of new presiding bishop
Bishop Curry (left) and Bishop Harris (right).
Courtesy photo
Bishop Alan M. Gates, Bishop Gayle E. Harris and Bishop Barbara C. Harris participated in the installation liturgy of Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry at Washington National Cathedral on Nov. 1. 
The installation of the first African-American presiding bishop was a historic moment for the entire church, and one with great personal significance for Bishop Gayle Harris, who has known Curry since meeting in seminary in 1979.  Harris shared some reflections from the historic weekend in Washington, which she described as full of "a lot of joy, a lot of hope and a lot of expectation."  Read more.
NewsNotes 
Getting started in refugee ministry, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul: Bishop Gayle E. Harris and members of the global mission network will host an information-sharing gathering for members of the diocesan community who are concerned about the ongoing global refugee crisis and want to learn more about how to respond.  RSVP to Marsha Searle at 617-482-4826, ext. 445 or msearle@diomass.org.

Advent Word starts Nov. 29:  During Advent, when we anticipate the coming of Christ, the Society of St. John the Evangelist invites participation in creating a global Advent calendar.  Here's how:  Sign up to receive a daily meditation by e-mail.  Post your own images via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, using the the #AdventWord hashtag.  Watch the Advent calendar grow each day.  Learn more and sign up at adventword.org.

Calling for a carbon tax: The Rev. Stephen Ayres, Vicar of Christ Church (Old North) in Boston, gave testimony in favor of a carbon tax at a state Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee hearing on carbon pricing on Oct. 27, saying: "In 100 years, if we do nothing to retard climate change and the rise of our oceans, Paul Revere would be able to row to Charlestown by hopping into a boat tied to a dock just outside his door. In a hundred years or less a nor'easter or a hurricane could flood his house and bring flood waters to his statue behind the Old North Church." Read more. 

Life Together now accepting applications for fellowships beginning Aug. 16:  Life Together is a 10-month fellowship and leadership development project that matches young leaders (21-32 years of age) with mission-based nonprofit organizations, schools and churches throughout eastern Massachusetts. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; the early decision deadline is Dec.  18. To apply, e-mail a cover letter and resume to apply@diomassintern.org.

Learn more at  www.lifetogethercommunity.org. Life Together can also connect inquirers with a current fellow to hear firsthand about their experiences. 
Churchwide 
Bishops suffragan in Rome:  Ten of the Episcopal Church's 12 active bishops suffragan--including Bishop Gayle E. Harris of the Diocese of Massachusetts--gathered in Rome last month, where they had the chance to join the weekly papal audience on Oct. 7 in St. Peter's Square. 
Pope Francis greets Bishop Gayle Harris.
Courtesy photo
"We were surprised to be given places of honor and to have the pope come down and greet each of us personally.  He took a moment to speak with us, asked us to pray for him and gave each of us a commemorative medallion," Harris said.
"It was interesting how many people came up to us, wanting to touch our hands because we had touched the pope, and who were so curious about and happy to see women bishops.  Getting into taxis to leave, we were mobbed by people wanting photos and asking who we were.  It was difficult to get away.  I think we were embodying in some way their hopes around this papal tenure opening up dialogues," Harris said.
She said that with the number of active bishops suffragan diminishing, they have begun to meet annually in support of one another and their ministries. Last year the bishops suffragan met in Los Angeles; this year they were hosted by Bishop Pierre Whalon of the Convocation of Churches in Europe. Read more.
Parish Circuit
One weekend, two blessings: Bishop Gates blesses renewed church buildings in Lexington and Bridgewater: 
On Oct. 25 Bishop Gates blessed the parish hall at the Church of Our Redeemer, Lexington. The modernized space is now completely accessible via a new elevator and entrance and is adjoined by an updated kitchen.
Photo:  Robert Mirani 
  
The same weekend, Bishop Gates joined with the Rev. Natasha Stewart and members of Trinity Church, Bridgewater as they celebrated the completion of renovations to their church building, including a bright new, and historically accurate, exterior paint job.  Also pictured is Paula Keenan reading the church's original dedication from 131 years ago. 
Photo: Jerry Lenihan. 
 
Newton churches to merge:  On Sunday, Nov. 29, the Parish of the Messiah in Auburndale and Trinity Parish of Newton Centre will merge.  The two congregations will join together permanently at Trinity Parish on the corner of Centre and Homer Streets in Newton Centre, according to a joint news release from the parishes.

The Parish of the Messiah will celebrate its last service of Holy Eucharist in Auburndale on Nov.  22.  On Nov. 29, the new merged parish will have its first official Sunday together at Trinity in Newton Centre. All are welcome.

"It is no coincidence that the beginning of this new church is also the beginning of the Christian church year, the first Sunday of the Advent season," the news release stated. "In the Christian faith this is a significant time of anticipation and preparation. For the people of Messiah and Trinity this is the long-awaited opportunity to accomplish together what they could not do alone.
 
Pie makers from Trinity, Newton Centre.
Courtesy photo 
Charles River Deanery holds annual pie-making event at Church of Our Saviour, Brookline: About 100 people of all ages gathered on Nov. 15 at the Church of Our Saviour in Brookline, and in two hours made 170 apple pies for Thanksgiving distribution. 
Eight of the 15 congregations in the Charles River Deanery were represented. 
A few days before Thanksgiving, the pies, unbaked and frozen, are brought to four food pantries, including two (Brookline and Centre Street in Newton) that are located in Episcopal churches in the deanery.   This annual pie-making event began in 2008 as a youth project in the deanery, and has blossomed into a multigenerational event.  "It's really church at its best," noted Becky Taylor, Director of Children's, Youth and Family Ministries at All Saints Parish in Brookline.  "All of us, gathered across congregational boundaries, working together to benefit people we don't know and probably will never meet."   
NewsLinks 
 Bedford Citizen:  Solar panels blessed at St. Paul's, Bedford:  On Sunday, Nov. 1, St. Paul's Church held a special blessing of its new solar panels, with retired bishop the Rt. Rev. Bud Cederholm presiding over the festive event, occurring on All Saints' Day.  Beginning with a grand procession from the sanctuary to the rear parking lot, where the solar array can be seen on the south-facing back roof, the service featured drums, songs, prayers and art.  The children of the parish joined in the procession, carrying posters with conservation messages created during Sunday school out of recycled materials. Read more. 

Boston Globe: Chandelier returns to Old North Church: 
The spare but beautiful interior of St. Paul's Church in Otis, Mass., is empty and shuttered now, the victim of declining attendance in a sparsely populated dot of Western Massachusetts. Above its worn pews hung a five-candle chandelier that Paul Revere would have seen when he walked into the Old North Church, a chandelier that would have been suspended there on the night of his famous ride to Lexington. On a recent Monday, the chandelier was packed up and shipped home, nearly three centuries since a Boston privateer, a pillar of the Old North congregation, seized it from a French ship bound for Quebec and presented it to his church. The chandelier will be reinstalled somewhere on the North End campus. Read more. 

South Coast Today: St. Luke's celebrates 50th anniversary of Jim Hornsby's ordination: The Rev. James H. Hornsby celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination with a special service of Holy Eucharist on  Oct. 24 at St. Luke's Church in Fall River.  The Rev. Susan Lee, current rector of St. Luke's Church, said with appreciation, "Reverend Jim has served the church in every way possible over the past few decades and we are very grateful for his ministry. We all admire his dedication to the poor and his love for the church and the city of Fall River. Through his work for social justice, he has shown us how to live a good Christian life in the 21st century."  Read more. 

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