Between Sundays
Keeping the Parish Community Connected
Thursday, December 14, 2023
There's so much happening! Be sure to click view entire message at the bottom!
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Worship With Us | Sunday, December 17 | |
Scripture Readings: Psalm 126
First Lesson: Isaiah 61: 1- 4, 8- 11 Second Lesson: Luke 1: 46b- 55
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Morning Light
Worship, Third Sunday of Advent 9:00 AM In-person at 64 Beacon St. and on Zoom at 9:00 AM.
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Morning Prayer
Worship, Third Sunday of Advent 11:00 AM In-person at 58 Tremont St. and live-streamed.. Doors open at 10:30 AM. All are invited to the Annual Milk Punch Luncheon following the service, at the Parish House, 64 Beacon Street.
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From the Minister
In Boston history, we know King's Chapel stands out as the first church to celebrate Christmas. The Puritans who colonized this area, sought to purify their Christianity from the excesses of Anglicanism, Catholicism, with rituals adopted from pagan ancestors. It was anathema to them that on Chrstmas people didn't work and instead drank. For this reason, greens at Christmas graced the King's Chapel Sanctuary, but nowhere else -- at least initially. One year, when our current sanctuary was being built, and we needed an alternate worship space temporarily, we received kind permission from Old South Meeting House to gather there, but only if we would not bring greens.
We agreed.
I think of all of this because the third Sunday in Advent is dedicated to "Joy," the sense of profound gladness that is far deeper than being happy, and is sustained even when we struggle or have cause to despair. That joy is like ever-greens that last through the winter - their leaves do not die to lie crumpled on the ground. Their leaves are ever-green, even under harsh winter conditions. This kind of joy is rooted in trusting a God of unending love, always with us, and often most visible when the winter of life hits hardest. Picture evergreens standing in the midst of snow.
How can this be, this joy we will celebrate? I pray we find some clues this Sunday.
Joy
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From the Bench
The Advent adventure continues with 3 Bach settings of Nun Komm, der Heiden Heiland on the organ. The choir will sing Daniel Roihl’s evocative Thou Shalt Call His Name John, featuring Emily Bieber-Harris as the soloist. You will also hear Orlando Gibbons' Hosanna to the Son of David, and Paul Manz’s E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come, conducted by Jedidiah Rellihan.
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Advent Book Group
Mondays during Advent starting Dec 4
6:00 PM via Zoom
Joy and Sam will lead our community in weekly Advent reflections via Zoom on Monday evenings. As you desire, please plan to obtain All I Really Want by Quinn G. Caldwell, available here:
https://www.abingdonpress.com/product/9781426790171/
We have ordered 15 copies which are available to pick up at the Parish House. The reflections will take you through Advent and into the season of Christmastide. Register to attend here.
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Celebrate the Season!
Annual Milk Punch Luncheon
Sunday, Dec 17, 12:30 PM at the Parish House
Kick off the holiday season with family and friends at King's Chapel's annual Milk Punch Luncheon after Morning Prayer. Enjoy a sumptuous luncheon and raise a glass of King's Chapel's popular milk punch (with or without spirits). During the festivities, hear your favorite Christmas carols, and play a game organized by Amanda Cegielski.
Please RSVP to Laura. Main dishes will be provided. If you would like to contribute a salad, side dish, or dessert, or would like to help out, please reach out to Gregg Sorensen, 617-519-5564 or gds1960@yahoo.com. We look forward to seeing you!
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The Half-Hour Messiah is back!
Tuesday Recital, Dec 19, 12:15 PM
Come One, come All, to hear King's Chapel's own
Emily Bieber-Harris, soprano
Jennifer Webb, alto
Andy Troska, tenor
Dan Perry, bass
sing the arias from the Advent portion of Handel's Messiah. Then join them in a rousing singalong of the Hallelujah Chorus.
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Christmas Eve Family Service
Sunday, Dec 24, 5:00 PM at King's Chapel
Assistant Minister Sam Holland cordially invites you to participate in our annual Family Service. Please come, and participate if you wish! All ages are welcome to be donkeys, shepherds, sheep, angels, or magi! Costumes provided. If you're interested or know anyone who might be, please email Sam or call or text 336-485-5618.
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Christmas at King's Chapel
Sunday, Dec 24, 5:00 PM: Christmas Eve Family Service
Sunday, Dec 24, 8:00 PM: Lessons and Carols
Monday, Dec 25, 10:00 AM Christmas Day Service
In-Person at the Church or livestreamed on our YouTube channel
Join us for the Christmas Pageant, the story of the Nativity, at 5:00 PM, and/or for the candlelit Lessons and Carols, 8:00 PM, both Christmas Eve. And/or come for the 10:00 AM service on Christmas Day.
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De-greening the Church
Sunday, Dec. 31, following Morning Prayer
Thanks to all who helped decorate our church so beautifully for Advent! Please join us after Morning Prayer on Dec. 31st to help de-green.
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Parish Events This Coming Week | |
Tuesday Recital
Dec 19, 12:15 PM at King's Chapel
In person and livestreamed
The Half-Hour Messiah rolls back into town on his donkey this Tuesday. Get thrilled by the trills of Emily Bieber-Harris, Jennifer Webb, Andy Troska, and Dan Perry as they careen through the Advent portion arias and invite you to raise the rafters in a Hallelujah singalong.
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Virtual Bible Study
Wednesday, Dec 20, 6:15 PM on Zoom
Join us for our weekly lectionary-based Bible study, beginning at 6:15 PM.
Contact Tim to register.
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Weekly Thursday Coffee
Thursday, Dec 21, 11:00 AM on Zoom
Bring your cup of coffee or tea and join other King's Chapel folks for an informal conversation by Zoom every Thursday morning. Drop in for any part of the hour. Please note new start-time: 11:00 AM!
Register here to join.
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King's Chapel Prayer Circle | |
The King's Chapel Prayer Circle is a group of individuals including our ministers, who offer prayers for any who request it, and always in complete confidence. The group is facilitated by Cynthia Perkins. To request prayers please contact Joy (joy@kings-chapel.org) or Cynthia (prayerrequest@kings-chapel.org).
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King's Chapel Stewardship | |
You are invited to show your love for King's Chapel with a gift to the 2023 Stewardship campaign! Every gift ensures that King's Chapel can continue to meet the spiritual needs of our beloved community and is greatly appreciated. Visit kings-chapel.org/stewardship for more information and to make your gift or pledge today - thank you!
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In the love of truth and in the spirit of Jesus Christ,
we unite for the worship of God
and the service of all.
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