Do you know the Gospel song, "Swing Lo, Sweet Chariot?" The 1981 Oscar winning
movie, Chariots of Fire? The soaring British anthem "Jerusalem" with this line:
"bring me my chariots of fire..."?
On Sunday, we'll explore the biblical derivation of this image, and how it has often
been used to either comfort or scare people about the future. But what if the key is
neither the hope of a chariot eventually "comin' for to carry us home" to heaven, nor
the apocalyptic warning that Christ will return in a fiery chariot pulled by mighty
horses during the end times?
What if we don't need to wait? Can the words be highly relevant right now, for you
today? I think so.
- Joy
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Remarks by the Rev. Shawn Fiedler at Interfaith Memorial Service for Orlando
Reflection
Interfaith Service
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
June 15, 2016
Silence
I am young. Like, super young. I am the same age as most of those who died that evening.
I remember seeing a picture in a textbook in history class that featured a pink triangle and the words
"Silence = Death."
And I have to admit that those words, that picture has always stumped me. Of course, I understood
what it represented. The pink triangle a reminder of those queer persons who were murdered during the
holocaust. Silence = Death, a phrase from the AIDS crisis when thousands upon thousands of queer
people were burying their beloved, their friends, and the nation tried to silence those who cried out.
But I'm young-and I didn't live through those moments.
***
How many times will we go through this routine? A bombing. A shooting. An attack rooted in fear and
hatred and we gather together and we hold moments of silence. We stand holding silence; prayerful
pause to grieve, to reflect, to remember the dead. How many times will we do this? How many times?
How many times will we hold silence until the silence becomes who we are?
Sisters and brothers, we cannot simply have moments of silence and think our work as people of faith
is done.
Because here's what my tradition teaches: God will not do, what God has given us to do.
God will not do, what God has given us to do, which is to put our bodies, our love, our passions, our
voices, and perhaps even our votes where we say they are: in solidarity with those who are suffering.
God will not do, what God has given us to do, which is to teach, and preach, and work and weep, and
yell and scream: until those who will not listen, who refuse to see us, hear us and see us.
God will not do, what God has given us to do, which is to act-up and act-out, be bold and proud, to
never never let up, so that our voices-along with the voices of those who have never been able to
speak-join together and drown out hatred and fear...because: Silence = Death.
Thanks be to God,
Amen.
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Tuesday Barbecues at the Parsonage This Summer! One each Month. 6 PM
Following our tradition, please plan to join us for informal barbecues in the
beautiful garden behind the Parsonage and Parish House, on these summer
evenings, one each month:
Tuesday, July 12th
Tuesday, August 16th
The main course and drinks will be provided, but we'd love you to bring a side dish or dessert. If it rains, we'll eat indoors.
To RSVP, contact Gretchen Horton,
It's fun for all ages!
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King's Chapel Habitat for Humanity-Boston Build | June 25
We have nearly a full team for this Saturday's King's Chapel Habitat for Humanity-Boston build. We can accept 1 or 2 more. The build runs from 9 AM to 3:30 PM.
The build will be at one of the HFH-Boston sites now under construction in Roslindale, Mattapan, or Dorchester. Work will be available for all skill levels (including none).
King's Chapel has supported HFH-Boston both financially and with multiple volunteer efforts. If you haven't done this before, please consider joining now. The minimum age to participate is 16.
To enroll or for more information contact Emanuel Genovese at 617-738-6367 or [email protected]
, or Peter Sexton at 781-383-9028 or
[email protected]
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Help Welcomed! Making Sandwiches for common cathedral | June 26 | 9:30 AM
common cathedral
is our partner outdoor church ministry that serves the homeless community of Boston.
c
ommon cathedral
worships on the Boston Common each
Sunday
, providing lunch to the homeless community after the service. King's Chapel will be making and serving approximately 150 sandwiches, snacks and drinks and will deliver them and join in the
common cathedral
worship service this Sunday.
If you are interested in volunteering for this ministry, please contact
Jim
Carroll
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Labyrinth Walk and Potluck Lunch at the Perkinses | July 9 | 10 AM - 1 PM
Come for practice in mindfulness, a meditative walk in the Labyrinth that Cynthia and Dick Perkins have built on their beautiful property in Stow, about 45 minutes from King's Chapel. Labyrinths are ancient contemplative settings, and unlike a maze, you cannot get lost. Rather, the object is to consciously follow the one path, which always leads to the center, where you may find an answer or leave a worry behind.
RSVP with Cynthia Perkins at
[email protected]
. Let her know what you'd like to bring for lunch, and whether
you can offer a ride or need one. We
'
ll arrange carpools.
Thank you, Cynthia and Dick!
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Special Presentation on James Freeman| July 10 | After Morning Prayer
Join us on
Sunday, July 10th
following Morning Prayer for a special presentation on the life and ministry of the Reverend James Freeman. After the American Revolution, Freeman was hired as a young seminarian to read the service of Morning Prayer. Freeman grew increasingly uncomfortable with certain aspects of our Anglican liturgy; mainly the Athanasian Creed and references to the Trinity. After some time had passed, Freeman requested they be removed from the liturgy. The congregation heard Freeman's arguments, discussed, and voted to amend the Book of Common Prayer. This set off a fire storm between King's Chapel, the Episcopal Church, and other churches in the region. These actions made King's Chapel the first Unitarian Church in the nation. The presentation on
July 10th
will be given by Samuel Learner. Learner received his undergraduate education from Bates College. His senior honor thesis was entitled,
The Origins of American Unitarianism Reconsidered: Theophilus Lindsey, James Freeman, and the English Episcopal Reform Origins of American Unitarianism |
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News from the Parish House
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Clergy Away
I'll see you this Sunday, June 26th but be gone the following week for the 4th of July. I remain available for pastoral emergencies; contact Gretchen during the week or my phone line at the parish house anytime and I'll receive the message. Blessings! Joy
Shawn will be on vacation starting on Wednesday June 22 until July 7. For any pastoral emergencies, contact the Senior Minister
[email protected] or call the Parish House
617. 227.2155.
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Vestry Update
There has been much activity lately with regard to the care of our historic buildings. The restoration of the front entries to 63 and 64 Beacon Street has been finished. This work was paid for by money set side for this purpose by the Society. The restoration of the ironwork on the facades of the two buildings will soon be complete and
is being paid for with the assistance of the Trustees.
Just this week repairs to the chancel roof at King's Chapel have been completed.
The "big items" were covered under an
insurance claim from March 2015 and other minor, but important, repairs to the exterior were a modest expense given that the roofers were on site and had the use of the already installed scaffolding.
Moving forward, the Vestry believes that several projects
are needed that will strengthen the church and allow it to continue to grow.
Consequently, the
Vestry requested and the Trustees agreed to distribute an additional $200,000 in 2016 and $200,000 in 2017 to the Society for the purposes of repairing the front windows at 63-64 Beacon Street
, replacing the inner entry doors to the Chapel with glass doors, and upgrading the Chapel vestry bathroom to a more accessible bathroom.
It was also agreed that
Society surplus income over receipts from 2014, 2015 and subsequent years be available for spending on deferred maintenance at 63-64 Beacon Street
and the Chapel, and to fund other Vestry authorized projects.
Prior to reaching this agreement, the Trustees and Vestry worked together to create a list of capital project priorities. It is planned that in the future this cooperative arrangement will allow the Society to set such priorities and the Trustees will provide distributions that will allow the Society to better maintain our historic buildings.
- Cliff Allen, Senior Warden
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Preliminary Announcement
Habitat for Humanity Build and Partner Church Visit |
July 2017
Peter Sexton has arranged a build at Habitat for Humanity, Cluj (Kolozsvar), Romania for July
2017. Kolozsvar is the home of the partner churches of King's Chapel, First Church,
Boston, and the UU Society of San Francisco. The build team will be comprised of 12-
18 members and friends of these 3 UU churches. King's Chapel and UUSF are
committed. Discussions will begin soon with First Church, Boston.
The endeavor will include 8 days of building with HFH Kolozsvar which we know from
past experience is an exceptionally well run organization. Non-build time will include
socialization and worship with the 3 respective partner churches. Kolozsvar was the
capital of the Principality of Transylvania and a long established university city with
Babeș-Bolyai University having roots back to 1581. This is a very pleasant environment
with many cultural and dining opportunities that can be coupled with excellent local wines.
Activities in addition to the build and socialization with the partner churches will include
most of the following:
- Site of Edict of Torda.
- Torda Unitarian Church.
- Torda Gorge.
- Rimetea Monastery (Romanian Orthodox).
- Torda salt mines.
- Tour of the Transylvanian countryside.
- Comprehensive tour of Budapest including visits to one or both Unitarian
The exact amount per participant will be computed before October and is expected to
be in the range of $1,800 per participant including everything except air fare and
personal items, e.g. alcoholic beverages. This will include a contribution of $400 per
person to HFH Cluj.
Participants will leave the USA on June 30, 2017 and return on July 14. We expect
financial stipends will be available to adults of limited means and church youths.
For more information or to reserve a slot on the build, please contact Peter Sexton at
781 383-9028 or [email protected].
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Wednesday, June 22
, 6 PM
The Rev. Joy Fallon, Preaching
- Cathleen Price, Hospitality
-
Claire Shepro, Soloist
-
Liz Adams, Verger
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Sunday, June 26, 11 AM
The Rev. Joy Fallon, Preacher
- Sylvia Soderberg, Lay Assistant
- Anne Sexton & Paul Luca, Head Ushers
- Charles Perry, Usher in Charge
-
David Wheeler and Marie Wells
, Ushers
- Amy Meyer, Verger
The Readings:
- Psalm 16
- Old Testament: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
- New Testament:
Galatians 5:22-23
The flowers on the communion table are given by Charles M. Perry in loving memory of his grandmother, Katherine Perry, and his father and mother, Henry and Marian Perry.
At the communion rail following the service, Marie Wells
will greet those interested in learning more about King's Chapel.
After the service, all are invited to Punch on the Bricks,
hosted by Gregg Sorensen and friends of the Hospitality Committee.
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We Need Summer Hosts for Hospitality!
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Enter your email and select a spot to fill. New volunteers may choose to co-host with a buddy. Questions? Email
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Tuesday, June 28, 12:15 PM
Young Organists Initiative
Showcase Recital
Works by Bach, Vierne, and more
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Stewardship Campaign
Would you like to contribute to the 2016 Stewardship Campaign? You may still do so. We are at 70% of our goal, and welcome new pledges.
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Interested in Membership?
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More News from
The Parish
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Welcoming New Members
We were thrilled to welcome nine new members to King's Chapel during our birthday celebration a week ago. Bios of new members will be featured in the upcoming weeks. Please join us in welcoming all!
Hillary Paul and Dave Metcalf:
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Hillary and Dave first came to King's Chapel looking for a historical landmark for their wedding. After attending Morning Prayer, they knew that King's Chapel was something really special.
Hillary is a teacher at Chelsea High School and Dave is transitioning form his role as a tax accountant to the role of a math teacher.
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Hymn Sing! | July 20 | 7PM
Join us on Wednesday, July 20 at 7PM for a special Theology on Tap Hymn Sing! We will be joined by Music Director Heinrich Christensen. Bring copies of your favorite hymn. We will have copies of the Pilgrim Hymnal. We will gather at our Parish House 64 Beacon Street. We will provide light appetizers. All are invited to bring refreshments to share. R.S.V.P. to
[email protected]
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We Weep with those who Weep, and Laugh with those who Laugh
The Rev. Joseph Bassett, our member and Minister Emeritus at The First Church Chestnut Hill, will be preaching the sermon on "Minister's Day" during the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly in Columbus, Ohio this week. Joe will be preaching for the 50th ordination cohort. Many blessings, Joe!
We also remember with our prayers this week Virginia Cushman Washburn, mother of our longtime member the Rev. Stephen Washburn and mother-in- law of our former Interim Minister, the Rev. Dianne
Arakawa. The memorial service for Mrs. Washburn, herself a longtime member of King's Chapel, was held here eleven years ago. Stephen asks that we remember his mother during this anniversary week of her
death.
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Contributing to Between Sundays
Want something in Between Sundays? Feel free to email Brad at
[email protected] with a written piece and/or pictures before Tuesday at noon!
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Accessibility 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.
A sound system has been installed in the sanctuary of The Chapel to amplify the sound during worship services. Hearing assistance devices are available for your use. Please see an Usher for assistance.
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