Weekly news & announcements

Thursday, November 6, 2025

Monthly Calendar

Church School News

Sunday, November 9, 2025

Ordinary Time

The Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost

8:15 a.m. Spoken Rite I Eucharist (Chapel)

10 a.m. Choral Rite II Eucharist with Music & Hymns

(Main Church & streaming online)

11:15 a.m. Coffee Hour

11:30 a.m. MANNA Food Drop-off (Library Lot)

7 p.m. AA Needham On Time (UPH)

Thanks to those who are serving this weekend!

Volunteer online here..

Usher: Ann MacFate & Rosemarie Rappold-Davis

Lector: Volunteer online

Chalice: Volunteer online

Intercessor: Volunteer online

Crucifer: Volunteer online

Digital Verger: Volunteer online

Altar Guild: Barbara Brailey, Marcia Mather & Betsy Amsbary

Coffee Hour Hosts: Community Concerns

Co-Warden: Tedi Eaton

Designated Vestry Person for November, December, & January: Ellie Wainwright

Volunteer for Fall Services

Sunday's Music

Hymn numbers are for the Hymnal 1982 unless noted. Some of the hymns can be found at Hymnary.org: Hymnal 1982 here and Wonder Love and Praise (WLP) here.

Prelude: Variation II from Variations on an Old American Tune, Zachary Wadsworth

Opening Hymn: 398, I Sing the Almighty Power of God

Gloria: S278

Gradual Hymn: 657, Love Divine All Loves Excelling

Offertory Anthem: The Eyes of All Look to Thee, George Elvey

Sanctus: S-128

Fraction: S-154 Christ our Passover (Hurd)

Communion Music: This is My Song, arr. Lloyd Larson

Closing Hymn: 579, Almighty Father Strong to Save

Postlude: God Bless America, arr. Marianne Kim

November 6, 2025

Greetings, Siblings in Christ,

Speaking with an English friend the other day, I learned that at home, Sunday is Remembrance Sunday, which commemorates the anniversary of the Armistice that ended the blood bath of World War I. By tradition, it always falls on the Sunday before the date of the Armistice: November 11, 1918. In the United States, we commemorate that solemn occasion on the actual date.

As he also noted, this time of year in the Northern Hemisphere corresponds with Autumn, a season of falling leaves, decreasing daylight, cooling temperatures, and the descent of all creation into hibernation, as nature slows down for a winter sabbath.

Thus, it can be a melancholy time, amplifying personal loss and mourning, a reminder of the ends of things.

Sunday’s lessons echo this posture, as they point toward end times. In fact, centuries ago, this Sunday would have begun the season of Advent. (We tried the seven-week Advent in 2020 and 2021). Advent begins the new Church year by ruminating on “last things” before God comes again in Jesus.

This Sunday, Job says “I know my redeemer liveth and at the last, he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.”

Those of a certain age and experience will recognize these words from the opening prayers of the Funeral Service in the Book of Common Prayer. (pp.469, 491)

And yet in the end is the beginning. Death does not have the last word. In the shadows of diminishment lie the promise of new life. As Jesus reminds us this Sunday, “Our God is a God of the living, not the dead.”

Faithfully,

Nick+

Credit for image of Nick: Thomas Gaitley

Food Help

The need continues. Though we have many choices, here are three which are nearby, and one with historical connections to our parish: Needham Community Council, and the Emergency Food Fund at St. Stephen's in the South End (Home of B-Safe). Our neighbors at the Needham UCC are hosting 10,000 meal pack-a-thon on Sunday, November 23. Noone should be hungry. Thanks to those who contribute to our ministry with MANNA at our Cathedral.

Grateful Hearts Annual Appeal Progress

As of today, Thursday, November 6, we have received 20 pledges totaling $133,310. Thank you for your Grateful Hearts, which support our mission to love God and our neighbor as Jesus teaches. Packets should have arrived by US Mail. Pledge cards are also in the Upper Parish Hall. You can also pledge online at www.ccneedham.org. We will celebrate all that has been pledged thus far at worship on November 23.

GRATEFUL HEARTS QUICKLINKS

Printable version of Nick's letter

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Pledge card (to print, fill out, & return)

Pledge online (no Realm account needed)

Veterans Day Concert, Sunday, November 16 at 3pm

Please join us Sunday, November 16 at 3pm for a Salute to Armed Forces Concert by our very own Mary-Katherine Fletcher! Admission is free, so tell your friends and neighbors!

Save the Date: December 20, 1-5pm Rectory Open House

Please join Nick and Jamie for food and fellowship at the renovated and expanded Rectory. Drop by for some Christmas cheer and enjoy what your generosity made possible! Though it is not necessary, if you are reasonably sure you will come, please RSVP here to help us plan.

Bird's Forward Day by Day Devotions

Our own Children’s Programming Coordinator, Bird Treacy, is the author of the November meditations in the most recent quarterly edition of this popular devotional. I’ve been resisting reading ahead! If you have not made use of this devotional before, maybe now’s the time to give it a try. We are blessed to have Bird in our midst.

Advent Tree Lighting, Sunday November 30, at 3pm

Advent begins on November 30 and we're excited to celebrate this season of preparation together. Join us at 3pm for a short Advent Tree Lighting service. Afterwards, come make an Advent Wreath, Sing Some Seasonal Favorites, and Usher in the Season of Light - as We Await the Light of the World.

Diocesan Convention November 14 & 15

The 240th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts takes place next weekend in Burlington. Our delegates Annie Russell, Ann MacFate, Heidi Fieldston, and Nick will vote on the 2026 budget, hear reports from committees, take part in worship, fellowship, governance, and learning activities. They will report back.

Winter Hats for MANNA

Thank you so much for all the hats and scarves that have come in, so far. To all knitters, crocheters, and donors, please consider providing whatever you can! Please drop off the items at the office no later than December 3.

MANNA is Loving our Neighbors with Food

To volunteer to donate one or more of the requested items or to drive the food ino the Cathedral on Sunday, please sign up online. Thank you!

If you need help signing up or have any questions at all please don't hesitate to reach out to Lindsay Guerriere or Barbara Hurley. THANK YOU for loving our neighbor as Jesus teaches!!!!!

December 7:

1 driver

2 casseroles

1 vegetarian casserole

2 baked goods

1 banana

1 bagged lunch

4, 24 oz pre-washed salad greens

1 gallon cut up cucumbers

10 oz. container of cherry tomatoes

January 11:

1 driver

2 casseroles

1 vegetarian casserole

2 baked goods

1 banana

1 bagged lunch

4, 24 oz pre-washed salad greens

1 gallon cut up cucumbers

10 oz. container of cherry tomatoes

Help Lead Us in Worship

We are still seeking lay assistants for our worship, including lectors, intercessors, chalice-bearers, and crucifers. Please sign up here, or go to our website and click on the drop down menu in the upper right corner. Thank you!

Community Art Gallery Presents - Needham Open Studios!

Starting Thursday, October 30, Needham Open Studios will showcase the work of several talented local artists in our Community Art Gallery. This vibrant exhibit features a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and photography, offering something to inspire every art lover. Gallery Hours are Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm and Sundays 9am - 12 noon.

There will be a reception for this exhibit on Sunday, November 16 at 11:15am in the Upper Parish Hall where you can meet the artists and see additional pieces of art.

Come explore and enjoy this creative display celebrating the artistry within our community!

We are always looking for artists of all abilities and particularly from diverse populations and programs to share their work in our gallery. The exhibits are curated by expressive art therapist, Lucy Nims-LaFleche. If you would like to display your art, whether it be photos, paintings, printing, drawing, or fiber art, please contact Lucy.