This week we are readying for our sixth annual service of Evening Prayer (Vespers) on November 3, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Each year this worship has focused on a particular, timely topic: peace in the Middle East, the dignity of black bodies, the Church's continuing re-formation, climate change-and now, immigration. We are pleased and honored to welcome as our preacher Linda Hartke.

Ms Hartke is a daughter of St. John, Sudbury, an alumna of Smith College and former Chief of Staff to U.S. Congressman Chet Atkins. She worked for Church World Service (in New York and Phnom Penh, Cambodia), chaired the World AIDS Campaign and Amnesty International USA, served as President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service from 2010-2018, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Center for Migration Studies. She is a passionate advocate for justice for refugees, migrants and all who face discrimination, stigma or disadvantage.

Friends will join the CLC Choir in songs from the Americas, and, as has been our practice, a simple supper and conversation with the preacher will follow the liturgy. There is no charge for the event. A freewill offering will be received to offset expenses.

Happy Tuesday, CLC Youth and Parentage!

Would you like to schedule a youth lock-in on Sunday evening of Veterans Day weekend? That's November 10th-just 2.5 weeks from today!

I'm thinking we could invite local youth groups, like Sherborn UU and SPY from the Episcopal church in Natick, to join us beforehand in building quilts that afternoon. Set a goal for the number to create and just go for it! Plus a couple of other fun things - you tell me what.

I'll be texting/calling/accosting you soon for your thoughts/ideas/availability.

Thank ye kindly!-Yr. Youth & Fam. Coord. Gail W-R

 This Sunday is Reformation Sunday. You are invited to wear something red as a sign of the Holy Spirit's ongoing work renewing and re-shaping Christ's Church.

At 5:00, bring a child or two or three, a neighbor or grandparent to Wonder and Wisdom, when we explore Reformation in cross-generational fashion, and share Holy Communion in the context of a simple meal. Wonder and Wisdom is one of the ways CLC continues to be reformed!

Please do return your pledge forms and time and talent responses as soon as possible . The Council and Resource Commission are in the midst of preparing a 2020 budget proposal.

On  November 3, All Saints' Sunday, we will remember the saints who have finished their earthly labors. Please submit to the church office the names of those loved ones you wish to remember in prayer that Sunday.

Wonder and Wisdom returns on Sunday, October 27 at 5:00. We'll enjoy some cross-generational Reformation fun, share a simple meal, and worship around the table, incorporating some camp songs into the gathering. Bring a grandparent, a grandchild, a kid from your home or a child from the neighborhood. We'll wrap up around 7:00.

READINGS FOR THIS WEEK - Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost

October 27, 2019  

Genuine repentance and pretentious piety stand in stark contrast in the gospel and all around us. All creation stands in need of God's forgiveness. Keep the faith. God's people-"all who have longed for his appearing"-shall be accounted righteous for Jesus' sake. Our God is merciful to sinners. For all this the assembly glorifies God forever.

            First Reading                           Psalm                     Second Reading                     Gospel

Sing For Joy

Enhance your understanding of the weekly scripture readings by listening to Sing For Joy http://www.stolaf.edu/singforjoy/ from St. Olaf College.  The Sing For Joy radio program, produced by St. Olaf College , has a simple mission: to explore the weekly themes of Christian worship by providing the best in sacred choral music and thoughtful commentary. The musical performances eloquently "do the talking," while the concise remarks from host Pastor Bruce Benson illuminate the meaning of the texts.