Chime Notes news & updates
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10 year anniversary of ONA
It was 10 years ago, in April 2014, when the church approved its covenant to be an Open and Affirming congregation within the United Church of Christ. This followed a period of discernment. We continue to work on the ways we are living this out, and how we can do better. Thanks to the committee for all the hard work they put in.
Read more HERE!
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Pentecost Sunday on May 19th was an energizing service for all. With leadership from the youth of the church, and a participatory sermon led by Rev. Alex Shea Will, we all left with a certain song in our heads. | |
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REMEMBER....
I've got Peace Like a River, Love like an Ocean, and Joy like a Fountain...in my SOUL.
This was complete with hand motions, and was just a lot of fun to participate in!
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Rev. Alex (pictured with Pastor Ian) is the Area Conference Minister for Eastern Massachusetts | |
Kiel Yoder (with daughter Naomi), son of Ron and Dolores Yoder, has graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in history! YAY Kiel...the long road was worth it! | |
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Siblings Nate and Hillary Ryan have graduated from Universities of Rhode Island and New Hampshire, respectively. Great job Nate and Hillary.
URI & UNH 2024!
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Matthew Rockett has graduated from St. John's Prep, and will be starting college at University of Miami in the fall! Go Hurricanes!! | |
^ HATS OFF TO THE 2024 GRADS ^ | |
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ONE $ Yard Sale on July 13th
On the heals of the successful perennial swap, the Cherish the Earth Team plans to host the annual Dollar Yard Sale on Saturday, July 13th (date changed from June 8).
Donations are welcome on July 7 or later, and there are volunteer opportunities from July 12th (sorting) and on the day of the event for sales and clean up. Contact Susan Buchanan
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MOVIE SCREENING - THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES - July 1- 6 PM
Following a successful movie on June 3rd (The Shack), the Social Justice Team will be hosting a movie screening of The Secret Life of Bees (*), a 2008 film based on the best-selling book by Sue Monk Kidd. The movie will be shown in the church library at 6 pm on Monday, July 1, with pizza and snacks to be served. * Some serious themes. A time of conversation will follow.
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Wrestling with Doubts, by Pastor Ian!
Dear Church,
For most of my early life, well into my late twenties, my having doubts about my faith was not good. Questioning was not welcomed, and I felt pressured (real or imagined!) into “just believing” this or that Christian doctrine as fixed articles of faith. I felt shame in harboring many doubts about God, Jesus, religion, Heaven and so much more. I wondered if I could be a Chrisitan at all, given how many doubts and questions I had! And indeed, for a time I identified as atheist or agnostic. But now I welcome doubts, my own and those of others, as fertile sources of holy conversation, and fuel for a deeper, richer faith journey. Today, doubt is an essential spiritual practice. It is an active part of my prayer life. I like a good argument, and arguing with God about many things is a favorite pastime! Really God!? Really?
Rev. Adam Hamilton is the pastor of one of the largest UMC churches in America and an engaging author. In his book “Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith” he reflects on important conversations he has had with people over the years. Repeatedly, important aspects of the Chrisitan life have generated doubts and a complete loss of faith for many. The topics include: the existence of God; the veracity and centrality of the Bible (it is so weird after all!); is Christianity the one true religion; is there a heaven; and how is God “good” given human suffering. Like me, Rev. Hamilton embraces and welcomes “Honest Doubt.” It has been wonderful to explore the book with our Wednesday discussions, and I recommend the book to you.
Every Sunday morning, I welcome us to worship with the words “Welcome if your faith is deep and abiding, or if you don’t know what you believe, or what to believe. Somehow God has brought us together into this moment.” Which is one way to paraphrase the words of the man speaking to Jesus in Mark 9:24 “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.”
God help us all
---Pastor Ian
If this piques your interest, click here to purchase a BOOK!
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My Brother's Table Fundraiser for new dining room THIS WEEK
Wednesday, June 12th
| MISSION POSSIBLE EVENT 6/12 | |  |
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Please join My Brother's Table for a relaxing evening on the oceanfront roof deck of Mission on the Bay, celebrating the reopening of the Table's dining room and helping to raise the last dollars needed for the renovations.
In 2020, the Table went from in-house dining, serving 200,000 meals a year, to take-out only and serving a million meals a year. The beautiful new dining room provides extra production space, dine-in seating and a take-out area with your contribution being an important part of making it all happen!
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We are back doing the work of the church, from weekly worship to meetings to activities! Come join us! | |
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The First Church in Swampscott (MA) | [ Website] | |
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