I hope you all had a wonderful long weekend last weekend (I know, it feels like an eternity ago already). But what a beautiful weekend it was!

1. Come to Godly Play this Sunday, October 13, when Patty and Diane will tell the Story of Creation. Hear and wonder about how and why God made the world! "The story of Creation is an important story for children. It is in the midst of God’s creation – at the ocean, in the mountain, or in their own backyard-that many children have their first encounters with something bigger than themselves. Jerome Berryman (godly play founder) reminds us that, 'Hints and whispers of God’s presence are everywhere in the environment, but children need safety, permission and a language by which to discuss and affirm such experiences. This is why the story of creation mixed with family stories can be so enriching.' (godly play foundation). In at time of climate change, reaffirming the sacredness of creation has never been more important.

Bring your young ones to Children's Chapel at 9.45am. Patty and Diane will bring them to the Big Church in time for the Eucharist. While aimed at K-through 7 y.o. this Godly Play curriculum captivates children of all ages.

2.Thanks to your generosity, Grateful Hearts Reaching Out has raised $53,265 from 12 households as of Friday, October 7! The public campaign runs through November 6. Your Financial Intention (FIT) supports our mission to love God and neighbor as Jesus teaches, including our sought-after Church School Teacher/Organizer (see below for description) Click Here to learn more about how you can participate in the Appeal. Thank you for your Grateful Heart!

3. Please continue to keep in your prayers that suitable candidates apply for our Church School position. That position is here. I have posted at Harvard and BU Divinity Schools; the Department of Religious Education at BC; the Facebook pages of FORMA (that national Episcopal Church School association) and the Massachusetts Episcopal Educators; and the website of the Diocese of Massachusetts.(Indeed and Idealist were not helpful and were expensive so we canceled those postings) We have raised the hourly pay rate to $25/hour.

Please don't hesitate to reach out with ideas, questions, concerns. Thank you for being the Church!

Faithfully yours in Christ,

Other times to be together:

Sunday, November 27: Advent Wreath making at 11am

Sunday, December 4: Advent Tree Lighting at 4pm

Saturday, December 24: Christmas Pageant, time Tbd