Greetings, Siblings in Christ,



“Is the Lord among us or not?”

So the Israelites cry this week, as they encounter hunger and thirst in the wilderness after their liberation from Egypt.

It’s a question that inevitably erupts at one time or another in the storm and stress of our personal and community lives, to say nothing of the geo- and eco- political chaos afflicting humanity.

Sometimes the presence of God among us is only apparent in hindsight.

The Scriptural record of the flight from Egypt attests to the Israelites’ subsequent awareness of God’s mighty hand in their freedom. It’s why and how the story was preserved for subsequent generations, down to our own.

The Psalmist this Sunday models this perspective. In Psalm 78, the Psalmist proclaims that “We will recount to generations to come the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the Lord, and the wonderful works he has done…..He split the hard rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink as from the great deep.”

As we look back in our lives, where can we see God at work in the cracks and crevices, nudging, encouraging, bringing something out of nothing?

And can the knowledge of God’s presence in the past give us confidence in the Presence in the present, even if it feels like we are alone?

This is the ongoing work of spiritual growth in Christ—to trust more and more in the Presence, even when it is not clear. And to imagine that we ourselves might reflect the presence of that Presence to someone else in need.

Faithfully yours,

Nick+

Braver Angels Sunday School Returns this Sunday

In this fraught election season, Nick will again lead Braver Angels Dipolarization workshops to be held on September 27, October 4, October 11 and October 18 at 11:45am in the Memorial Room. Come to one or all to learn and practice skills based on our call to love our neighbor as followers of Jesus and to live as courageous citizens. Connect with the Braver Faith caucus at Braver Angels here. See the September Braver Faith newsletter here.

American Composers Past and Present, this Sunday at 3pm

On September 27 at 3pm in the Main Church, our Minister of Music Mary-Katherine Fletcher will offer a program featuring a wide variety of American pieces composed for organ, including works historically and prejudicially excluded from the traditional American composer repertoire. Come enjoy what will prove to be a delightful afternoon with our talented player and wonderful organ. Invite a friend!

Community Concerns Spotlight

Each year the Community Concerns Ministry of Christ Church is granted budgeted dollars to disburse to a number of needy local, national and international organizations. In 2026 more than 20 of these groups will be served with a total of $15,500. The Ministry continues to do its part to help alleviate hardship and provide for the health and dignity of all. During the next several months we will offer the congregation quick updates on these organizations and the services they extend. Ministry members are Susan Barber, Harding Ounanian Jr, Christine Ruddy and Donna Vello. New Members are always welcome.

Circle of Hope

Circle of Hope is a nonprofit organization based in Needham and began its collections and donations services in 2008 in a home adjacent to Christ Church. In fact, many Circle of Hope volunteers were Christ Church parishioners. Circle of Hope provides individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity with clothing and hygiene essentials to promote health and opportunity. Relying on a strong network of volunteers and donors and making regular deliveries of seasonally appropriate clothing, shoes, bedding, and hygiene essentials schools, first responders, and community

organizations, Circle of Hope promotes physical and mental health and fosters opportunities for thousands of people in need.

On an ongoing basis, Circle of Hope serves 43 homeless shelters, schools, first responder, and healthcare centers in Boston and MetroWest. In 2025, Circle of Hope served more than 35,000 people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity-- an 11% increase over the previous year. To find out more, visit circleofhopeonline.org.

                                                                                                --Harding Ounanian Jr

Blessing of the Pets Next Sunday, Oct 4 at 3:30pm



Next Sunday marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. Pope Leo has proclaimed 2026 a Year of Jubilee in his honor. Next Sunday our liturgy will mark the significance of Francis. AND we will offer again the blessing of the pets! 

Monthly Solar Panel Update

The solar system continues to generate savings for the Church and carbon-free energy for our power needs. The system generated about 6,107 kWh of electricity last month and has saved the Church about $9,314  so far this year. Furthermore, this month (September), the loan that the Church took out to buy the second solar installation is ending, so we now own that system outright and all of the power from the system is effectively free for us. The monthly payment was around $450, so this will be a significant saving for the Church going forward.

Community Art Gallery - Language of Color



The Community Art Gallery has a spectacular new exhibit of paintings by artist Carol Patch. Come see these vibrant landscapes, florals and abstract works of art! If you are interested in displaying your art, please reach out to parishioner and expressive art therapist Lucy Nims-LaFleche: lucylafleche@aol.com.

"Nautilus News" from our Cathedral

To learn more about what's going on at our Cathedral, sign up here for the weekly "Nautilus News" eBlast. Nick has been appointed a member of the Cathedral Chapter, something akin to a Vestry.

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