Is your Christmas tree "up"? Do you see twinkling lights in the windows of your neighbors? How many cars have you seen barreling down the street with a Balsam Fir tightly bound to its roof? I love Christmas trees. They invoke warm memories of my family spreading out and searching for the perfect tree at the Christmas Tree Farm. I loved the smell that filled the house when the tree was finally inside. I even looked forward to those rouge needles that would become stuck in our socks as we played around the tree.
Have you heard about the tradition of the Jesse Tree? Some scholars believed the Jesse Tree influenced the tradition of the Christmas Tree. The tradition of decorating Christmas trees predates the arrival of Christianity in western Europe and was adopted by the early Church. In order to associate the custom more clearly with Christianity, people made Jesse trees-Christmas trees with decorations related to the events of Jesus' birth and the prophecies about him in the Old Testament. The tradition is rooted (no pun intended!) in the prophet Isaiah's words, "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots."
Each day leading up to the Festival of Christmas, individuals who add another ornament that somehow represented another figure in the story leading up to the birth of Jesus. They might display an apple to represent Adam and Eve, a small knife to represent Abraham, a lily flower to repent Mary the mother of Jesus. What ornaments hang on your Christmas tree? Hand-made crafts from your children? Glass ornaments carefully handed down through the generations?
Isaiah has some pretty specific ideas about what we should be celebrating, observing, hoping in this season. Something tells me the ideas that Isaiah suggests, the hope he claims is not hanging on our Christmas tree this season. Should it?
+Shawn
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I will be out of town this Sunday, but back and preaching next week, on December 11th. I am joining Bob and four of his siblings as we spend time with Charlie, my brother-in-law who is fighting cancer. I leave you in Shawn's very good hands.
+Joy
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Free Concert for World AIDS Day with Heinrich Christensen | Thursday December 1 | 7:00 PM
You are cordially invited to a service of hope and remembrance for World AIDS Day on
Thursday, December 1, 7 pm
at Church of the Covenant. Coro Allegro, directed by David Hodgkins and assisted by various musicians such as one local organist who might be familiar to you, will perform the Fauré Requiem with soloists Grace Allendorf and Philip Lima. Free admission, an offering will be taken.
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Advent Book Group | Wednesday Evenings, November 30 - December 21
Deitrich Bonhoeffer was killed by Hitler a few days before Germany surrendered. He was 37. But this young Lutheran minister left an indelible mark through his writings, including those from prison. How did he understand the promise of Christmas, amidst his bleak circumstances? How could he still treasure Christmas, and remain convinced of God's love breaking into this world, despite the horrors around him? Small excerpts of Bonhoeffer's writings have been collected in this daily devotional for Advent and Christmas: God is in the Manger. Rev. Fallon will lead the discussion from 7-8:30 pm on Wednesday evenings, after the 6 PM service. A simple dinner will be served in the Vestry Room behind the pulpit. Books are available for $10 at the Parish House or in the Vestibule after church during November. Register with Gretchen at gretchen@kings-chapel.org. |
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Advent Crafts | December 4 | 10:30 AM
Join the Church School to create crafts for the holiday season and decorate the Parish House Christmas tree. We will also be filling the backpacks which will be donated to Backpacks for the Homeless.
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For some of us, the holiday season isn't merry and bright. For some of there is grief, pain and sadness around this time of year that joyous carols and bright lights can't seem to quell. Held in the beauty of our stone chapel, we will gather in candlelight for a service of song and word. We gather to kindle the light of hope and hold in prayer our heartaches and sorrows. All are welcome.
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Milk Punch Sunday | December 18 | 12:30 PM
Members and friends are invited to join us for this festive holiday tradition at King's Chapel.
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Our Christmas Services
- Christmas Eve Family Service 5:00 PM
- Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols 10:30 PM
- Christmas Day service 11:00 AM
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| Pre-Annual Meeting Hearing at King's Chapel | January 8 | 1 PM
The Pre-Annual Meeting Hearing will be held on January 8, 2017, at the Parish House for the purpose of asking questions, discussing agenda items, airing and resolving confusions or problems with matters which will come before the Annual Meeting. A light lunch will precede the Hearing. The Hearing itself will start around 1:00 PM and end about 2:30 PM.
The Annual Meeting will be held on January 29, 2017, at 12:30 PM, following a short break after Morning Prayer. We will meet back in the sanctuary after a light snack in the vestibule. The meeting will end no later than 2:30.
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Community Action Committee News
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Backpacks for the Homeless
Once again this year we will be participating in the Backpacks for the Homeless Program. This year they have asked for these specific items only: plastic bags, Nutri-grain or soft granola bars, heavy socks (white or colored if they are thick hiking socks), hand warmers and Dunkin' Donuts gift certificates of $5. You may drop off the items at the church or at the Parish House. We would like to receive all items by December 1st. The children and families will be filling the backpacks during Advent Crafts on December 4. If you have any questions please contact Judy Luca at
judyg143@gmail.com.
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Seeking Donations to Coat Boston
City Mission, our neighbors at 14 Beacon St, is once again partnering with Boston Public Schools in the Coat Boston program. For 7 years Coat Boston has been devoted to keeping children safe and warm during the winter. Brand new, warm coats are provided to low-income families in Boston. Their goal is to provide 3000 coats this winter. If you would like to participate please bring a new coat (no used coats) sizes 6-20, (no soft shell or fleece type please) to the church or Parish House.
You can order a coat directly, through a "registry" by going to this site:
Coat Wishlist. Creators of the program have round that children especially appreciate the stylish coats that let them fit in with the rest of their peers.
For background information about the Coat Drive, click here:
For the Amazon wish list of specific coats you can purchase,
CLICK HERE
If you don't have time to shop for a coat, and would rather donate funds or gift cards,
visit
http://citymissionboston.org/donate
or mail a check to City Mission, 14 Beacon St., #203, Boston, MA 02108. The deadline for donations is December 10th.
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Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month November 20 - December 20
The Louis Brown Peace Institute has served, so far in 2016, an astounding 38 families in the immediate aftermath of the murders of their loved ones. These fathers, mothers, siblings and grandparents face immense physical, emotional and physical and financial
stress as a result. These are OUR neighbors.
The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute is the convening agency behind Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month (SHVAM). This is a month-long effort to educate the public and policymakers about the impact of murder on families and communities and recognize the diverse contributions of the survivor's movement. The theme of 2016 is "Inform, Influence, and Impact Policy." The Peace Institute is a center of healing, teaching, and learning for these families and communities. This is a small part of their work; they have ongoing workshops for survivors and trainings, peace curriculums for school children and many other ways of providing love and care.
King's Chapel supports the Peace Institute each May by walking in the Mother's Day Walk for Peace and contributing our second
Sunday offering that month.
There are two Open Houses planned for winter and spring to learn more about the Institute. Save the Dates of Wednesday January 28 and Wednesday April 26, 5:30 - 7:30 PM. More to follow as we get closer to the dates.
Let us remember especially this month the victims of violence and their families,the perpetrators of violence and their families and all those affected -including the Tina Chery and the staff of the Peace Institute and all those who do the ministry of support - many themselves victims. It is God's work.
~Carol Genovese |
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Light a Candle to Remember the Children Gone Too Soon |
Sunday December 11 | 6 - 8pm | Church of the Covenant, 67 Newbury St.
The Boston Chapter of The Compassionate Friends, a nonprofit group offering support and understanding to bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents, invites all to join in the 20th annual Worldwide Candle Lighting. This unique event, with music and readings, gives bereaved families the opportunity to light a candle in memory of their loved ones who have died. Regular meetings are held at Trinity Church in Copley Square, Boston on the first Tuesday of each month at 6pm.
Contact: Marianne at
tcfofboston@gmail.com
,
www.compassionatefriends.org
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Wednesday Service
November 30
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Holy Communion | 6 PM
The Rev. Joy Fallon will Preach
- Dan Perry, Soloist
- Amy Meyer, Hospitality
- Lia Atanat, Usher
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Sunday Services
December 4
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Morning Light | 9 AM
- The Little Chapel
- Carol Sentenne, Verger
Church School | 10 AM
Holy Communion | 11 AM
The Rev. Shawn Fiedler will Preach
- Medb Sichko, Lay Reader
- Lucy Burke, Lector
- Anne Sexton and Paul Luca, Head Ushers
- Cliff Allen, Usher in Charge
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Cathy Price, Pam and Michael Bergeron, Ushers
- Lia Atanat, Verger
The Readings:
- Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
- Old Testament: Isaiah 11:1-10
- New Testament: Matthew 3:1-12
At the communion rail following the service, Bill Kuttner
will greet those interested in learning more about King's Chapel.
After the service, all are invited to Coffee Hour, hosted by Barbara Fay and
friends of the Hospitality Committee.
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From the Bench:
By Heinrich Christensen
Our musical theme this Sunday is the Advent image of dew dropping down from heaven. First in Daniel Pinkham's Introit Drop down, dew, and subsequently in Brahms' chorale motet O Heiland reiß die Himmel auf, where Brahms sets a chorale tune in five different arrangements, one for each stanza of text.
You will also hear selections from Haydn's delightful Missa Rorate Coeli Desuper,
and organ voluntaries based on O Come, Emmanuel
by Pinkham and Hailstork.
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Tuesday December 6 |
12:15 PM
Racha Fora
We Wish You a Groovy Christmas!
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Save the Date
Caroling | December 8
Again this year, a group of merry King's Chapel revelers will go caroling on Charles Street for the annual Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll on
Thursday, December 8
. We will gather at the Parish House anytime after 5 for some cider and goodies, and at about
6 pm
we will head out to sing for about an hour before we finish up by joining other groups for the Christmas tree lighting at
7:15
. Carol books will be provided. This event is designed to be open to all, regardless of schedule limitations or singing talent, so please join us if you can!
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Piano Search
We are looking for a baby grand piano in excellent condition for the 2nd floor parlor of the Parish House. Some people have found when they try to deaccession a piano, that it can be quite difficult. So here is an easy way to do it, and with a charitable deduction as a gift to you!
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News From the Parish House...
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November Food Drive
During the month of November, the Church School will be hosting a food drive for the Boston Food Bank. Every Sunday during the offering in the Morning Light service,
families are invited to put non-perishable food items in a basket located in the Little Chapel. If you wish to donate and have never experienced the Morning Light service, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to see the gifts children are bringing to the Kings Chapel community. At the end of the month, we will transport the food to the Boston Food Bank where those who need it most can fill their bellies.
The list of accepted donations is as follows:
* Canned vegetables
* Vegetable juice
* Diced tomatoes
* Tomato juice
* Tomato sauce
* Spaghetti sauce
* Canned fruit (in its own juice)
* Fruit juice (100%)
* Dried fruit
* Shelf-stable fruit cups
* Canned tuna fish
* Canned salmon
* Canned chicken
* Canned bean soup
* Canned baked beans
* Drie
d and canned beans and peas
* Canned chili
* Canned beef stew
* Peanut butter
* Nuts
* Oatmeal
* Whole grain crackers
* All types of pasta
* Low sugar / high fiber cereal (Cheerios®, Raisin Bran®, etc.)
* Cream Of Wheat®
* Whole grain rice
* Dry milk
* Evaporated milk
* Boxed shelf-stable milk
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Committee Meetings
* December 6, Parish Council 6 PM
* December 13, Vestry, 6 PM
* December 20, Buildings and Grounds, 7:30 AM
Is your committee planning to meet in the next month? Please contact our Parish Administrator, Gretchen Horton, to add to our calendar.
admin@kings-chapel.org
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From the Chancel Committee
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Have you ever thought you would like to donate flowers for the Sunday Service but are unsure what one needs to do?
We would like to place flowers on the chancel table every Sunday of the year with the exception of the 6 week Lenten period.
Flowers can be donated for a variety of reasons. They can be in memory of a loved one who has died, in thanksgiving for a special occurrence, or in celebration of a new birth or anniversary. They may also be donated as living prayers and symbols for peace and hope.
Please confirm with Anne Sexton if you have a regular Sunday that you would like to continue. Anne can be reached at the following email:
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Anyone can help!
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Enter your email and select a spot to fill. New volunteers may choose to co-host with a buddy. Questions? Email
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Interested in Membership?
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Contributing to Between Sundays
Want something in Between Sundays? Feel free to email Brad at
brad@kings-chapel.org with a written piece and/or pictures before Tuesday at noon!
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Accessibility Assists
Our beautiful Georgian sanctuary designed by Peter Harrison and completed in 1754, has been lovingly maintained by the congregation since its completion. One of the box pews has been made wheel-chair accessible. Ushers are available to assist those who are wheelchair-bound to that pew.
A sound system has been installed in the sanctuary of The Chapel to amplify the sound during worship services. Hearing assistance devices are available for your use. Please see an Usher for assistance.
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