This Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, is commonly known as Gaudete Sunday. On this Sunday, we light the rose or pink colored candle on our Advent wreath. The word Gaudete is Latin for "Rejoice." The Third Sunday has traditionally been a respite from the penitential and preparatory themes of Advent emphasizing instead the joy of the coming of Christ. Like catching a peek of your Christmas presents hiding in the attic, Sunday is the one day in the season of Advent that offers a slight glimpse of the glory and joy brought to us at Christmas. Our Sunday reading from the Prophet Isaiah emphasizes this theme:
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,
the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly,
and rejoice with joy and singing.
Join us
on Sunday for rejoicing and refreshment in the wildernesses.
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Join us for Caroling at the Beacon Hill
Holiday Stroll | December 8 | 6 PM
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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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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. The discussion is held 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. |
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Greening the Church | Saturday December 10 | 10:30 AM
Join us for this festive tradition of Greening as we prepare for the season of Christmas. Bring your work gloves, strong back and a willingness to pitch in and enjoy the fun. We will begin at 10:30 AM and hope to finish in a few hours. Many hands make light work!
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For some of us, the holiday season isn't merry and bright. For some of us 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
Please join us on Sunday December 18th at the Parish House as we celebrate with our annual King's Chapel Christmas Party. Members and friends of all ages are invited.
We will have food, drinks, singing , games and laughter. We hope as many of you as possible will join us as we gather to spread the joy of Christmas. RSVP to gretchen@kings-chapel.org
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New Year's Eve at King's Chapel
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Help celebrate New Year's Eve at King's Chapel. Join us for worship in the Little Chapel at 5:30 PM, followed by a festive potluck at the Parish House at 6:30 PM. After that, venture up to the church to hear a special First Night concert at 9:00 PM. We hope you can join us! RSVP to gretchen@kings-chapel.org
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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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News From the Parish House...
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From the Church School: Advent Crafts Recap
Last Sunday, the Church School hosted its annual Advent Crafts: Elizabeth and Christopher returned to make decorative candles with the children. Emanuel brought his mosaic supplies and showed us how to make tree ornaments. Cindy and Eleanor made wreathes and floral arrangements. Hallie monitored the cookie decorating table. Jamie helped the children make holiday cards, and Herman took wonderful pictures of the event. With the help of many generous donations and Judy's coordination, George, Levina, Roger, and Joe's parents stuffed 96 backpacks full of supplies to give to Common Cathedral. Shawn set up the tables and chairs the day before. Gretchen delivered the tree. Carol, Allen, Susanne, and Joe brought snacks. Katie and Skip led the group in some seasonal songs before the crafting began. The list of names of people who helped put this event together goes on and on.
While creating a mosaic tree ornament with Emanuel, one might notice that each piece of glass is carefully and intentionally placed. The tiny multitude of unique colors and shapes blend together to give us a bigger picture of something beautiful.
My favorite part of being the Church School Director at Kings Chapel is seeing a multitude of people with their own unique colors, shapes, personalities, and talents come together to create a beautiful and meaningful event like Advent Crafts.
Earlier that morning, Jamie and I had arrived at the Parish House to find that the tree had fallen over during the night. In the midst of lifting a 10 foot tall tree off the ground, I realized I still had to put the signs up for the crafting tables, find someone to read during the Morning Light service, print the agenda for the Church School Committee meeting, and bring more crafting supplies upstairs from the basement. I would be lying if I didn't admit to feeling a tiny bit of panic. With help, everything I needed to do was accomplished.
I am fortunate to be part of a community in which help is always present. My heartfelt thanks goes to every person who, in her or his unique way, helped create the beautiful mosaic that was this year's Advent Crafts. I look forward to creating more mosaics in the near future.
-Ryan Harrison, Church School Director
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Community Action Committee News
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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
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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
December 7
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Holy Communion | 6 PM
The Rev. June Cooper of City Mission Society
- Dan Perry, Soloist
- Cathy Price, Hospitality
- Lia Atanat, Verger
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Sunday Services
December 11
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Morning Light | 9 AM
- The Little Chapel
- Carol Sentenne, Verger
Church School | 10 AM
Morning Prayer | 11 AM
The Rev. Joy Fallon will Preach
- Marie Wells, Lector
- Jennifer Webb, Daniel Lyng, and Emily Bieber, Soloists
- Anne Sexton and Paul Luca, Head Ushers
- Paul Luca, Usher in Charge
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Julie Hyde, Jim Carroll, and Judy Luca, Ushers
- Lia Atanat, Verger
The Readings:
- Psalm 146:5-10
- Old Testament: Isaiah 35:1-10
- New Testament: Matthew 11:2-11
Our Second Sunday offering this month is for Horizons for Homeless Children. All funds not designated for Annual Appeal will go to this charity.
At the communion rail following the service, Jim Power
will greet those interested in learning more about King's Chapel.
After the service, all are invited to Coffee Hour, hosted by Betsy Peterson and
friends of the Hospitality Committee.
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From the Bench:
By Heinrich Christensen
Our thematic thread for the music this week is one of prophetic voices crying in the wilderness. First heard in the Introit where 7 individual voices will be heard calling out over the repeated Taizé chant Wait for the Lord.
For our motet and offertory, we will turn to the British composer Philip Moore's setting of Morning and Evening Prayers by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
The musical material used for Evening Prayers is derived from our musical theme of the week, the ancient Advent hymn Savior of the Nations, Come, which we will also sing as a congregational hymn.
Savior of the Nations will be heard in two Bach settings for the pre- and postlude as well.
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Tuesday December 13 |
12:15 PM
Pioneer Singers of Lynnfield
Steven Bloom, director
Holiday Favorites
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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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Stewardship Campaign Update
We are in the last month of our 2016 Stewardship Campaign and are grateful for those of you who have pledged, and given, this year - yet we still have more to do! We have made 85% of our goal of $195,000 through pledges and gifts in hand, and have the rest of the month to meet the final goal. A few donors have generously offered up to $8,000 as matching gifts, meaning that whatever you give during this month of December will be matched: if you give $25 - they will match with $25! Your $100 would become $200 to us; your $1000 would be $2,000.
Please consider a generous gift to King's Chapel this year. This new matching gift program gives each one of us an opportunity to participate in the celebration of this giving season with a donation that not only speaks of our joy-but also of our love, and of our deep gratitude.
You may send a donation to: King's Chapel Parish House, 64 Beacon Street, Boston, MA. 02108, attention Stewardship Campaign.
Thank you!
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From the Freedom Trail Program
The cold weather is coming, and with it our Winter Hours are here. We are o
pen for tours 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays, and 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM on Sundays. We will be closed on December 25.
We will be open daily during the week of December 26 -31.
~Faye
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Second Sunday Offering
Our Second Sunday offering in December is for Horizons for Homeless Children. Their tagline is,"On a Mission to Preserve the Power of Childhood."
Combating the effects of homelessness becomes an even more pressing and critical mission when children are involved. Horizons for Homeless Children is leading the fight in Massachusetts to help alleviate the trauma and stress of homelessness on both children and their families by providing world-class early education, vital opportunities for play, support for parents, and crucial advocacy on behalf of some of our most marginalized citizens. To learn more about their organization, and how you can help,
CLICK HERE
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Committee Meetings
* 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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