At King's Chapel on our communion table we have lit 50 candles: 49 for those massacred in Orlando, and 1 for their killer, also dead. Shawn told me we needed 50
because we follow one who said, "Love your enemies." Shawn, our gay assistant
minister, who would have been one of the killer's targets. Shawn, who preached a
powerful sermon on the very morning of the killings, grateful for King's Chapel: a
church that has lasted for 330 years and welcomes every person, whatever their
color, gender, sexual orientation, country of origin, or religion. That's who King's
Chapel is.
Tonight we join in an interfaith service at 7 PM that was initiated by a Rabbi, and
will be led by Muslims, Sikhs and other Christians. If ever there were a time to join
forces and stand together, for Love instead of Hate and Fear, this is it. We'd experienced the power of love on Saturday, when 22 members and friends of King's Chapel marched in Boston's gay pride parade behind a large banner proclaiming the Welcome of All at King's Chapel. Lining the streets of Boston were throngs of people - of every color and age: young people filled with hope that they were acceptable after all; old couples who had to be closeted in the past; straight people who were thrilled by the festivities and floats. On Beacon Street, there was a Muslim family, the mother in her hijab, waving to us. As we walked past King's Chapel, our magnificent Revere bell pealed and I rejoiced. So it felt like whiplash, when on Monday evening we tolled the Revere bell again, this time to commemorate the Orlando hate crimes. Only two days had passed, but it seemed we'd been through a time warp, into another dimension.
Amy Meyer reminded me that six years ago, when she first invited King's Chapel members to march in the Pride Parade, people were nervous. Could straight people
march, too? What would people think about a church that stood for gay rights? 6
brave souls represented us. This year we were 22 in number, across all ages - current and former Senior Wardens; two newcomers - one an octogenarian newcomer and another just moved here from South Africa; a Wednesday evening worshiper marching in honor of her gay son; Chairs of various committees, including Annual Appeal and Membership; and many longtime, stalwart members. We were up to 22, but Amy said our marching is still risky. Sunday's slaughter
proved her right. It's why we gather together and don't walk alone. Church is the place we come to do with others what we might not have courage enough to do alone. We say, week after week, that we will not be afraid.
At church on Sunday, the scripture assigned by the lectionary tells the old story: we humans always try to set up hierarchies of worthiness. Paul won't have it. If we follow Jesus, then we must recognize that we are all one, all adopted children of one God. "In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female, slave nor free..." They were radical words then. They still are. May we always fearlessly proclaim them.
- Joy
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Dear 'Theology on Tap' regulars and friends,
The tragic events in Orlando, Florida have shocked us all. In the aftermath, many of us feel angry, sad, hopeless. This week at
Theology on Tap we were set to discuss what the Christian tradition has said about homosexuality-an appropriate topic.
Tonight many downtown faith communities are gathering at
7PM at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Newbury Street. We will gather for an interfaith service of lament, solidarity and hope. Both Joy and myself are involved in this service.
We feel that it is appropriate to gather with our wider faith community at this time. Therefore,
Theology on Tap will be cancelled
tonight. We will schedule the topic for September.
You are encouraged to come to our regularly scheduled
6PM Holy Communion service at the church. Following our service, we will walk to Emmanuel Episcopal Church together. One very thoughtful member has suggested we all wear tennis shoes since we will be walking from Tremont Street to Newbury Street.
I hope you are able to attend. Please know that your clergy are always available to listen and be with you at this time. Do not hesitate to reach out. Let us know how you are doing.
Abundant love,
Shawn
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More Information about Tonight's Interfaith Service with the Boston Gay Men's Chorus
Emanuel Church, 15 Newbury Street | 7 PM
The service is a collaborative effort, initiated by Rabbi Howard Berman whose Central Reform Temple is co-located at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Participants will be Harvard's Muslim chaplain, a representative of the Sikh community, King's Chapel, the Episcopal Cathedral, Emmanuel Episcopal, Trinity Episcopal, Old South UCC, Covenant (Presbyterian and UCC), and St. Cecelia's Catholic Church - we're all Back Bay or downtown churches. The Boston Gay Men's Chorus will sing. The names of those who died will be read. Short reflections and scriptures will be offered. One of the reflections will be by our Assistant Minister, the Rev. Shawn Fiedler.
If you are able, please join us. Go directly to Emmanuel, or walk over with Rev. Fallon, after the conclusion of our regular 6 PM communion service (which will conclude tonight by 6:30 p.m.).
Directions to Emmanuel Church
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From the Freedom Trail Visitor Program
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A huge "Thank You" to all who made our birthday celebration tours a great success! About twenty of those who attended Sunday's service joined the Visitors Program staff for Bells & Bones tours. We hope you will join us again in the future!
Boston Harborfest is approaching quickly on
July 1 through July 4. This is an exciting time to explore the city for visitors and locals alike. The Visitors Program is a Harborfest partner this year, and we encourage you to include King's Chapel in your
4th of July weekend activities.
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Tuesday Barbecues at the Parsonage This Summer! One each Month. 6 PM
Following our tradition, please plan to join us for informal barbecues in the
beautiful garden behind the Parsonage and Parish House, on these summer
evenings, one each month:
Tuesday, June 21st
Tuesday, July 12th
Tuesday, August 16th
The main course and drinks will be provided, but we'd love you to bring a side dish or dessert. If it rains, we'll eat indoors.
To RSVP, contact Gretchen Horton,
It's fun for all ages.
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King's Chapel Habitat for Humanity-Boston Build | June 25
We have nearly a full team for the June 25 (the first Sunday of Summer) King's Chapel Habitat for Humanity-Boston build. We can accept 1 or 2 more. The build runs from 9 AM to 3:30 PM with a one hour lunch break. In the past the KC teams have enjoyed lunch in one of the local ethnic restaurants.
The build will be at one of the HFH-Boston sites now under construction in Roslindale, Mattapan, or Dorchester. The exact location will be selected by HFH-Boston based upon the specific build site requirements. Work will be available for all skill levels (including none). For more information on HFH-Boston and the site where they build, go to
www.habitatboston.org/
and
www.habitatboston.org/projects
King's Chapel has supported HFH-Boston both financially and with multiple volunteer efforts. If you haven't done this before, please consider joining now. The minimum age to participate is 16.
To enroll or for more information contact Emanuel Genovese at 617-738-6367 or emanuelg1@verizon.net
, or Peter Sexton at 781-383-9028 or
petersexton@alum.mit.edu
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Help Welcomed! Making Sandwiches for Common Cathedral | June 26 | 9 AM
common cathedral is our partner outdoor church ministry that serves the homeless community of Boston. common cathedral worships on the Boston Common each Sunday, providing lunch to the homeless community after the service. King's Chapel will be making and serving approximately 150 sandwiches, snacks and drinks for June 26. If you are interested in volunteering for this ministry, please contact Jim Carroll
at jimcarroll@rcn.com, Dan Sullivan
at sullyharvard@gmail.com or Judy Luca at judyg143@gmail.com. |
Special Presentation on James Freeman| July 10 | After Morning Prayer
Join us on Sunday, July 10th following Morning Prayer for a special presentation on the life and ministry of the Reverend James Freeman. After the American Revolution, Freeman was hired as a young seminarian to read the service of Morning Prayer. Freeman grew increasingly uncomfortable with certain aspects of our Anglican liturgy; mainly the Athanasian Creed and references to the Trinity. After some time had passed, Freeman requested they be removed from the liturgy. The congregation heard Freeman's arguments, discussed, and voted to amend the Book of Common Prayer. This set off a fire storm between King's Chapel, the Episcopal Church, and other churches in the region. These actions made King's Chapel the first Unitarian Church in the nation. The presentation on July 10th will be given by Samuel Learner. Learner received his undergraduate education from Bates College. His senior honor theses was entitled, The Origins of American Unitarianism Reconsidered: Theophilus Lindsey, James Freeman, and the English Episcopal Reform Origins of American Unitarianism |
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More News from the Parish House
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The Annual Changing of the Guard party was held last evening in the Parish House Garden. This is a bittersweet event, as we say goodbye to our past Wardens and Committee chairs, and welcome new ones. Thanks go to Cliff and Cynthia Allen for graciously hosting this delightful event!
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Wednesday, June 15
, 6 PM
The Rev. Joy Fallon, Preaching
- Amy Meyer, Hospitality
-
Emily Bieber, Soloist
- Liz Adams Verger
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Sunday, June 19, 11 AM
The Rev. Joy Fallon, Preacher
- Amanda Pickett, Lector
- Anne Sexton & Paul Luca, Head Ushers
- Sylvia Soderberg, Usher in Charge
-
Todd Lee, KC Dalton, and Betsy Peterson
, Ushers
- Carol Sentenne, Verger
The Readings:
- Psalm 43
- Old Testament:
1 Kings 19:9-15a
- New Testament:
Galatians 3:23-29
The flowers on the Communion table are given
by the Chancel Committee
in honor of fathers everywhere.
At the communion rail following the service,
Todd Lee will greet those interested in learning more about King's Chapel.
After the service, all are invited to Punch on the Bricks,
hosted by Anne Sexton and friends of the Hospitality Committee.
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From the Bench
By Heinrich Christensen
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While Heinrich is off to Houston for the national convention of the American Guild of Organists this week, guest organist and former choir member Sean Lair will treat to you to some French organ voluntaries by Alain and de Grigny. Soloist Denise Konicek will sing arias from Cantatas 75 and 105 by Johann Sebastian Bach.
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Tuesday, June 21, 12:15 PM
The Karl Henning Ensemble
"Sound & Sight: An Artistic Dialogue"
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Interested in Membership?
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Welcoming New Members
We were thrilled to welcome nine new members to King's Chapel during last Sunday's birthday celebration. Bios of new members will be featured in the upcoming weeks. Please join us in welcoming all!
Christopher S. LaRoche:
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Chris is a lifelong New Englander, who has lived in Somerville for 22 years. Brought up in the Congregationalist tradition, with a lifelong interest in Ireland, Irish history, and Anglicanism, and a firm belief in Unitarian values, King's Chapel feels like a natural home. Working within the technology field and university teaching at night, Chris lives in Somerville with his husband Robert.
Patrick and Elsie Wilmerding:
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Patrick Wilmerding is a retired Division Executive with Bank of Boston. He enjoys sailboat racing and fly fishing.
Elsie Wilmerding is a retired classroom teacher and tutor with qualifications to work with dyslexic children and adults. She is an author of several books for children of varying ages.
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Stewardship Update
Thank you to all who continue to pledge to the 2016 Stewardship Campaign. We have commitments totalling 70% of our goal of $195,000.
This week, we would like to thank the following for their continued support:
Charlotte Carlson
Bob Gulick and Sara Arnold
Dick and Cynthia Perkins
Caroline and Orian Welling
Herman Woerner
There's still time to make your pledge! Call the Parish House if you need a pledge form!
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We Weep with those who Weep, and Laugh with those who Laugh
Louise Perkins will be gathering with her family this week, at the memorial service
for her brother, Peter Perkins, who died earlier this spring. They first be in New
Brunswick, Canada on Thursday, and then at their family place of reunion, in Maine.
Please hold Louise and all of her family in our prayers. Peter was
the grandson of our former Minister, the Rev. Palfrey Perkins.
Church school member Will Speight and his team will be representing the North
Cambridge District in the Mayor's Finals next weekend. Four teams remain, and
Will plays many positions, including pitcher. Wish him well!
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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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