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Imagine winning a debate a with God. Being lighter on your feet than Muhammed Ali! Ducking, bobbing, landing a good strong argument and sensing God back off a bit. You hang in with another deft line of reasoning, cajoling, reminding God of past promises, urging God to
consider how others will gloat if God doesn't reconsider. And then it happens - you actually change God's mind! Quickly you follow up with your ultimate "ask": Show yourself, God! Be more that an invisible "Presence," a "Spirit," a healing aspect of my own psyche. Be real to me. I want to
see
You.
Have you ever asked that or wanted to? Would it be the last thing on your mind? Have you ever debated with God or wondered if any "ask" steps over the line? Moses tried it all. We'll explore how that worked out for him, and if it works out for us.
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Spotlight On:
Proposed By-Law Changes | First Discussion | Sunday, October 22 | 10-10:45 AM | Parish House Parlor
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Background: There have been requests for many years now to update two important provisions of our by-laws. One is to change the last word of the covenant ("we unite for the worship of God and service to man") to more inclusive language. The second is to delete the requirement that prospective members give written notice of their intention to join three months in advance.
In response to such requests, Dan Taylor, Cliff Allen, and I undertook a careful review of the current by-laws, and presented a summary of our proposals to the Parish Council and the Vestry. We suggest also reconsidering the percentage of members who must vote in favor of
calling a Senior Minister. Our present by-laws require a higher percentage of members voting (90%) than most other UUA churches.
Proposals: These are most significant proposals, listed by the number of the by-laws article in which they appear.
I. change language of covenant from "man" to "all" (or some other phrase)
IV. membership: delete requirement of written notice three months in advance
VII. in list of Standing Committees, delete Annual Appeal, replace with Stewardship.
Delete Social Action Committee (now Community Action, already listed).
VIII. clarify that Chair of Nominating Committee is not a two-year term
XII: vote of 75% of members present (not 90%) to call a Minister (Senior Minister).
Additionally, at the recommendation of the Parish Council, the Vestry voted in September
to move the Annual Meeting and the election of officers and committee chairs to the spring. Edits
to Articles V, X, and XIV give the Wardens greater discretion to choose the dates for elections and
committee reports.
The review group recommends various minor clarifications and edits as well. A copy of the by-laws redlining all suggested changes is available on request to the Parish Administrator.
Opportunities for Discussion: We are scheduling two opportunities to consider these proposals
together:
Sunday October 22 at, 10-10:45 at the Parish House
Sunday, November 12, 12:30 at King's Chapel
The Vote: Sunday January 28, 2018 at 12:30 PM, along with the vote to approve the FY 2018 budget.
- Betsy Peterson, Chair of Parish Council |
Raising Kind Kids
It's not easy being a parent, and we want King's Chapel to be a safe place where parents can share ideas about how to raise our kids - the thing we parents most worry about. Last week we started the Sunday morning conversations we'll hold the third Sunday of every month from 10-10:45 AM, while our children are in church school.
I shared some of the important research done by Harvard professor Richard Weissbourd about
the messages our kids hear from us parents. We intend to convey certain values, but kids are wise: they watch how we act. Most conclude that we prize achievement or how happy they are more highly than how they treat others. That means that when self-interest collides with being kind or honest, children are at high risk of choosing cruelty or dishonesty.
Of course achievement, happiness and hard work are important values. But what should we do if we want to raise children who prioritize caring, value fairness, and do not always put themselves first? Weissbourd offers concrete suggestions - helpful adjustments we can make.
Our small group discussed these, and shared things we try to do.
It was just a beginning, part of an ongoing conversation, but for me, I learned, got to know some families
better, and left strengthened and encouraged.
Join us next time, November 19 at 10 AM at the Parish House.
- Joy |
Prayer Group: Praying with the Mystics
Curious about who mystics are, or how they develop their special closeness with the Divine, a sense of the Holy
within them and surrounding them? Join this informal discussion of several "Love Poems from God" attributed to mystics
from both the eastern and western traditions, Christian and Muslim. Second Sunday of each month at the Parish House,
10-10:45 AM.
- Sunday, November 11: Rumi
- Sunday, December 10: Meister Eckhart
Our Text: Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West, translated by Daniel Ladinsky.
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Weekly Prayer Groups
On Tuesdays at noon Joy offers a meditation and prayer group designed for those able to commit to coming regularly. It runs for 7 weeks, October 3 - November 14
, meeting at 64 Beacon Street in Joy's office. Please
feel free to email Joy with any questions
On Thursdays at noon Amelia holds a guided meditation developed from spiritual practices of
early Christianity. This group is geared to those who cannot commit to coming regularly, and those who would prefer a more structured and guided meditation practice. This group meets at the Little Chapel on 64 Beacon Street. RSVPs are not required but feel free to email
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Historic Royall House Visit | Saturday, Oct 21 | 10-11 AM | RVSP to Gretchen
 King's Chapel continues to think about our history of slavery, and what it means for our present and future. After Morning Prayer last Sunday members of the congregation went on a special King's Chapel tour of the Isaac Royall House in Medford, Massachusetts, 5-6 miles from the church. Isaac Royall was a King's Chapel member and one of the largest slave owners in Boston. On the tour members learned about slave owning and slave trading in Boston, as well as the brave men and women who fought to have slavery abolished.
If you missed this Sunday's tour you can sign up to go this Saturday 10/21 at 10 am. You will be met at the Royall House by the Rev. Joy Fallon.
For directions and more information, click here:
http://www.royallhouse.org/
Email administrator@kings-chapel.org to RSVP.
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Lewis D. Brown Peace Institute Reception | Wednesday, October 25 |5:30-7:30 pm |
60 State Street Boston
One of our social justice partners in the city, the Lewis D. Brown Peace Institute, is hosting a reception "Champions of Peace" a few blocks from the church at WilmerHale law firm, 60 State Street, on Wednesday, October 25 from 5:30-7:30. For several years our church has joined the Mother's Day March for Peace sponsored by the Peace Institute. Join the Peace Institute for a
wine and beer reception with appetizers followed by the Champion of Peace Award presentation to Mayor Martin J. Walsh. Tickets are $100. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here
If you would like to join a group from King's Chapel attending, please contact the Rev. Joy Fallon via joy@kings-chapel.org.
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Meet the Ministers | Sunday, October 29 | 10-10:30 AM
Come join Joy and Amelia for a time of socializing and open conversation in the Parish House. This is a good opportunity for new people to learn more about the church and the pastors, and for long-time members to get to spend time with their ministers (and each other) informally. Bring questions, jokes, or simply yourself. We will have coffee and sweet treats. Those attending Morning Prayer can walk to the church together about 10:30.
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The first Sunday Concert of the 60th Season | Sunday, October 29 | 5 PM
Advance tickets are available at a $5 discount can be found at this link
For more information, visit this
link
We also have a special interview with Heinrich Christensen this week, discussing a little bit more of the Magnificat's history:
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Halloween at King's Chapel | October 31
Stop by the Parish House on Halloween for some treats. This year, we are happy to be a part of the Beacon Hill Trick or Treat route. We will need plenty of help decorating the Parish House and giving out treats.
If you'd like to participate, please contact Ryan Harrison at church.school@kings-chapel.org.
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All Saints and All Souls Service | November 5 |
11 AM
As is our tradition at King's Chapel, during our All Saints and All Souls Holy Communion Service on November 5, at 11 AM, worshippers will be invited to come forward to light a candle in memory of those who have died. Special large candles will be lit for those who were members and died in the last year; please contact the church office to make us aware of any such members who have passed away. Additional candles will be available for all who wish to offer prayers for the saints and souls we hold dear in our hearts.
The choir will offer selections from Maurice Duruflé's Requiem.
Listening Lunch | Sunday | November 5 | 12:30 PM
The Adult Religious Education Committee will host our fifth Listening Lunch on Sunday November 5 immediately after our Morning Prayer service. Please join us for conversation and a light lunch where we will listen to each other in a round table discussion format as we explore beliefs and uncertainties.
Lunch participants may choose to reflect on their loved ones who have passed, and/or ways in which spirituality provides a source of strength.
RSVP important: space is limited. Please contact gretchen@kings-chapel.org or call (617) 227-2155.
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Last week, the Church School performed an uplifting musical number during the Morning Light service. This week, our Godly Play group will learn about Noah and the Ark, and our Seekers will read about "giving to Caesar what is Caesar's" in the Gospel of Matthew.
If you haven't been able to see our Church School in action, here's your chance! We need adult volunteers to help with the following dates: October 29 and November 19. If you would like to help on these Sundays or if you would like to help in the future, please contact us at
church.school@kings-chapel.org. If you would like to know more about our Church School program, follow this link to our Church School Newsletter.
Ryan
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Join the 130 people who have already purchased tickets for Tales from the Crypt! Our opening weekend tours were completely sold out.
Searching for an exciting way to kick off the Halloween season? The King's Chapel Freedom Trail Program invites you to Tales from the Crypt: Halloween Crypt Tours, beginning next Friday October 13. Descend beneath King's Chapel with our history educators on a candle-lit tour of the 18th-century crypt! Tours will be offered at 5:30 PM and 6:15 PM on October 13-14, 20-24, 26-28, 30-31. Advance tickets required, available at kings-chapel.org/history--tours. Please contact our Freedom Trail Program Director, Faye Charpentier, at faye@kings-chapel.org to learn more.
We also have a brand-new Crypt Tours Commercial, shown here:
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Our 2017 Stewardship Appeal
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As we wind down our financial stewardship campaign, we need $84,000 to go to meet our goal of $225, 000, with only nine weeks to do so. We are grateful to those who have sent in their donation.... but we still have a long way to go.
If you have not yet sent in your contribution, please do so now! Our church depends on your support! Thank you!
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Guess who ran into each other in NYC last week?
Miguel Gomez-Ibanez and John Bowman!
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Goodbye to Brad
It is with mixed emotion that we say goodbye to Brad Werner, our Administrative Assistant who has been with us the past year and a half. Brad is leaving us to pursue similar work in a full time position. We are grateful to have had Brad's gracious presence with us this past year, and will miss his can-do attitude. Brad brought a true customer service element to this position, and we hope that we can find someone as flexible as Brad to fill his shoes!
Brad's last day will be next Friday, October 27. We are actively seeking candidates for this position.
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Visioning for Social Justice | First Session: Wednesday November 15 | 7:30 PM 
At King's Chapel service is at the heart of our identity. Each new member who joins the church covenants to worship God and to serve humanity, supporting those in need "as brothers and sisters of God's family" (
K
ing's Chapel Prayer Book p. 120
).
This year King's Chapel will focus on our social justice outreach, undertaking a visioning process for what our work should be over the next five years. This is the continuation of work already undertaken by the Community Action Committee, who have worked diligently over the past two years to narrow down our partnerships from twelve to six. This year the congregation will look at the work in which the church is already engaged, and the organizations with which we are already in relationship. The congregation will decide which of these partners we would like to deepen our relationship with and focus on over the next five-year period. The congregation is invited to come together and share their values, vision, hopes and dreams for our social justice work: we will make this decision together. Choosing strategic partners for our social justice outreach will allow us to engage deeply with the work: It is our hope that these partnerships will engage the entire congregation, from the church school to the pulpit and beyond. By our spring annual meeting we hope to have three strategic partnerships, chosen by the congregation, that reflect the values and identity we hold. We will present and vote on these priorities during the Annual Meeting.
You are invited to come, share your values, and vision for the future of the church. The first session will be held after Evening Worship on November 15
th
at 7:15 PM (this will serve as the November Theology on Tap; later we'll host listening sessions after our other worship services, too). We will learn about the partnerships in which the church is already engaged, and share our values and hopes for this important work.
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Memorial Service for Charles Perry | Saturday, November 25 | 2 PM | King's Chapel
A memorial service for Charles will be held at King's Chapel in Boston (corner of Tremont and School Sts) at 2 PM on Saturday, November 25th. The family requests that in lieu of flowers those who wish may make donations to King's Chapel in Boston or the Forest Society of Maine.
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Last Sunday's Sermon on Slavery
Last Sunday Joy preached about the relationship of King's Chapel and American slavery, sharing
the preliminary research developed by our staff historians who work for our Freedom Trail program. That sermon can be found below:
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Sunday Services
October 22
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Morning Light | 9 AM
At the Little Chapel
Morning Prayer | 11 AM
The Rev. Joy Fallon will Preach
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Heinrich Christensen,
Music Director
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Heather Holland & Thomas Gregg
, Soloists
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Paul Luca, Head Usher
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Amy Meyer, Usher in Charge
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Marie Wells, David Wheeler and Paul Luca, Ushers
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The Readings:
The flowers on the Communion table are given in loving memory of William Chappel Wells, Jr. by Marie Alice Wells.
After the service, Marie Wells will meet those interested in learning more about
King's Chapel at the Communion Rail.
After the service, all are invited to Coffee Hour,
hosted by Betsy Peterson and friends of the Hospitality Committee.
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Arrive early for church this Sunday so you can hear Heather Holland and Thomas Gregg sing the lovely Et misericordia duet from Bach's Magnificat in order to whet your appetite for next week's concert. The choral Introit is by Thomas Attwood, Teach Me, O Lord, the Way of Thy Statutes, a text you may recall from Thomas Boyce's setting two weeks ago.
The choir will also sing Hans Leo Hassler's version of Psalm 96, Cantate Domino, as well as Listen Sweet Dove by British composer Grayston Ives. The lyrics are taken from a longer poem by George Herbert:
Listen sweet dove unto my song,
and spread thy golden wings in me;
hatching my tender heart so long,
till it get wing and flie away with thee.
Such glorious gifts thou didst bestow
the earth did like a heav'n appeare,
the starres were coming down to know
if they might mend their wages and serve here.
The sunne which once did shine alone,
hung down his head and wisht for night,
when he beheld twelve sunnes for one
going about the world and giving light.
Lord though we change thou art the same,
the same sweet God of love and light:
restore this day for thy great name,
unto his ancient and miraculous right.
The organ voluntaries are Bach's majestic Prelude in e minor, and Laudate, three variations on the hymn tune Azmon (O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing) by local composer and Berklee faculty member Thomas Allen LeVines, from his seasonally appropriate collection Vermillion Leaves.
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Tuesday, October 24 |
12:15 PM
Michael Nigro, guitar
"The Golden Age of the Guitar"
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* Vestry | Tuesday, October 24 |
6 PM
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Prayer Groups at
the
Little Chapel
Tuesday | October 3 - November 14 | 12 PM | Led by Joy
Thursdays | October 5 - November 9 | Led by Amelia
Sunday| November 12| Led by Joy
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Want to know
what's going on at
King's Chapel?
Click
HERE
to view the King's
Chapel Schedule at our website:
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Volunteer: Sign up
for Hospitality
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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
Our e-newsletter is sent each Thursday afternoon. Want something in Between Sundays? Feel free to email Brad at
brad@kings-chapel.org with a written piece and/or pictures before Wednesday 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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