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Boston Athenaeum Special Tour for King's Chapel Members and Friends | This Sunday September 29 |12:30-2:00 PM | RSVP please
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Join King's Chapel members and friends for a private tour of the new exhibit at the Boston Athenaeum about the 1698 King's Chapel Library, located in the Athenaueum. The Atheaeum has agreed to open on Sunday September 29 specifically for us! We will gather at the Athenaeum at 12:30, after Morning Prayer.
John Buchtel, curator of the exhibit and expert on rare books, will offer a short talk, followed by a tour of the exhibit and a chance for discussion. A staff person from the North Bennett Street School, which made a replica of the wooden case in which the books are stored, will also be on hand.
This tour is designed especially for King's Chapel. We hope you will join us for this unique event.
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My Dear Friends-
You are a beloved child of God.
This is a favorite refrain of my dear friend Lindsey Franklin, a classmate of mine in divinity school. It has been echoing in my consciousness this week as I've thought about the lessons appointed for Sunday and the events of the week. I've been turning over this refrain as I consider the questions that animate our practice of faith: Who are we? Who or what is God? How are we to be?
A group of us gathered to consider these questions at our first Theology on Tap for the season, held last Wednesday evening at The Emory after Contemplative Eucharist. We had many answers for all three questions, especially the question of who or what God is. And as we talked together, I thought again of Lindsey's refrain and how, in its simplicity, it seemed to answer all three questions. The first it answers explicitly: we are children of God, whom God loves. The second question's answer is implied by the first: if we are beloved children of God, then God is a loving parent. How then are we to be? As family. As people, as brethren, in relation with one another and with the home(s) in which we find ourselves.
You are a beloved child of God.
Mind you, this is only one of myriad ways to answer our questions-part of their beauty (and their frustration!) is the multiplicity of answers they invite. But if we sat with this particular idea for a while-tried it on and see how it fit-what might it have to say to us? Could it unlock some of our lessons for the week? If we are trying on beloved childhood, are we more likely to notice that the rich man in Luke's Gospel remains nameless save for being called "Child" by the Abraham he calls "Father"? If we attempt a child's vision, are we surprised to find a latter-day Amos in the prophetic witness of our sister Greta?
Perhaps we return to the beginnings of Paul's letters to Timothy and discover anew that Timothy himself is greeted as a child, "loyal" and "beloved." As Paul speaks to Timothy in the first letter, so he speaks to us: "Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness." But how? I take my dear Lindsey as an example par excellence. I used to be amazed as we'd travel around campus together and routine activities would become occasions for extended interactions. In the cafeteria I would be halfway to my seat before realizing that she was still in line, finding out about the server's children; in the library I would marvel as she pressed the security guard for details about her recent vacation; at the grocery store she would exclaim, "Hi, John!" and, looking around for some mutual acquaintance, I would discover that it was the cashier.
"Do good," Paul says to us in the epistle. Confident in a loving parent who will provide everything necessary, "be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share." This is the lesson my dear friend models in refusing to pass by those who wait for us at the gates we may not recognize in the course of our everyday lives. Lindsey graduated last year, but these oft-missed occasions for love and goodness remain-as I am reminded each time I steer my cart towards John's register at the grocery store.
In faith and love,
David
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Interfaith Prayer Vigil | September 29 | 2-3 PM | 20 Bradston St., Boston (ICE Detention Center)
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Members of King's Chapel with join MCAN (
Mass Communities Action Network
) as we raise our voices and prayers in support of ICE detainees. This is a monthly gathering that draws together different faith traditions, where we are able to gather in fellowship with the detained who come to the windows of the Suffolk County Jail to witness the power of the people who remind them they are not alone or forgotten. This month's vigil is co-sponsored with Winchester Interfaith and led by Parish of the Epiphany.
Email for meeting place or if you have questions: Amanda Pickett
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First Wednesdays Series: Journeying with the Mystics, led by the Rev. Joy Fallon | October 2 | 6:15-7:30 PM | King's Chapel
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Our First Wednesday series, sponsored by the Adult Religious Education committee, starts again on Wednesday October 2, following the Contemplative Communion service at the chapel at 58 Tremont Street. Fresh from her own sabbatical journey, our senior minister, the Rev. Joy Fallon will bring 3 poems by famous Christian and Muslim mystics who have written about their journeys. Where have you journeyed and what did you learn about the Holy? Were you changed? St. Francis wrote:
When I Returned from Rome
A
bird took flight.
And a flower in a field whistled at me
as I passed.
I drank
from a stream of clear water.
And at night the sky untied her hair and I fell asleep
clutching a tress of God's.
When I returned from Rome, all said,
"Tell us the great news,"
and with great excitement I did: "A flower in a field whistled,
and at night the sky untied her hair and
I fell asleep clutching a
sacred tress..."
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| Sandwiches and Worship with commom cathedral | Sunday, October 6 | 10 AM Sandwich Making and 12:30 PM Worship with common cathedral | Brewer Fountain, Boston Common |
Join the Community Action Committee on October 6 as we volunteer with common cathedral, the church for the unhoused that meets on Boston Common. During Communion at our Morning Prayer service we will present the sandwiches to be blessed by Rev. Joy Fallon and the congregation in preparation for a shared meal at 12:30 PM with our unhoused neighbors.
What's it like to share in food and fellowship with common cathedral? Gary Riccio, who volunteers regularly, says, "..the expectation is that there are no expectations ...almost everyone in the congregation is welcoming when you approach them with a smile, a handshake, standing close to them for worship or, dare I say, eye contact. There are so many ways to make a human connection at common cathedral and, in this way, it provides an opportunity to practice or rekindle skills that seem to be increasingly lost in the fractured business of postmodern life. The experience is the simple humanity of it. Perhaps that, ultimately, is the point of it all."
Email Amanda Pickett at
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A Fall Retreat led by Rev. Fallon | Saturday, October 26 | 10 AM- 7 PM | John Natoli's home, Peterhsam, MA.
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Listen for the Holy in the quiet forests, lakes and hills near the Quabbin Reservoir. Enjoy autumn sights, conversation, shared meals and time for individual reflection. Short hikes at different levels offered for those interested. 10 AM-7 PM. Lunch and dinner included. More information to follow soon.
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King's Chapel Concert Series 62nd Season | Mortal Musings | Sunday, October 27 | 5 PM | King's Chapel
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The first choir concert of the season is fast approaching: On October 27, we will present Mortal Musings. Tickets are already on sale
HERE as always, you save $5 by buying tickets ahead of time, but they will be available at the door as well.
If you love the Requiems by Fauré and Duruflé, Alfred Desenclos's setting is just waiting for you to discover it. First published in the 1960s and described as "highly expressive and atmospheric, yet rooted in rigorous compositional technique", it is in fact so gorgeous that an American fraudster composer tried to pass it off as his own work in the 1990s!
Hubert Parry wrote his Songs of Farewell during World War I, a war that profoundly affected this composer who had great affection for all things Germanic. Parry chose to set English poetry from the 16th and 17th centuries, by Henry Vaughan, John Davies, and Thomas Campion.
William Schuman was a fascinating character in American music life. He started out as a composer of popular song, and went on to serve as president of the Juilliard School and Lincoln Center. Carols of Death are set to the haunting Civil War Poetry of Walt Whitman.
Following the performance, the music committee invites everyone to a splendid reception at the Parish House - we hope to see you all there!
With this triple entente of musings on mortality, we hope to echo last season's Armistice program, Dona Nobis Pacem.
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First Wednesday Series: Reflection on Immigration - Asylum and After | Wednesday November 6 | 6:30 PM | Parish House
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As part of the the First Wednesday Series, hosted by the Adult Religious Education committee, members Dan and Karen Taylor and Hugh Scott will talk about their experiences in working with asylum seekers here in Boston.
Dan and Karen Taylor have since last February been hosting a refugee granted legal asylum in the US. Come hear about their generosity, the practicalities of their three lives together, and how difficult it is for their guest-whom they describe as "intelligent, resourceful and engaging"- to make his way in a new world.
Hugh Scott has recently been doing pro bono work of counsel for those seeking asylum.
RSVP to Laura Zeugner, administrative assistant, at laura@kings-chapel.org by Monday November 4.
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October 20 | Sunday Gathering: Making Meaning | 12:30 PM | Parish House
As a continuation of our spring Thursday Gatherings, the Adult Religous Education Committee presents this Sunday Gathering. Tim Nelson-Hoy will discuss the importance of calligraphy in his life.
November 3 | All Saints All Souls Morning Prayer service | 11 AM | King's Chapel
Our annual service honoring ones we have lost during the past year.
November 17 | Lecture on Christianity and Slavery | Dr. Catherine Brekus | 12:15 PM | King's Chapel
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Piano Action Concert
A free concert, with offering to benefit the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry, was held at the Parish House last Sunday afternoon, September 22. The stars were Zina Schiff, violinist, and Heinrich Christensen, playing our "new" Perkins Steinway piano. They offered an interesting group of works by Henry Cowell, Aaron Copland, Ernest Bloch, and William Grant Still to a large, rapt audience. The Reverend Mary Margaret Earl, Director of the Ministry, attended and spoke.
Our Little Chapel is the perfect venue for this kind of intimate chamber concert, and the two artists made the room come alive with their rich and beautiful playing. It was clear that they enjoyed their collaboration, and everyone was thrilled.
After the concert, many people stayed for a reception to greet and honor Zina and Heinrich. It was a perfect day, and the reception spilled out into our garden where we enjoyed the sunshine, Prosecco, and the last moments of summer.
The first regular concert of the 2019-2020 Season will be Mortal Musings, featuring the King's Chapel Choir and Jeremy Bruns, organ. And stay tuned for another piano celebration at the Parish House, The Big Chill, on January 26!
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Beacon Hill Fall Fest
On Sunday last, King's Chapel participated in the Beacon Hill Fall Fest, entertaining the children of the neighborhood with face painting, bubbles, and coloring pages. It was also a great occasion for meeting our adult neighbors and reminding them that King's Chapel is "still making history"!
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$25,000 Goal for September set by the Stewardship Committee- Will you help?
September is here inviting you to a harvest of exciting King's Chapel events planned especially for your spiritual, musical and cultural being: that is the essence of this church that draws many of you to its historical doors and pews.
Strong stewardship by this congregation, members, and friends is necessary to maintain the
marvelous uniqueness that King's Chapel has to offer. Stewardship by many takes several forms of support. The Stewardship Committee's continuing financial mission is to raise funds to cover the annual operating expenses of our Church. As we close the third quarter we are falling short of our goal and ask that you help.
We have set a goal to raise $25,000 this September.
If you have pledged, or have never given to the Annual Appeal, we humbly ask you to consider doing so to help us reach this goal with a donation by September 30. Your donation can be made online
HERE
or by mailing a check to King's Chapel, 64 Beacon Street, Boston 02108. Envelopes will also be available on Sunday at the church, and the Parish House. Please note "Annual Appeal" on your check.
Like the Revere bell in the King's Chapel steeple, your support is a clear unmistakable voice of the history of love, acceptance, and giving to the community that is King's Chapel.
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News From The Parish House
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Help!! Volunteers Needed
Front desk volunteers needed on a regular basis on Monday and Wednesday mornings, 9:30 am - 1 pm. Tasks include answering phones and other reception duties. Some light data entry work may also be included, if interested. Please contact Gretchen to discuss details administrator@kings-chapel.org |
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Weep/ Rejoice
"We Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice, and Weep with Those Who Weep"
~ Romans 12:15
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We rejoice with Joy and Bob
as they welcome their new grandchild, Kenneth Robert, to our world. Mom Katy, Dad Jake and sister Jo-Jo are pleased that all went well. Katy and baby are resting comfortably.
Heavenly Father, who sent Jesus Christ into this world as a child, we bless thee for this new life entrusted to our care. Grant us so to love and nurture him that we may all attain to that full stature of humanity promised in thy kingdom and made incarnate in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Light | 9 AM
David Waters, Minister for Education and Membership, preaching
- Stephen Courtney, Lector
- Skip Lewan, piano
- Emilia Filippone, Verger
- Michelle Gaudet, Nursery
Morning Prayer with Great Litany | 11 AM
- The Rev. Joy Fallon, Senior Minister
- David Waters, Minister for Education and Membership
- Heinrich Christensen, Music Director
- Stephen Courtney, Lector
- Sudeep Agarwala, Emily Bieber-Harris and Albert Craig, Soloists
- Mike Bergeron, Head Usher
- Stephen Courtney, Usher in Charge
- Joan Hunt, Dorothy Waldron and Becky Wittenburg, Ushers
- Clark Aitkins, Verger
The Readings:
The flowers on the Chancel are given in memory of Jennifer Allan Ferrante (1964-2019) from her sister and brother-in-law, Christopher and Jessica Schmidt.
At the communion rail following the service, Bill Kuttner will greet those
interested in learning more about King's Chapel.
After the service, please join us for coffee hour in the vestibule hosted by the sopranos of King's Chapel.
Each Sunday, 10% of the plate collection will go to our Community Action strategic partners:
common cathedral, the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, and the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministries, to do works of mercy, justice, and healing. All cash and checks not specially designated will be considered a plate offering.
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Were you unable to attend the service last Sunday? Joy's sermon on Climate Change can be heard
HERE
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Apart from our Motet nod to that
Poor Man Lazarus found in Sunday's gospel reading, most of the music this week is actually inspired by the September 29 feast day of St. Michael and all the Angels. Sadly, St. Michael seems not to have found much favor with the authors of the Revised Common Lectionary. But composers for centuries have found much inspiration in him and not least in his angels. You will hear Bach's fantastic opening chorus of
Cantata 19, a musical depiction of the great battle between Michael and the devil. On the gentler end of the angelic spectrum, Britten's lush
Heaven is Here from the cantata
The Company of Heaven will feature soloist Emily Bieber-Harris weaving gossamer threads above the whole angel choir.
The organ voluntaries are Bach's
Toccata, Adagio & Fugue in C Major.
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October 1 | 12:15 PM
Karl Henning Ensemble
Works by Henning and Marshall |
Tuesday Morning Meditation | Tuesdays 7:30 AM| Little Chapel
An early Tuesday Morning Meditation meets in our beautiful Little Chapel at 7:30 to 8:30 AM each Tuesday. We explore and experiment a bit, so if you have some ideas or are a little adventurous, this brief coming side by side with others in your church community may bring some welcome fun, joy and/or peace to your day. This is for "drop-in" participation - no long term obligations. Never meditated before? Drop by and give it a try. Feel free to contact Gary Riccio at
gary.riccio@me.com, or Stephen Courtney at scourtney@scixstudio.com for more details.
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Lectio Divina | Quiet reflection with a Bible passage| Wednesdays 1PM | Joy's Office in the Parish House, 3rd Floor
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The Rev. Joy Fallon brings a short bible passage, often one that will be read on the following Sunday; the small group reflects in quiet on it for 10-20 minutes; then group members may offer thoughts. People are not required to say anything. This ancient practice may lead to a deeper understanding of scripture, or a glimpse of how God may be present in your own life. It is a small, open group for anyone interested. Drop in once or weekly; no experience needed.
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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!
Enter your email address and select a spot to fill. New volunteers may choose to co-host with a buddy.
Questions? email hospitality@kings-chapel.org
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We are grateful to those who provide for flowers each week, during our Morning Prayer service.
If you would like to give flowers in honor of a loved one, please contact Anne Sexton, chair of our Chancel Committee at annewsexton1@gmail.com . The cost for an arrangement is $85; a check can be mailed to the Parish House, indicating the date you have chosen and the inscription you would like.
We have the following dates open for the remainder of the year:
DECEMBER 1ST, 8TH, 15, 22ND, 29TH
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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 administrator@kings-chapel.org with a written piece and/or pictures before Wednesday at 5 PM.
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Accessibility Assists
Our beautiful Georgian sanctuary was designed by Peter Harrison and completed in 1754. To make our services and programs more accessible, one of the box pews has been made wheel-chair accessible. Ushers are available to assist those wheelchair users to that pew. Additionally, we have installed an accessible bathroom on our main floor. An usher can direct you to the vestry.
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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