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Spotlight On: Fall Retreat
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King's Chapel Concert Series 62nd Season | Mortal Musings | This Sunday, October 27 | 5 PM | King's Chapel
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Please join us this Sunday at 5 for the official opening of the 62nd season of our Sunday Concert Series. Our choir will sing a program of stunningly beautiful music that is not heard very often:
Desenclos'
Requiem, three of Parry's
Songs of Farewell, and William Schuman's
Carols of Death, set to Walt Whitman's haunting Civil War poetry. As Halloween, All Saints and All Souls are drawing near, we consider mortality, afterlife, and some of the deeper questions provoked by those heavy topics in our
Mortal Musings. Jeremy Bruns, associate organist and choirmaster of our neighboring Church of the Advent, will be accompanying the
Requiem.
Doors open at 4:30, tickets are $20/15 - or save $5 by buying in advance online at
Brown Paper Tickets.
After the concert, the music committee and its helpers invite you all to a spirited reception at the Parish House.
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My Dear Friends-
A simple invitation this week: take up this week's lessons and see how they speak to you. Do they speak to you? Perhaps I should follow up my invitation with a confession: on first reading Jeremiah this week, I didn't hear the prophet speaking to me:
Although our iniquities testify against us,
act, O Lord, for your name's sake;
our apostasies indeed are many,
and we have sinned against you.
Iniquities? Apostasies? Here we go, I thought, sinners in the hands of an angry God. Not my theology-next lesson, please! But then I went back, read further. I found talk of covenant, hope, a search for healing. I was reminded of a favorite passage from Harold Bloom's How to Read and Why:
To read human sentiments in human language you must be able to read humanly, with all of you. You are more than ideology, whatever your convictions, and Shakespeare speaks to as much of you as you can bring to him. That is to say: Shakespeare reads you more fully than you can read him, even after you have cleared you mind of cant.
Does not the hoary scholar's gentle reproof have as much to offer readers of the Bible as readers of the Bard? We all have our ideologies, our theologies-some more life-giving than others. Indeed, we will surely find some parts of scripture more life-giving than others! But if we are able to read humanly, with our whole selves, we might find that not only Shakespeare, but scripture speaks to as much of us as we can bring to it?
Returning to the Jeremiah, I found a prophet whose poetry contained sentiments deeply human and divine. Coming to the end, I sensed a Spirit reading me with a smile, urging me toward humility, healing, and hope.
In faith and love,
David
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From the Vestry
One of the requirements for Fellowship as a Unitarian Universalist minister is sponsorship by a Unitarian Universalist congregation. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure familiarity on the part of aspiring ministers with congregational life, and to encourage congregations to take a responsible role in the recruitment, preparation, and assessment of our future ministers. The Vestry approved by unanimous vote, at their meeting on Monday night, for "King's Chapel to sponsor David John Cobb Waters as a candidate for Fellowship in the UU ministry."
As David continues to make progress toward Fellowship and Ordination, this important step indicates the congregation's confidence in his potential, suitability, and commitment to ministry.
In other business, the Vestry voted to approve that the "Trustees spend funds on repairs and restoration at King's Chapel, per the report presented by JCH Consulting of Upton, MA." The Trustees will be asked to provide to the Vestry a sources and use statement.
And finally, the Vestry voted to approve the spending of unbudgeted funds to ensure the safety and security of staff and the King's Chapel properties. This is in response to a request from the History program for additional staffing and training for their staff due to the increased volume of traffic, which has resulted in theft, potential theft, and disruptive and other objectionable behaviors.
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From the Music Committee
HELP WANTED: The very wonderful, fun-loving, loyal, even redoubtable Music Committee seeks new members. Our task is to support Heinrich and The Choir in any way possible to further the Concert Series in their noble mission. To wit: we usher at concerts (about 5 per year) give post-concert receptions, and cheer wildly when they play and sing. We are a fun group, and we love Heinrich, the Choir, and anyone else who entertains us at the concerts. We could use some new energy; can you help? PLEASE JOIN US!!! Please contact
Sylvia Soderberg for more information.
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From the Community Action Committee
For the past three months, King's Chapel has attended the interfaith vigil outside the ICE detention center in South Bay with our friends and siblings in faith. This month, the sheriff made the decision to stop housing detainees in the South Bay facility. Consequently there will be no vigil this month as the detainees have been moved elsewhere. Our prayers are with the detainees and their loved ones as they continue to suffer the pain of detention, wherever they are. We will continue to look for opportunities to be in solidarity with all our neighbors who are in any way afflicted in mind, body, or estate, no matter their race, nationality, immigration, or legal status. |
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Celebrate Halloween at King's Chapel during the History Program's final week of Tales from the Crypt tours!
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Guests continue to rave about their experiences on these after-hours, candlelit tours:
- The enthusiasm of our guide was infectious, and I learned a lot.
- Great experience, great educator - very passionate!
- It was something I've never done before. I loved that it was more historical than scary!
There is still limited space available for you to experience this annual tour on the following evenings: Thursday October 24, Friday October 25, Monday October 28, Tuesday October 29, and Thursday October 31. Please contact
faye@kings-chapel.org for more information.
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A Fall Retreat led by Rev. Fallon | This Saturday October 26 | 10 AM - 7 PM | Petersham, MA
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Watch for the Holy on a one-day retreat amidst the quiet forests, lakes and hills of central Massachusetts, based on this theme: "Could A Fresh Metaphor for God Restore Your Soul?"
We'll gather at John Natoli's refinished barn in Petersham and participate in different ways of understanding ourselves and God - through nature, the arts, quiet contemplation and conversation. We'll drink in the scenery at the Swift River conservation land (three options: a stationary observation point, a short flat hike, or a longer 1.4 mile hike with elevation). Back at the barn, we'll respond to what we've seen through art, writing or contemplative prayer and song. We'll share conversation and a festive fall dinner before heading back to Boston. A light lunch and full dinner included. Cost: $30. Scholarships available for those needing them.
Location: 170 Hardwick Rd., Petersham, MA
Limited to first 25 who sign up: contact
Laura@kings-chapel.org ASAP. Rides are coordinated by Carol Genovese; if you can give a ride or need a ride, let Laura know. The drive is approximately 90 minutes.
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EVERY VOICE | NOVEMBER 2, 3:00PM | FIRST CHURCH IN ROXBURY
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An uplifting concert for justice and peace,
honoring the many voices of Boston and
highlighting those of the Jewish and black
communities.
This event is taking place at the First Church in Roxbury, the home of the UU Urban Ministry, which is one of King's Chapel's three Community Action Partners.
Reginald Mobley, director and countertenor
Dr. Jennifer Kane, conductor
Members of the H+H Orchestra and Chorus
H+H Youth Choruses Concert Choir
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In the Love of Truth: King's Chapel History in the pre-Civil War years | Sundays in November
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King's Chapel has a rich and complicated history, but most often we focus on our first century -- when our Anglican church was founded amidst Puritan Boston, when our stone building was created, and when American Revolutionary and democratic values influenced our decision to support James Freeman's call for congregational governance and amendment of the prayer book.
This November our clergy will offer a three-part sermon series on November 3, 10 and 17, on the lesser known pre-Civil War period in the 1800s, including the congregation's white and black abolitionists; the African Americans affiliated with the church; and the position of King's Chapel ministers on the most hotly debated issue of the day - slavery. How did the faith of King's Chapel congregants impact their positions?
On November 17, following Morning Prayer at 12:30 PM Professor Catherine Brekus will explain how both sides of the issue found justification for their views in the Bible.
Following Morning Prayer on Sunday November 24, History Program Director Faye Charpentier will deliver a special lecture about the long history and legacy of slavery at King's Chapel, presenting the findings in the Ad Hoc Committee on Slavery and King's Chapel's historical report, which will be shared with the congregation that week.
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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.
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Calligraphy with Tim Nelson-Hoy
This past Sunday members and friends of the congregation were blessed to receive a presentation from Tim Nelson-Hoy about his journey to and with the practice of calligraphy. Seeking a structure for spiritual growth drove Tim to pilgrimage to King's Chapel in 2013 where he found our prayer book, just the set of guidelines for which he was looking. Thereafter, he set to writing out verses of this book, and of the Bible, by hand in calligraphy, a means of digesting the meanings and beautifying the letters themselves. He has designed the opening letter of each verse with exquisite detail and many include visual symbolism bringing to life the passages themselves. Tim's journey and practice resonated with some of us as both a giving to others and a practice of spiritual self development - so much so that the distinction between the two becomes blurred. What a gift to have Tim and the beauty of his creative energy as part of our community.
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Morning Light | 9 AM
David Waters, preaching
- Skip Lewan, piano
- Emilia Filippone, Verger
- Michelle Gaudet, Nursery
Morning Prayer | 11 AM
- The Rev. Joy Fallon, Senior Minister
- David Waters, Minister for Education and Membership
- Heinrich Christensen, Music Director
- Mary Sears, Heather Holland, Bryan Wells and Albert Craig, Soloists
- Michael Bergeron, Head Usher
- Christopher Allen, Usher in Charge
- Joan Hunt, Amanda Pickett and Dorothy Waldron, Ushers
- Clark Aitkins, Verger
The Readings:
Psalm 84: 1-6
Jeremiah 14: 7-10, 19-22
(2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 16-18)
Luke 18: 9-24
The flowers on the Communion table are given
in loving memory of William Chappel Wells, Jr. by Marie Wells.
At the communion rail following the service Chris LaRoche 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 Becky Wittenburg.
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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The service this Sunday opens with César Franck's
Pastorale,
followed by the choir taking you on a journey to
The Unknown Region.
Other choral anthems include the famous setting of Psalm 84 from Brahms' Requiem,
How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place
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and Schütz'
The Pharisee and the Publican,
featuring soloist narrators Mary Sears and Heather Holland, Pharisee Albert Craig, and Publican Bryan Wells.
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Tuesday October 29 | 12:15 PM
Kyle Bertulli
plays the C.B.Fisk Organ
Mendelssohn & Rheinberger
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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
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Lectio Divina | Quiet Reflection with 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 Calendar 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, 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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