Keeping King's Chapel's members and friends connected each week between Sunday worship services with updates from the Parish House.
Spotlight On:   
Earth Day Commemoration
This coming Sunday, the Sunday before Earth Day, four members of the congregation who have deep concerns and commitments to address the environmental crisis will describe aspects of their experiences, thoughts, and ongoing activities.  The recorded conversation will be posted on the King's Chapel website alongside the virtual Sunday 11:00 AM service. It is hoped that this conversation will be a catalyst for wider conversations and connections within our church community.

Dorie Seavey will relate some of her experience with the original Earth Day, living through the Napa wildfires, and her deep concerns about the state of the environment. She is strongly committed to environmental activism and will share information about some organizations she is involved with.

Gary Riccio will share a current project of his to gather information about and build bridges to the environmental justice activities of other faith-based organizations. He shows that there is an incredible amount of positive environmental activity among many religious groups that we might want to join up with.

Julie Hyde will share her story of despair followed by hope in staying positive about making life changes necessary to preserve our earth.  She is involved with Joanna Macy's "Work that Reconnects" network and the Pachamama Alliance, both organizations that combine spiritual practices with environmental activism.

Kent Wittenburg will address the significance of cultivating a deep love of the natural world in building momentum for personal and collective environmental action.  He will discuss the work of environmental journalist and author Michael McCarthy and will also share a poem and photographs of nature.

From the Guest Minister
April 22, 1970 marked the first Earth Day. Over 20 million Americans, one tenth of the US population, participated in educational and political events in a broad mobilization for the planet. That so many people came together- of all ages, political persuasions, and from many parts of the country- spoke to skillful organizing and the growing awareness that the planet needed its people to stand for up it. Rachel Carson's book, Silent Spring, has recently been released, and Americans were beginning to connect the dots between pollution and its impact upon the health of humans and the planet.
 
Fifty years later, gains toward earth care have been made, and more recently, significant losses. Earth Day 2020 has Climate Action as its theme. This year, we won't be able to gather together for marches, demonstrations, teach-ins, legislative actions, or even a picnic with friends in the park. But we have all been learning this past month to pivot, to try Plan B, and connect virtually. Earth Day 2020 has moved to online learning, sharing and activism.
 
You do not have to go far to participate in Earth Day events, no further than your own faith community. Thanks to the organizing work of the Adult Religious Ed Environmental group, you can tune into KC members sharing their reflections, experiences, visions and practical applications towards earth justice this Sunday. I am grateful to them for their work, and grateful for the chance to preach this coming Sunday in a service that centers creation care as intrinsic to our faith.
 
Often the title to a sermon eludes me, and I chafe at having to announce the title in a newsletter before I have written the sermon. Sometimes the title doesn't really have that much to do with what I say come Sunday- (and if that's my biggest mistake of the week, I count myself lucky). Now no one at Kings Chapel has asked me yet for a title- but, ironically, I have one! It's "Unstoppable Spring." That's the phrase that arises in me as I wander the woods, parks and city streets near my home. Despite it all, all the upheaval, fears, hardships, limitations, sacrifices, illness, death and loss of this time, spring with all its marvel, still comes. I have found it a comfort and balm to my spirit, as perhaps you have too.
 
The earth gives forth life and beauty much like God does- unceasingly, faithfully, in a thousand different ways. We have neither been wise stewards of the earth God has given us, nor gracious receivers of the gift. But the past does not proscribe the future- we can change. We need to change- for our lives, our children's lives, and for all living beings. Our faith calls us to change.
 
"See" you Sunday.
 
Rev. Tricia Brennan

Tricia Brennan is a Unitarian Universalist minister who was a Seminarian (1996-98), Assistant Minister (2002-2005) and Sabbatical Minister (2008) at Kings Chapel. In the past 15 years she has served six congregations as their Interim Minister. Tricia's young adult daughter Nora once played the role of Herod with much gusto in the Kings Chapel Christmas pageant.
Upcoming
Donate by Friday and your Contribution is Doubled.  The Mother's Day Walk for Peace will be held VIRTUALLY

The  work of the Louis D Brown Peace Institute  of healing and peace goes on during these trying times, as do their expenses.   To people who have experienced murder, trauma, grief and loss, social distancing adds to an already stressful time with an increased feeling of isolation and pain.

The Peace Institute needs OUR HELP TO reach its goal  of $400.000.   As of today the LDBPI has only reached 14% of its goal, and only has 3 weeks left.   If you haven't done so already please contribute  HERE  to THE KING'S CHAPEL TEAM.

Additionally, the Richard and Dana Smith Family Foundation will match dollar for dollar every gift UNTIL APRIL 17TH  AND  if you can get your gift in by this Friday it will be doubled.

Thank you all for your generosity as King's Chapel continues, in this difficult  time  to do God's work for peace and love and safety and healing thru our partners.

Carol Genovese 
Poetry Discussion Group | Weekly beginning April 20
Join Kent Wittenburg and Cynthia Perkins as we explore the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke in the Book of Hours, Love Poems to God.  These poems of spiritual yearning and discovery have had a major influence on many, including our own senior minister and the environmental activist and spiritual leader Joanna Macy.  In his poems Rilke offers a doorway into our relationship with God as we know God, whether hidden, fleeting, distant, compelling, or near to us.  We hope you will join us.

Four Sessions:  5:15pm - 6:30pm
Mon. 4/20; Tues. 4/28; and Mondays 5/4 and 5/11. 
Please contact Kent-  kentwitt@gmail.com  or Cynthia-  cbhperkins@gmail.com . Participants will receive the poems for the evening's discussion in advance; a Zoom video conference invitation to join the meeting is necessary and will be sent prior to the sessions.

A preview of Rilke's poetry can be heard in this interview by Krista Tippett with Joanna Macy HERE .
We will be using the edition translated by Anita Barrows and Joanna Macy, widely available digitally or in print at local libraries, Amazon, or other booksellers.  
Conversation with the Educators | Tuesday April 21 at 5 PM or Thursday April 23 at Noon
Please join the History Program next week as we begin a series of weekly conversations about King's Chapel's vibrant history. 

Our kick-off conversation will be held on Zoom on Tuesday at 5:00 PM, where History Program Director Faye Charpentier and History Program Assistant Jennifer Roesch will discuss the online exhibit Literary King's Chapel, focused on the church's 18th and 19th century history, before opening a conversation about the church community's more recent literary contributions. We look forward to learning more from you all about King's Chapel's history.

For those unable to attend on Tuesday evening, join Faye at noon on Thursday to learn more about the fascinating saga of King's Chapel's communion silver.

Login information for each event can be obtained by contacting  faye@kings-chapel.org  

Weekly Bible Study Continues | Wednesdays,  6:15 PM
Bible Study continues each week during Eastertide.  Contact Tim Nelson-Hoy for login information. 
Coffee with the Ministers| Thursdays 10-11 AM, Weekly
Bring your cup of coffee or tea and join Joy and David for an informal conversation by Zoom every Thursday morning from 10-11 AM. You can join either by phone or by your computer (which lets you see others). It's not as good as being together, but it's close. Drop in anytime during the hour. Contact Gretchen at gretchen@kings-chapel.org for login information.
From the History Program
Looking Back
Holy Week Services

The History staff has been busy behind the scenes while working from home.  Research is ongoing to strengthen our understanding of King's Chapel history, and many posts have been created for Facebook and Instagram, bringing the stories to the public.  You can also read their blog by going to our website.

Read some of the comments that people have left!

Love this! Keep these coming!" (FB)

"Love this literary legacy!!!" (IG)

"Great job!!!!" (email)

"I love these posts about our King's Chapel members. I feel the presence of the multitudes of their ghosts whenever I enjoy an extended time to focus deeply on the traditional prayers and organ music. It gives me perspective and an ability to glimpse "the long view" as opposed to being totally distracted by all the news of the present day." (FB) 

"Very well done.  Very interesting and informative" (email)

"That poor man! What misfortune he had with being at war! I bet his grandfather would have been proud of him and his bravery. We are as well. ���� Great write up! ️" (IG, in response to a post in our Medical Professionals series)

"Love reading all this in-depth extended family history! Dr. Lloyd's grandmother, Grizzell Sylvester Lloyd, was also a first cousin to King's Chapel founder, Thomas Brinley." (FB)

"Thanks for the story!" (IG)

"Thank you for spreading the love you make my tours️️️ even more informative" (IG)


Top Posts on Facebook Page in April:
1) Philis Wheatly Literary KC connection post (356 engagements)
2) Stained Glass history (277)
3) Ministers featured in Literary KC exhibit (204)
4) Share your recreated colonial portrait post (176
Physically closed but spiritually open.  This phrase may never have had more meaning than it did during Holy Week.  While we could not be together as a church community, we were together in spirit.  Thank you to all of the people who helped to make the services of Holy Week: Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Tenebrae and a Easter, so special and meaningful.  While none of the services were held "in person", having so many faces to see throughout the services helped to bring us together.  Thank you King's Chapel for taking us through Jesus' final days and into the Joy of Easter. You can find all services on our website.  

"Happy Easter! I just wanted to say how much I appreciated the service this morning. Your sermon in particular was just what I'd been wanting, I think, when it comes to this troubling time. I know I, for one, felt emboldened to try to work and hope and organize - for the first time in a while."

" Sure, I missed that enormous bank of Easter flowers. I missed the choir, the smiling gents dressed in top hats, and that most revealing, opened stained glass window of the risen Christ. But, instead, I got one of the most moving Easter celebrations of my many years of seeking."

"Thank you for a  really  uplifting service this morning. The liturgy was, of course, very comforting, and I sang along on the hymns to warm up for this afternoon!  
 
I found the sermon especially apt and helpful in our current bewildering world situation.  The idea of expecting more than we had imagined possible, is truly what we need to consider right now.  We've got a whole new world to "create"!   Thank you all for being here and leading us in this unexpected way through this unsettling time of existential and global crisis."

"We've seen the virtual services you prepared and posted online and write to express our appreciation and admiration for what you've produced.  The quality of content and presentation is superb, and the import is considerable.   We've also seen how other churches have adapted to the world rewired and you've done it in a superior way.  You seem to have a natural talent for this new order, but we know it's a team effort.  Kudos to all.  You get the Emmy!"

"Thank you all for a moving and positive service today.  Loved the waving palms!  The visual cuts from time to time seemed perfectly appropriate and enhanced the spoken words.  Not to mention that I wonder how many others sometimes look up and around during prayers as I often do."

"Just had myself a belated Easter morning, loved the service you guys put on, thanks for that! Went on a hike this morning (I'm in Maine) and was whistling "Now the Green Blade Rises " the whole way up. Was always one of my dads an my favorites; I always look forward to hearing it at Easter!"
Hymn Sing
A resounding thanks to all those who joined us for our inaugural hymn sing on Easter Sunday afternoon m! We had about 40 participants from all over the country, including Michigan, Arizona, and California. David Waters served as our host and Zoom moderator, welcoming everybody alongside Joy as we all started to appear on our respective screens. The music was led in turn by Mindy Hinkel from the Surprise Mountains, AZ, Alison LaRosa from Malden, MA, and Heinrich from Dorchester. It was especially wonderful to see members who haven't been able to make it to church for a while, whether for health or geographical reasons. Lee Glenn read the Easter gospel, Joy offered prayers, and David gave the final blessing. This all inspired us to think about perhaps trying Zoom worship services in the future - stay tuned!
From our Community Action Committee
Our unhoused neighbors are in need during these uncertain times. You can help!  common cathedral invites us to donate items out of which their staff will then build "to-go" bag lunches. Sign up to donate HERE .  They are still in need of donations April 23 & 24.

You can sign up to donate 50 sandwiches, 50 pieces of fruit, and/or 50 granola bars. Drop-off is 8AM-9AM at Emmanuel Episcopal Church - 15 Newbury Street on the day for which you sign up. The bag lunches will be used every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the next few weeks.
We Weep and We Rejoice

Gretchen Horton, our beloved parish administrator, this week suffered the death of her grandnephew Oliver, age 4, who died of cancer. Our prayer circle has been praying for him and his family since his more than a year ago. Oliver leaves his little sister Claire, age 2, his parents Sara and Andrew, Gretchen's sister Robin, who is Oliver's paternal grandmother, Gretchen, and many other family members and friends. Carol and Emanuel Genovese, members of our prayer circle, have offered this prayer, in which you are invited to join:
 
We pray in sorrow but also in thanksgiving for the life of dear Oliver and the resilience, courage and joy he brought. We give thanks that he is now held in God's love. We pray in thanksgiving for his parents Sara and Andrew, his sister Claire, Gretchen, and all the family and friends who loved, cared for, and supported and helped Oliver during his short sojourn on earth. We pray that they may continue to be comforted by God's eternal love and the love of family and friends. We thank Gretchen for sharing the stories of Oliver's life and now his death. May his spirit and memories be a comfort.
Love, Carol and Emanuel
We rejoice with Elizabeth Thomson, Peter and her many friends, on Elizabeth's birthday this week, Friday, April 17. For years she and member Gordon Holmes celebrated their shared birthday. Birthday cards for Elizabeth may be sent to her at: Rogerson House, 434 Jamaicaway Boston, MA 02130.
And we rejoice at Easter, with this message from member Nina Danforth:
He may be Arisen, but the flock is not, yet. They are definitely still in the spots where they settled down last night, around the Cedar Tree...and Peace is upon them. Chewing cud, mandatory for digestive health, has them happily fixed to the ground, spread out to keep their social distance. Doing their bit to further their species. Soon we'll amble out to greener pastures for a day of Spring's nurture, in search of every little glade and blade that yields some energy and inspiration. Everything we need is here- we just have to notice it. Cherish it.
Thinking of all families and flocks as we start this Peak Week, and grateful as always for your presence on this Earth.
Nina
In This Issue
Morning Prayer
Sunday April 19, 11 AM
Guest Preacher Rev. Tricia Brennan
  • The Rev. Joy Fallon, Senior Minister
  • David Waters, Minister for Education and Membership
  • Heinrich Christensen, Music Director 
  • Rev. Tricia Brennan, Guest Preacher
  • Julie Hyde, Betsy Peterson, Dorie Seavey and Kent Wittenburg, Lectors
The Readings
Psalm  104 :1-4, 10-18, 23-24
John 20:19-21, 24-29
Did you miss last week's sermon or want to hear it again? Listen HERE
From the Bench
 
As you may have noticed, we are leaning towards having less
music in our video services than we normally would in our regular real life Morning Prayer. Partially to lessen the work load in putting together the videos, and also simply so the services don't run so long when you sit down to view them. For those of you who would like to hear more choir and organ music, we encourage you to visit our YouTube channel    where you will find new offerings each week. These will also be shared to our Facebook page as they go live. So hopefully not too cumbersome to find. 

For the service video this week, the hymns for Earth Day are For the Beauty of the Earth and All Creatures of Our God and King - we encourage you to sing along at the top of your lungs to delight your neighbors!

Heather Holland is the soloist this week and will sing Fred Gramann's Blessed are the Eyes in reflection of our gospel reading. 

Contemplative Communion Service
I f you have been yearning for the quiet, intimate candlelit service of Wednesday nights, you can find the video HERE
Staying Connected
with King's Chapel
While we are physically closed we are spiritually open and are working to find ways to continue our connection with you, our beloved members and friends.  We are learning new technologies so that we can continue social distancing while being here for you, as best we can. 

Ways in which you can reach us are:

Worship
Our  worship services are posted on our website: go to www.kings-chapel.org or to King's Chapel on Facebook to see videos of 9 AM Morning Light, 11 AM Morning Prayer, and Wednesday Evening  Contemplative Communion. 

Prayer Connection
For those in need of a prayer, or a virtual pastoral call, please reach out to Joy  at 617-227-2155 x109 or email  joy@kings-chapel.org  , or you can reach David at 617-227-2155 x 105 or email david.waters@kings-chapel.org

Want to know what's 
going on at  King's Chapel?



Click HERE  to view the King's
Chapel Calendar at our website
Volunteer: Sign up for Hospitality
Anyone can help!
 
 
Enter your email address and select a spot to fill.  New volunteers may choose to co-host with a buddy. 

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.
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.