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Keeping King's Chapel's members and friends connected each week while we are Physically Closed but Spiritually Open.
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Costs of Cotton: King's Chapel & New England's Textile Industry - Part of the King's Chapel History Program's Uncovering and Confronting Our History Series
Thursday, January 21 at 5:30 PM
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What systems of oppression and violence are we complacent (complicit?) with today through our everyday consumption? In the 19th century, people across the globe were complicit in the brutal economy of cotton, harvested on southern plantations through enslaved labor and woven into textiles in mills throughout New England and Britain. While slavery had been abolished in Massachusetts in the 1780s, the region's economy and institutions continued to profit from slavery, fueling a vicious cycle of supply and demand between the textile industry and enslavement throughout the southern United States.
Join the History Program for our next installment of the Uncovering and Confronting our History virtual program series as we tackle King's Chapel's links with New England textile production and wealth creation dependent on the subjugation of enslaved individuals. In "The Costs of Cotton: King's Chapel and the New England Textile Industry," History Program Director Faye Charpentier will discuss key players in these industries who worshipped at and financially supported King's Chapel and the continued legacies of these systems. These "costs" discussed will primarily focus on enslavement, but will also discuss environmental costs of these systems as well as touch upon the environmental racism rampant today.
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On Sunday, our choir member Dan Perry will sing his new arrangement of this old spiritual: "Hush, Hush, Somebody's Calling my Name." The song could tell the ancient story of Samuel, a child who wonders, "Did somebody call my name in the middle of the night?" The older, wiser man with whom the boy lives advises: "If you hear the call again, say this: 'Speak, Lord. Your servant listens.'" It might be God calling your name.
The tumult we are all experiencing right now might feel like an unsought, pressing voice jolting us awake in the middle of the night, as Samuel experienced. Wisdom teaches: listen carefully. Pay attention.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. hoped he wasn't being called to grapple with the trenchant racism in Alabama; he told God the struggle was too hard. But when Dr. King felt a wave of courage and peace come over him, an assurance as if from God, he resolved to continue on. He wasn't promised that he would succeed, but he was promised that God would be at his side, each step of the way. The cause was just.
What are you hearing through the election's aftershocks, the pandemic's death toll, or your own family's relationships? You might be listening more attentively to creation's groaning; grasping the discrepancy between police response to violent insurrectionists at the Capitol and to Black Lives Matter activists; or waking to the unevenness of COVID deaths and financial security. "Hush, hush - somebody's calling my name!"
Joy
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Workshop with Rev. Fred Small - "Give Light: Spiritual Support for Climate Activism"
Sunday, January 24 on Zoom
1:00 - 3:00 PM
King's Chapel is looking to Fred Small's workshop to energize us with hope and the will to action in the face of environmental collapse. As we come to understand the gravity of climate disruption, it's easy to become disheartened. How do we maintain equanimity and compassion for ourselves and others while sustaining effective activism? In this interactive workshop welcoming all faith traditions and spiritual orientations, Rev. Fred Small will invite us into guided meditation, reflection, conversation, and song, fortifying our spirits and deepening our resolve in the struggle for climate justice.
This workshop will be held over Zoom and is open to King's Chapel members and friends. Cost is $25. Scholarships available - please contact Gretchen.
Please register in advance here. Payment can be made via our paypal link, or a check made out to King's Chapel with "Rev. Small Workshop" noted in the memo line and to Gretchen Horton's attention.
"An exceptionally fine presentation that came straightway from Fred's heart and soul to ours. I was particularly inspired by his urging us to 'to feel everything-grief, anger, despair, awe-in order to think creatively and act effectively.' Fred posed utterly transformative questions on fearfulness and hope, courage and joy. I left changed today and increasingly motivated to leave my all on the field."
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 Meet our new Assistant Treasurer!
At the recommendation of Dan Taylor, our Treasurer, the Wardens and Vestry unanimously approved the appointment of Dorie Seavey to the position of Assistant Treasurer. Dorie joined Kings Chapel in 2019; she is an active member of the ARE Environmental Action Group, and she provided tremendous leadership throughout our recent congregational effort to get out the vote. Dorie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new leadership role. She holds a BA in Political Science and International Relations from Stanford, an MSc in Economics from the London School of Economics, and a PhD in Economics from Yale University. During her career she has served as a research scientist, policy analyst, director, manager, financial officer, advocate and consultant for organizations on both coasts. Moreover, Dorie is a joy to work with and a tremendous addition to our King's Chapel Leadership Team. Please give her a warm King's Chapel welcome her to her new role.
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Next week's Theology on Tap
Wednesday, January 20 at 6:15PM
Join us on Inauguration Day for an exploration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from a Birmingham Jail." We'll discuss the life and legacy of MLK, the role of poetic prophets in our world, and our call to faithful citizenship.
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Monday's Message From Joy
In case you missed Joy's message of thanks about our 2020 Stewardship Campaign, here's a link to the message we sent on Monday! |
Morning Prayer MLK Sunday Worship Service
Sunday, January 17
Morning Light MLK Sunday Worship Service
Sunday, January 17 at 9:00 AM
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The Literature of Joy Harjo Reading Group
Monday, January 18 at 5:00 PM
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Theology on Tap
Wednesday, January 20 at 6:15 PM
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Coffee with Clergy
Thursday, January 21 at 10:00 AM
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Costs of Cotton: King's Chapel and New England's Textile Industry
Thursday, January 21 at 5:30 PM
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Workshop with Reverend Fred Small: Spiritual Support for Environmental Activism
Sunday, January 24 at 1:o0 PM
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday Services
January 17, Morning Light | 9 AM on Zoom
- The Rev. Joy Fallon, Senior Minister
- David Waters, Minister for Education and Membership
- The Rev. Fred Small, Guest Preacher
- Skip Lewan, Piano
- Carol Genovese, Lector
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January 17, Morning Prayer | 11 AM on YouTube
- The Rev. Joy Fallon, Senior Minister
- David Waters, Minister for Education and Membership
- The Rev. Fred Small, Guest Preacher
- Heinrich Christensen, Music Director
- Dan Perry, Mary Sears, Emily Bieber-Harris, Andy Troska, and Brian Church, Soloists,
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Lee Glenn, Gordon Holmes, and Alison LaRosa, Lay Readers
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Pat Bass, Lector
Scripture:
1 Samuel 3:1-20
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We have some special musical treats for you this MLK weekend. Dan Perry has been on a tear recently, writing some great new arrangements for the choir. We open with his version of "Ride On, King Jesus" for the whole gang, and later in the service, Dan has cloned himself into the ACappella app for a heartfelt rendition of "Hush, Somebody's Calling My Name."
You will also hear Tom Trenney's arrangement of "We Shall Overcome" in a recording from our January 2019 Spirituals concert, featuring Kera Washington on djembe. And finally, we shall all "Lift Every Voice and Sing" our closing hymn together.
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Giving to King's Chapel
Please consider a stewardship offering in a spirit of thanksgiving to help us through this challenging time. Every single gift in any amount is equally valued and helps enormously.
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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.
Worship Morning Light Worship via Zoom, 9-9:30 AM each Sunday. Please register in advance here to access the Zoom link.
Morning Prayer services are posted each Sunday at 11 AM on our website.
Prayer Connection King's Chapel is a praying church and we have added a new link to our website page to make easy any request you may have: prayerrequest@kings-chapel.org . Requests sent here will be received by Joy Fallon, David Waters, and Cynthia Perkins, Prayer Circle Chair. If you prefer, also know that you can always reach out to any of us individually.
Coffee with Clergy Join Joy and David each week at 10 AM on Thursdays for an informal coffee hour via Zoom. See old friends and meet new ones! Contact Laura for login access. |
Internet Fraud - Protect Yourself
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, churches across the nation have seen a steep rise in incidents of internet fraud and scams, especially using ministers' names and targeting church members. Please watch out for these. I promise, we will never ask you to send us gift cards. We will never ask for your personal identifying information or bank account info. If we ever purport to say that we can't be reached by phone, be suspicious. Click the link below for more information on how to protect yourself and your family from internet crime.
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Contributing to Between Sundays
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From the Community Action Committee
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Gratitude for the Past, Projects for the Future
common cathedral is continuing their regular program of sandwiches and worship through the pandemic, and we at King's Chapel are happy to help out wherever we can! Where specifically? Glad you asked! This week, there are three exciting ways to lend a hand to our unhoused neighbors in these difficult times:
Sandwiches: We will next be making sandwiches for common cathedral on March 7th and again on May 2nd. To sign up to help, please email Amanda Pickett or Carol Genovese.
Costco and BJ's shoppers needed: Do you have a Costco or BJ's card? Then we need your help! We are looking for someone who can make occasional (once-a-month) shopping runs to Costco and/or BJ's to pick up sandwich ingredients. Please contact Carol Genovese for more info or to volunteer.
Cold weather clothing: common cathedral is also continuing to collect donations of winter items to donate to our unhoused neighbors. Coats, new socks, sweatshirts, sweaters, pants, hats, gloves, hand warmers, blankets, and sleeping bags can be delivered on January 20th 1-4 PM to St. Paul's at 138 Tremont Street, Boston. Contact Sierra Mink for more information. |
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Many thanks: The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute's Re-entry program raised a total of $2620 from King's Chapel members and friends. We are humbled and grateful for all your generosity! Even better, Milton Jones, Director of Re-Entry Services contacted us to pass along the gratitude from the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. Most important of all, he says, the returning citizens are very grateful for the much needed support King's Chapel is helping to provide to those without resources being released from incarceration. This money will go towards purchasing re-entry backpacks, and clothing, food, and transport vouchers for men who were formerly incarcerated.
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 Reverend Fred Small, Guest Preacher on Sunday, January 10
Last Sunday we were graced with a visit from Reverend Fred Small at our live Morning Light service. He also gave the sermon at our pre-recorded Morning Prayer service. Fred spoke of "radical hope" in a time of great disturbance. He reminded us that climate change is theft from our descendants and from the most weak and helpless among us. What can our response be? With enduring love, faith, and hope, it's never too late to prevent the bad from getting worse and take action to mitigate the crisis.
Please watch his sermon if you haven't already and sign up for Fred's workshop on January 24.
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 Last Week's History Program on King's Chapel, Slavery, and the Atlantic World
Last week, the History Program explored King's Chapel's connection with the Atlantic World and the transatlantic slave trade through Thursday's virtual program. The lecture included an introduction to the Atlantic World, discussion of the roles of clergy and several 18th century congregants with relation to the slave trade, and the sources of wealth used to construct our current building.
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 Reading Group on the Literature of Joy Harjo
A lively group of around 20 members of King's Chapel are gathering virtually on Mondays in January 5-6pm for readings and discussion of the work of Joy Harjo. In the first meeting, we covered poems with the themes of creation and life's journey from the perspective of a Native American. Last Monday, we covered the beautiful poem "Remember", which calls us to remember our deep connections to all of life's creation, including plants and animals, as well as connections to ancestors, descendants, and all people. We also discussed parts of "Returning from the Enemy," which deals with Harjo's personal struggle, as well as her peoples' struggle, to find grace in the face of a long history of oppression and abuse. Please register here to join.
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