| Spotlight On:
November Ballot Referendum on Transgender Rights
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Two years ago, u
nder the leadership of our Senior Warden Cliff Allen, our church hosted an event for Faith Leaders from across Massachusetts in support of the law passed by our Legislature and signed by Governor Baker, prevented discrimination against transgender persons in public places. Many of our members attended in support, because we believe all people should have equal rights. Click here for more information.
At that time, we were coming together to oppose what had just recently been announced: an effort to undo the new law and strip transgender citizens of those equal rights. On Tuesday, November 6, 2018, all Massachusetts citizens can vote to affirm or deny transgender rights. If you Vote Yes on 3, you will be voting to affirm the dignity and respect of our transgender neighbors.
Church leaders are legally allowed to take positions on non-partisan ballot questions. I urge you to learn about the issue, this Sunday at our worship service, and by reading information at the Freedom Massachusetts website. I will be voting Yes on 3.
+ Joy
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We are welcoming Taj Smith to our pulpit this Sunday. Taj is a transgender preacher and LGBTQ rights advocate. He received an MDiv from Harvard Divinity School in 2016 and has preached throughout the Boston metro area on radical love, racial justice, and mental health. He currently serves as the Faith Organizing Director for YES on 3, the campaign to defend transgender nondiscrimination protections, and is the founder of Biblical Queeries, a queer bible study group in the Boston area.
Taj will be reflecting on the existence of liminal spaces in the creation story and what care for those existing in the inbetween looks like. He will draw on Gen 1:1-27 and John 1:1-5.
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New Weekly Small Group Lectio Divina | Quiet Reflection With a Bible Passage | Every Wednesday in October and November | 1-2 PM | Joy's Office at the King's Chapel Parish House | 64 Beacon Street
The Rev. Joy Fallon is offering a weekly small group time for reflecting on a Bible passage. Would you like to join us? Once a week, we meet for an hour, read a short Bible passage together and then sit together in silence reflecting - each person quietly choosing a word or a phrase that struck her or him. At the end of the quiet time, those who wish may share a thought. This is called lectio divina or divine reading. Joy will teach us different ways to do this. Participants are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible, although we understand that this may not be possible. Try it out some Wednesday. We will begin and end promptly.
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Wunderbar!
Bistro 64: Oktoberfest |
Saturday, October 13 | 6:30pm
The Hospitality Committee is pleased to announce that Bistro 64, a series of participatory dinners that began last year, will kick off a second season with our own Oktoberfest. You don't need to travel for Germany for this popular event, you can enjoy delectable German favorites right in our own Parish House. King's Chapel member Dean Lynch, whose restaurant Schroeders was a popular dinning location in downtown Boston, has generously offered to provide his signature dish - Sauerbraten with potato pancakes and red cabbage. Guests will bring beverages and all other dishes, including appetizers, additional main dishes and desserts. (Who doesn't love Black Forest Cake?) 4 spots are available for those who wish to assist - no contributions of food needed. There is a limit of 20 individuals. The dinner commences at 6:30pm and will conclude around 9pm.
Sign up online to select what you will bring/do, or contact Bistro 64 co-chairs Gregg Sorensen (gds1960@yahoo.com) or Anne Sexton (annewsexton1@gmail.com). We look forward to seeing you. Prost!
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Theology On Tap: The Ethics of Money| October 17 | 6:15 PM
What does it mean to use wealth ethically? Is it OK to be wealthy? Is it OK for the church to be wealthy? What is money for, and how does it effect our happiness? What does the Bible mean by "God and mammon" or sayings like "it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God "? Come to
Theology
on Tap to think and talk together about this topic. This month Theology on Tap will be held in the Vestry, with food and drinks provided, after Holy Communion worship at 6:15.
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A.R.E. Member Series: Todd Lee on Sacred Spaces: "Do We Need a Place to Worship God?" | Thursday, October 25 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM | Parish House
Architect Todd Lee will kick off this year's member series, sponsored by the Adult Religious Education Committee (A.R.E.), on Thursday, October 25, at the Parish House. Join Todd for a slide presentation and discussion on the subject of places of worship and sanctuary. He will present photographs from his travels in more than 40 countries, drawing upon his 60 years of architectural practice and designs for more than a dozen spiritual locations. He will share more than a hundred images of religious spaces and places, asking the question "What is it about this particular culture and time that was needed to develop this form?" All are welcome.
Please RSVP to gretchen@kings-chapel.org to let us know you're coming.
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Sunday Concert: Dona Nobis Pacem | October 28
Our 61st concert season begins on Sunday October 28 at 5 PM with a program in observance of the approaching World War I armistice centennial. The title, one could almost say mantra, of the program is Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant Us Peace). These words from the Latin Mass have inspired composers throughout music history, both in mass settings of the Agnus Dei which will be heard in versions by Frank Martin and Samuel Barber, and as inspiration for Ralph Vaughan William's extended work Dona Nobis Pacem, set to the haunting Civil War texts by Walt Whitman.You will also hear the beautiful Lux Aeterna, a text from the Requiem Mass superimposed on the famous Nimrod from Elgar's Enigma Variations. Also included is Keith Hampton's arrangement of the Vietnam era Where Have All The Flowers Gone, and of course a setting of perhaps the most famous WWI poem:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
John McCrae
Following the concert, the music committee invites all parishioners and friends to a reception at the Parish House.
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King's Chapel 2018 Stewardship Campaign:
Staying Connected to King's Chapel
One of the advantages of being a part of King's Chapel is having the opportunity to take a break in the middle of the work week and reconnect with God, our neighbors and our own spirits, as this group did yet again last night.
Wednesday Communion services are just one way King's Chapel feeds its members. This is the time of year that it needs for us, together, to give back.
We're thankful to report that we've heard from several contributors in the past week. Campaign contributions stand at a total of $115,000. Thank you to those who are answering the call!
The 2018 goal stands, however, at $225,000 with just 3 months left,
so we have a long way to go!
If you have made a pledge, please honor it as soon as possible. Or, if you wish to make a direct contribution it's easy:
CLICK HERE to send online, or contact Gretchen Horton, church administrator, via email:
gretchen@kings-chapel.org.
Gratefully,
John Appleton, chair
Barbara Fay, co-chair
Jim Power
Cliff Allen
Jennifer Kronstain
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Bryan Wells, of Minnesota, is a tenor currently singing in the Boston area. In addition to ongoing freelance work locally, he performed with the New Zealand Opera in their 2017 season and spent the last three winters touring nationally with the musical "All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914." Wells has been a regular contributor to the Twin Cities choral community, including performances with Magnum Chorum and the Minnesota Oratorio Society. He was also a founding member of The Fiscal Notes, a barbershop quartet composed entirely of Minnesota Senate staff members. A graduate of St. Olaf College and a voice student of Gary Ruschman of Cantus, Wells is currently a masters candidate at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, where he studies international organizations and conflict resolution.
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Join the History Program beginning this Friday, October 5, to experience Tales from the Crypt, candlelit Halloween tours at King's Chapel,
home to one of the few surviving church crypts in New England. This is one of our most popular programs we host throughout the year.
Descend beneath the church to discover the darker side of King's Chapel in our 18th-Century crypt on this special seasonal tour.
Walk among the 21 tombs to learn about historic burial customs and the people laid to rest beneath the chapel!
Tours offered at 5:30pm and 6:15pm
October 5-7, 14, 19-23, 25-27, 29-31
$10 per person.
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Grateful Thanks to Judy Luca | Co-Chair of Community Action Committee |
On behalf of King's Chapel, we offer many thanks to Judy Luca, who has served faithfully as the Chair of our Community Action Committee (CAC) since being elected 4 years ago. Before beginning as Chair, Judy had already begun a new project at King's Chapel, providing Christmas gifts of backpacks stuffed with necessities to our neighbors without homes. This project began to build on our partnership with common cathedral and resulted last year in our affirmation of deeper engagement with common cathedral going forward. During Judy's tenure, we also continued to distribute gifts to city partners through our monthly "Second Sunday" offerings; and together discerned our current focus on three central partners, in addition to common cathedral, also the Lewis D. Brown Peace Institute and UU Urban Ministries. Throughout her tenure, Judy provided all of us with a model of generosity, patient and kind leadership, and faithful devotion to all God's children.
Last week, Judy announced her need to retire from her role, which makes her Co-Chair Amanda Pickett our new Chair: "
I want to let you know that I have stepped down as co-chair of the CAC. Between work (lately it's been 50-60 hours a week!), family obligations and possibly moving I have been a bit overwhelmed lately. I am still going to be on the committee and look forward to working with you all. We are so blessed to have Amanda Pickett as the new chair. She is such an amazing person and leader. Her passion, devotion and energy to making the world a better place are desperately needed at this time. It has been an honor to be a part of this committee and I look forward to the increasing our presence in this city that I love so much!
Love & Blessings, Judy.
Amanda responded: "Thank you, Judy, for all your work these past years leading the CAC. We are so lucky to have your continued support and participation as a member of the committee!"
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This week at the Church School students continued to contemplate what it means to be a disciple. Joseph, David and Augie shared ways in which they are helpers at home and at school. We drew comics based on key phrases from the scriptures and Augie did a great job adding depth to his illustrations!
In the confirmation group, George and Will worked with volunteer Chris Barnett to create a Commitment Pledge. Thanks to Chris for working with the young men this week!
Next week:
On October 7, students will work with Skip to prepare some music for the Morning Light service on October 14. We'd love to have a good turn out for this so we can prepare to serve the community in this way.
Confirmation:
The Confirmation class will be learning with Emanuel Genovese this Sunday October 7, in a session entitled, "Where Do You Stand: The Gospel According to Whom."
Volunteers:
We are still seeking volunteers to be present during Church School on October 21st and 28th. Please email Julie at
church.school@kings-chapel.org
if you're available. Church school runs from 10:00 - 10:45 AM. Please note that no prep or lesson planning is required for volunteers.
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Thanks for Your Donations to the North Shore | Victims of Gas Explosions Are Grateful
Last week donations made by King's Chapel were delivered to the Senior Center in Lawrence. Bob Fallon's sister, who lives near Lawrence, dropped off what you provided and reported that the recipients were very grateful - the needs are deep and continuing. Daily different organizations are serving as the receiving centers for donations; Rev. Amelia made sure to call for an update before our delivery. For ongoing information, you can work through the Massachusetts Unitarian Universalist MassAction.
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Many thanks to all the elected leaders of King's Chapel who gave up a beautiful Saturday to spend together reflecting on our journey together, as individuals and as a church community. It was a day of community building, quiet consideration of our personal spiritual journeys, data regarding our membership and finances, and energizing discussion of possible paths ahead. Watch for more to come, reported through our Church Council, Vestry and clergy.
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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 Marc Loustau on his engagement to Amy Horning last month. Marc has long been affiliated with King's Chapel - he traveled with us to Koloszvrar, Romania; he was baptized at King's Chapel; and he provides leadership for the Minns Committee, a joint project of King's Chapel and First Church Boston which supports lectures by Unitarian clergy. Congratulations Marc and Amy!
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Last Week's Sermon by Rev. Joy Fallon
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Morning Light with Holy Communion | 9 AM
- The Rev. Joy Fallon, Preaching
- Skip Lewan on Piano
Morning Prayer with Holy Communion | 11 AM
- The Rev. Joy Fallon, Senior Minister
- The Rev. Amelia Nugent, Assistant Minister
- Heinrich Christensen, Music Director
- Taj Smith, Guest Preacher
- Bryan Wells and Brian Church, Soloists
- Paul Luca, Head Usher
- Cathy Price, Usher in Charge
- Pamela and Michael Bergeron, Ushers
- Clark Aitkins, Verger
The Readings:
- Psalm 8
- Old Testament, Genesis 1: 1-27
- New Testament, John 1: 1-5
The flowers on the Communion Table are given in loving memory of Dr. Hunter Sweaney and Frances Fousheen Sweaney by their daughter Betty Sweaney Lykins.
At the communion rail following the service, Bill Kuttner will greet those interested in learning more about King's Chapel.
After the service all are invited to Coffee Hour hosted by Betty Lykins.
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The music for this Sunday's communion service focuses mainly on two composers: first and foremost Ralph Vaughan Williams, who will be our "composer of the month" of sorts, as excerpts from his gorgeous work Dona Nobis Pacem will be featured on our October 28 choral concert. We will sing his hymn Come Down, O Love Divine to the tune named for his birthplace Down Ampney, and the postlude will be his treatment of the Welsh hymn tune Hyfrydol. You will also hear two of Vaughan Williams' Five Mystical Songs, with texts by 16th century poet George Herbert. New choir member Bryan Wells (see more about Bryan elsewhere in this issue of Between Sundays) will sing The Call (Come, My Way), familiar to most, as we often use it as a communion hymn. Brian Church will be the soloist in Love Bade Me Welcome, a wonderful poem with an elaborate metaphorical treatment of the communion meal:
Love bade me welcome. Yet my soul drew back
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow
slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,
If I lacked any thing.
A guest, I answered, worthy to be here:
Love said, You shall be he.
I the
unkind, ungrateful?
Ah my dear,
I cannot look on thee.
Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,
Who made the eyes but I?
Truth Lord, but I have
marred them: let my shame
Go where it doth deserve.
And know you not, says Love, who bore the blame?
My dear, then
I will serve.
You must sit down, says Love, and taste my meat:
So I did sit and eat.
Our motet is another setting of the same text, by contemporary British composer Judith Weir.
Our other featured composer is German romantic Joseph Rheinberger. He will be represented by the prelude, a Cantilena from one of his 20 organ sonatas, and our communion music excerpted from his gorgeous Mass for Double Choir in E Flat Major.
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Tuesday Recitals
October 9 | 12:15 PM
Robert August plays the C.B. Fisk Organ
Bach, Micheelsen & Vierling
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"Stretching his hand up to reach the stars, too often man forgets the flowers at his feet."
Chancel Flower Donations
Someone once said that life is more beautiful with flowers. They make us smile; they calm us; they invoke memories.
Would you like to offer flowers for our Morning Prayer service? Each Sunday members or friends provide flowers for our chancel. If you would like to contribute to honor a loved one, please contact Anne Sexton, chair of Chancel Committee, at
annewsexton1@gmail.com
to make arrangements.
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Sun. October 7
Guest Preacher Taj Smith, Faith Organizing Director of YES on 3
Tues. October 9
Parish Council Meeting - cancelled
Thurs. October 11
6 PM- Minns Committee
Sat. October 13
6:30 PM- Bistro 64: Oktoberfest!
Sun. October 14
12:30 PM- Reception for Rev. Amelia Nugent and Jake Edson, recently married
1:30 PM- Community Action Committee Meeting
Tues. October 16
6 PM- Ad Hoc Committee on Slavery Meeting
Wed. October 17
6:15 PM- Theology on Tap at the Chapel
Sat. October 20
Peacing It Together Training, Hosted by the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, at the Parish House
Tues. October 23
6 PM - Vestry Meeting
Thurs. October 25
6 PM- Presentation: Sacred Spaces, with
Todd Lee
Sun. October 28
5 PM- Concert Series: Dona Nobis Pacem, in observance of the centennial of the WW1 Armistace
Wed. October 31
Halloween at the Parish House!
"Tales from the Crypt" - Annual Candlelit Halloween Crypt Tours
5:30pm and 6:15 on October 5-7, 14, 19-23, 25-27, 29-30
6:15pm on October 31
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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
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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Contributing to Between Sundays
Our e-newsletter is sent each Thursday afternoon. Want something in Between Sundays? Feel free to email administrative.assistant@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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