HOT FORECAST FOR SUNDAY: We hope you are doing whatever possible to stay cool and look out for vulnerable neighbors throughout this ongoing heat. As the sanctuary can become quite hot even when the weather isn't severe, conditions during worship this week are likely to be uncomfortable, even dangerous. Please take severe heat seriously and, if you do come to worship in person, bring plenty of water and wear comfortable, loose, cool clothing.

ADULT ED THIS WEEK - MASSACHUSETTS POST-ROE: Join us after worship on August 7 to discuss the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade. Kathryn will summarize the recent Supreme Court opinion, where reproductive rights stand nationality and where reproductive rights stand in Massachusetts. She will then guide a discussion about what can be done to help protect reproductive rights and bodily autonomy moving forward.

OPEN NEWBURY STREET BEGINS THIS WEEK: On ten Sundays this summer and fall, from this Sunday through October 9, Newbury St. will become pedestrian-only for the day. Street closures to vehicles will begin at 10am. Please keep this in mind when making your transportation plans for coming to worship.

NO EVENING PRAYERS DURING AUGUST: We are taking a hiatus from our Wednesday evening prayers for the month of August. If you want to keep up the routine on your own, here's one daily prayer from the Iona Community (click at bottom of their page to see daily 18 min youtube links) you might enjoy from time to time.

REV. ROB'S SUMMER SABBATH: Continuing for a third year in a row, Rev. Rob will be taking a 4-week Summer Sabbath (August 1-August 28) for the purpose of spending more intentional time with his family that the week-to-week constancy of ministry doesn’t regularly afford. This intentional time differs from a vacation, as two of these weeks Rob is taking as unpaid leave. During this Summer Sabbath, our Associate Pastor Rev. Joshua Lazard (Email: joshua.lazard@cotcbos.org) will be supporting our Deacons in providing any needed pastoral care/coverage, and helping to lead our weekly worship services.

HONOR THE LAND RALLY & SAVE THE PINE BARRENS: As part of our ongoing work of building relationships with some of our local indigenous communities, consider joining in this Honor the Land Rally Day next Saturday, Aug. 13, 2-6pm in two locations to learn about protecting our drinking water, forests and historic Native American sites that are being destroyed by reckless sand and gravel mining operations, ground mounted industrial solar, & other inappropriately sited energy projects. Details here.

UPCOMING WORSHIP: Please join us each Sunday at 10:30 am as we come together in community through Zoom to pray, sing, share celebrations and concerns, and hear God’s still-speaking Word proclaimed in these Hybrid services (in-person and Zoom options).

Zoom link for each Sunday.

ZOOM ONLY SERVICE, August 28: Also note that in this age of climate change (occasionally dangerously hot sanctuaries), and pandemics (potentials for staff out sick), we retain the option to pivot to Zoom-only services from time to time should the need arise. If this happens, we will make an announcement by the Saturday prior to worship.

LIFE ALIVE BRUNCHES: Our 20s30s40s group will be meeting for our next brunch on Sunday, August 21. Also, please save the date for the young adult retreat, which will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022. If you want more information, please reach out and email Rev. Joshua at joshua.lazard@cotcbos.org.

BIBLE STUDY WEDNESDAYS: Our weekly morning Bible Study is each Wednesday morning on Zoom at 9:15am. We are studying the Gospel of John. If you’d like more information or want to be on the list to get regular reminders & Zoom info, contact Jan Gough at revjangough@gmail.com.

CYCE: Thanks to everyone who has participated in CYCE activities this year! The nursery is closed and our Sunday programs are on pause until the fall. We send CYCE updates by email, so if you want to receive those updates, contact kate.carlisle@cotcbos.org.

CLIMATE JUBILEE DIY JAUNT THIS AUGUST: As way to expand the fun of Jubilee Jaunts to include COTCers from across the diaspora, your Climate Jubilee Team invites everyone to GO OUTSIDE during the lovely summer month of August to enjoy the beauty, inspiration, calm, and wonder of God’s Creation. We would love it if everyone would go out for one or more DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Jubilee Jaunts sometime during August. Invite your family and friends, or go solo. Take a walk in the woods, swim in a lake, collect shells by the seashore, paddle in a river, or just sit in your yard, a nearby park, or under a tree—anywhere where nature has a chance to envelope you. Employ all of your senses on your DIY Jubilee Jaunt and record what you see, hear, smell, feel and taste either in your memory, with photos on your phone, or by writing what you experience in a journal. 

Climate Jubilee will host an Adult CE gathering on Sunday, September 25 (right after worship either on Zoom-only or in a hybrid format) so we can share our DIY expeditions with one another. Here is the link to submit your photo and SHORT reflection/ observations/ thoughts.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 4: A congregational meeting has been called on Sunday September 4 immediately after the worship service for the purpose of extending the term of the half-time designated Associate Pastor by 2 years starting on September 15, 2022 and to approve the terms of call of Rev. Joshua Lazard.

ORDINATION SUNDAY: Please save the date of Sunday September 4 at 1:30pm in our sanctuary (and online) as we celebrate the ordination of So Jung Kim to the PCUSA Ministry of Word and Sacrament.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR OUR FIRST POTLUCK IN OVER 2 YEARS! Sunday, September 11 Our Climate Jubilee Team is hosting a Plant-based Potluck hybrid event with tables in the Berkeley Street vestibule and people flowing onto the steps and sidewalk, and others sharing a meal and conversation on Zoom. Why plant-based?

SUMMER ROAD CLOSURES: Note that Boston & Cambridge have several road races and other events during the summer – so check the city road closures listings each week.

CONTINUED GENEROUS GIVING: In these uncertain times, as we continue to press on in our gospel calling to follow in the justice and love of Jesus, we continue to rely on and give great thanks for your generosity. Here are a few ways you can continue to financially support the church and its ministries:

THE AUGUST ISSUE OF THE COVENANT NEWS can be read online here.