PEACE BE WITH YOU IN THESE DAYS:
We are so grateful to be connected as a family of faith! In the light of COVID-19, we are grateful for the technology that allows the majority of us to gather together online, and some in-person at Newbury Street.
The announcements that follow reflect the ongoing abundant life that is Church of the Covenant.
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON OPTION FOR WORSHIP:
To register for this Sunday's worship service, please
click here. Each person who attends in person will be required to show a copy (photocopy or photo from your phone/ camera) of their vaccination card as per Council’s decision. Masks will be required for the entire service. Singing hymns with masks on will be allowed. And those who do not come in person will be able to fully worship online via Zoom as per usual.
UPCOMING WORSHIP ON SUNDAYS: 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.
- September 26, Rev. Joshua preaching
- October 3, World Communion Sunday, Reflection on the Word
- October 10, Rev Rob preaching, Indigenous People's Day Weekend
NEW! WEDNESDAY EVENING PRAYERS IN PERSON: Join us this Wednesday, September 29, 6:00-7:00pm for our weekly evening prayers, in person at Nancy Hollomon's home in Brookline. Email Rev. Rob to RSVP or with any questions.
NEW! SPECIAL OFFERING OCTOBER 3:
Next week, for World Communion Sunday, we will receive a special offering for our two denominations.
- The PCUSA offering is called the Peace and Global Witness offering. It supports the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program whose goal is building a culture of peace and nonviolence. A portion of this offering will go to our local Presbytery of Boston to support a Cameroonian peacemaker. A number of churches in the Presbytery have members from Cameroon, which is currently suffering violence from both armed separatists, and government security forces.
- The UCC offering is called the Neighbors in Need offering. One third of this offering goes to the Council for American Indian Ministries. The majority goes to the UCC Justice and Witness Ministries which works on economic justice, environmental justice and racial justice among other things.
You may give online at cotcbos.org, by selecting the “peacemaking offering” option. Or you may send a check payable to Church of the Covenant, with “peacemaking” in the memo line, to 67 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116. Thank you!
CREW Climate Preparedness Week: This week, September 24-30, is Climate Preparedness Week -
learn more here.
COTC BOOK GROUP OCTOBER 17: The next COTC book group meeting via Zoom will be on October 17 at 5:00 pm. We will be discussing Grounded: Finding God in the Word by Diana Butler Bass. Please contact Nancy Stockford with any questions. Zoom link will be sent closer to the date.
20s-30s-40s GROUP AT COVENANT: We have a vital group for young adults, young professionals and students – and we’d love you to join us! If you would like to be added to our email list, or connect one-to-one, please contact Rev. Joshua at joshua.lazard@cotcbos.org Also, see below:
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Save-The-Date: The 20s30s40s Retreat is scheduled for Saturday, October 16, 2021. There will be more details forthcoming. However, if you wish to reserve your spot, please email Rev. Joshua by September 30th.
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20s30s40s Sunday Brunches have returned! Following the worship service, the 20s30s40s group will resume having out once-a-month after-church shared meal on the following dates: September 26, October 17, November 21 and December 19th. More details about in-person or virtual meetings will be forthcoming via the listserv. For further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email to Rev. Joshua.
CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH PROGRAMMING: CYCE this fall is proceeding with as much caution as possible to keep our unvaccinated kids safe. We won't be having any indoor gatherings of kids under 12 for at least the next couple of months. Our main focus for fall is to have some gatherings, in-person and outdoors, where we can have some safe fun, fellowship, and even worship.
Watch your email for more updates and details! If you would like to learn more about or connect with our vital ministries with children and youth, email Rev. Kate.
join by phone: (646) 558 8656, Meeting ID: 104 478 666, Password: 581626
SAVE THE DATE: Former Student Minister with us, Megan Berkowitz is getting ordained! Sunday Oct. 3, 3pm on Zoom.
EMERGING & GETTING TOGETHER: These past 18 months have been long and hard, and it has been extra hard being separated from in-person gatherings. This fall, we’d like to continue to provide chances to safely gather together. Here are the opportunities that are emerging:
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Porches for 8: Just as in the past we called these “Suppers for 8”, this summer we are offering the chance to gather together with a small group of fellow COTCers at someone’s back yard or porch so share a simple meal. This will be for those who have been fully vaccinated and who feel comfortable (and obviously without any covid-like symptoms). If you’d like your name to be added to the list of those who will be invited to these gatherings (dates and locations yet TBD), please email Trudi Veldman.
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Outdoor Evening Prayers: Each week we alternate between in-person and on Zoom prayers.
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Climate Jubilee Jaunts: Once a month, our Climate Jubilee Team will be hosting some outdoor walks/ hikes in and around Boston. Stay tuned for news about future jaunts.
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Market Umbrella, and Crescent Fund will go directly support farmers, fishers, ranchers, and food producers.
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Sprout and VEGGI and Local Food Purchasing Fund, are supporting farmers and food producers through value chain coordination.
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Culture Aid is bringing freshly prepared meals to distribution points around the city of New Orleans.
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR: GET VACCINATED! At this church we believe fully in the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine and ask that everyone eligible get vaccinated. Check here for details: https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/
If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Rob, Joshua, Kate or our Deacons.
ARE YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW FACING FINANCIAL CHALLENGES? Info on fuel and electricity discounts in MA available here.
CONTINUED GIVING: Even in face of important, life-giving changes, our COTC ministry remains moving full steam ahead. Our staff and pastors continue to be hard at work. Our building continues to be faithfully stewarded. Our deacons and pastors continue to carry out vital pastoral care in these days. Therefore, your continued generosity and giving to help support the work of our church community is even more valued in these challenging days. And we are deeply grateful for your tangible signs of generosity. Here are a few ways you can continue to financially support the church and its ministries:
- Directly on our website: http://www.cotcbos.org/give.html
- Download free app: GIVEPLUS+ (GIVE+ by Vanco Services, LLC) in the App Store, Google Play, or at https://giveplushelp.vancopayments.com. Then, type in our zip code 02116 to find Church of the Covenant. Both online options allow you to make a one-time or a recurring gift.
- If you are uncomfortable with online giving, yes, you can still mail checks!
THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF THE COVENANT NEWS can be read online
here.
