Community News
FUTURE DATES TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR!
June 4
Graduation party for Eli.
It will be at the church building and will begin around 5:00
All the details and a way to RSVP you will find at
June 11
Common Meal
CURRENT EVENTS AND NEWS
May 23
Pentecost Sunday
One of the most unique and wonderful experiences at Brookline is the reading of Acts 2 in many different languages on Pentecost Sunday each year. This year we had 14 people read -- 8 in their native languages. We had English, Russian, Tamil, Hebrew, American Sign Language, Andoni, German, Malay, Mandarin, French, Korean, Greek, Arabic, Latin, Spanish. What a wonderful day of celebrating diversity at Brookline, and in the church throughout the world!
Marla and James said "Goodbye" for a year's Sabbatical. It was also Marla's last Sunday in the roles she has served in the last 4 years. They were sent off with gifts, prayer and then everyone enjoyed goodies together, including yummy chocolate cupcakes -- thank you Sierra & Michael!!
May 16
Congratulations to Mike Harrist (and Suzanne) on his graduation today from Marlboro College. Mike also received a prize for Humanity, Spirituality, Creativity and Philosophical Inquiry. This is from the program:
The Ryan Larsen Memorial Prize was established in 2006 in memory of Ryan Jeffrey Larsen, who felt transformed by the opportunities to learn and grow within the embrace of the Marlboro College community. It will be awarded annually to a junior or senior who best reflects Ryan's qualities of philosophical curiosity, creativity, compassion and spiritual inquiry.
Recipient:
Michael Harrist
This was Mike's description in the program book:
Michael K. Harrist
Bachelor of Arts, Highest Honors
MUSIC & RELIGION
PLAN SUMMARY: An examination of music and spirituality with an emphasis on the ways in which certain musics' supposed abstract and expressive nature may make it possible for the practitioner to engage with the ineffable.
PROJECT: A paper that draws parallels between mystical and musical experience with an emphasis on the performative nature of both disciplines.
SPONSORS: Stanley Charkey, Amer Latif
OUTSIDE EVALUATOR: Etan Nasreddin-Longo, independent scholar
Everyone at the Brookline Church congratulates Mike and his entire family!
May 9
Common Meal this month was a Picnic. Because of the weather, the picnic was in the floor at the back of the church sanctuary. Then several went together to visit the Arnold Arboretum in Cambridge to enjoy Mother's Day and Lilac Sunday. Thanks Amy & Ryan for planning this event!
May 2
Kevin and Anya are back! We are all so excited!! Marla had to miss the day because she and James were in Poughkeepsie for the birth of grand child # 3 -- a girl -- born 11:24 AM -- Ellison James Powell.
Today was also Paul Morris' last Sunday with us. We've enjoyed his being here this year so much and wish him all the best as he returns to Abilene!
April 25
Rachel Hundley's last Sunday
Farewell Liturgy and Reception
It was a full day of honoring Rachel and her contribution and service for the Brookline Church. Jill's "goodies" for before worship were all made from locally grown products (a passion of Rachel's). Bob's sermon was a tribute (you can hear the audio under Sermons and Sermons Schedule). The children did a presentation of "what is the good news?" and a song -- Rachel has made such a contribution to the children's program at Brookline! The Steering Committee made a presentation of flowers as well as words of tribute for her 7 years of service with the committee. Rachel talked about how much this church has meant to her during her time in Boston. We gave her our traditional parting gift and we had the traditional Farewell Liturgy. Then we enjoyed a reception made complete by Dan's cheesecake. We will miss Rachel SO much!!
April 11
2nd Sunday Common Meal
It's always amazing how the variety and quantity of food at our common meals, even when we only have a few people who can stay!! We had a great time of food and fellowship!
April 4
What a glorious Easter Sunday!! We were blessed to witness Abby being baptized at 10:00 am. We are so glad to have her with us as part of our Brookline community, joining us in our journey to follow God. We had a very large crowd for Easter Worship. The children, once again, had their moment in front of everyone - and we were once again reminded of that old show with Ark Linkletter -- children say the "darndest" things." After worship we enjoyed snacks together and watched the children sprint'' to find all those eggs in the back yard Easter Egg Hunt. The weather was perfect (for once) and we all had an absolutely wonderful time together!
April 3
work day at the building
Thank you Dale, Morgan and Dan for helping Marla at the building with the spring cleaning and decorating for Easter.
April 1
Maundy Thursday Taize Service
7:30 at the building
We had a nice group gather to celebrate communion together and to remember that night before Jesus was crucified through the eyes of the 12 apostles.
March 28
Palm Sunday
Everyone enjoyed the Parade of Palms celebrating the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem.
Thank you to Scott for leading an extended time of worship -- singing, prayers, reading scripture and sharing in communion -- celebrating Palm Sunday and sending everyone off with the proper mindset for Holy Week with Passion readings.
March 27
Work Day at the building was a big success.
- THANK YOU!!! to Ryan, Amy, Michael, Sierra, Dan, Kevin and Anya
- Michael and Sierra separated all the Palms for Palm Sunday
- Amy, Michael and Sierra worked in the yard picking up sticks
- Ryan put in the new garbage disposal
- Everyone worked in the baptistry sweeping and scrubbing to get it ready for Abby's baptism Easter Sunday.
- Thank you to Anya's friend, Katya for planting flowers!
March 13-20
The group of students from
Abilene Christian University enjoyed a very busy week in Boston.
- special thanks to those who housed students
- Kelly & Joe; Rachel H.; Rossie; Bob & Jan; Jenn & Ryan; Jill & Eli
- Sunday 14th
- Worship
- Common Meal with everyone at church -- a "real" church potluck!!
- helped Fourth Presbyterian Church with service project on the St. Patrick's Day parade route (thanks for helping Betsy
- Monday 15th
- Tuesday 16th
- Devotional and meeting at the church building
- work at the church building
- 12:00 - 4:00 with Anthony Zuba at Unite Here http://www.bostonhotelunion.org/
- 5:15 -- meeting with James Walters
- 6:00 -- dinner and Brookline Church weekly small group at Mahmood and Desiree's house (thanks for helping Scott)
- Wednesday 17th
- Devotional and meeting at the church building
- 11:00 -- Boston University School of Theology Chapel
- 12:00 -- Boston University School of Theology Community Lunch
- 1:00 -- Fenway Park Tour
- 4:30 -- evening with Bob Randolph
- evening Vesters service with the Episcopal church on MIT's campus
- traditional St. Patrick's Day meal
- Thursday 18th
- Devotional and meeting at the church building
- morning -- worked in the church building and in the yard -- and impromptu stick-ball baseball game
- afternoon -- free time
- Friday 19th
- Devotional and final meeting at the church building
- finished work projects at the church building (41 bags of leaves and sticks from the yard)
- afternoon free time -- Freedom Trail
- evening with Kevin Wells -- Moishe Kavod -- Shabbat service and meal afterward (thanks Kevin and Anya)
February 14
We had a wonderful group stay after church to enjoy soup, sandwiches, bread and Dan's cheesecake."
February 1 -- Rita's Birthday
Anya and Marla took Rita the card everyone signed at church, a vase of flowers including one red rose (Anya said that is her favorite), a balloon that we tied on her wheel chair, and a box of cookies (she loves cookies :-). As we were leaving, we ran into Dan who was heading in to see her as well.
January and February Haiti Contribution
the 5% of the Brookline Contribution that monthly goes to something outside of our own church community, is going to
Partners in Health. Both Kevin and Joe have connections with people of this organization. Here is a link to a video interviewing the doctor in charge of
Partners in Health.
Joe Li works with a doctor,
Dr. Jonathan Crocker, who is in Haiti right now with
Partners in Health. Joe and other doctors are covering Dr. Crocker's shifts so he can be down there. Below is an update from Dr. Crocker:
As expected things very busy here. We split into two teams -- I am in Cange, Lisa in St.Marc. Have not had word from St Marc but know they are doing alright.
We have surg and non surg personnell in each site. People still arriving from PAP , those fortunate to have survived their injuries this long now running into expected complications of wound infections, a few turned septic, and VTE presentations six days after the event. Hoping to be able to get more complicated surg cases out to MERCY shipwhen it arrives in PAP hopefully tomorrow.
Many patients dazed. Incredible disruption to many families. Space becoming an issue because most injured patients have no where to return to, no resources, and many have no family to return to, and many of them not terribly mobile. Doing lots of wound eval, injury stabilization, and post op care to keep our surgeons in OR as much as possible. Covering other non-trauma patients on wards with staff here. People working tirelessly. We are so fortunate to be supported by words, material and spirit of people at BIDMC.
Haitian medical staff and survivors are working with unbelievable valor and dedication as many of them have or are learning that they have lost several or most of their family members and working overtime here to give care. They are the true heroes --- any of the relief efforts by our team and others should labor with the complete humility that we get to leave and go home to a different reality at some point in the future but that most here are wiitnessing the beginning of a very long and painful road to recovery. It is a reminder as to why relief efforts must not stop because the last building has fallen, but must continue for years to come.
In solidarity,
Jon
JANUARY 17
The Annual Ministers' Pancake Breakfast -- 2nd try! was a success (the snow waited a day this time!). We had a small group gather to enjoy Bob's famous pancakes. Marla, James and Kevin cooked meat and served -- and ate a lot. We had a great time.
JANUARY 10
Common Meal
DECEMBER 20
Annual Ministers' Pancake Breakfast didn't happen. We had a big snow storm. Several were able to make it out, but the
Breakfast has been postponed. Tentative date is ''January 17."
The hearty group of James, Marla; Matt, Rachel; Fei-Ying and Nick; Betsy, Charles; Amy, Ryan, Sierra, Michael; Bob; Dan -- all enjoyed festive Dunkin' Donuts, coffee and juice. We had a nice visit and then worshipped the new-born-king together.
DECEMBER 13
The
Children's Christmas Program was awesome!! Special thanks go to all the parents and to the adults who participated. The children were all absolutely perfect!!
DCF Kids Fund -- Department of Children and Families
During the program we brought LOTS of GREAT gifts to the manger. DCF picked up the gifts Monday morning to be distributed to children in Boston who are in need.
http://www.dcfkidsfund.org/donation.htm
For Common Meal after the Children's Christmas Program we enjoyed sandwiches, chips, cheese and crackers, sushi, cookies, and Dan's cheesecake! Great time!!
DECEMBER 6
2nd Sunday of Advent
The Candle Lighting Meditation was led by Sarah and Joshua Berry. We all know that God smiled down on this moment at Brookline!
Blessing and Dedication of
Sierra and Michael Spoering was at the end of worship. What a beautiful family. We are all so thankful for Amy and Ryan and that, after much prayer and waiting and anticipation, the adoption has been finalized. It was truly beautiful to see and hear Amy and Ryan dedicate these children to God and, as a church, dedicate ourselves to assisting them in the process of nurturing Sierra and Michael toward God's service.
There was a reception with cake and lemonade afterward. Everyone stayed a long time visiting and encouraging each other!
DECEMBER 5
Brookline Church Annual Christmas Party
This year the party was at the home of Kyung and Minja Park. We had a wonderful time!! The house was festive and decorated -- and Kyung and Minja were warm and energetic hosts! Twenty-two people enjoyed yummy appetizers, ham, vegetables, breads and much more. We then sang Christmas song and carols, concluding with the (possibly traditional) Walters' Family 12 Days of Christmas with all the motions. Then there was tree cake and cider and bidding each other good-bye as we left in the new-fallen-snow. Thank you Kyung and Minja!!!
NOVEMBER 29
1st Sunday of Advent
The Candle Lighting Meditation was led by Amy, Ryan, Sierra and Michael. What a precious moment when Sierra whispered to all of us, Come, Lord Jesus.
NOVEMBER 26
3rd Annual Thanksgiving Dinner -- at the building.
The 3rd Annual Brookline Church of Christ Thanksgiving Extravaganza was a smashing success. We had 30 people present including family, friends, and alumni of the Brookline congregation. There were small children everywhere this year adding to the joyous atmosphere.
NOVEMBER 22
The Annual Business Meeting was immediately after worship. Copies of the materials and information are still at the church building on the table at the back.
NOVEMBER 21
We had a great Yard Day!! 70 bags of leaves are out to be picked up this week. Amy planned fun activities for the small children. Thanks Amy! And thanks to everyone who came out!!
NOVEMBER 15
Baby Dedication and Blessing: Emilia (Mila) Nikitina and Joshua Berry
What an amazing day. The two sets of parents pledging their lives and their children to God was inspirational. Both Mila and Joshua were angels! Joshua could not stop smiling! One member commented, "So that's what it means to be like a child encountering Jesus and the kingdom . . . with a big smile!"
NOVEMBER 15
Thanks, Desiree!! and everyone who participated!
NOVEMBER 8
Common Meal
We had a great meal together with a very large crowd this month.
We decorated for Fall -- and had 4 different kinds of
chili; cornbread and cheese and veggies and crackers and tortilla chips and salsa; green salad; apple cake and carrot cake. Great food!!
We used the old "ship"
tables. Dan has gotten them out and is going to work on restoring these for our use. Solid wood -- great condition --
THANKS DAN!!
During lunch we also had a guest discussion facilitator from the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization. We had a great conversation about student loan debt and also debt in general. It was a wonderful time of sharing with each other.
NOVEMBER 1
Guest Speaker -- Anthony Zuba
What a wonderful day we had celebrating All Saints Day and having a guest speaker! The liturgy and audio of the sermon are posted under "Sermons ad Sermons Schedule" above.
OCTOBER 18
Homeless Resource Hotline Wins $500 Twilio Credit [Developer Contest]
Congratulations to
Mahmood and
Desiree, who built The
Homeless Resource Hotline over the course of a weekend to address a need that the newly homeless and the volunteers that interact with them constantly struggle with: finding a place to get a meal and safely spend the night.
As Mahmood explains:
Currently, finding which soup kitchens are open today or where there may be beds is a daunting task. There are many organizations that offer free meals, but you often need to call the organization to find out where and when they will be offering meals. The hotline provides all the information within seconds.
How the Homeless Resource Hotline Works
Since the hotline is a toll-free number, any person can access the listings through a public pay phone for free. Simply dial 877-231-6067 to try it out for yourself. The $500 prize money is funding the cost of the toll-free number as long as it lasts. Desiree is currently working on the "marketing" plan to get the word out to the appropriate people.
OCTOBER 18
Young Couples Lunch
Jill wrote We went to Pho Lemongrass, had 9 people (well, 8 1/2 -- Betsy had to leave early) and we had very pretty, very tasty Vietnamese food consumed along with varying levels of very spicy sauce, depending on whose plate it was. :-)
OCTOBER 11
The Common Meal was pretty low-key this month -- and very nice. There were four pizzas and four lovely homemade dishes and about 15 people. There was some discussion of the Third Annual Brookline Church of Christ Thanksgiving Extravaganza too!
OCTOBER 4
Great Communion Sunday
We had a great day of celebration commemorating a day of communion in 1809, the year of Thomas Campbell's
Declaration and Address. Chad Smith was back with us from the
Hope Church. Kevin, Anya and Marla communed with our brothers and sisters at the
Hope Church on Sunday evening. It was a wonderful day celebrating the unity of the body of Christ!
2009 is the 200th anniversary of our call for Christian unity. In his "Declaration and Address" (written in 1809), Thomas Campbell said that the Church in the whole world is united...it is One. 100 years ago, our ancestors celebrated Campbell's call for unity with a Great Communion service. Our dream is that on Sunday, October 4, 2009, congregations all across the United States...and all around the world...will meet together and celebrate Communion and remember our common heritage.
Several years ago the Board of Trustees of Disciples of Christ Historical Society looked toward 2009 and realized that we did not want to miss the opportunity to mark the bicentennial of Thomas Campbell’s “Declaration and Address.” While there are other events and documents that we have also remembered, everyone agreed that this 1809 document truly formed the constitution for our movement.
Its thesis is “the church of Christ upon earth is essentially, intentionally, and constitutionally one.” It is the clarion call for unity that has been the hallmark of the Stone-Campbell movement.
SEPTEMBER 27
Annual Brookline FALL FESTIVAL: Community Celebration and Welcoming of New Members
What a
wonderful day we had this past Sunday celebrating the Brookline Church community!! The worship was inspiring, we enjoyed a slide show, we discussed our ministry opportunities, and then we enjoyed food and visiting and getting to know each other a little better, including our new members!!
You can see the liturgy under
Sermons and Sermons Schedule. Below you will find the opening remarks as we began worship. This will give you a feeling for what we celebrated this day.
It is only by the grace of God that this particular collection of people has been brought together . . . and it is purely by the grace of God that we remain in communion with one another. We come from many different places with many different languages. We come from different social and economic backgrounds and have different political convictions. We come together with our own wounds and scars and different religious backgrounds . . . yet, although our individual narratives and gifts are unique, we believe that God has brought us together to this place for a purpose.
Today in our acts of worship, we will focus on the nature of our relationships to one another . . . because we remember the words of our Lord who said, “By this, all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
SEPTEMBER 20
Jenn and Ryan Hanson's hosted a wonderful meeting of the young couples in their beautiful home. Spagetti and Meatballs, salads, home-made bread and Apple Crisp and Cookies! Great food and time together!!
SEPTEMBER 13
Common Meal was sandwiches, cookies and chips. We ate quickly and then left together for Apple Picking. This annual fall outing was a great success. The weather was lovely, the apple cider was delicious, and the animals were abundant. It was a great opportunity to get to know new folks to the Brookline community.
August 26
Announcing the birth of
Emilia Nikitin, Vica and Gosha's second baby girl!
AUGUST 9
Several enjoyed the Common Meal at Dan's house -- a grill cookout / pool party extravaganza like only Dan knows how to throw.
JULY 26
Farewell to Jonathan and Sally
What a wonderful day we enjoyed with Jonathan and Sally. We had a good group together for worship. Jonathan once again led us in a very meaningful communion meditation. We all gathered around them for the Farewell Liturgy and then we all left together to travel to the Park's house in Wayland.
What a
feast!!
Minja and Kyung cooked lots of meat. Everyone brought plenty of veggies and salads and dessert. The day was beautiful so we were able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Park's house from their porches.
Then around 2:30 we had the
Baby Book Shower for Jonathan and Sally and their baby. That was loads of fun as we all talked about and read through the many children's books.
We are going to miss Jonathan and Sally. We hope they will come back and visit often.
June 30
Announcing the birth of
Noah Beasley Wilson, James and Marla's 2nd grandbaby. Kate loves her new little brother.
May 31
Day of Pentecost
We had a great day celebrating, as Bob put it, the "birthday party for the church." We celebrated Pentecost and the gift of the Holy Spirit. We had 12 "other" languages spoken in the reading of Acts chapter 2, 7 of which were native languages. This is always such a wonderful moment highlighting the diversity we enjoy at Brookline. Bob's sermon challenged us to expect the unexpected -- God is able to do great things and we should not be surprised when this happens.
May 17
We enjoyed having a group of students and professors from the Honors College of Abilene Christian University with us!! What a pleasure to have such a large group worship and visit with us that day! Doubled our attendance! :-)
May 10
A small but exuberant group enjoyed the monthly Common Meal with a Tex-Mex theme in honor of Scott and Beth. It was their day!! They were leaders in worship and then the guests of honor for lunch and a Wedding Shower. It was really a blast watching them open the gifts. Then we enjoyed eating a beautiful cake, even though it was decorated with the "yellow rose of Texas." :-) Congrats to both of them!!
May 9
Men's Prayer Breakfast at the Burlington Church of Christ
May 9
Volunteer day at Brookline Emergency Food Pantry
May 3
Young Couples Lunch at the Walters' house
This was our last meeting until September. We had a nice little group and had a great time!! While the guys grilled the burgers, the women had a surprise lingerie shower for Beth. What a blast! Then we ate together and had an ice cream birthday cake for Beth. It was her day! :-)
April 12
Easter Sunday
Easter Egg Hunt and Common Meal (Picnic -- finger foods)
WOW! What an amazing day with so many together to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Special thanks to the parents of the
young children for bringing them to class the last few weeks -- and for working with them at home. They were just precious helping me tell the story of Jesus, Jesus going away, and then Jesus alive again! Easter means
NEW LIFE.
Another big thanks to
Charissa Wilson for a thoughtful and challenging sermon -- and for
Liz Powell for the dramatic reading of Mark 16:1-8, which will remain in all our hearts for a long time to come.
After worship we enjoyed the annual Easter Egg hunt. We have so many little ones now -- it was so much fun!! The rest of us spent time together eating and visiting for a long time.
It was a wonderful day!
April 9
Maundy Thursday Communion Service (7:00 at the building)
10 met together for a beautiful and moving time of worship led by Kevin. It set us up in the right frame of mind for Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Thanks, Kevin!
April 5
Palm Sunday
Again this year, we had a great Parade with the children.
March 22
Kyle and Ginger Holton were with us for a wonderful day of worship and sharing. Kyle gave both an inspiring and informational presentation and challenged us to think of our world in a much bigger framework. The presentation (both audio and slides) is posted under Sermons and Sermon Schedule here on the website.
March 22
After worship the young couples met at the Walters' with the Holtons and everyone enjoyed great food (thanks Desiree, Jenn, Beth and Scott!!). Again, Kyle and Ginger were inspiring as they told more of their "story" to the group.
March 12
Griffin is a big brother. Joshua Fairfield Berry weighed 8 lbs 3 ounces and was 21 inches long. Congratulations to Jay, Sarah and Griffin!!
March 8 - 13
Students from Abilene Christian University visited and worked in Boston.
February 22
13 people had lunch at the Walters' for the young couples monthly gathering. Thanks Beth for the delicious soup!! Thanks to Angela, Nick and Fei-Ying and Betsy for the rest of the food. We talked about Jill and Eli's upcoming vacation to Italy -- and then we had a great time googling "library humor" to make a get-well card for Jenn. We miss Jenn and Ryan!! We found we have some very artistic people in our group -- and some who really like "sick humor." :-)
February 8
We all enjoyed the monthly Common Meal together with a Winter theme (on the warmest Sunday of the year!:-) with soup and chili. We also saw some of James' and Marla's pictures of their trip to Turkey last summer.
February 1
was Rita's Birthday.
Dan, Kelly, Grace, Hope, James and Marla took her a basket of birthday cards and goodies that day. She was in good spirits and we all enjoyed being with her..
January 11
Common Meal -- despite the big snow storm, a little more than a dozen people gathered for worship and then eating together.
December 21
The
Annual Minister's Breakfast' was a roaring success. We enjoyed pancakes (Bob is very good at making pancakes) and sausage and bacon and all the fixin's.
Then we gathered upstairs for our Christmas Service. What an amazing time together worshipping while watching the snow fall in that big picture window.
December 14
The children of the Brookline Community presented their version of the birth of Jesus on
Sunday, December 14th. It was absolutely wonderful!!! The parents did so much -- and many others contributed to the set design and construction.
During the children's Christmas program on
December 14th, gifts were brought to the altar. These gifts were given to
DCF Kids Fund, a non-profit organization that works with Social Services in the greater Boston area.
http://www.dcfkidsfund.org.
We received the following "thank you" note from Saf Caruso, the director of
DCF Kids Fund:
Dear Marla and Fellow Parishioners,
I want to thank each of you for your wonderful spirit of giving. Especially in this economic time of such distress for everyone, the fact that you joined with us in such a tremendous way shows such warmth and kindness and generosity on each of your parts. Each night, I just thank God for the wonderful good people who help us and the children and families we serve. It is a blessing and it is rare. I am very grateful and know how much work this also is for you to organize.
I wish you and your colleagues a happy, safe, peaceful and good New Year. I pray it will be a safe one for all.
Be well and thank you for joining with us this year. I hope we can work together for many years to come!!!
Have a wonderful holiday season and please know how very grateful we are!!!!
In deep thanks, always, Saf
December 13
About 25 people joined together at Suzanne Olbricht's house to enjoy lots and lots of good food -- and then singing carols and other holiday songs, concluding with the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas led by James with all the "motions."
December 12
A few people joined James and Marla at the
Boston University Lessons and Carols at 6:00 pm.
Then many of the young couples met together at the Walters for dessert, egg nog, and cider. We told stories of Christmas traditions and then enjoyed the "Secret Santa" reveal. Lots and lots of fun.
December 7
The Brookline Community is so happy that
Grace Taylor Li
was baptized on Sunday,
December 7th. You can see the baptism liturgy
here.
PAST EVENTS AND NEWS
Scott and Beth have BIG NEWS to share with everyone. for more information:
and
Nov 27
Thanksgiving Family Meal at Building. This was an amazing time of eating, fellowship and fun! There were 18 there for the 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Feast.
Nov 23
What a wonderful day with so many visitors and Katie Hays preaching an inspiring message.
Special Giving -- October 27
Thanks to everyone for bringing canned food for the local food bank. It was so wonderful to see everyone coming to the table with this out-pouring of gifts for those who have so little to eat in our community.
MEETING AT BOSTON UNIVERSITY -- October 27
the Mid Week Small Group met at Boston University at 6:30. The topic was Engaging Immigration: Welcoming the Stranger: Pastoral and theological responses to today's challenges Anthony Zuba as a representative of Mass Interfaith discussed the economic causes of immigration and deconstructed the sinful stereotypes that hurt immigrant workers and their families. Two seminarians from BU School of Theology spoke: Rachel Vogelzang de Lima spoke about her husband, Danilo, a Brazilian immigrant, and described his struggle to live and work legally in Massachusetts. In light of today's workplace raids, detentions, and deportations, Carolyn Frantz discussed pastoral and theological responses to the challenges of immigration. Finally, steps were offered for engagement and faith-filled activism.
LECTURE AT MIT -- October 20
Former Brookline minister, Sean Casey, spoke at MIT on Religion and the Election: What Do We Think We Know? Kevin and Bob enjoyed the evening with Sean.
BROOKLINE YOUNG COUPLES MEETING -- had a great time together on October 19 -- thanks Jill and Eli for telling your story. That was fun!!
OCTOBER COMMON MEAL AND APPLE PICKING -- October 12th Common Meal this month was at the Parks. After lunch, everyone went Apple Picking. There was fun, full tummys, and a lot of apples when the day was done. The locations are described here. Directions will be available Sunday at worship.
SCOTT'S BIRTHDAY -- Sunday October 5, 2008 was a great surprise birthday party for Scott who turned 30 on the 6th. It was a blast!!
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SMALL GROUP MEETING -- Wednesday October 1, 2008 The Wednesday night small group met at the Main Dining Room at MIT and heard discussion with Robert P. Jones, author of the new book Progressive & Religious: How Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist Leaders are Moving Beyond the Culture Wars and Transforming American Public Life
ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL -- September 28 was the annual Brookline Fall Festival. We welcome all the new people and celebrate our Brookline family together! It was a wonderful day for our community.
PARTY FOR SIERRA AND MICHAEL SPOERING -- The children's party Sunday the 14th was a big success. We all enjoyed hot dogs, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cookies and cupcakes (baked in ice cream cones -- so cool -- thanks Jill!). Thanks, Dan, for the cheese cake for the grown-ups. :-) Sierra and Michael loved all the books -- and all the children (and grown-ups) had fun. And, we all have a new-found respect for our parents with small children!! The energy in that room on Sunday was unbelievable! :-)
Common Meals July 13th and August 10th were at the home of Dan Chipchase and his mother, Pat Giannino. These times were wonderful, just chilling by the pool and enjoying great food and company.
Thanks Dan!!
It's a done deal!! Sierra and Michael are officially part of the
Spoering Family, and therefore a part of the
Brookline Family. They are going to need our help and support and prayers during this transition process, but we all know that
Amy and Ryan are going to be the best parents ever!!
Congratulations, Amy, Ryan, Sierra and Michael!!!
Sunday,
May 25th, we celebrated with
our graduates: Courtney, Desiree, Mahmood, and Cookie. We had cake before and after worship, and we heard from all the graduates about their plans.
We also said our "good-byes" to
Courtney as she is heading back to Los Angeles after her graduation this Friday. We will miss her!
Courtney McNair graduates from Wellesley College with a degree in Spanish and Political Science. She will be looking for work in California.
Desiree Koh graduated May 18 from Brandeis with a degree in Health (Health Society and Social Policy) and Economics.
Mahmood Ali has finished his coursework at MIT, but still has a couple of projects to finish before he is
completely finished. His degree is in computer science.
Cookie Harrist graduates from High School June 4th. She is heading to New York City for school at the TISH school of NYU working toward a degree in theater.
Chad Smith also received his Master of Divinity on May 18th from Boston University School of Theology. He was accepted for the PhD program at Boston College, and he has deferred for one year.
What a wonderful morning we had on
Mother's Day -- May 11th. We had so many join us for
Trilby's Book Baby Shower.
She is absolutely beautiful -- and
Jason and Rachel look great! We enjoyed cake and watching them open gifts, and then the blessing of Trilby and her family touched all of us.
The
Bradys visited with us April 13!! It was so great to see them again! They look and sound wonderful! -
April 13, 2008 -- Desiree gave a wonderful and insightful and entertaining presentation about her trip to Israel and Palestine. And we enjoyed it while eating
upside down food. :-) Thanks so much, Desiree!!
March 23, 2008 -- What a wonderful Easter Service! We had a large crowd -- it was great to be all together for the celebration of Jesus' Resurrection! The Easter Egg Hunt was, as usual, a lot of fun -- and we enjoyed sandwiches, eggs and bunny cake together. Amazingly, it wasn't as cold as last year, even though Easter was so much ealier than usual.
March 20, 2008 -- The Maundy Thursday Taize Service was a moving reminder of the Thursday evening before Jesus' death.
March 16, 2008 -- After church 6 1/2 "young couples" came to the Walters' condo (to be with the "old couple") for lunch and a "spirited and complicated" time together (inside joke). Thank you, Jill (and Desiree) for all the work preparing the meal!
March 16, 2008 -- We had such a great time with the children and the
Palm Parade celetrating Palm Sunday. Thank you, Amy, for all your work with the children during this season!!
March 13, 2008 --
Kevin Wells spoke at the Burlington Church of Christ in Burlington, MA.
Marla and Kevin were there for dinner and then the devotional. It was a wonderful time together with the people at Burlington.
March 9, 2008 -- What a wonderful event we had on Sunday with
guests from BU School of Theology sharing with us insights from their recent trip to New Orleans in January. The guest speaker was
Dr. Shelly Rambo, Professor of Theology, Boston University School of Theology, who shared with us ideas that were convicting and stirring. After worship many shared an
abundant meal of New Orleans cuisine. It was really a great day!!
February 20, 2008 -- The Wednesday Night Small Group went to the lecture by Steve Freisen at Boston University. They heard the lecture
The Wrong Erastus: Exegesis, Archaeology, and Ideology in Pauline Studies. Afterward, they enjoyed going out to eat and talking about the lecture.
February 17, 2008 -- we enjoyed a wonderful common meal together
February 3, 2008 -- Birthday Party for
Rita -- right after worship -- at her place of residence (more details later). It was a wonderful time together!! She was so excited -- and moved. She kept saying "I can't believe this -- you all have so much to do -- I just can't believe you are all here . . ."
December 23, 2007 -- Fourth Sunday of
Advent and our Annual
Christmas Worship Service
December 16, 2007 -- Third Sunday of
Advent
December 9, 2007 --
2nd Sunday of Advent and
Common Meal -- we enjoyed the Annual
Ministers Pancake Breakfast after worship.
December 2, 2007 -- First Sunday of
Advent
Thanks to everyone who helped out with decorating on
December 1st: Kevin, Amy, Ryan, Mahmood, Desiree, Rossie, Marla
November 25, 2007 -- Reign of Christ Sunday
Last Sunday for
Robert and Gail Brady to be with us
November 22, 2007 --
Thanksgiving Day at the church building. Kevin, Anya, Chris, Lauren, Ryan, and Amy want to invite anyone (and guests) to come join them for dinner and fun (activities including games, watching football, etc.) on Thanksgiving Day -- all at the building. To RSVP, to get more details and to find out what you can bring to share, contact Kevin at kevinbrooklinecoc@gmail.com or click to the left to ''email our staff."
November 10, 2007 -- Thanks to everyone who helped out with both outside and inside work: Kevin, Anya, Katya, Amy, Ryan, Anna, Dan, Scott.
November 11, 2007 --
Ryan Spoering was installed as a member of the Steering Committee. Suzanne Olbricht has stepped down from her place on the committee.
November 11, 2007 -- We had a
great Common
Thanksgiving Meal after church. Wow!! What a feast!
We had a wonderful time at Common Meal at
Minja and Kyung's house Sunday, October 14th.
Thank you Minja and Kyung for hosting and cooking.
Rachel and Jason just took their board exams in Tampa on October 10 and 11. They were in Tampa beginning Oct 1 for a review course and the final studying. This was a very difficult time for them, but they've come out at the other end with smiles on their faces. It's great to have them back with us! We will continue to pray for a good outcome to all their hard work!
Scott Haile passed his German barrier test at BC. Congratulations, Scott!!
Calendar from Bulletin
October 14, 2007
Oct 21, 2007 -- Kevin Wells Preaching
Oct 28, 2007 -- Welcome and Celebration Sunday
We will be welcoming our new members and celebrating our community. The annual meeting will also take place on this day.
Please mark your calendars for this wonderful time together as the body of Christ.
September 30
The Brookline Church is very proud of our very own
Bob Randolph who was installed as the first
Chaplain of the Institute at MIT on Sunday, September 30th.
June 19
e-mail from Gail Brady
Robert is home! I picked him up at 10:30 in Nashville last night. He is doing well, just resting today. It is so wonderful to have him back. I am so grateful!
June 15
e-mail from Robert Brady who is in Kuwait today
My assistant (SFC Dennis Rutledge, from Birmingham, AL, currently assigned to Fort Totten, NY) and I have a couple of days of almost no duty. We're walking around wearing PT clothes (army tee shirt, army shorts and tennis shoes). I'm reading Studs Terkel's "The Good War," which is an oral history of WWII - truly fascinating, and I'm grateful for Chaplain Bowerman pointing it out to me and encouraging me to take a look... We fly Sunday morning, Kuwait time. I don't know how long we'll be in Texas, but hopefully they will have me home by the 20th. Home, in this case, will be Tennessee.
My days start between 0545 and 0700, depending on when my assistant gets going in the morning. For the last several weeks, he's been staying up late playing high-level ping pong. He plays so hard his PT shirt is soaked with perspiration. He ends that around midnight, then cleans up and relaxes until 1 or 2 AM. Then he turns in and gets up around the time listed above. He can go on a few hours of sleep. He's beaten me into the same general schedule. Late at night he'll say, "Come on chaplain, let's go hang out. I know my chaplain can hang." And of course I surrender and we walk around, go to midnight chow and just enjoy the cool(er) night breeze in Kuwait. The days get scalded-dog hot, and there is an opportunity to nap in the afternoon in the air conditioning in tent city. Now that I'm in Kuwait, the lower stress environment works for this odd schedule. It does feel R&R-ish.
We had a weird moment while I was typing this letter. Sitting in an air conditioned chaplain's cubicle in Kuwait, there was suddenly a loud "boom." SFC Rutledge and I had exactly the same reaction - we thought of the car bombs we heard in Ramadi. Someone here said, "No, it's the explosive ordinance folks training..." Our own mini-PTSD manifesting itself. Ain't life grand?
OK...enough for now. God bless, and thanks for keeping in touch. Tell everyone hello!
Blessings,
Robert
June 10
Reflections from Robert Brady entitled Last Sunday in Iraq
Tonight I'm sorting through a few things and getting ready to do the final packing tomorrow. I have a flight from Ramadi to Taqaddum Monday night, then a flight from TQ to Kuwait on Tuesday or Wednesday. Helicopter tomorrow, fixed wing the next day, and DC10 a day or two after that from Kuwait to El Paso (Fort Bliss).
I spent time with the brigade chaplain this evening. We are old friends, and have been assigned together a few times over our career, but we were both surprised when we ended up working together this time. What were the odds? Not very good, especially now that I'm full-time in the reserves, and he's a regular active duty guy. He's a presby (PCUSA) and one of those rare people I've felt comfortable with, ministerially speaking. He's not a flashy guy - doesn't hog the pulpit, doesn't do sophisticated programs, just steady thoughtful ministry.
Today, the preaching minister spoke about how we could avoid being denominational in our orientation, and could just be Christians. He spent time developing the idea of the church, etc. It felt as if I were in a C of C many years ago, and was a bit out of the ordinary as a topic, particularly as the chaplain had no ties to restoration heritage churches as far as I know. He used the chapel as an example of not being tied to a particular group - everyone coming together to worship. That part could have been a good sermon, if placed in a positive statement, but he just didn't stay with it very long. It was a good lesson in knowing your audience and speaking to their needs - or rather a good example of how not to do that. He is a fine chaplain, and well loved by his unit (a reserve unit here for a year, from Idaho/Washington), and an incredible lover of Jesus and people - but I have no idea where the topic came from. It's also a good example of preaching what's on your heart, but not preaching having the discipline of the lectionary as a guide.
Chapel, as I mentioned above, is a powerful example of how people from different traditions can come together, at least for worship. There are weaknesses in the model, but also some excellent strengths. It isn't unusual for military chapel-goers to continue to go to chapel after retiring from military service. It can be a comfortable place, a peaceful place, for worship and service. Comfortable does have some risks, as you might imagine. Peaceful can as well, so all things have to be weighed in light of the gospel, but for me it can be a respite from churchiness. Many young folks, and quite a few older folks, look for a church that is a bee hive of spiritual energy. I tend to look for a place that finds power in the "still, small voice" model. Of course I don't mean dead, but a church family that senses the brooding and mysterious nature of the holy. Sort of Otto's description of the Numinous (thanks, Rudolph, for an idea that has merit). Perhaps that just means I'm getting older.
I've heard very few historic or modern hymns since I've been in this chapel setting, and I lament that. There is a praise team that plays and leads the congregation in contemporary-ish songs, some of which are excellent. Still, I yearn for at least a few of the hymns of power and meaning. I am a ying and yang guy: I like balance. Or, in keeping with the getting older idea, maybe I'm just like the South African author who many years ago wrote a book that I read almost exclusively because of the title, "Familiarity is the Kingdom of the Lost."
The days of duty in Iraq are almost finished for me. I have learned a lot about the war, a few things about the people, and have seen some terrific and terrible things. I've had my walls shake from bombs that weren't even close to my location - at least the distance kept them from hurting me or my soldiers, although I could go outside and see the cloud of dust and debris.
My soldiers are incredible people, full of human mystery, occasional crudity, and unexpected sensitivity. It is ridiculous to bring in the refrain from "I'm proud to be an American," but I can say I am touched by these American men and women who live and work far from home, and handle it so even handedly. They remind me that there is a risk of national impoverishment when we have a professional military and find ways to avoid a draft in times of war and national emergency. I have long felt that it is possible that a professional all-volunteer military could win our wars but lose our nation. You know my pet theory I think - that since the rise of the all volunteer force, we have developed an extraordinary military, yet have become entrenched and polarized in our national political and religious dogmas. The military is the only institution in america where people of all backgrounds can potentially come together and get to know one another. It is a powerful force for breaking down stereotypes. I have no illusions however: I don't expect either political party to fully encourage a return to the draft, either for military or civil service. And having a draft certainly would impact the current freedom the executive branch has in developing foreign policy. Perhaps if we had a law that mandated a draft for a conflict that goes on beyond a year - my, how the landscape of America would change. Obviously it won't happen. Perhaps a mandatory civil service - that could happen someday. Two or three years of service to the poor with tuition repayment, etc.
This week we've had a couple of vehicle borne IEDs in town. One cost an Iraqi policeman his leg, another his foot. A few nights later three Iraqi Policemen were brought in with varying injuries. One seemed likely to die, but the docs brought him back from the brink. He was also going to lose a leg, had other injuries, including some eye injuries - well, a host of things. They did a call or blood - O Negative I think. A loudspeaker blurts out the announcements and you try to interpret them between the echos. It's interesting here, because they can simply say "If you are O Negative, report to Charlie Med." None of this "please give blood" stuff. There are some advantages in being a system that is based on orders.
I walked down to the hospital. It was after 11 P.M. I'm O Negative, and I thought that was what they said, although it could just as easily have been A Neg, or O Positive, for that matter. There was a long line of soldiers, marines and civilians just waiting patiently for this medical check, then for the needle. I did not have to give, but it was certainly interesting to watch this long line of American's standing by to give blood for an Iraqi man hovering close to death. A powerful image. Some things preach without ever becoming part of a sermon.
Well, I am going now to the late-night laundry to turn in one last load of clothes. I'll pick them up tomorrow, and will pack them for the trip home. It is with both relief and sorrow that I leave. It is hard to be here, but it is also hard to leave behind so many people here. Some are on their second or third tour. My four months is small compared to their service here.
May 21
We received the following note from friends of Keith, Gina and Matthew Butterfield.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I wanted to thank you for showing love to one of our local families. Keith and Gina Butterfield are in Boston with their son Matthew as he goes through treatment for cancer. They are far away from home and their world is upside down, yet they continue to find out that God is Good all of the time. They were able to attend worship services with you yesterday and they have written us all here telling us that this was very uplifting for them. Please continue to support this wonderful, Christ-like family during their time in your area. They have been pillars during this time of trial with Matthew. We all wish we could be there with them but is a blessing to know that our "extended family" can be there to help support them.
Grace be to all of you!!
In our Father,
Jeff Batts
Antioch Church of Christ
Antioch, Tennessee''
Volunteers Needed
Sign-Up Sheets – on the back table for (1) children’s class, (2) “Coffee-Time” refreshments and clean-up, and (3) preparation of communion and clean-up.
Kelly made a presentation recently informing us that we are needing to
split the children's class into two age groups -- we have such a wide age span with our children that it is becoming more and more difficult to keep them combined. If you are interested in learning more about working with the children's ministry, e-mail Kelly at josephli@gmail.com.
Favorite Hymn Sheets
If you have not already done so, please fill out a sheet telling Marla your favorite hymns and why they are your favorite.
May 12th and May 19th
Rossie will be singing concerts with her two choruses.
Brookline Chorus
Saturday, May 12 at 8:00
St. Ignatius Church at Boston College
Haydn’s Creation Mass
(A very accessible piece, fun to listen to)
$20, $5 student/senior discount
Back Bay Chorale
Saturday, May 19 at 8:00
First Church Congregational in Harvard Square
Psalms of David
including Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms; shorter pieces by Bach, Schutz, Mendelssohn, Monteverdi, Vaughan Williams, and Mozart; and a newly-commissioned piece by an American composer. This is nice because we’re singing the psalms in many different languages (early colonial American English, “King James” English, Hebrew, Latin, and German) and styles (late Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, and Contemporary).
$20-40, $5 student/senior discount
May 19-20
Relay for Life (held overnight
May 19-20). This is an amazing event that Kelly Taylor-Li (and family have participated in for several years. This effort to raise money for the American Cancer Society involves cancer survivors of all ages, their family and friends. Held in Needham, participants join a team and take turns walking in honor, memory, and support of those stricken by cancer. If you would like more information about how to sign up and participate email Kevin kevinbrooklinecoc@gmail.com
Saturday, April 14th, 10:00-2:30
Live to Tell Workshop
Mark Love at the Nashua Church of Christ Kevin, Ben and April attended. Ask them all about it.
before the Marathon
Letter from Margaret Randolph (Bob and Jan's daughter)
Dear Brookline,
I'm taking part in the
Boston Marathon 2007 to raise money for Massachusetts General Hospital (Cancer in Children) and would really welcome your support. Please take a moment to sponsor me. It's really easy - you can
donate online by credit card and receive a record of your donation. Here's my page:
All donations are secure and sent directly to Massachusetts General Hospital. Please join me in supporting Massachusetts General Hospital and a fabulous cause!
Thanks and best wishes,
April 8
- 9:45 -- Easter goodies and Coffee and visiting -- and admiring "Easter Dresses" :-)
- 10:25 prompt!! -- Call to Worship
- 10:30 -- Worship begins (we will tell the Passion story and then celebrate the Resurrection -- Kevin will be speaking)
- There will be no children's class -- but there will be a special children's time during the worship
- Easter picnic after worship -- "finger foods" to eat outside -- no use of kitchen -- list this Sunday to sign up for what you want to bring
and, of course, the annual
Easter Egg Hunt -- and lots of picture taking!
Scott, Rachel H., Kevin, Anya, James and Marla all enjoyed the
Celtics/Mavericks game Friday March 23. Well, Scott enjoyed the game (a big Mavs fan), and the rest of us enjoyed being together. Check out the pictures on the bulletin board at the back of the sanctuary.
Cookie Harrist on stage CBS picked up this story from London promoting a CD produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber and sung by a girl Andrea Ross that Cookie has been in musicals with. For the story, they picked a clip of the singing phenom (as dad calls her) dancing with Cookie from the musical Little Princess that was here in town. They don’t mention Ariel Harrist but she is there.
