Rev. Terry Burke writes:
On Wednesday nights in March, I will be leading a study group on worship and our service. It will be especially for those who might want to participate in our liturgy in various ways. Please email the church if you are interested.
Rev. Terry Burke:
Today we are celebrating Candlemas, a church holiday including the blessing of candles. This should be done closer to February 2nd, but it’s a little early as George Wardle will be preaching next Sunday. Later, for Candlemas, we will be sharing candles and flames as part of our service.
There are many related layers to the holiday of Candlemas. It’s associated with St. Brigid of Kildare, Ireland, whose distinctive cross is on the cover of our order of service. St. Brigid died in the 6th century, and legend has it that when the rite was being conducted to consecrate her as a nun, she was made a bishop instead. St. Brigid was noted for her concern for the poor. We used to celebrate Medieval Feasts at this church, and children of the parish once dramatized the story of the saint’s cloak. A stingy king promised as much land for the poor as St. Brigid’s cloak would cover – her nuns ran with its corners in the four directions as it magically covered his kingdom. There are still Brigidine nuns, and as part of their work they keep an eternal flame.
First Church’s annual retreat will be held at Glastonbury Abbey in Hingham, Massachusetts. In a supportive and confidential environment, we will explore the question of how we can live authentically, and how that can bring us closer to each other and to God. Come be part of our Spiritual Facebook!
The retreat will run from Friday evening, March 16th through lunch on Sunday, March 18th. The cost is $200 per person, with some scholarships available.
Terry Burke, Ghanda DiFiglia, and Alice Kociemba will facilitate this retreat. Please contact Mary Brady if you are interested in attending, and with any questions you might have.
A new “Croning” discussion group – for women in the congregation, centered on celebrating the transition of moving into the third stage of life and the wisdom found there – will start on Thursday, February 16 from 7 to 9 pm and run for 6 weeks. If you are interested in participating and/or want more information, please contact Margaret Suby.
Rev. Terry Burke, Nancy Nee Hanifin, and Jen Roy will be sharing their experiences walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage at a J.P. Forum event at our church on Friday, February 3 at 7 p.m. Join us for “Buen Camino! Pilgrimage in the Modern World.”
Laura McCord, David Gdula, Katie and Christopher have extended an invitation to all RE families and “friends of RE” to attend a special BBQ at their home. The date is set for Sunday, August 7, beginning at 4:00 pm. Folks can bring a side dish if they want to; hamburgers and hot dogs will be supplied. We’ll mainly gather for fun, but will also discuss some plans (curriculum, special events, etc.) for the coming church year. Please RSVP to laura.mccord41@yahoo.com or 617-327-8481. You may also contact the Director of Religious Education, Mick Hirsch, at mchirsch@hotmail.com or 508-488-7116 with any questions
Rev. Terry Burke will be leading a Quiet Day for bread baking. The group will participate in making and baking Terry’s anadama bread and spend time in reflection and meditation. A simple lunch will be served, suggested donation $5. Let us bake bread together on Saturday, May 7th, 12-5PM. Please RSVP to firstchjp@aol.com.
Beginning Wednesday the 20th at 7:30 p.m., Margaret Suby will lead a discussion for the women in the congregation centered on celebrating the transition of moving into the third stage of life, and the wisdom found there. The class will run until late May. Contact Margaret at margaretsuby@msn.com for more information.
Terry Burke will be leading a four part series on “Types of Prayer.” The sessions will be 9:45 – 10:45 am on Sunday in the Morse Room/Nursery. We will talk about different forms of prayer and then try them. Beginners welcome! The session on March 13th will look at “Prayer of the Imagination.” March 20th – Lectio Divina – praying with the Bible. March 27th – Praying with icons and repetitive prayers. April 2nd- Centering Prayer. Please RSVP to the church so we know how many handouts to make: firstchjp@aol.com
The annual First Church spiritual retreat—on the theme of Forgiveness—will take place from Friday evening April 8 through lunchtime on Sunday April 10. We will spend the weekend at Glastonbury Abbey in Hingham, MA. There will be opportunities for group discussion, worship, nature walks, and the option to sit in with the Benedictine brothers as they observe their daily offices. The retreat will be led by Rev. Terry Burke and Rev. Marshall Hawkins. Cost for the weekend: $180. Some scholarship money is available. To register, contact Mary Brady, mbrady1983@aol.com.
Adult Religious Education Program: Beyond War Wednesdays 7-9, Feb. 16 – Mar. 9
A dialogue group to explore the principles and core practices of Beyond War (www.beyondwar.org) will be held in the Morse Room beginning February 16th. The group will use the book “Living Beyond War: A Citizen’s Guide,” and the dialogue will be facilitated by Winslow Myers, who serves on the Board of Beyond War and is a new member of the church. Winslow will be at coffee hour some Sundays to give out books. Questions? call him at 617-942-2790, or email winslow@winslowmyers.com.