|
|
You know how hard it is sometimes to see acts of mercy and reconciliation in a fractured and fractious world. We say that the Massachusetts Council of Churches exists to “make the vibrant Church visible.” You are invited to make the diverse, vibrant, and reconciling body of Christ visible in the detention center, visible in the press, and visible to distinct parts of the Church. Join us and other Christians from across Massachusetts:
If you want to build some skill in media relations to help make a vibrant Christian witness visible in the press, join MCC for a Media Training for Pastors on Thursday March 23,hosted by the United Parish in Auburndale. This is an experiment, so if there’s interest, we may hold a similar training again in another location. Let Rev. Meagan know if you are interested, or join us as we attempt a Facebook live broadcast!
If you delight in experiencing the diverse parts of the Church, join MCC for one of the many upcoming “Ecumenical Pilgrimages,” a facilitated opportunity to visit a tradition different than your own. Join the "Ecumenical Pilgrimage to Vespers of St. Lazarus in the Melkite Tradition” on Friday April 7, or one of the "Ecumenical Pilgrimages to Holy Tuesday in the Episcopal Tradition,” either in Boston or Springfield, on Tuesday April 11, 2017. Scroll down for more information!
Church, I see this everywhere I go: You are working faithfully in each place to show Christ's love. I am deeply grateful. We are bolder, more visible together. Bless you. Thank you.
With Hope,
Rev. Laura
|
|
|
|
|
In This Issue
March 23
March 24-25
March 25
March
April 7
Ecumenical Pilgrimage to Maronite Church
April 11
Ecumenical Pilgrimages to renew Ordination Vows
April 17
Youngish Clergyish Post-Easter brunch
April 21
Mondays in May
|
|
|
|
|
Check out this flyer for more information on the ecumenical efforts to support Syrians, including a screening of the film "White Helmets" on March 20, and a panel discussion with Stephen Rapp, former Ambassador-At-Large for War Crimes Issues, among others, on March 26.
|
|
|
|
|
The Massachusetts Council of Churches is partnering with Boston Faith and Justice Network to connect Christians living in intentional community across Massachusetts.
|
|
|
|
|
The Massachusetts Council of Churches relies on donors like you to join us in making the Vibrant Church Visible! During our Advent appeal, we got a strong start to our campaign to identify 153 new monthly donors, tripling the number of monthly donors we had before! But we still have work to do. Please join us with your monthly gift of $11.15!
|
|
|
|
|
You won't want to miss out on these upcoming events:
May 6: BostonServe
Sponsored by Unite Boston, Boston Serve is a day for churches around the city to serve their neighborhoods as a visible sign of Jesus' love for Boston. If you want to add a service project, you can do so at their website by April 1!
May 14: Mother's Day Walk for Peace
June 18: Coptic Church Music Concert
Featuring church music in Coptic, English, and Arabic, this concert by an Egyptian Choir will be held at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Ma. Tickets are $30 per person for this opportunity to show ecumenical solidarity to our Coptic brothers and sisters! More on this flyer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thursday, March 23, 2017
2:00-3:30 PM
64 Hancock St
Auburndale, MA 02466
We've been overwhelmed with requests from pastors wanting to understand how to best work with the media--so we're hosting a training. Learn from a PR professional about how to get your point across, represent your church accurately, and pitch newsworthy stories.
You want to communicate with the press clearly and faithfully. Together, we can help with a vibrant Christian witness. RSVP on the facebook event or to Rev. Meagan.
**Can't be there in person? We'll be trying out facebook live to stream this event-- join us! |
|
|
|
|
March 24-25, 2017
Regency Hotel & Conference Center
Boxborough, Massachusetts
(Formerly Holiday Inn Boxborough)
Embracing Stewardship will help you strengthen your congregation’s stewardship ministry. Mindful of generational perspectives and attuned to the world in which congregations live, the four keynote presentations this Conference offers will provide pathways your congregation can follow to deepen your members’ understanding of themselves as stewards of the bounty of God. In addition, two workshop opportunities will also be offered! Find more information and register online.
|
|
|
|
|
Whether you’re interested in creating inclusive community in the church, starting a new social venture, or just living a Christ-centered life, networking and fundraising are critical for spreading and sustaining your vision. Yet, for many, they feel transactional and icky. Join Catalyst, a spiritual innovation hub in Cambridge, MA, for a one-day, skills-based workshop on human-centered networking and fundraising that reframes these concepts in relational ways.
Early bird pricing available through March 20th, 2017.
|
|
|
|
|
Ecumenical Pilgrimage to Vespers of St. Lazarus in the Melkite Tradition
Friday April 7 (time)
We’ll attend the vespers liturgy, and the meal after, where Rev. Laura will be the guest speaker. The Vespers of St. Lazarus begin the transition from Great Lent into Holy Week. Please RSVP to the Facebook event or email Rev. Laura.
Ecumenical Pilgrimages to Holy Tuesday
Tuesday April 11, 2017
Boston: 11:00 AM
Cathedral Church of St. Paul
All are invited to renew ordination vows and experience the Episcopal tradition. Christian clergy looking for renewal and centering during Holy Week are invited to join.
Meet Rev. Laura 15 mins before the start time near the back of the church--there will be a reserved section for our ecumenical delegation! Please RSVP at the Facebook event.
A luncheon will follow ($10 per person, open to all).
For lunch reservations call 617-482-4826, ext. 221 or e-mail cathedral@diomass.org.
Springfield: Time TBA
Christ Church Cathedral
All are invited to renew ordination vows and experience the Episcopal tradition. Christian clergy looking for renewal and centering during Holy Week are invited to join. Please RSVP to Rev. Daryl and watch for an update the first week of April via email and on facebook.
Youngish-Clergyish Post-Easter Brunch
Monday, April 17, 2017
12:00-3:00pm
Join other Youngish Clergyish types from across Massachusetts for Post-Easter recovery brunch on Easter Monday! Stop by any time between 12-3 for some brunch--KIDS welcome, SWEATPANTS welcome. Very welcome. Please feel free to invite other colleagues. For more information or to RSVP, email Rev. Daryl or check our facebook event page! * we consider both "youngish" and "clergyish" to be expansive categories, open to self-definition. Our aim is to connect up those who serve the Church in some way and celebrate surviving Holy Week! Brunch is open to any and all who want to bask in the post-Easter glow with over the fellowship of baked goods.
|
|
|
|
|
Training sessions for Spiritual Care Givers, Mondays in May 2017
Who should volunteer? Adult lay leaders and clergy willing to visit detention center in Plymouth, MA once a month. A second language is helpful, but not required.
When & where will we be trained? 4 Monday evenings in May 2017, hosted by Church of the Pilgrimage, 8 Town Square, Plymouth, MA.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The 
