The church in Corinth cannot stop bickering. Specifically, in the lectionary reading assigned for this Sunday (1 Corinthians 8), they are disagreeing about whether they can eat meat that had been dedicated to pagan gods. The educated members of the congregation reach out to Paul, and argue their case: It shouldn't matter what we eat, since there is only one God, right? The uneducated people in the congregation, they complain, are confused and are saying we cannot eat what we want to eat, and do what we want to do-can you help?
Paul responds: you are perfectly right, you can eat anything you wish, in God's eyes. But, he goes on, sometimes being right is not enough. Being Christian means being family to one another, and just because you can doesn't mean you should- especially when something would hurt others in the church family. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up (1 Cor 8:1). We are living in a time of deep divides, a time in which many voices are claiming that they are right, while others are wrong. How different the world could be if we realized that, often, right is not enough, but that-to be good to one another-love must lead the day. This Sunday we will come together, welcome new members to the church, and vote on the proposed bylaw changes. As we welcome our newest members and guide and govern the church together let us heed the advice of Saint Paul and pursue love in all our deliberations, and in all things. - Amelia "Daniel Pinkham once scandalized a student at New England Conservatory with his reply to the question as to where he found his inspiration for his music. He said to the student, “Oh, you don’t understand: I am an artist! I write for money!” Well, I guess I’m also an artist, as most of the time I write because I’m being paid to do so. It’s my vocation; it’s my job. "But of course there’s much more to it than that, as no doubt Dan would’ve said had he not been playfully deflecting the most exasperating question an artist can be asked. To look at composing another way, let’s go to Robert Schumann: “People compose for many reasons — to become immortal; because the piano happened to be open; because they want to be a millionaire; because of the praise of friends; because they have looked into a pair of beautiful eyes; or for no reason whatsoever.” "In my own case, the desire to write music springs from a desire to connect, to communicate. It is a complex thing, I can tell you, to be an inveterate introvert from a formal New England background, yet also have a temperament marked by awkwardly unruly passion. At first I sought to connect and communicate as a performer, the music expressing emotions I would always be too self-conscious to attempt myself. However, by the end of my graduate work in performance, the unfortunate truth became evident: I have nerves of straw. There are not enough beta-blockers in the world to make me a compelling recitalist. "It gradually became clear that my work as a composer presented a much more secure means to the same end, and so I have continued. The source of my creative energy is provided by my own relationships – the loves of my life (and sometimes the rueful ex-loves), my Dalai Lama-like teachers and therapists (and sometimes their less-than-helpful counterparts), and the invaluable friendship of the gifted players and singers and conductors whose loyal support and encouragement make it possible for me to pick up my mechanical pencil every day. The act of composition is for me a triangulation: my world of relationships, my aesthetic, and finally, the piece. "For the most part, I think I succeed, and am profoundly grateful to have the chance to meet the world in this way. I use a musical language and technique which I hope is elevated enough to engage the most knowledgeable artists and listeners, yet transparent enough for enjoyment at the broad middle ground. It’s the greatest compliment I can think of to be the subject of this afternoon’s program. I know much hard work has gone into its preparation. I hope you will join me in letting Heinrich, his Merry Band, and Barbara all know how much we appreciate it. " We rejoice with Steve Courtney on the recent wedding of Andrew Duval, son of Steve and Lisa Courtney, to Sophie Offner, daughter of Stuart and Susan Offner. They were married Saturday December 30th at Alden Castle, Brookline. Both families are from Belmont. The wedding couple, continuing the winter theme, honeymooned in Iceland. Andrew will continue his work at Smartsheet and his MBA at Northeastern. Sophie is half way through law school at BU. We pray for them a life of deep abiding compassion.
We also rejoice with Widad Ayad on her continued recovery from a fall. She is receiving physical therapy at Marian Manor Nursing Home in South Boston. Cards and phone calls are welcome: Widad Ayad Marian Manor Nursing Home 130 Dorchester Avenue South Boston, MA 02127 Switchboard: 617-268-3333 Pam Bergeron is scheduled to have additional surgery related to her cancer on January 18, 2018. We hold Pam and her family in our prayers, sending her love and peace. Yesterday we shared the sad news about the death this week of Herman Woerner, who has been a very active member at King’s Chapel during the last one-and-a-half years. The Memorial Service celebrating his life will take place on Saturday, January 20 at 2 PM at the church. A reception at the Parish House may follow; watch for updates. We also are mourning the death of our member Joy Natoli, who died in Hawaii at the turn of the year after suffering with Alzheimers. We have now confirmed with her daughter that a memorial service will be held at King’s Chapel. Watch for more information so we can come together and remember Joy. King’s Chapel By-Laws: Proposals and Relevant Excerpts
These proposals will be voted upon on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 12:15 pm after Morning Prayer. The congregation will gather in the church. The 2018 budget also will be voted upon at that time. Please plan to attend. Article II, Purpose Proposal: a) to change the Covenant phrase "service to man" b) to choose a new phrase. Suggestions include: all, all people, creation, humanity, humankind, others Current: "The purpose of the Society shall be to maintain Christian worship in King’s Chapel and to engage in any other activities that are functions of a religious society. The Covenant of the Society shall be worded: In the love of truth and in the spirit of Jesus Christ, we unite for the worship of God and the service of man." Comment: Many people now interpret man to mean “men”, not everyone. We plan to vote first on whether to change that phrase, and then choose the replacement in a follow-up vote. Article III, Membership (relevant excerpt) Revised proposal, new language in italics: "Any person sixteen (16) years of age or older may be admitted to membership in the Society who (1) shall have given notice to the Committee on Membership of his or her desire to become a member by attending worship and events at King’s Chapel for at least three (3) months prior to admittance, discussing membership with the minister or members of the Committee on Membership, and attending a meeting to discuss the history, governance, and worship of King’s Chapel, 2) shall have been recommended for membership by the Committee on Membership in consultation with the Minister, and (3) shall subscribe publicly to the Covenant of the Society, all in accordance with procedures established by the Wardens and Vestry. The Minister may waive the foregoing requirements in case of emergency, such waiver to be subject to ratification by the Committee on Membership." Current phrasing of clause 1 above: "1) shall have given written notice to the Committee on Membership of his or her desire to become a member at least three (3) months prior to admittance," Previous proposal: to delete "at least three months" from clause 1 above. In this day and age, the present bylaw seems more appropriate to an exclusive club rather than to a church that hopes to be welcoming. Formal requirements for written notice in advance are no longer a social norm. KC members have expressed concern at losing the three-month notice. Joining a church is a serious decision. Some fear that a group could take over the church on short notice, although the current bylaw does require recommendations from the Committee on Membership and the Minister. The new proposal maintains a three-month period, but focuses on participation, not the timing of written notice. It requires specific types of interaction with KC and reflects our experience. Almost all new members have been engaged with King's Chapel for at least three months, often much longer. Article XII, Calling, Hiring, and Dismissing of Ministers (Senior Minister) Proposal: "Upon recommendation by the Search Committee, the Minister shall be called by a vote of not less than 75% of the members of the Society present at a meeting called for that purpose. A quorum shall be that of an Annual Meeting (see Article VI)." Current: The current bylaw requires 90% of the votes to call a Senior Minister. Article VI requires 50 members for a quorum. Comment: A strong candidate might withdraw after learning that 5 people could defeat a call if the meeting only met the quorum of 50. The call is a public process, so the candidate would need to inform others and perhaps risk another job (e.g., if presently serving another congregation). The 90% rule is higher than most other churches and higher than draft bylaws suggested by the UUA. KC members note that a candidate for Senior Minister is unlikely to accept a call at 75%. Some believe that should be the candidate's decision, not ours. Other Updates and Edits Additionally, edits to Articles V, X, and XIV give the Wardens greater discretion to choose the dates for elections and committee reports (reflecting the decision to hold elections in the spring). The review group also recommends various minor clarifications and edits. A copy of the bylaws redlining suggested changes will be available on request via the Parish Administrator. Prepared by Betsy Peterson We mourn today with the many friends of our member Joy Natoli, who died peacefully this week in Hawaii, firecrackers in the background as New Year’s began.
Her daughter Liza wrote of Joy, “I know she has not gone anywhere, just let go of a sick body that no longer served her. I am so grateful that a loving, spunky, firecracker of a lady got to leave with dignity, and even with a little pizazz.” Joy Natoli was a longtime member of King’s Chapel, a former resident of Beacon Hill, and secretary to our minister emeritus, Carl Scovel. Since she moved to Hawaii with her daughter Liza, we have prayed for Joy at each Morning Prayer service, as Joy continued to grapple with Alzhiemer’s. We hold in prayer especially Liza, Cathy who also cared for Joy, and our member Bob Fitzgerald. We will share later any information we learn about any plans for a memorial service in Boston. We also hold in our prayers Pam and Mike Bergeron and their daughter Caroline. Pam received news this week that she will need additional surgery for her cancer in the next few weeks. May God bless the whole family and her health care providers. |
King's Chapel Parish Community BlogThese are the thoughts and reflections of the King's Chapel community. Categories |