Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.
Mark 4:30-32
The June 16, 2024, service at Newton Highlands Congregational Church concluded with congregants forming a circle and sharing prayers of gratitude for staff and volunteers.
During his meditation, “The Circles of Hope,” the Reverend Ken Baily spoke about “our call as Christians to grow things that are deep rooted and expansive, like the mustard plant.”
He reflected on seeds planted during this church year, including a confirmation process for 11 youth, the change to permanent status for music director Jan Zimmerman, the conclusion of a multi-year organ renovation, a reworked Christmas pageant, the return of a children’s service, discussions about systemic racism, a Friday night soul food dinner in the church parlor, a Mission Committee-led walk to combat homelessness, a fundraising lemonade stand led by the Christian Education team, and the Annual Meeting held on June 2.
“The seven last words of a church are ‘We’ve never done it that way before,'” he concluded, “Not all seeds grow, but we need to keep doing our best to sow God’s good seeds. It is always the right season to plant ideas. It’s God who provides growth.”
For the offertory, the church choir sang “To Everything There Is a Season,” composed by member and Berklee College of Music professor Yumiko Matsuoka.
For the postlude, they sang a percussive piece entitled “Joyful Noise” (Beck).
