First Sunday of Advent includes messages about peace

Worshippers on Sunday, December 3, 2023, were treated to a message about negotiating for lasting peace from Kessely Hong, Newton Highlands Congregational Church member and negotiator and educator at Harvard Kennedy School. The Reverend Ken Baily preached about peace in the Bible (more than 250 mentions) and peace makers. “God says each of us has …

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Ken Baily on couch

A message from the pastor

Freedom. Release. Rest. Comfort. Peace. Home. Rejoice. Savior. Recurrent words in Advent hymns Dear Friends in Christ, Everyone loves Christmas Carols — at least almost everyone around church. They have terms like “O come all ye,” and “Joy to the World,” and “Holy Night.” Marvelous terms. Advent hymns involve expectation, preparation, and wonder. And they are filled with terms …

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stained glass

Bylaws being reviewed

The Newton Highlands Congregational Church Council authorized a small committee to begin a review of the church bylaws in October 2023. Committee members are the Reverend Ken Baily, Sally Brickell (moderator), Rich Bryden (assistant moderator and assistant treasurer), Carol Jensen (former Worship & Spiritual Life Committee member and former moderator), Yumiko Matsuoko (Worship & Spiritual …

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Worship & Spiritual Life tries to smooth coffee situation

The needs of caffeine-dependent worshippers are front and center as Joy Huber of the Worship & Spiritual Life Committee has taken on the task of purchasing a new coffeemaker for after-worship fellowship in November 2023. Coffee drinkers and fellowship volunteers have grown frustrated as the old machine has ground to a halt, and Ms. Huber …

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Loved ones remembered on All Saints’ Sunday

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.  Revelation 7:9 During his meditation on All Saints’ Day, November 5, 2023, the Reverend Ken Baily described his glimpse of the “beloved community” two days’ …

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Empty pews with no organ pipes

Revitalized organ enhances worship

The musical aspects of the worship service on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at Newton Highlands Congregational Church were graced by a more complex sound with greater range thanks to the long-awaited completion of the repairs to the church organ. Organist Yevgenia Semeina was in her element as she skillfully played the revitalized instrument, noting that …

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