Worshippers on Sunday, April 3, 2022, participated in a healing service, a tradition started at Newton Highlands Congregational Church during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. The Reverend Ken Baily spoke about Christianity’s core call to repair the broken, heal the sick, and restore the life urge. The senior choir sang “Write Your Blessed Name,” …
What do Noah, Naamah, Moses and Zipporah have in common? They all made it to the far side of raging waters. Are we making it to the far side, too? Yes, thank God. Dear Friends in Christ, Early on in the pandemic I was being more cautious than clever when I reminded us that it …
Good Friday Tenebrae, April 15, 7:30 p.m. Holy Week begins on Palm/Passion Sunday, and its climax involves the stories of the day of crucifixion. Twelve readers extinguish twelve candles, interspersed with Taizé chant, in a well-spaced gathering in the Great Hall. Our Senior Choir leads our music, back together for the first time in three …
Following through on his Lenten theme of “clear, connect, commit,” the Reverend Ken Baily, with help from Wendy Donnell, director of Christian Education, and Sally Brickell, moderator, has been working on decluttering projects in several office and storage areas. Misha Hill has assisted by identifying items that can be disposed of as tech trash. Thank …
The City of Newton will host a vigil for peace on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. at Newton City Hall. The event will include a collection of humanitarian items.
Member and licensed minister Bill Cordts spoke on Sunday, March 27, 2022, relating the parable of the Prodigal Son to believers’ relationship with God. He talked about the example of forgiveness illustrated by the father in the story. In addition to being a candidate for ordination in the United Church of Christ, Bill has led …
Read moreBill Cordts preaches about Prodigal Son on March 27
Starting on Sunday, April 3, 2022, all are invited to a weekly discussion at 1:00 p.m. on Zoom to look at the world this Lent and ask the following: What does our Bible say about migrants and refugees? What do we see and say about the war that creates them? What do we do as …
Read moreScriptures of refuge and hope to be discussed starting April 3
In the face of uncertainty there is nothing wrong with hope. Stephanie Matthews-Simonton The worship service on Sunday, March 20, 2022, included “Create in Me a Clean Heart,” by Thomas Keesecker, sung by the senior choir, and “Elegie,” by Ukrainian composer Mykola Lysenko, played on the piano by Yegvenia Semeina. The Reverend Ken Baily recalled …
Read moreMarch 20 service features postlude by Ukrainian composer
In his sermon on Sunday, March 13, 2022, the Reverend Ken Baily spoke about the need to clear space in one’s life and to thoughtfully pause before refilling that space, considering adding elements like self-care, prayer, and social action. The hymns included “God is My Shepherd,” and the choir sang “Christ Be Beside Me,” composed …
The 150th anniversary of Newton Highlands Congregational Church will be celebrated in several ways in the spring of 2022. Jim Harper, Dennis Rieske, and Marianne Talis will speak during May worship services about several aspects of church history. Historic information and photos will be added to the church website (NHCC.net), and graphic designer Lars Dietrich …