Compiled by The Bedford Citizen
First Parish Unitarian Universalist, St. Paul’s Episcopal and First Church of Christ have shared news of special services on Sunday, September 8.
Ingathering at First Parish on the Common
First Parish kicks off its fall season with an Ingathering on the Bedford Town Common, Sunday, September 8 at 10:00 a.m. Enthusiasm is the theme!
Weather-permitting, we’ll be outdoors with high energy accompaniment by Genki Spark, the enthusiastic Asian women’s drumming ensemble who were with us a year ago, as well as our own jazz stylists Bob and Fran Tyler. There will be welcoming words from Board president Dee Russell and our ministers – senior minister John Gibbons, parish minister Megan Lynes and our enthusiastic new intern Laura Fell Scholten – and opportunities to sign up for our enthusiastic choirs, register enthusiastic kids in our religious education program, connect and re-connect. Bring a blanket and folding chair, a small amount of water from your summer travels (to commingle in our Water Ceremony), and an enthusiastic attitude! We’ll have food to share (and buy) from our Lowell Iraqi friends at Babylon Restaurant and, from our Board, coffee, bagels and cream cheese as well. Come and enthuse!
First Parish in Bedford, Unitarian Universalist, On the Common, 75 The Great Road, 781-275-7994, www.uubedford.org. The Rev. John Gibbons, Senior Minister; the Rev. Megan Lynes, Parish Minister; Lisa Rubin, Director of Religious Education; Joan Petros, Parish Administrator. Except on special Sundays and holiday weekends when there is only one service at 10am – such as September 8 – there are usually two services, at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Children begin in the sanctuary for a “story for all ages,” then go to their own classes. Nursery care is provided.
Unitarian Universalism is a caring, open-minded religion that encourages everyone to seek their own spiritual path. Our faith draws on many religious traditions, welcoming people with different beliefs. We are united by shared values, not by creed or dogma. Our congregation is a place where people gather to nurture their spirits and put their faith into action by helping to make our community – and our world – a better place. Opportunities abound for learning, personal and spiritual growth, service and social action.
On September 15, at 9 & 11am, the theme is “Seeing God, Sometimes” with John Gibbons preaching with Aron Barabas, minister of First Parish’s partner church in Abasfalva, Transylvania.
First Parish – in collaboration with Carleton -Willard Village – provides a Sunday morning bus service for all residents to any church in town. The schedule is on the First Parish website – https://www.uubedford.org/images/CWV%20Bus%20Schedule%202013-2014.pdf – or you may contact the church office for more information.
First Parish is intentional about celebrating the presence and full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons in all aspects of congregational life. We also welcome all persons regardless of ability, disability, race, economic status, theological and political perspective, or other distinctions that keep us from embracing our common humanity. All are welcome!
Blessing of the Backpacks and upcoming adult study group at St Paul’s Episcopal Church
All young people of the parish are invited to bring their backpack to church on Sunday, September 8th for a special “Blessing of the Backpacks” to start off the school year. When you get to church that day, give the backpack to the parents to hold during the service while the kids are in Sunday School. Then, after communion, when everyone is in church there will be a special blessing of the backpacks by Rev. Chris.
Are you looking for a long-term adult Christian Education program? Education for Ministry (EFM) offers adult Christian education in Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, and Ethics/Society through a weekly gathering of 8-12 people, facilitated by two mentors who have completed the program already. Extensive materials are provided in preparation for the weekly meetings which generally run about 2 hours per week during the school year. There are spots open in the group that meets at St. Mark’s in Burlington (just 10 min. from St. Paul’s). for September. If you have any interest at all, please speak to Rev. Chris or to Rev. John de Beer at St. Mark’s ([email protected]) for more information. This program has a fee associated with it, but please talk to Rev. Chris if you would like assistance with that. This is a fantastic adult education program and a wonderful opportunity.
Homecoming Sunday at First Church of Christ
Pastor John Castricum, invites the community to First Church of Christ (UCC) on September 8th for worship as we return to the Sanctuary and celebrate the start of a great year of ministry here at First Church. The Board of Christian Nurture will be offering a continental breakfast in Upper Fellowship Hall from 9:15 to 9:45 am. You will be able to register your children for Sunday School and Youth Groups. We will also register adults planning to teach, assist or lead a group, including filling out a CORI form.
After worship, we will have a special mortgage “burning” in the Vestry, complete with McDonald Hamburgers for everyone, as called for in Loryne Koebele’s bequest to the church. Looking forward to seeing everyone for a great day of celebration! -Pastor John
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