My uncle sent me a pitcher. He was cleaning house and distributing a last few heirlooms from my grandparents’ farmhouse in Makawao on Maui. Years ago this large glass pitcher had graced their dinner table every evening, holding the chilled fresh milk that my grandfather had pulled warm from the red cow that morning. I remember being at that table with siblings and cousins during summer vacations, and I remember the pitcher going round and round until it was empty. (We were big milk drinkers in those days.)

I’ve been at other tables this summer. The faces around the table changed and the beverages that we shared differed from place to place. Sometimes it was family gathered; sometimes it was friends; for several days in Minneapolis I gathered with colleagues in ministry. Sometimes the faces were familiar; sometimes the acquaintances were new. Sometimes I looked forward to the gathering; sometimes I wished for an excuse to be elsewhere. Sometimes the talk was easy and the conversation flowed; at other times we chose our words with care, or cast about nervously for something to say.

The mantle of life is woven at dinner tables. As we take our places and the plates are filled the warp is set, and the threads of conversation weave color and substance into the fabric. As disparate as our backgrounds and opinions may be, in breaking bread and sharing food and drink our lives are bound together, sometimes profoundly. Much else in life may pull us apart – trouble and strife may pluck at loose fibers – but as we come together at table again and again, as family and community, new strands will add strength, old tears will be repaired, the fabric will be changed – but it will hold.

This summer the fabric of the Episcopal Church was tested. Many of us watched in the news – with whatever mixture of anxiety, excitement or alarm – as our General Convention passionately debated and then solemnly passed a resolution to confirm the election of our first openly gay bishop, Gene Robinson of New Hampshire. No cheer went up when the tally was taken in the House of Deputies; silence reigned, and the chaplain was called forward to lead the House in prayer. The days that followed brought protests and expressions of grief and pain – as well as sighs of relief and joy. No one present could pretend to know the full consequences of the action that they had taken, but – with very few exceptions – all agreed on the immediate next step: they gathered at table. Bread was broken and wine shared. In this way, at the very height of political division they witnessed to their spiritual unity: their unity in Christ.

I do not know what impact, if any, the actions of General Convention may have on our life as a parish. I do not know whether from here or from elsewhere there will come matters of division and distress that will tug at the fabric of our community. I do know that our true unity – the only unity that matters – will not be preserved by unanimity of opinion or uniformity of style or custom or anything else that is in our human power to make or to enforce. Our unity will always be a promise, a gift offered from the one hand that sustains us all, a gift we receive together as we gather at table. By the grace of this gift our bonds will hold, and at this table we will be strengthened and refreshed, week by week, with the milk of human kindness.

Steven

Changes in our schedule of worship

Sundays in September will see two important changes in our pattern of worship at the 10:30 a.m. service.

The first change will involve only our Church School children: Beginning September 7, older children (grades 4-7) will gather from their classrooms for a new chapel service of their own at 11:15 a.m. in the Old Parish House. This service will be led by Greg Blackburn, our new Children’s Chaplain, and Chris Eastburn, our Junior Choir Director. The younger children will continue their customary service at 10:30 a.m. in the Children’s Chapel with Greg and Chris. Both of these services will normally be held on first and third Sundays of the month. On second Sundays, all Church School children will join their families in the church (during the Passing of the Peace) for Holy Communion.

The second change involves all of us: The customary All Parish Worship (adults and children together – no Church School) on fourth Sundays of the month will take alternating forms from month to month. On September 28 at 10:30 a.m. we will gather for a contemporary Eucharist in the Parish Hall. This service will feature music led by Chris Eastburn and the Junior Choir along with a slightly more informal style of liturgy. On October 28, the All Parish worship will take the form of traditional Morning Prayer in the church, with music by Michael Murray and the Senior Choir. There will be a forum after church on September 14th to discuss these changes.

Directory update

If any of your information has changed since the Directory was printed last September please call Phil with the changes or email them to office@redeemerchestnuthill.org.

“A Pledge for Our Future”

Stewardship 2003/4

The Church of the Redeemer is in the midst of significant change, searching for a new Rector for only the first time in almost 15 years! The search is exciting and scary at the same time. One thing that has not changed is that the Church simply cannot thrive and grow without the generous financial support of our parishioners. That is where Stewardship comes in!

Over the next few months the 2003/4 Stewardship Campaign will be underway. We chose the theme “A Pledge for Our Future” to reflect the fact that making a pledge to the Stewardship Campaign is about making a commitment to our own future with the Church of the Redeemer.

As we return from what we hope was a restful summer with friends and family, please take the time to reflect on the gifts that God has given to you and your family. Take the time to reflect on the level of support that you have given the Redeemer in the past and consider the level of support you can provide in the coming year. Take the time to think about the amount that you pledge to the Church of the Redeemer every year in the context of the amounts that you spend and contribute in other aspects of your life.

One of our goals this year is to conclude the campaign shortly after Commitment Sunday on October 26. We hope to reduce the number of follow up phone calls we make, calls which are uncomfortable for all concerned. Please help in this effort by starting to think about your pledge now and making a pledge on or before Commitment Sunday.

You will be hearing much more about “A Pledge for Our Future” in the weeks to come. Please contact us if you have questions or if you would like to assist the committee with this mission. You can also learn more at www.redeemerchestnuthill.org/stewardship.

We are looking forward to a great Campaign.

Stuart Mathews

Mary Ellenberger

Stewardship Co-Chairs

Vestry

During the summer, the work on the north elevation of the church was completed. In addition, the chimney of the Old Parish House was rebuilt and the interior work on the tower was finished. New planting was added on each side of the church’s front doors to replace bushes that had died during the construction.

New birch trees and day lilies were planted below the Memorial Garden and new bushes were installed behind the Columbarium. These were gifts from a neighbor and parishioner for which the church is most grateful.

Work on the organ was also completed this summer. It now has a new computer in it and has been redesigned to be more playable. Once again, we are most grateful to a generous parishioner who funded this renovation.

After three years of service, Craig Swan and his family left for St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Camillus, New York. Their ministry at The Church of the Redeemer was celebrated at a brunch following the 9 am service on August 17. Everyone there wished the Swans God’s speed as they embark on their new calling and thanked them for everything they had done for all of us.

The search is proceeding for a new Assistant Rector, but in the meantime, everyone is hard at work to compensate for Craig’s absence. Many thanks to all the parishioners who have so far offered to help fill in until we find someone:

- Erik Britt-Webb and Tina Rowley will be working with Junior Youth Group

- Graeme Mills and Erik Britt-Webb are forming a Bible study group

- Greg Blackburn has offered to act as our Children’s Chaplain and help teach the Confirmation Class, and

- Pam Mathews and Graeme Mills will be co-chairing Outreach this year.

We are looking forward to a wonderful fall and hope you will join us.

Summer lemonade a sweet success

Once again this summer we served lemonade after the nine o’clock Eucharist. We are all very grateful to all who volunteered to help make this a success. Thanks also to the Church Service League who provided it all.

Report of the Rector Search Committee

The Search Committee for a New Rector is pleased to report that the first part of the search process, a period of self-study, is completed. In April and May members of the Search Committee and the Vestry conducted a series of self-study forums in which the congregation was invited to reflect on what the parish is like today, what our hopes and dreams are for the future, and the attributes we’d like to see in a new Rector. We heard from many adults and youth in the parish, speaking as one voice on some issues and voicing a plurality of opinions on others. In addition, a number of you were in touch with us individually to share your thoughts. We are deeply appreciative of your taking the time to participate in this very important endeavor. We are incorporating the information we gathered into a written profile of our parish that will be available this fall for your comments.

The completed parish profile will be given to applicants for the Rector’s position as we begin soliciting applications later in the fall. The Search Committee will receive the names of potential candidates. We expect to evaluate many potential candidates throughout the winter months, using their written applications, a computer based response they submit to the Diocesan Deployment Office, copies of sermons, references, answers to written questions posed to the candidates, and visits to other churches in order to hear selected candidates preach. A select group of applicants will then be invited to interview with the Search Committee. We are blessed to have a dedicated and diverse group of parishioners serving on the Search Committee. Please keep us in your prayers as we move forward with the important task of identifying a new spiritual leader for our parish.

If you have questions about the search process or if you wish to suggest the names of candidates, please consult with one of the committee co-chairs:

Peggy Reiser (MMReiser@aol.com; 617-566-3056) or

Tom Ellenberger (tome@hms.harvard.edu; 617-964-0807),

or any other member of the Search Committee

Barbara Beal

Leslie Eckel

Lucinda Doran-Stern

John Finley IV

Jeff Garner

Pam Matthews

Nina Moriarty

Jim Napier

Velura Perry

Chris Sampson

Mary Torrence

Suzy Westcott

Redeemer Small Group Bible Study

Are you interested in developing your spirituality? Want to learn more about your faith Christian teachings and the Bible on which they are based? How would you like to do this while at the same time building special bonds with a group of fellow Redeemerites?

If you answered yes to any of the above or are even curious we invite you to try our small group to see how such an adventure might unfold. Our group seeks to cultivate individual spiritual development while also strengthening bonds that make up our Redeemer community. Since we’re each taking our own spiritual journey there are no dumb or foolish questions—just a caring supportive group of people looking to bring greater meaning to their life and their relationships.

Who:	Established Christians/parishioners as well as newcomers to Redeemer or Christianity.
What:	Study of the *Gospel of Mark* using the Life Change Bible Study from Navigator Press.
When:	Every other week beginning Monday September 15 2003. Meetings will go from 8 pm to 10 pm (dinner not included). Even if you are unable to make the first session anyone is welcome to join at any time. It is our hope that in order to build knowledge and a fellowship base participants will make a commitment to attend on a regular basis.
Where:	Location will rotate between homes of group members. Initial meeting is at the home of Graeme Mills and Debby Hunter Mills at 19 Kilsyth Rd Brookline.
Structure:	Opening Prayer Discussion and questions Joys and Concerns Closing Prayer
Preparation:	Beginning from the second session participants will have read the relevant verses of Mark and considered the questions prior to arrival.
Discussion:	Focused on interpretation of the passages and application for our daily lives.

So if you are one of the many in the self-study forums who indicated the need for more spiritual formation grab your bible and join us.

For more information or to confirm your plan to attend please contact:

- Graeme Mills (617-731-3285 graememills@comcast.net) or

- Erik Britt-Webb (617-558-5322 ebrittwebb@yahoo.com)

Or visit http://www.redeemerchestnuthill.org/education/bible_study.htm

Senior Youth Mission Trip Report

Mission trip opportunities have been a valued part of the Redeemer Youth experience for the past several years. Trips to Appalachia, Chile and Puerto Rico have provided our young people the opportunity to serve others and the challenges of working in an unfamiliar environment, coming to know a different culture, and experiencing more deeply their dependence upon God.

On August 6, fifteen of our young people participated in a second annual venture to Barrinas, Puerto Rico. They completed three projects during their stay that will be valued by the congregation of San Juan Apostole. These projects included a portable black board, a hand-painted sign for the exterior of the building, and a shelving unit to be used as a seasonal saints and votive station.

This year’s trip also provided a learning opportunity of a decidedly different kind. On the second night of the trip eleven of the youth participants – undetected by the chaperones – shared a quantity of contraband alcohol, with the result that one person was briefly hospitalized for alcohol poisoning. As soon as it was determined that this person was out of danger, arrangements were made for the immediate return home of all the young people involved in the incident. We thank God that permanent physical harm was averted due to the prompt response of the chaperones and the care of local health professionals.

On Tuesday evening, August 19, the clergy, wardens and chaperones met with members of the youth delegation and their parents to discuss how we might, as a community of faith, learn from and respond to what had happened. The gathering began and ended with prayer and the remembrance of God’s grace, forgiveness and healing power. A number of suggestions emerged for future programming for our youth, including discussions of substance use and positive responses to peer pressure, as well as future opportunities for service at home and abroad. Future gatherings will re-examine our parish policies and procedures on youth outings to identify any means of reducing the risk of harm without changing the essential character of the mission trips.

I commend our ministry with youth to your continuing prayers, and I invite any parish members with concerns about this incident to speak directly to me or to the wardens.

-- The Rev. Steven Bonsey

Church School News

Dear Church School Families

We know you are soaking in these last days of a glorious summer. Our first day of Church School will be SEPTEMBER 7th. The Committee has put together a terrific curriculum for this year. As you know there are exciting changes planned for the children; a chapel for the older grades and on the 2nd Sunday of each month the children will join their families for communion.

The K/1 class has 3 new teachers! Teresa Chope Tory Hackett and Davis Fulkerson will be leading our 5 and 6 year olds.

2nd/3rd grade:

Lynda Forse

Lynda Macdonald

Beth Scholle

4th/5th grade:

Sarah Allen

Ella Auchincloss

Elizabeth Murphy

6th/7th grade:

Donna Garner

Tish Mead

We are so looking forward to welcoming you back to the Redeemer on September 7th.

Faithfully

Sarah and Judy

Church Service League

All Parish Picnic

SEPTEMBER 7 2003

Please plan to join us for the All-Parish Picnic scheduled for Sunday September 7 2003 following the 10:30 am service and Church School. It will be held in the back parking lot (or in the Parish Hall if it rains) and all food and drink will be provided by the Church Service League. It is a great way to usher in the fall season and renew friendships after summer vacations. Please come one and all.

Please Note The New Day

The Church Service League will now hold their monthly meetings on the first Monday of each month. The first meeting will be Monday September 8th at 9:00 am in the Tripp Room. Please plan to attend.

Save the Date

Back by popular demand the Time and Talent Fair will take place on Sunday September 21st immediately following the 10:30 am service. Please join us to learn about how you can volunteer your time and talents to help our many church organizations.

Jr. Youth Group - Fall Kickoff Meeting

The Junior Youth Group is looking forward to an exciting and fun-filled fall schedule that will include many classic events and possibly some new things as well. Please join us for our fall kick-off.

Who:	5^th – 7^th grade youth and their parents
What:	Fall kick-off picnic/BBQ lunch Water fights homemade ice cream and other fun things Parents’ discussion about JYG goals and interests
When:	Sunday September 14 1:00 – 3:00 pm rain or shine (note time change from previous mailing)
Where:	Home of Tina and Davis Rowley 42 Ogden Road Chestnut Hill (617-469-0443)
Note:	Kids should bring extra dry clothes to change into.

For more information call

Erik Britt-Webb (617-558-5322) or

Tina Rowley (617-469-0443) or

email us at jyg@redeemerchestnuthill.org.

or visit www.redeemerchestnuthill.org/youth/jyg/

Wanted: Donors For Altar Flowers

The Redeemer Flower Fund is looking for more contributors for altar flowers especially on a yearly basis to help defray the cost. Contributions may be given in memory of in thanksgiving for or in celebration of birthdays anniversaries etc. Besides the cost of flowers increasing each year many of our donors have passed away so please help enhance our beautiful church with your contribution.

Seeking Auction Items

The Christmas Market Auction Committee is seeking donations for the Auction.

The Auction is a great way for parishioners of all walks and ages to get involved in the Christmas Market. In the past parishioners have donated artistic creations sports tickets vacation home getaways gift certificates and services (such as babysitting or an hour of consultation in your particular area of talent/expertise). The Auction Committee also welcomes ideas for unique donations that you can’t offer but somebody else in the Parish might (we’ll handle the follow-up search). Creativity is encouraged!

Please contact

Lynda Forse at 617-851-0400 (cell) email lkforse@rcn.com or

Vicki Whitney at 617-734-0486 e-mail brokervick@aol.com

or email us at auction@redeemerchestnuthill.org with your donations or ideas by September 20 2003 Thank you!

As we continue to develop the auction, we’ll post updated information at www.redeemerchestnuthill.org/cmarket/auction.htm.

With thanks

The Committee

Attention All Gardeners

Please save your poppy heads and anything else you may think of interest for the Christmas Market Greens. Give me a call and I will come by and collect whatever you have. Remember to plan your evergreen pruning for November and save them for the Greens Table!! I can be reached at 617-566-5147. Thank you in advance.

Tish Mead

Youth Choirs

From Chris Eastburn

The Redeemer Youth Choir rehearses on Sunday mornings and sings in church services on a monthly basis. We sing a wide range of repertoire from traditional carols to contemporary songs in two and three part harmony with special emphasis placed upon such visceral styles as gospel and bluegrass.

New this year 5th-7th graders will meet from 9:00-9:30 am to develop more advanced musical skills. They are joined together from 9:30-10:30 am by K-4th graders for a full rehearsal. Rehearsals will start on September 7th.

For more info email Chris at youth_choirs@redeemerchestnuthill.org or
visit www.redeemerchestnuthill.org/music/youth_choirs.htm.

Foyers – Parish Dinner Series

Would you like to get to know other members of our parish over an intimate yet casual potluck dinner? Then you should join the Foyers program and look forward to sharing your recipes and your fellowship in a small dinner group of 10-12 people. These dinner groups meet every 6-8 weeks from November through June and are a wonderful forum for making friendships within the parish.

To sign up or just get more information

Call Mary Torrence 617-558-1823

Email foyers@redeemerchestnuthill.org

Or visit www.redeemerchestnuthill.org/foyers/

Thank you – The Rev. Craig Swan

Dear Friends,

Before the final boxes are loaded onto the truck, I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for the wonderful going away brunch on Sunday, August 17^th. There could not have been a more perfect event for saying good-bye. I was moved by how many were able to take the time away from busy travel and vacation schedules to be with us on that day. I am also humbled and appreciative of the kind words that were said about my work among you, and by the generosity of the beautiful and thoughtful gifts given to us by the different organizations and committees with which I served over the past three years. And, finally, for the generous purse so many contributed towards. (We will use this towards the purchase of a second car, but not necessarily the blue Saab convertible.)

My time at the Redeemer has been a great experience, filled with both professional and personal growth. It has been a time of sharing, celebrating and mourning. It has also been a wonderful opportunity to experience the love of God through each of you as we have worked to make the good news of the Gospel known in Chestnut Hill and beyond.

So, as the Swan family finishes packing for Camillus, NY, we leave with a mixture of emotion. First, we feel great joy and excitement as we begin a new phase of our lives and ministry. Second, we feel sadness as we leave behind a congregation we have grown to love and have been loved by over the past three years.

God Bless and thank you,

Craig

Response to General Convention 2003

As has been widely reported in the media, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, in an historic move, consented to the election of the Rev. Canon V. Gene Robinson as bishop-coadjutor on the Diocese of New Hampshire. His will be the first consecration of an openly gay priest as bishop in the Anglican Communion.

Bishops M. Thomas Shaw S.S.J.E., Bud Cederholm, and Gayle Harris of Massachusetts expressed their pleasure at the Convention’s actions and issued statements reading in part:

"In consenting to the election of Gene Robinson as the next bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church has acted in the spirit of prophetic witness that has characterized the life of this church since its founding. At the same time, it has done nothing out of the ordinary. Gene Robinson is qualified to be a bishop in the church.

"The Episcopal Church is always balanced between tradition and change; it is the nature of our communion. When the church approved the ordination of women to the priesthood, there were concerns that such a departure from tradition would divide the church. It did not. In the same way, we believe that the election of Gene Robinson will strengthen the church by making it more inclusive in its leadership as it already is in its membership….

"At the same time, we recognize that many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are disturbed by this action of the General Convention. The confirmation of Gene Robinson as a bishop will cause them pain. Many will even wonder whether they are still welcome in the church. We want to assure those who believe that Canon Robinson should not have been confirmed that we will work with them to bring healing in whatever ways we can. The conf

REDEEMER NEWS - Sept 2003

Senior Youth Mission Trip Report

Please Note The New Day