Sunday evenings in Lent
March 10th, 17th and 31st —Porter Room
This Lenten season Barbara Kennard and Brady Millican will lead parishioners in an exploration of Gerard Manley Hopkin’s longest poem, The Wreck of the Deutschland, written in 1877. Our interest will focus on the author’s experience of the challenges and joys of Christian life as he shares them with us in some of the most memorable language in all of English Christian poetry. Hopefully, we will find greater strength for our own journeys in the power of Hopkin’s testimony to the perpetual presence of Christ’s care and love. RSVP to office@redeemerchestnuthill.org to receive an outline of our conversations, as well as links to a copy and recording of the poem for your use.
Our Lenten Series was a presentation and discussion of poetry led by a parishioner. Join us for our Lenten series in 2018.
The Jesus Way: Conversations and Questions for Adult Confirmands
The Christian life begins and ends in the person and work of Jesus Christ. But, what does that really mean? On Sunday evenings beginning on January 31st, Mike Dangelo will be leading an adult confirmation class open to those over the age of eighteen. Concentrating on the work of Eugene Peterson and his book entitled Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places, Mike will lead a series of conversations about what it means to follow Jesus as an adult.
These conversations will serve as the prerequisite for Confirmation in the Episcopal Church and as a time of honest wondering and inquiry for those curious about a deeper life of faith. Sessions will include a common meal in the Parish Hall, worship at the Table, and conversation together at the Rectory (5pm until 8pm). Please RSVP with the Parish Office, 617.566.7679 or office@redeemerchestnuthill.org if you would like to take part.
The Jesus Way is open to those seeking a refresher or refreshment!
January 31st April 10th
February 14th April 17th
February 28th April 24th
March 5th May 1st
March 13th May 8th
March 20th
Wednesday Evening Lenten Series and Suppers: 6pm – 8pm
From the beginning the central story of the Church has been the story of the crucified Messiah. As St. Paul noted, the cross was (and is) a stumbling block or foolishness to those who hear its message. Since St. Paul, the Church has wondered, “Why the Cross?” On Wednesdays in Lent, join us for a light supper, a quiet time of prayer, and a deeper look into the meaning of the cross of Christ throughout the last 2000 years.
Wednesday, February 25th 6:00pm - Holy Eucharist 6:45pm - Supper 7:15pm - Christ our Passover - The Cross and the Gospels |
Wednesday, March 4th 6:00pm - Holy Eucharist 6:45pm - Supper 7:15pm - Victor or Ransom? - Pre-Modern Atonement Theology |
Wednesday, March 11th 6:00pm - Holy Eucharist 6:45pm - Supper 7:15pm - Substitution and Satisfaction - Scholastics and Reformers |
Wednesday, March 18th 6:00pm - Holy Eucharist 6:45pm - Supper 7:15pm - Moral Influence and the End of Violence - Modern Visions of the Cross |
Wednesday, March 25th 6:00pm - Supper 7:00pm - Compline
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Wednesday, April 1st 6:00pm - Holy Eucharist 6:45pm - Supper 7:15pm - For Some or For All? - Limited and Unlimited Atonements |
Wednesdays, March 12th and March 19th
"As We Forgive"
Led by Rev. Margery Kennelly
and Mr. Richard Kennelly
Over the course of two evenings we will explore the relationship between the forgiveness we receive from God and the forgiveness that we extend to those who have wronged us -- in little ways, in big ways, and sometimes in annoyingly continual ways. Part one will look at some of the history of the practice of confession focusing particularly on the rite of confession and reconciliation that we have in our Book of Common Prayer. Part two will deal specifically with some of the challenges of extending to others the forgiveness that we have received from God.
Wednesdays, March 26th and April 2nd
Lenten Poetry Series
Led by Poet Barbara Kennard
The season of Lent is not just about fasting and self-denial. Poet Barbara Kennard will lead a poetry series that will help us consider the sweetness of Lent. On two Wednesdays, March 26th, and April 2nd, we will gather in the parish hall for a light meal at 6:30 pm followed by a discussion of poems by St. John of the Cross, John Donne, and George Herbert. Both evenings will end at 8pm. All are welcome and no preparation is necessary. Please sign up below and bring a friend.
Mary, Mother of God in Art and Literature
A Two Part Advent Series
December 4th, 6-8pm
Museum of Fine Arts
(meet at 6pm for supper in the café on the lower level)
465 Huntington Ave
December 11th, 6-8pm
Church of the Redeemer Rectory
(Supper and Discussion)
381 Hammond Street
The Advent season is one in which Mary, the mother of our Lord, figures prominently in our Scriptures and imagination. Who do we think the Virgin Mary was? What do we really know about her? How do images of her inform our faith?
On December 4th, Nina Moriatry will lead a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts to look at several works of art. Our exploration will begin with a Flemish painting by Rogier van der Weyden, St. Luke Drawing the Virgin, oil on panel, from c. 1435 –1440 and will end with a contemplation of an Italian Renaissance painting by Piero della Francesca, Senigallia Madonna, oil and tempera on panel, c.1474 on loan from the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche. In between, we will visit the Medieval Gallery (254) and look at other paintings and sculpture that celebrate the Virgin Mary. We all are familiar with the Gospel of Luke and the Nativity and Crucifixion narratives but there are many images of other moments in Mary’s life that depend on sources outside the Gospels that have embellished the biography of Mary.
On December 11th, the Rev. Cathy George will lead a book discussion at the rectory. The Church Service League will provide supper. The Testament of Mary by Colm Toibin, an Irish author of 6 other novels is just 81 pages long. It is a provocative portrait of Jesus’ mother as a solitary older woman still seeking to understand the events that become the narrative and foundation of Christianity. Due to a generous donation, there are 10 copies of the book available free of charge in the parish office. The book can also be purchased online; paperback copies $10, hardback copies $20.
The 2013 Lenten Series was on the theme "Who do YOU say that I am?" Four or more Approaches to Jesus.
The presenters were the Rev. Cathy Hagstrom George, the Rev. Margery Kennelly, Chris Jones, Boston College doctoral student in theology, and Zachary Brooks, a postulant for ordination sponsored by the Church of the Redeemer.
Wednesday, December 5th
The poetry of George Herbert, Led by Brady Millican
The poetry of George Herbert (1593-1633) is one of the great treasures of Anglican liturgy and theology. Join parishioner Brady Millican for an exploration of this priest/politician/musician's life and work. We will read and discuss specific poems that may inspire, challenge and sometimes surprise us as we begin another new year shaped by the presence of Christ.
Wednesday, December 12th
The Stillness We Seek, a conversation with Cathy on our daily devotions in Advent, Led by the Rev. Cathy Hagstrom George
Advent is a time to prepare for Christmas, filled with anticipation, waiting and watching and for many far too much activity. The Stillness We Seek, written by the Rev. Cathy Hagstrom George, is a collection of daily devotions for Advent designed to give us a brief time with God, a time of prayer and reflection for each day of Advent. The daily meditations are not about what life should be like in Advent, but what it is like, busy, joyful, and sometimes sad and lonely.
During this Advent series evening, Cathy will welcome your reflections on the daily reading for Advent, and present some ideas for how to stay calm and focused on Jesus in the midst of a frenzied season.
The Lenten Series 2012 was team-taught by our Rector, the Rev. Dorsey McConnell, and our assisting priest, the Rev. Beth Maynard. They discussed temptation and glory and the power of prayer in getting from one to the other.
Handouts from Session One
Session Outline I Scriptural References: I
St. Augustine's Prayer Book excerpt on self-examination
Handouts from Session Two
Session II Scriptural References
Handouts from Session Three
Session III Outline
Session III Scriptural References
Handouts from Session Four
Session IV Outline
Session IV Scriptural References
All material posted here is intended for educational purposes only.
Advent Series
Two Wednesday sessions held in early December for lecture and discussion
Lessons and Carols is always the third Thursday of December.
Lenten Series
Weekly sessions held during Lent for lecture and discussion
Parishioners and the public welcome.
Photos from the 2013 Lenten Series taken by Marilyn Emilsson.