Advent, Lenten, and Occasional Series

Fall 2017 

Lent 2017

Our Lenten Series was a presentation and discussion of poetry led by a parishioner.  Join us for our Lenten series in 2018.

Lent 2016

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

Redeemer Lenten Series 2015: Why the Cross?

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.

Lenten Series 2014

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.

Advent Series 2013

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.

Lenten Series 2013

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.

Advent Series 2012

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.

Lenten Series 2012

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 Outline

The Marshmellow Experiment

Session II Scriptural References

Session II X-Ray Questions

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.