echoing mary...

Merry Christmas to you all!
Check out Rob's recent sermon at Memorial Church, Echoing Mary.

a tribute to Jean!

This past sunday we gathered to say thank you, we love you, and go into retirement in peace to our dear sister, Pastor Jean. What a legacy! A true "rock" Jean has been for the past 14 years for First Presbyterian - a rock we are all inspired by, and will dearly miss. One of our friends from the Day Center aptly summed up who Jean is for so many, "Jean - you are our Queen of the Streets!!" She indeed has been such a friend and advocate for those living on our Waltham streets - and certainly someone who has ministered faithfully to us all - making us all feel so welcome, saving lives. May we all aspire to live similar lives of faithfulness, courage, compassion and advocacy on behalf of those on the underside. Our prayers, thoughts, and love go with you Jean! Enjoy retirement!

Hope to see you all 12/21 at 3:30pm for Caroling, and then an all church Soup Supper at 5:30pm, and Watershed at 7pm for 4th Advent sunday.

12/24 Christmas Eve service at 6pm with candles & Jean's final sermon!

12/28 Regular Watershed at 7pm (Rev. Bart Kelso will be joining us)

Check out the links in the previous post for some tips for a more just, simple, and peaceful Christmas.

In the hope & love of Mary's Son,

Rob

The coming...and rethinking Christmas

The Latin root for Advent means (advenio) means: to come. The coming of Christ is what we are celebrating now, in this new liturgical year. The colors have gone from green to purple (symbolizing both royalty and death). New things are afoot. We wait actively. We prepare. We open our eyes. And we are challenged from last week's service to remember in our waiting TO DO. What is that one thing you've committed to DO during this Advent season? As you think about celebrating, let's remember our earth - and the call to simplicty and faith. Here are some useful links to think again about what this season is all about.

National Council of Churches - The LOW CARBON 12 DAYS of CHRISTMAS

Redefine Christmas - let's rethink our gift-giving practises...

Did you hear about what people are CONSPIRING to do this Advent? Advent Conspiracy

Hope to see you for Advent services at Watershed. Remember Dec. 14 there is NO WATERSHED - as it's one joint service celebrating Pastor Jean's 14 years of faithful service to our church. That service is at 3pm.

peace on earth, Rob