I am thrilled to announce that, with your blessings, we are applying for a Lilly Grant for Pastor Will for the next chapter of his sabbatical journey which will be taken in the fall of 2025 if the grant is awarded. This time, his focus will be twofold: to travel in Europe and explore ancient monasteries, delving into the heart of Gregorian tradition with his beloved Tracy, and to tell and share the story of his 25 years of ministry through a unique project – arranging and scoring a collection of his original chants, many of which we have sung together as a congregation.

Last summer’s call to silent retreat was the first part of his sabbatical, and now his time of rest and renewal is a call within Pastor Will to rediscover “what makes his heart sing.” His travel with Tracy promises not only personal renewal but also an enriching pilgrimage that will undoubtedly inspire new creations. His chants, rooted in his ministry journey, resonate with our own. They offer a window into his faith, and a mirror reflecting our shared human experience. Through shared chanting, we connect with something larger than ourselves, finding solace and strength in community.

We can’t wait to welcome them back at the end of his sabbatical with a chant evening in Ripley chapel and brimming with experiences and reflections to share, their spirits refreshed and their connection to God and our community even deeper.

Will has called together a small group from the congregation (Susan Rozmanith from Personnel, Tony McPherson from Deacons, Jane Ring Frank from Ministry Team, and myself from Leadership Team) to apply for a grant from the Lilly Endowment for Clergy Renewal Program, and with our support, he hopes to be awarded the funding to sustain not only the sabbatical, but the congregation in his absence.

As a congregation, we’re excited for Pastor Will. His exploration is not just a personal journey; it’s a chance for all of us to learn and grow together. Let’s shower him with unwavering support as we look forward to his rest and renewal, knowing his heart singing helps our hearts to sing as well. We’ll share more information with you as it comes.

Peace and love,

Christine Tresselt

It’s been a long two years since we were last able to celebrate Art in August in Winchester. Finally, we are back! We are celebrating not just the return of this month-long festival of art in the shops of our downtown Cultural District, but also the growing number of cultural opportunities throughout our town – including the Photoville displays that can be seen in multiple locations, the sidewalk photograph “stickers” commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Griffin Museum of Photography, the Photosynthesis program of Winchester High School student work, and new exhibits at Shore Road/Skilling Road bridge, plus musical performances that started with Porchfest in June and will continue this summer on the Common, at the Griffin Museum, at Wright Locke Farm, and elsewhere.

We are kicking off Art in August with a gala reception to celebrate the arts in Winchester. We hope that you will come, meet the artists, and be inspired by the bright future ahead in our culture-rich town. Wine and light appetizers served.

Where: The Griffin Museum of Photography
67 Shore Road, Winchester

When: Thursday, August 4, 2022
7–8:30 p.m.

All are invited, free admission.

RSVP appreciated, to info@winchesterculturalcouncil.org

Come meet the artists who are exhibiting in locations throughout the town, the merchants who generously donate space in their shops and windows, state and town leaders, Winchester Cultural Council members and local grant recipients, as well as other town residents and business owners.

For more information on Art in August, see artinaugust.org and winchesterculturalcouncil.org

Peter Pulsifer
Winchester Cultural Council

https://winchesterculturalcouncil.org
info@winchesterculturalcouncil.org
781-307-7149 (cell)

You are cordially invited to Judy’s Farewell Celebration!

It will take place in Chidley Hall at FCCW on Saturday June 11, 2022 from 5 to 7 PM. The event will feature speakers, presentations, entertainment, food & drink, and excellent company!

If you would like to attend (and we hope you will), please register at the link below so we can plan accordingly.

REGISTER HERE 

In addition, there are several other ways for you to participate in the farewell activities:

• Add pictures that you have of Judy to our shared Google file. We will use them for some fun presentations at the event.

• Contribute to a “purse” — it’s customary for a congregation to present a cash gift to a departing minister. If you would like to contribute, please make out a check to FCCW, write “For Judy” in the memo line, and mail it to FCCW, 21 Church Street, Winchester MA 01890 (or drop it off in the office).

• Write a personal card to Judy with your expressions of thanks and gratitude (please don’t include checks for the purse in the cards). You can mail your card to the church or place it in a designated basket in the church lobby. We will present all the cards to Judy at one time.

Finally, don’t miss the worship service on Sunday June 12, which will be Judy’s last day. We are planning some special activities and will have our end-of-year picnic outside, where we will send Judy off with love!

Such fun and sadness all at the same time,

Sarah Gallop, Janet Hall, Maggie Keeler, Marsha Lamson, Pam McPherson, Lynne Rahmeier, Laurie Roby, Leslie French

RSVP Here on EventBrite:

Reflection and Renewal

“Love one another… for I am making all things new!” ~Jesus

Everyone is warmly invited to FCCW’s 182^nd annual meeting on Sunday, May 15^th, 20221 immediately after worship in the sanctuary and on Livestream. The agenda includes an update on strategic plan initiatives, expressions of gratitude and thanks,  and remarks and reflections from the Moderator and Lead Pastor.

Please take the time to review the 2021-2022 annual report (May 15, 2022 (Our 182nd Annual Meeting) in advance of the meeting. It includes current information on church membership, reports of blessings and struggles from sustaining and living ministries, minutes from two congregational meetings (which we will vote whether to approve), and much more. At the meeting, we will remember those whom we have lost in our immediate and extended church family (see page 7 in the report and be sure to let us know if anyone special to you is missing).

The annual meeting is an important moment in the life of the church where we take stock of our work and service and reflect on the beauty of our relationships with God and one another. See you there!

With gratitude,

Sarah Gallop, Moderator

Marianne Carter, Clerk

On behalf of the Leadership Team

The forty days of Lent are based on the time Jesus spent in the wilderness facing temptations that would ultimately guide his way to his purpose and service in the world. For us, it is a reminder that our spiritual journey will involve confusing, barren places in which we are being asked to uncover our true purpose and the meaning of service in our own lives. Lent asks, “Whom are you serving? What is the ultimate goal which directs your choices, displaying the values you hold?”

The three temptations of Jesus reveal the temptations of the ego which each of us must face in order to come to a deeper understanding of the life of the soul. St. Ignatius calls them the temptations to misplaced power, pride, and privilege. The first is the temptation of a misuse of power: that we are able to take care of ourselves alone without relying upon God or others. “Human beings do not live by bread alone” reminds us to let go of the illusion of culture’s false idol that we are in control of everything in our life.

A second is the temptation to pride—that we are the center of the universe and never need correction. This temptation to pride and arrogance is the root of our prejudices “protecting” us from “those other people,” forgetting that we belong to one another in this human family that God has created. We are one body.

The third temptation is privilege—that we do not have to live in vulnerability or suffer the realities of “those other people”. As we accept that God alone is God, and we are not God, we are open to the Love that transforms us and shows us our place with all others in the created order. Having been shown the great compassion of God for us, we are moved to offer compassion for others on the journey.

These temptations call us away from our true soul work: gratitude for life itself, acceptance of God’s love and mercy in each moment, and openness to the service to which this forgiveness calls us. May Lent deepen our trust in God, the One who is Love itself, the Whole of the Creative Force, our Source and our Ultimate Home.

—Rev. Dr. Ken Orth, Healing Worship Minister, Old South Church in Boston, Pastoral Psychotherapist and Spiritual Director, First UCC Winchester

When Christmas Hurts, Join Us at The Service of Light

Thursday, December 19, 7 PM
Ripley Chapel

For many people, the approaching Christmas holiday does not bring with it the joy and happiness that is advertised on television or in greeting cards. They may be facing a holiday after the death of a loved one or after a divorce. Perhaps they have been unable to have a child, or have suffered through an emotional trauma or physical illness. Or perhaps they feel pressured and overwhelmed by holiday preparations.

The Service of Light is one way our church family remembers those who experience a loss of joy this holiday season. Designed to move from darkness to hope, the music, readings and candle lighting in the warmth of community open us to God’s quiet presence. We pray that our lives will be graced with the true gifts of the season, a peace which surpasses all understanding; Love Divine and encouragement that sustains us through the longest night.

The Service of light was first held in 2001, a response to our collective grief in the wake of 9/11. Since then, church members, neighbors and friends come for a given year or return yearly to find a still point in the midst of the seasonal rush or to remember. This year it may be a personal challenge, family grief or community tragedy that calls you forth to light a candle.

The Ripley Chapel Service of Light is open to everyone. Consider supporting a loved one or friend having difficulties by inviting them to join you.  For a ride, email Kathleenzag@gmail.com or call the Health Ministry Office at (781) 729-9180 ext: 106 by Dec 17.

Tuesdays Jan 14, 21, 28 and Feb 4, 11, 18

Day Time Class – 11:30 AM-1 PM, led by Rev. Will Burhans
Evening Class – 6:30 PM-8 PM, led by Rev. Judy Arnold

For six weeks, we will be offering both an evening class and a day time class of the Introducing the New Testament Bible study series that has been quite popular. The same six lessons will be taught at both classes.   

“And she wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.” Jesus is the central figure of the New Testament and course 3 in Exploring the Bible: The Dickinson Series explores the figure of Jesus in three distinct ways:  A man like other men, a Jewish rabbi, and the Christ of Christian faith. Then it’s on to the cantankerous Paul, the other New Testament authors, and the wild and baffling book called Revelation.

You don’t need to know a thing to participate and you don’t have to have taken the prior courses, but if you did we hope you sign up again. Please join in the lively discussions, small group exercises and faith enriching study of scripture.

From the Adult Faith Exploration Ministry – Laurie Roby and Karen Roberts, Co-Chairs.  Judy Arnold, Sarah Gallop, Anne Hoenicke, Andy McKinley – and Rev Will.

Advent begins and FCCW is now over 75% toward its 2020 Pledge Goal!

The FCCW Financial Resources Ministry is hoping that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and we’re very excited about the start of Advent.  It is the time of year when many reflect on the special things that we are thankful for…family, health, good friendships, or simply a warm meal.  With thankfulness on our minds, we wish  to express our gratitude for the generosity that many in our congregation have shown to our 2020 stewardship drive. As of Sunday, December 1, 2019 we have received 84 pledges totaling just over $474,000 (ie. 77% of our $615,000 goal!)

As we look to finalize the church’s 2020 budget in the coming weeks, the importance of your pledge can not be understated. It helps build the foundation for next year’s budget and planning of our church’s ministry and outreach activities. Knowing that we had over 130 supporters pledge in 2018, we are now focused on following up with both past and new supporters in order to reach our goal of 140 pledges. If you have forgotten to respond for some reason  – whether it be a renewal, increase, or a first –time pledge – we invite you to do so now.  You can mail your completed pledge card to the church in care of the Treasurer – Bruce Lauterwasser – or simply send an email with your confidential pledge amount to brucelauterwasser@gmail.com. 

The ministry programs and outreach of our church would not be possible without the generosity of our supporters.  The strong affirmation that was shown during last year’s pledge drive gives us confidence that we can again achieve our goal this year but we know it will take everyone’s involvement. If you haven’t yet responded, please help us out by sending  a pledge card or email today.  Our goal is to follow up with all past supporters in the next 10 days.

If you have any questions, please contact any member of the Financial Resources Ministry, Rev. Will Judy, or Bruce Lauterwasser, Treasurer. 

Yours faithfully,

—The Financial Resources Ministry

Tom Roche, Chair  203-249-6458; Doug Clarke 781-729-3612; Ben Keeler 781-777-2278; Lisa Loughlin  781-346-1241; David Peretti 617-538-7966; Kate Sandak 413-348-5844; Taylor Tresselt 617-538-1755; Jennifer Wilson 781-729-5268