space, the final frontier

As we continue walking the Lenten path together, I'm continuing to keep company with poets. Poetry is all about spaciousness, saying just enough and letting the rest be. What better Lenten discipline could there be?

Psalm 84, adapted by Stephen Mitchell, from A Book of Psalms:

Lord, how beautiful you are;

how radiant the places

you dwell in.

My soul yearns for your presence;

my whole body longs

for your light.

Even the wren finds a house

and the sparrow a nest for herself.

Take me home, my God;

guide me to the place

of perfect repose.

Let me feel you always within me;

open my eyes to your love.

Happy are those who trust you

and merge their will in your will.

They let go of all desires

and give up everything they know,

Until they finally enter

the inmost temple of the heart,

where there is no self, no other,

nothing,

but only you.

THURSDAYS @ 6pm // Worship and Community
Brendan Curran and Jana Yeaton share reflections throughout March, with Brendan exploring the parable of the Prodigal Son this week (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32). Jason Long continues to walk us through the experience of small groups as a spiritual practice.

• BEFORE WORSHIP: Come at 4:45pm to help with worship set-up or 5:30pm to join the prayer circle.
• AFTER WORSHIP: Share snacks and head to Fajitas and Ritas for cheap dinner and fun.
• BY SUBWAY: 138 Tremont St -- across from Park St T stop (Red or Green Line); near Downtown Crossing T (Orange)
• PARKING: Boston Common Garage, Charles Street between Boston Common and Public Garden
• FOR MORE INFO: Head to our website -- www.thecrossingboston.org

THIS SUN., 3/14 @ 5:30-7:30pm in Brookline // Hope in Action -- LGBT + Homeless Youth Teach-In

Come share dinner and a passion for justice with the Hope in Action @ The Crossing team. This crew of Crossing members is helping our whole community to stand up for justice, especially supporting transgender civil rights and homeless LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) youth. On Sunday, we will learn together about 1) the scriptural and theological foundations for LGBT inclusion, 2) effective ways to advocate for and with LGBT youth, and 3) then write letters to the Mass. State Legislature.

LOCATION: The Life Together House, 40 Prescott Street in Brookline. Green Line B (BU Central) or C (St. Mary's)

CONTACT: Tyler Bridge at tyler@diomassintern.org or Natalie Finstad athope@thecrossingboston.org.

FYI: This gathering will be in lieu of the Sunday night Bible Study.

NEXT THURS., 3/18 after worship // Everybody Does Theology -- Topic: "What Happened on the Cross?"

Stay after worship for our monthly, wide open discussion of big theological questions. Just in time for Holy Week, we will discuss the cross, sin and atonement. This is gonna be good! CONTACT Keith Nelson at nelsonkr@gmail.com or Marie Harkey at worship-arts@thecrossingboston.org.

MON., 3/22 @ 6:30-8:30pm // The Crossing Documentary Film Screening and Panel Discussion @ Fenway Comm. Health

In November, Emerson student Jesse Begenyi filmed a documentary among us telling the story of a Christian community that stands with transgendered people, and vice versa. Please come out to see the film, share discussion and share God's love at Fenway Community Health Center. CONTACT Penny at penny@pennylarson.net. LOCATION:

1340 Boylston St., Boston, 8 min. walk from Kenmore or Fenway T.

3rd SUNDAYS @ THE CROSSING (3/21) at 5-7:30pm // Community Dinner @ Dani Morello's House

Dani Morello hosts the next dinner at her home in Brookline and all are welcome to join. Be warned: her cupcakes will have you shouting "alle--a!" well before Easter. RSVP to Dani at morellda14@gmail.com. LOCATION: 26 Verndale St., Brookline (two blocks from B Line, Harvard Ave. stop).

holy week @ the crossing

THURS., 4/1 @ 6-8pm // Maundy Thursday Agape Meal

The entire Cathedral community will join us for a reflective service that commemorates Jesus' last night with his friends. Features Agape Meal, foot-washing and stripping of the altars. Help us to welcome the Chinese congregation, the Cathedral Sunday morning congregation and the Common Cathedral ministry with homeless people. CONTACT Marie Harkey at worship-arts@thecrossingboston.org to help with planning or greeting.

SAT., 4/3 @ 7-9pm // Rise Up: A Soulful Easter Vigil @ The Crossing

The Easter Vigil is the most ancient and beloved service in the church. Our Soulful Easter Vigil shares the ancient story of creation and redemption -- retold by local storytellers and poets, set to spirituals and the blues. Then we burst into a music-rich celebration of the first Eucharist of Easter. Bishop Tom Shaw will celebrate -- his first time with us at The Crossing! -- and several Crossing members will be welcomed into the Episcopal Church. CONTACT Rev. Steph atrevsteph@thecrossingboston.org to help with planning, greeting, hospitality or storytelling.

ongoing small groups and formation

SATURDAYS and WEDNESDAYS // Covenant Groups (weekly)

The Covenant Groups are no longer open to new participants, but stay tuned for more opportunities to gather with Crossing members to share stories, wisdom and the Christian journey. CONTACT Jason at

community-life@thecrossingboston.org

.

EVERY OTHER MONDAY @ 6:30-8pm // Neighborhood Action+Reflection Circles (every other week, thru 5/17)

These new small groups are dedicated to building community, sinking roots into our neighborhoods and engaging in justice and service to bless the communities where we live. Meet every other week, alternating between sharing stories and community in one gathering, and heading into action the next time. CONTACT Justin at justice@thecrossingboston.org to learn more.

TUESDAYS @

6pm at Episcopal Divinity School // Community Dinner + Prayer (weekly, as announced)

Join this relaxed, weekly gathering of Crossing folks and EDS students. Come if you're hungry. Come if you're curious about starting an intentional community. Come if you're in the neighborhood. Just come!

CONTACT TJ at TTetzlaff@eds.edu or Michael at michael@zahniser.net to confirm it's happening and get location.

Follow this link to learn all about our Small Groups and Formation Offerings or contact our Minister for Community Life, Jason Long, at community-life@thecrossingboston.org.

ongoing crossing community info

InBetweenCrossings: groups.google.com/group/inbetweencrossings. Log on and view or share all kinds of random community notices: furniture, apartment sublets, concerts, lost and found, play dates. If you want to share it with our community, start here.

Giving @ The Crossing: follow the link to learn about sharing your money or your prayers with The Crossing -- it's a spiritual practice that we're grateful to invite people into. We raise a huge chunk of the money for this ministry among our own members (the rest comes from grants we apply for and from generous support from our Cathedral and Bishops). To make an ongoing pledge, fill out a card at worship or CONTACT Chris at giving@thecrossingboston.org.

Justice and Service @ The Crossing: Follow the link for info on particular volunteer opportunities and organizations that are close to our community's heart.

Meet Our Crew: The Crossing is led by a team of amazing, creative and faithful young adults. Follow the link to meet them and see who you might contact to more deeply engage our community.

Blessings on the journey we share ...