tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79752232024-03-07T13:05:35.391-05:00life @ the crossingcommunity blog for the crossing:
a funky, progressive christian worship community in the heart of boston
thursdays @ 6pm / st. paul's episcopal cathedral / 138 tremont street (park st t) / www.thecrossingboston.orgRevStephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17428902724852677530noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-53003757583285605972011-09-28T13:20:00.001-04:002011-09-28T13:30:22.510-04:00party on the common!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p align="left" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: left; "><span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; ">It may rain: we've got a big tent. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; ">We may look like evangelicals proclaiming the word of God out in public: um, yes, that's the point.</span></p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/img/88.jpg" name="132ab400948742f8_ACCOUNT.IMAGE.88" width="259" vspace="5" border="0" alt="Crossing B-Day Invite" align="right" height="322" hspace="5" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p align="left" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: left; "><span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; "><br /></span></p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">THIS THURSDAY, we celebrate our 5th birthday, the 5th year since God stirred The Crossing to life, and we want to say thank you: to Boston, to God, to the Cathedral and Diocese, to members past and present.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p align="left" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: left; "><span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; "><br /></span></p><p align="left" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: left; "><span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; "> </span></p><p align="left" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: left; "><span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; ">There will be rocking worship, followed by a party and concert featuring bands connected to our ministry (don't miss Jamie Hart's band doing some life-affirming dance music, plus a foot-stomping gospel set).</span></p><p align="left" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: left; "><span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; "><br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">This will be a family affair, our gift to the city we love, and it's gonna take ALL of us to make it happen. If this community has been part of your journey, then ...</p><p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">1. <strong>ATTEND, </strong>bring 2 friends and give us a shout on <span style="color: rgb(216, 63, 0); "><strong><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=eftcqeeab&et=1107855855259&s=1&e=0011IJqtiy3n609AZA-LL5UN0tMBc0tRUct9PAK3uCvNqYbtztiNlFhB1CdvH1wgFWxvH02iTz00Wk0dUB1KT4yEc5QtWor1wMgYElzRwApxsoLehsEcqw__hWTmSvw0dzeQN9ou1voGeiBIO00NgsjeMlAYnANC8jH" shape="rect" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(216, 63, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-decoration: underline; ">Facebook </a></strong></span></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">2. <b>VOLUNTEER </b>to make it happen:</p><ul style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><li style="margin-left: 15px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><strong>BRING FOOD</strong>: <a shape="rect" href="mailto:kevin@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-decoration: underline; ">kevin@thecrossingboston.org</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "> or</span><a shape="rect" href="mailto:michael@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-decoration: underline; ">michael@thecrossingboston.org</a></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><strong>HELP TO GREET</strong>: <a shape="rect" href="mailto:leigh@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-decoration: underline; ">leigh@thecrossingboston.org</a> or<a shape="rect" href="mailto:eli.zigdon@yahoo.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-decoration: underline; ">eli.zigdon@yahoo.com</a></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><b>SET-UP/CLEAN-UP</b>: <a shape="rect" href="mailto:vicki@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-decoration: underline; ">vicki@thecrossingboston.org</a> or<a shape="rect" href="mailto:thompsonh@diomassintern.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-decoration: underline; ">thompsonh@diomassintern.org</a></li></ul><p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">3. <span style="color: rgb(216, 63, 0); "><strong><a shape="rect" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=eftcqeeab&et=1107855855259&s=1&e=0011IJqtiy3n60UhYHtROIJApjIkOwOQm184pDO5Vf3MnldMSdHhk8zEkzmimCGm-p9V0dNTXj7JwkMhMCOYICkeSGcv0y6HmTNeNgJHHVkbImTjC4Gbun-ReJmGBF21ogy8mBWndiE0oI=" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(216, 63, 0); text-decoration: underline; ">GIVE </a></strong></span><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(216, 63, 0); "><a shape="rect" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=eftcqeeab&et=1107855855259&s=1&e=0011IJqtiy3n60UhYHtROIJApjIkOwOQm184pDO5Vf3MnldMSdHhk8zEkzmimCGm-p9V0dNTXj7JwkMhMCOYICkeSGcv0y6HmTNeNgJHHVkbImTjC4Gbun-ReJmGBF21ogy8mBWndiE0oI=" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(216, 63, 0); text-decoration: underline; ">a special birthday gift to The Crossing community</a></span>. We're working to raise $10,000 in one night, and giving 10% away to justice efforts. </p><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/archive/1107855855259.html"><b>READ THE REST OF THIS WEEK'S LIFE @ THE CROSSING BLAST HERE</b></a>.</span></div></span>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-38586865570912801572011-09-14T17:15:00.003-04:002011-09-14T17:19:08.632-04:00go public with your love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNupntdAkcE-FZ8eifd7zO-VkIu3CJtuywtX_4Uh33oZtTmJGzeqev6oaaXpnPZen1N5u7AG_ccU4P_BfyutprjIeSW4Gkop5vUH0Iw0S3uB88rE3a8DdyjoUxjUATLzHtbBwHw/s1600/5th+Birthday+Party+Invite.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNupntdAkcE-FZ8eifd7zO-VkIu3CJtuywtX_4Uh33oZtTmJGzeqev6oaaXpnPZen1N5u7AG_ccU4P_BfyutprjIeSW4Gkop5vUH0Iw0S3uB88rE3a8DdyjoUxjUATLzHtbBwHw/s200/5th+Birthday+Party+Invite.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652327495530638562" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 250, 212); "><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 250, 212); "><p class="MsoNoSpacing">This fall has turned into a season to witness to God’s love.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">This past weekend, people all over Boston and all over the world prayed and marked 10 years since the terror and heart-rending sadness of 9/11, and we wondered aloud how to bring reconciliation and peace to this hurting world.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">This coming weekend, thousands will gather in New York City to occupy Wall Street and demand an end to the unchecked rule of greed and might. A local group of Protest Chaplains -- many of them from The Crossing -- will head to the city bearing prayer, hope and the dream of God’s justice among the protesters.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">On Thursday, September 29, we’ll step out to Boston Common to celebrate The Crossing’s 5<sup>th</sup> anniversary with a Birthday Worship Party. It will be less a celebration of ourselves, and more a chance to step out, give thanks and bless the city with music, prayer, communion and real live food (I can’t wait to pass out brownies and lemonade on the corner of Boylston and Tremont Streets). We’re dreaming of a tent revival like The Common hasn’t ever seen. Come celebrate God’s love out in the open.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Progressive Christians don’t often go public with our witness. By the end of September, we’ll have enough practice to put the lie to that old story. Let’s be a different kind of Christian, world-changing Christians, starting now.<o:p></o:p></p></span></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 250, 212); " ><a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/archive/1107631692771.html"><b>Read lots more in this week's Life @ The Crossing blast here.</b></a></span></div><br /></span>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-63846286511301963472011-09-07T21:12:00.007-04:002011-09-07T21:45:35.859-04:00welcome back<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJuY9lwooCn1G4_t7lyRkzhQa4n1i0ShhkkWsr4TLwu4iv-XEx7SbtgCh8qV6icotZS3qkEN9l-p6LNXI7-2Fztgw8qv-pr2RnrabIYkjtIIoSht4VBZKVUsuB6RDqqIkQbH3Cw/s1600/5th+Birthday+Party+Invite.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJuY9lwooCn1G4_t7lyRkzhQa4n1i0ShhkkWsr4TLwu4iv-XEx7SbtgCh8qV6icotZS3qkEN9l-p6LNXI7-2Fztgw8qv-pr2RnrabIYkjtIIoSht4VBZKVUsuB6RDqqIkQbH3Cw/s200/5th+Birthday+Party+Invite.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649794964691082482" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div align="left" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left; "><span>How I've longed to write something beautiful and deep in this, my back-to-church community blast. But part of returning to church after time away is that there is sooooooooo much to do!</span></div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><div align="left" style="text-align: left; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; "><span>So here is everything you need to know about the coming weeks at The Crossing, in more or less chronological order. Enjoy the ride ... </span></div><div align="left" style="text-align: left; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; "><span><br /></span></div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><div align="left" style="text-align: left; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(128, 0, 0); font-size: 14pt; "><strong>this week</strong></div><div align="left" style="text-align: left; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; "><strong>THIS THURS. @ 6-7:30pm / Worship</strong></div><div align="left" style="text-align: left; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; ">We return to the Sanctuary for Eucharistic celebration. Come see the face of Christ shining back at you.</div><div align="left" style="text-align: left; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; "><br /></div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><div align="left" style="text-align: left; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; "><strong>THIS THURS. AFTER WORSHIP / Fajitas 'n Ritas</strong></div><div align="left" style="text-align: left; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; "><span>We share good, cheap food and community just around the corner from church. It's a Crossing institution, and if it's your first time, we subsidize with $5 (you'd be amazed what you can get for that much).</span></div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; "><strong>coming up @ the crossing</strong></span></p><div align="left" style="text-align: left; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; "><div><strong>THURS., 9.29 @ 6pm / </strong><strong>5th B-day Worship Party on Boston Common</strong></div><div>Show some Christian love to the entire city, as we celebrate 5 years of ministry with worship party on Boston Common. Bring friends, bring strangers, bring so<span>me potluck and get ready to worship and share food and blessing with our city.</span></div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><div><span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><strong><br /></strong></span></span></div><div><span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><strong><u><a href="http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1103957675172-84/Crossing+5th+Birthday+Invite.pdf">Download the invite here</a></u>.</strong></span> Pass it around!</span></div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span>CONTACT Vicki at </span> <a shape="rect" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); ">Vicki@thecrossingboston.<wbr>org</a><span> or Valerie at </span> <a shape="rect" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); ">Valerie@thecrossingboston.<wbr>org</a><span> f</span>or info and to help out. 'Cuz this party will take a whole village!</p></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div align="left" style="text-align: left; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; "><div align="left" style="text-align: left; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; "><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="left" style="text-align: left; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; "><b><a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/archive/1107518090646.html">READ A WHOLE LOT MORE IN THIS WEEK'S "LIFE @ THE CROSSING" BLAST</a>. </b></div></div></span>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-38032227495811812702011-08-16T18:51:00.001-04:002011-08-16T18:52:49.650-04:00did someone say barbecue?<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; "><a name="LETTER.BLOCK7"><table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" id="content_LETTER.BLOCK7" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 5px; display: table; "><tbody><tr><td rowspan="1" colspan="2" align="left" style="text-align: left; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Why yes, Cara Mancini welcomes everyone to South Boston on</span></span></p><table class="imgCaptionTable" width="194" align="right" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; "><tbody><tr><td class="imgCaptionImg" width="194" rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img height="110" vspace="5" border="0" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.83" hspace="5" width="184" alt="Barbecue" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/img/83.jpg" /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="imgCaptionText" rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: center; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Enjoy all this AND prayer @ Cara's house on Thursday</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Thursday evening for House Church AND barbecue. Come for the food (and bring some drinks and desserts, too). Come for the music: Cara is a terrific musician and so is her dad, and they can't wait to lead us all in Evening Prayers. RSVP to Cara at <a shape="rect" href="mailto:cara.v.mancini@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-decoration: underline; ">cara.v.mancini@gmail.com</a>- good to plan for a crowd :)</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >I'm back from vacation and looking forward to a rockin' good time with you all in Southie. I can't believe summer is nearly over, so one more barbecue sounds like a really good idea to me. So bring friends, kids, pets (um, I think), and join us by the water. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Read the rest of <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/archive/1107156167852.html"><b>this week's email blast </b></a>for lots more details. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">
<br /></span></span></div>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-25209955565728526592011-08-03T10:25:00.004-04:002011-08-03T10:41:15.510-04:00summer church = house church<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a name="LETTER.BLOCK7"><table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="content_LETTER.BLOCK7" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 5px; display: table; "><tbody><tr><td rowspan="1" colspan="2" align="left" style="text-align: left; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 11pt; "><span style="font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><div><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">This Thursday at 6pm we return to our August tradition of doing "House Church" at members' homes. Newlyweds Leigh Foster and Kelsey Holmes are opening their new home in Brookline tomorrow evening; please join for a house blessing, evening prayer and yummy munchies.</p><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">ANYONE in The Crossing community is encouraged to come to House Church. Follow the link below for the main email blast to get details and PLEASE RSVP as soon as you know you're coming. Hosts like to plan for guests :)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Because I'm a mean person, here's a picture of the sunset from Menemsha, a lovely fishing village here on the Vineyard. I'll be there praying y'all up on Thursday night :) Sending you big love from the Little Rev ...</p><table class="imgCaptionTable" width="298" align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; "><tbody><tr><td class="imgCaptionImg" width="298" rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: center; "><img height="215.1" vspace="5" border="0" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.82" hspace="5" width="288" alt="Menemsha Sunset" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/img/82.jpg" /></td></tr><tr><td class="imgCaptionText" rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); ">The blessing of sunset at Menemsha Beach<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span">Read the whole Life @ The Crossing email blast <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/archive/1106919375478.html"><b>here</b></a>. </span></span></div>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-25809039817703159602011-07-27T14:10:00.002-04:002011-07-27T14:12:40.281-04:00summer update -- this'll be quick!<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a name="LETTER.BLOCK7"><table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="content_LETTER.BLOCK7" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 5px; display: table; "><tbody><tr><td rowspan="1" align="left" colspan="2" style="text-align: left; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; "><span style="font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Why so quick? Because this is Day 1 of my vacation, and the beaches of Martha's Vineyard beckon! But church goes on in my absence, and there's plenty to share for this week and the weeks ahead:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Please give Bishop Gayle Harris lots of love, as she comes to serve as guest presider this Thursday (what does it say that this is the first time a bishop has presided at The Crossing? Hmm ... not touching<em>that</em> one).</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Plan to join our weekly House Church gatherings in the month of August. Each Thursday at 6pm, we'll shift to a different member's home to share prayers, food, community and whatever the host wants to toss into the mix. Read on for locations and stay tuned to this weekly blast for even more details. Even on the beach, I promise to keep in touch :)</p></div><div style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></div><div><b>READ THIS WEEK'S FULL LIFE @ THE CROSSING E-BLAST: CLICK <span class="Apple-style-span">HERE</span>. </b></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table></a></span></div>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-68298024757877469242011-07-05T17:46:00.007-04:002011-07-05T17:53:15.907-04:00baby, you're a firework<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><a name="LETTER.BLOCK7"><table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 5px; display: table; " id="content_LETTER.BLOCK7"><tbody><tr><td rowspan="1" colspan="2" align="left" style="text-align: left; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; " ><div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">It was so much more than a fireworks display, and I think most</span></p><table class="imgCaptionTable" width="151" align="right" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; "><tbody><tr><td class="imgCaptionImage" width="151" rowspan="1" colspan="1"><img src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/img/75.jpg" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.75" width="176" vspace="5" border="0" alt="Boston Fireworks" align="right" height="181" hspace="5" style="text-align: right; " /></td></tr><tr><td class="imgCaptionText" rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span">Boston's Fireworks</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">people knew it.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">There we were, 500,000 of us staring up into the heavens, in complete awe at the miracle unfolding far above us. A collective "oooo" - rather like an "amen" -- erupted spontaneously from the crowds. Our necks hurt from craning to see the spectacle. Our faces hurt from the goofy grins plastered there for 20 solid minutes, the length of Boston's massive fireworks show.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">It's hard not to think of God and church at a time like that, and that's true for me (the priest) as well as for the mostly non-religious, not-even-especially-spiritual people with whom I spent the 4th of July. As we walked back, Sam talked about the "beatific" smiles on everyone's faces (beatific, as in saintly, filled with light). Steph talked about how cool it was to feel so small next to something so huge, and how rarely we experience that, especially in the city. I chimed in, "Kinda like when you're in one of those huge, Gothic cathedrals." And they all said, "Yeah, like that!"</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Why invite someone to church? Because part of living well as a human being is getting perspective on where we are in the grand scheme. We need moments when we feel utterly connected to each other and to the great transcendent reality just beyond our reach. We need moments to say "ooo" together, and moments to say "amen." We need to feel the sizzle that reminds us we're alive, and to look around and see bright, joy-filled faces around us, in spite of the crumbling world around us. We're children of God, each filled with the Spirit as bright as any firework. I don't know about you, but I need all the reminders I can get.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></p></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Click </span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/archive/1106416136614.html">here</a> to r</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span">ead all of this week's Life @ The Crossing e-news blast. </span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-5102362174465073072011-06-15T13:59:00.005-04:002011-06-15T14:08:50.140-04:00now that's evangelism<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a name="LETTER.BLOCK7"><table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 5px; display: table; " id="content_LETTER.BLOCK7"><tbody><tr><td rowspan="1" align="left" colspan="2" style="text-align: left; "><span style="text-indent: 0px; "><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; ">I could tell you the stories and count the names of people who </p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; ">helped to make our witness at this year's Pride Parade so full, beautiful and holy. </p><img height="183" vspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.67" border="0" width="248" alt="Pride 2011_fabulous float" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/img/67.jpg" align="right" style="text-align: right; " />Minister for Justice & Action Vicki Morte organized us to truly represent, and for weeks our crews gathered on the lawn of the Life Together house in Brookline to build a float that unequivocally announces "God loves you and so do we!" </div><div><br /><p style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; ">Gratitude is too small a word to say how much</p><p style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; ">we owe everyone who made signs, built rainbow altar rails, brainstormed slogans, painted stained glass windows, marched in the rain, gave out candy and cards, danced on a moving flatbed, chanted, prayed. A whole lot of people know that God's name is Love today, and they know because we weren't afraid to say it.</p></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 12px; ">Check out the rest of this wee</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 12px; ">k's Life @ The Crossing blast </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 12px; "><a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/archive/1106025529494.html">here</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 12px; ">.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><a name="LETTER.BLOCK7"><table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 5px; display: table; "><tbody><tr><td rowspan="1" align="left" colspan="2" style="text-align: left; "><span style="text-indent: 0px; "><div><img src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/img/66.jpg" height="116" vspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.66" border="0" width="176" alt="Pride 2011_vicki and andy" align="right" style="text-align: right; " /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0P0y9R612HXP66GWFQqEal97zRYPFgrZRJXAZ2oiq8X8tB5EPOPozDlbc2asWGkNEyVw2QI_Rco1BM0KzhWUbAE0TWafk3gKdq2smu_nL4wavu2IGp_0g7gb7TGNL5Iy67_Ngw/s200/Pride+2011_float+in+progress+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618508926133641762" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px; " /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYsXikFAYczyxRWGpvNC9xLn-HCDoutjqToHSz30YlbquUhdMvZ3-K-TF35JKcjm-Vw2BYiw4AtpS47L5UXRoHtN8tW3CqITLEwLBDEYqHofW1DULGCHv3tV0xMZl6C5zExh0iA/s200/Pride+2011_everybody.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618509298602791362" /><img src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/img/69.jpg" height="141" vspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.69" border="0" width="214" alt="Pride 2011_bishop tom and nicholas represent" align="left" style="text-align: left; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11pt; " /><img src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/img/68.jpg" height="139" vspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.68" border="0" width="212" alt="Pride 2011_jason dani and non judgement day" align="left" style="text-align: left; " /><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a name="LETTER.BLOCK7"><table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 5px; display: table; "></table></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a name="LETTER.BLOCK7"><table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="content_LETTER.BLOCK7" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 5px; display: table; "><tbody><tr><td rowspan="1" align="left" colspan="2" style="text-align: left; "><span style="text-indent: 0px; "><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a name="LETTER.BLOCK7"><table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 5px; display: table; "><tbody><tr><td rowspan="1" align="left" colspan="2" style="text-align: left; "><span style="text-indent: 0px; "><div><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11pt; "> </span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span></div><p style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><p style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><p style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><p style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><p style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><p style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><p style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p></span></td></tr></tbody></table></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-61985082113822190982011-06-08T22:58:00.006-04:002011-06-08T23:07:54.163-04:00got pride?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgui_vWw_vDYaMHO9IbQFuYI_HXoP25zVE0zdRSqatBBtbgqmV463XxdiOJFUxGrg9AQw2gx2WQtKpwuusLr1WBR5vXOrokObruzL8_gYVCWtPkG1F_0-kP1G7J7Cv1j8lhBxs0NA/s1600/Br+Anthony+Francis_Cross+of+Ubuntu.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 138px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgui_vWw_vDYaMHO9IbQFuYI_HXoP25zVE0zdRSqatBBtbgqmV463XxdiOJFUxGrg9AQw2gx2WQtKpwuusLr1WBR5vXOrokObruzL8_gYVCWtPkG1F_0-kP1G7J7Cv1j8lhBxs0NA/s200/Br+Anthony+Francis_Cross+of+Ubuntu.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616051410419094946" /></a><br /><div><span> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span>Sorry for sending this blast out so late, but I've got a good excuse. From 2 to 8pm, I was camped out at the State House, surrounded by members of the Interfaith Coalition for Transgender Equality, Mass Equality and the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition and waiting to testify to the Mass. legislature in favor of the Transgender Civil Rights Bill. The measure has been hung up in committees for years. </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span>I don't know how much difference I made, but I shared my hopes, shared a letter from our bishop and read the comments from a local rabbi, who had to leaveat 6pm because it's Shavuot, a major Jewish holiday. So it was me and the Unitarian district exec. Yes, the people of faith spoke up.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span> </span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span>It felt right to be at the State House today, so close to Pride Weekend. Marching in parades and witnessing to God's love is important, and God knows many hands have prepared for Saturday's Pride Parade (click <a href="http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1103957675172-63/PrideFlyer_2011.pdf">here </a>for the flyer and details). But we also have to take specific action against discrimination, writing letters, talking with legislators, showing up with your cross <i>and</i> your desire for equality.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span>As long as transgendered people are disproportionately beaten and murdered, as long as they are fired and kicked out of their homes, as long as so many commit suicide rather than suffer another dehumanizing day ... as long as any child of God suffers like this, someone has to speak up. So join us and show your pride on Saturday. Just be sure you show it again every other day of the week</span></p></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Click <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/archive/1105894049158.html">here </a>to read the whole Life @ The Crossing weekly email update.</b></span></div><div><br /></div>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-70267508244318278772011-05-18T23:36:00.006-04:002011-05-18T23:44:53.489-04:00you belong here<div><div><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%" ><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span>What does it mean to belong to The Crossing? What does it mean to be a member? On <strong>Thursday, June 2</strong>, we'll have a <strong>Ritual of Commitment</strong> for people who want to join. But what does joining even mean?</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span> </span></p><span> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMlDtSajw4onJ5gYjc3iywRIsqryYDxNse1Ho1wqPCWeFL897J-R06-PAwZnXXNIPFPC0B9Et5xSFYZHyQjDpXSI97xz7pBJfXfl3krsmk2U3_dk1KkxooX4J-3aPkcbSEs5GZw/s200/Crossing+Logo_Sp2011.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 136px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608266851889194530" /></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><br /></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">That's a question we've mulled intensely for the last three years. The leaders of our Community Circle met over fried chicken and waffles Monday night, and Michael Zahniser, who is establishing our new Crossing house in Jamaica Plain, broke the whole idea of belonging wide open for me. He said, "We're a community that tries to hold people loosely, but membership is about wanting the community to hold me tighter."</p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><br /></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span>Right. We focus so much on how transient our community is, but the fact is that everybody needs to be held, to have people love you enough to expect more of you. We worry about making heavy demands on busy people and asking too much; but maybe I want someone to ask me to stick, want to be held more</span> tightly. You can only roam and skim the surface but so long.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span><br /></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span>Our <span style="COLOR: #000000"><strong><u><a href="http://www.thecrossingboston.org/rule.html">Rule for Real Life</a></u><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=eftcqeeab&et=1105586622821&s=0&e=0010hP2pct2uatck81L6_d8lSmkiT_RtFeW97lxkvd73TbB0KNqrUNc7pzZwZfxAwgdVaq3Q-32p8h8umA2XaHRixpgbUKPEfsJXLjriwwUT9DVizqlczNeYxfWroodvXfEeMngVy35s2uKyj9leUlQx4NO-_YXhIp8rKoCnSLl7uYkYecCiz_jkg==" shape="rect" target="_blank" linktype="document" track="on" ref="ACCOUNT.DOCUMENT.59"> </a></strong></span>is the primary way that we hold one another as we seek to live the Jesus Way more intentionally in our everyday, messy, mucky lives, and now we've surrounded it with more relational structures so it's got some power. Details are below, but just plan to come out next Wednesday, May 25, to learn about membership and commitment at The Crossing. Then, on June 2, you're invited to take on the Rule <b>and</b> to take up practices that bind us to one another and to God.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span><br /></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span>Moving away soon? Member of another Sunday church? You still need to know there is a community sending you with blessing and continuing to pray for and hold you. It's what we all need to thrive ... not just as Christians but as human beings.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span><br /></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span>Never doubt it: You belong here.</span></p></span></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Read this week's entire e-news blast <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/archive/1105586622821.html">here</a>.</b></div>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-69141755442305519462011-05-04T12:51:00.003-04:002011-05-04T12:55:14.061-04:00how radical is YOUR welcome?<div><div><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%" > <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span>Radical welcome is easy to talk about. It's easy to write about in your Rule of Life. Last Thursday, we got to the hard part: the practice of radical welcome.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span> </span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span>A man - we'll call him Pete - took a seat in the pews, and I invited him to join us around the altar fo<img border="0" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.60" hspace="5" alt="radical welcome_hands" vspace="5" align="right" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/img/60.jpg" width="181" height="181" />r worship. He seemed engaged enough, until I finished offering the reflection, a meditation on the first commitment in our Rule of Life, the commitment to practice Radical Welcome (embracing the gifts and voices and wisdom of The Other, such that we and our communities are changed). </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span>When we opened for comments, Pete spoke up, said he didn't understand how we could call ourselves Christians if the women were sitting with their heads uncovered. Then he questioned how faithful we could be to the Bible, considering we have a woman minister.</span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span> </span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span>It could have degenerated into a shouting match. People <span> </span>could have ignored him, frozen him out or shut him down. Instead, throughout the rest of the evening - including during Open Space and later at Fajitas n Ritas - I saw person after person engage truthfully, lovingly and energetically with Pete. Folks offered their stories and their love of the Bible and of God, and welcomed him to share his passion for God and reverence for God's word, and how all that had led him to our door. It became a teaching moment, and yes, Pete did quite a lot of the teaching.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span> </span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="line-height: 115%; ">Will he be back this week? I hope so. Not because I want to slam his logic and convince him that "we" are right, not because I expect he'll convince me that women shouldn't be priests, but because walking together is bound to expand all of our hearts. And because - sigh - the only way we're gonna get to the kingdom is together.</span></p></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span>Click here to read the <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/archive/1105400427736.html">full Life @ The Crossing email blast</a> for May 4. It's got even more articles, news and updates.</span></div>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-79435187758504674532011-04-20T01:25:00.001-04:002011-04-20T01:27:40.413-04:00a holy week surprise<div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Candara, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; " class="Apple-style-span"> </span><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Candara, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; "><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">Surprise. Holy Week is many things - beautiful, arresting, heart- <table style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-TOP: 20px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 20px" class="imgCaptionTable" width="227" align="right"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="imgCaptionImage" rowspan="1" width="227" colspan="1"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=eftcqeeab&et=1105223642089&s=0&e=001uWrMROzkZbqId6d4BGikBNHJ7DenELQO703sbz_6FGvogGWNVkFk7Dk_hmUDPIEeFyenADYkK9sFttvLLIN0J38DkOieF3g9o08WhQLdhaTEm8XXhAIf419m8ziqschl9bVeRjpohOR8zSSAtM6UtBvEq0j-A0L-" shape="rect" target="_blank" track="on"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: right" border="0" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.55" alt="Easter Vigil 2011" vspace="5" align="right" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/img/55.jpg" width="227" height="292" /></a> </td></tr> <tr> <td style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Century Gothic, ITC Avant Garde, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; COLOR: #666666; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="imgCaptionText" rowspan="1" colspan="1">Click image; link to flyer </td></tr></tbody></table>breaking - but "surprise" is not one of the words we associate with this annual ritual observance. We know how this story goes, right? As of Palm Sunday, Jesus had entered Jerusalem. As of Thursday, he will have shared a Last Supper with his friends, and then he will enter the garden to await the horrors ahead. On Good Friday, he will be crucified. Then early, early on Sunday - basically Saturday night - everything turns, the world changes, and there's a whole new story to celebrate. </span></div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Candara, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; " class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Candara, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; " class="Apple-style-span"> </span><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Candara, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; "><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">Not surprising. And yet, as you walk through this week, I pray that you will be surprised. Allow yourself to visit the texts, no matter how familiar they may be to you, with fresh ears and an open heart <em>(see bottom box for art and links to readings for Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday).</em> Allow yourself to grieve for our brother, God, Jesus, who suffers the unimaginable and then dies a death you wouldn't wish on the world's worst criminal. Let your tears surprise you. </span><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">And if some part of you has been slowly dying and falling away, but you've been gripping it in desperation, imagine letting it go. Imagine what else God has in store. </span></div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Candara, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; " class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Candara, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; " class="Apple-style-span"> </span><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Candara, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; "><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">Jesus' journey may look the same every year. How we walk with him, how we inhabit his story - that is what keeps changing. There is always some other part of you that needs to die, and some part of you that God is just about to resurrect. And you usually have no idea.</span></div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Candara, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; " class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Candara, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; " class="Apple-style-span"> </span><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Candara, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; "><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">Surprise. And amen.</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Read the whole "Life @ The Crossing" newsletter <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/archive/1105223642089.html">HERE</a>.</div><div><br /></div>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-3829970925226105932011-03-30T12:44:00.002-04:002011-03-30T12:47:56.021-04:00a good word from north carolina<div><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span>I write to you from the Episcopal House of Bishops meeting in North Carolina, where I'm serving my first term as Chapla<img title="0.7446808510638297" border="0" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.47" alt="The Future" vspace="5" align="right" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/img/47.jpg" width="210" height="167" />in to the House. (Jason Long and Arrington Chambliss presented Saturday and set it off right!). It's insanely intimidating to be one of two priests providing pastoral support, organizing liturgies and preaching multiple sermons to the gathered body of nearly 200 bishops. But last Thursday night, before I left for North Carolina, The Crossing community did a laying on of hands for me. Folks stretched out to touch my head and shoulders, or the shoulder of the person closest to them, and Kevin Vetiac prayed an amazing Holy Spirit-filled prayer over me. I took that power, and stories from our community and images of your faces, with me to the House. </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%">It's been a beautiful and heartening experience walking with the bishops and praying </span>with them as they cast a vision for what's next in the life of the Episcopal Church. If I've preached well, listened well, loved well in my time here, it's because you are with me and I'm representing the hope we find in Jesus Christ at The Crossing. So big thanks to God and thanks to you. And now, back to the bishops ...</p></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Read the whole Life @ The Crossing blast for this week: click <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/archive/1105005347746.html">here</a>.</b></div>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-32702564606016411522011-03-01T18:26:00.006-05:002011-03-01T18:37:06.328-05:00welcome to the village -- as in, the episcopal village gathering<span class="Apple-style-span"><div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">I'm sitting in the kitchen with my friend Ian Mobsby, priest to the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 0); "><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=eftcqeeab&et=1104623539597&s=0&e=0016y4RjTr8o06CE_VViSekQgw-WQJ0to4e_HTCANs7XZ-Eq8M6nv69KCBUyriIDHEp_8PcuU_EVxweo6jiTmHmf5O3etOP_MSBC1uO200jITw=" shape="rect" target="_blank" linktype="link" track="on" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 0); text-decoration: underline; ">Moot community</a>, our sister church in London, and the big speaker for this</span></p><table class="imgCaptionTable" width="257" align="right" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; "><tbody><tr><td class="imgCaptionImage" rowspan="1" width="257" colspan="1"><img border="0" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.40" alt="Moot community" vspace="5" align="right" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/img/40.jpg" width="257" height="171" style="text-align: right; " /></td></tr><tr><td class="imgCaptionText" rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-decoration: none; font-style: normal; ">our friends @ moot</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">weekend's big ol' Episcopal Village conference at the Cathedral. Ian and I are co-editors for the slammin' book <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 0); "><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=eftcqeeab&et=1104623539597&s=0&e=0016y4RjTr8o06CE_VViSekQgw-WQJ0to4e_HTCANs7XZ-Eq8M6nv69KHJsLbvxbjMpx4X7vNDUDBF0fEpqf17QRPAyDbYsXZLG_eKzbYEzSPEKk0aQhZaVCcFbuu32fump8JiOKlxhNvs9noS7x1rjlEGhEEBdsueVEly5AhkzPw9ybLhPk3fPatsjLPYkVNS8uF6O6fKmuMI=" shape="rect" target="_blank" linktype="link" track="on" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 0); text-decoration: underline; ">Ancient Faith, Future Mission: Fresh Expressions in the Sacramental Traditions</a></span>. But we've just finished shopping at Trader Joe's (he's amazed at these American stores), and now we're eating soup and talking the future of church on our respective continents. I can't<span class="Apple-style-span"></span></p><div style="display: inline !important; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; display: inline !important; ">wait to welcome everybody else into the conversation this weekend. It's gonna be good!</p></div><p style="font-weight: bold; "></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-weight: bold; "></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><b style="font-weight: normal; ">The Background: The Crossing is helping to throw a<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "> <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=eftcqeeab&et=1104623539597&s=0&e=0016y4RjTr8o06CE_VViSekQgw-WQJ0to4e_HTCANs7XZ-Eq8M6nv69KCBUyriIDHEprzBYfmFOE-uiMEjWndnKdI1FJbMBjwkgFmcBvD3KT6FabOBu_3OcM-GELtXRStwWsTaaPEXku8uxAApTya1Aug==" shape="rect" target="_blank" linktype="link" track="on" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-decoration: underline; ">Spring Learning Event</a>/<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=eftcqeeab&et=1104623539597&s=0&e=0016y4RjTr8o06CE_VViSekQgw-WQJ0to4e_HTCANs7XZ-Eq8M6nv69KCBUyriIDHEp2hLkncYG_4tn3HBy0TjRL7u5XicjVw10rqAVUi706Go=" shape="rect" target="_blank" linktype="link" track="on" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-decoration: underline; ">Episcopal Village</a></span>Mission Event on Saturday, March 5, from 9am to 4:30pm. Presenters are coming from all over the country (inc. Karen Ward, exec. director of Episcopal Village; Tom Brackett, staff officer for Church Planting and Fresh Expressions for the Episcopal Church) and around the corner (including Jack Jenkins on Social Media; Isaac Everett on Emergent Psalms; Rev. Steph Spellers on birthing a fresh expression in a conventional church; Jason Long and Arrington Chambliss on</b> intentional Christian community; Nicholas Hayes and Marisa Egerstrom on organizing for the earth). Think of it as one big village gathering of practitioners a<b style="font-weight: normal; ">nd dreamers and activists and lovers of God's dream.</b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><b style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><b style="font-weight: normal; ">Many of you are volunteering, providing homes for out-of-town guests, presenting on your own work and visions, and I'm so grateful for this outpouring! Even if you're just tuning in now, get registered and come. Cuz it takes a village to embody the dream of God.</b></p><p></p><ul><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">You can register for Saturday<span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0); "> <a style="COLOR: #003300; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=eftcqeeab&et=1104623539597&s=0&e=0016y4RjTr8o06CE_VViSekQgw-WQJ0to4e_HTCANs7XZ-Eq8M6nv69KCBUyriIDHEp2hLkncYG_4uvRbn9PTrMJ_7L0Djyr_H8dOLWKf3wa9E=" shape="rect" target="_blank" linktype="link" track="on">here</a>.</span></li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">You can check out and print or share the flyer <span style="COLOR: #003300"><a style="COLOR: #003300; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=eftcqeeab&et=1104623539597&s=0&e=0016y4RjTr8o06CE_VViSekQgw-WQJ0to4e_HTCANs7XZ-Eq8M6nv69KCBUyriIDHEpz3EVwp6uArd0j7UrEI0dbgKxeHqRYf0beSBWuhc_POWxNcU1revp9mgFPMQvbkxmZYfZ-01ndwwP9ZNfUFT9ViHaTOqjFyrl5c5MSxzSzKYJ8UgevEGWVA==" shape="rect" target="_blank" linktype="document" track="on" ref="ACCOUNT.DOCUMENT.38">here</a>.</span></li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">You can attend the Saturday event plus a pre-conference talk with Ian Mobsby in a cozier setting on Friday at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge (same registration site).</li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">You can experience worship Moot-style at EDS' Thursday 12:15pm Eucharist (no registration necessary).</li></ul></div><div>That's one piece of the news, but click <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/archive/1104623539597.html">here </a>for the whole weekly news blast.</div></span>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-20481355203484537942011-02-22T23:56:00.003-05:002011-02-23T00:02:43.831-05:00mission possible<div><p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">It's easy to think of church as an institution, but it's also a movement: a body of people pursuing the radical, world-changing, compassionate </p> <table style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-TOP: 20px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 20px" class="imgCaptionTable mceItemTable" width="158" align="right" _mce_style="text-align: center; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="imgCaptionImage" width="158"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: right" title="1.1383928571428572" border="0" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.37" hspace="5" alt="Episcopal Village" vspace="5" align="right" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/img/37.jpg" width="255" height="89" jquery1298437084468="88" _mce_style="text-align: right;" _mce_src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/img/37.jpg" /> </td></tr> <tr> <td style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Century Gothic, ITC Avant Garde, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; COLOR: #666666; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="imgCaptionText" _mce_style="text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-family: Century Gothic, ITC Avant Garde, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #666666; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">check it out: www.episcopalvillage.org </td></tr></tbody></table> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">mission of God. And next Saturday, right here at the Cathedral, you'll see the movement in full bloom. </p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> </p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">The Crossing is helping to throw a Spring Learning Event/Episcopal Village Mission Event on Saturday, March 5, from 9am (ouch!) to 4:30pm (ah, that's more like it). Presenters are coming from around the corner and all over the country, with a keynote speaker -- our friend Ian Mobsby, author and priest to our sister church in London, the Moot community -- coming from the UK. The whole point is to explore the many, many, many ways communities around us are sharing the gospel and forming sustainable Christian communities in a changing world. </p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> </p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">How can you engage this amazing gathering?</p> <ul> <li style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">You can register for Saturday<span _mce_style="color: #003300;"><strong> <u><a href="http://epvboston.eventbrite.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" >here</span></a></u><span class="Apple-style-span" >.</span></strong></span></li> <li style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">You can check out and print or share the flyer <span _mce_style="color: #003300;"><strong><u><a href="http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1103957675172-38/EPV+New+England+flyer.pdf"><span class="Apple-style-span" >here</span></a></u><span class="Apple-style-span" >.</span></strong></span></li> <li style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">You can volunteer + attend free by writing to me here: <b><a href="mailto:revsteph@thecrossingboston.org" shape="rect" _mce_style="color: #003300;" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_href="mailto:revsteph@thecrossingboston.org"><span class="Apple-style-span" >revsteph@thecrossingboston.org</span></a>.</b></li> <li style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">You can attend the Saturday event plus a pre-conference talk with Ian Mobsby in a cozier setting on Friday at Episcopal Divinity School (same registration site). </li> <li style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">You can experience worship Moot-style at EDS' Thursday 12:15pm Eucharist (no registration necessary).</li></ul></div><div>And as long as you're following links, read the week's entire email blast <b><a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/archive/1104623304181.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" >here</span></a>!</b></div>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-90338405986574220012011-02-02T21:19:00.004-05:002011-02-02T21:44:14.465-05:00small groups, big deal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0gmaPrgkAChVVC-_WFWBESuZsjlDVPdv3I69n8tOPwjle2p6xTVj0cr3o1_GH_LEZpvxDmYMJOGdzjzW64_ewIF8vIK3YX_vX-d58tpnrW3H6nPijocCPWWAG4kM30H2sYGf-Q/s1600/Crossing+Community_Laughing.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0gmaPrgkAChVVC-_WFWBESuZsjlDVPdv3I69n8tOPwjle2p6xTVj0cr3o1_GH_LEZpvxDmYMJOGdzjzW64_ewIF8vIK3YX_vX-d58tpnrW3H6nPijocCPWWAG4kM30H2sYGf-Q/s200/Crossing+Community_Laughing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569284822147948066" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">It's deceptive to call them "small groups." These small gatherings make such an incredible difference in so many people's lives and to our whole community. Now that I've been part of one (bonafide member of the Faith Transitions group in the fall), I can tell you that I don't know a better way to become true companions; share practices, hearts, hopes & resources; and really commit to each other's transformation into Jesus-people.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Cuz here's the thing: We can talk about it. Uh huh. We can begin to make the connection in worship. Yes. We can spread it in action. Of course. But these committed cells are where new life-faith life-real life all shift into hyper drive.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">So wherever you are as part of The Crossing community, please look at the offerings below. Listen for God. Contact a leader for more details. Mark your calendar. And step out on faith. You're gonna find some beautiful, transformative relationships -- and more of God and more of yourself -- along the way. It's the whole secret of following Jesus :)</p></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Follow this link for the word on Small Groups and the rest this week's <span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/archive/1104387782877.html">Life @ The Crossing email-blast</a> ...</span></span></div>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-27645866170131955582011-01-20T10:43:00.003-05:002011-01-20T10:53:47.684-05:00the annual report<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie956Hur0rFcrucK5RkjWkZ4PEYUqxe8rhVib8WZsIeye8vBvsJF_srN8XP8A8UY6GFHKFI0w4XBw80T_0GmPiHcAlpGwEh6_CwknApLQLftG2H0IuSLtectCCGR73yzE-Kbxs3g/s1600/Joseph+Holston_Sun+Warms+the+Free+Men.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 176px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie956Hur0rFcrucK5RkjWkZ4PEYUqxe8rhVib8WZsIeye8vBvsJF_srN8XP8A8UY6GFHKFI0w4XBw80T_0GmPiHcAlpGwEh6_CwknApLQLftG2H0IuSLtectCCGR73yzE-Kbxs3g/s200/Joseph+Holston_Sun+Warms+the+Free+Men.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564296143729690674" /></a><div><div>Every year, I write a report to the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, letting our wider Cathedral family know what we've been up to in the past year at The Crossing. It's by no means exhaustive -- I've got one page to sum up a whole year! But as I sent it to the Cathedral administrator, I thought, "Hmm ..., maybe folks in our own community would appreciate this update, too?"</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>So here it is: The Annual Report! One page that begins a conversation about the ways we've been stretching, praying, committing and partnering over the last year (hence the artwork to the right: Joseph Holston's "Sun Warms Free Men", which says all those things to me). Please read and then feel free to reply and share what YOUR highlights have been over the last 6 or 12 months and what you hope we'll take up in the year to come ...</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/archive/1104271660643.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Link here to the full Life @ The Crossing e-blast</span></b></a>, including the Annual Report ...</div>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-54993687013039326292011-01-12T19:26:00.003-05:002011-01-12T19:36:48.870-05:00and we're back!It's not that I stopped sending out regular postings to our community. I've just been doing it using Constant Contact. Alas, there's not the easy post-to-blogger as you post-to-gmail function with this new service. So I've been woefully out of touch with anyone keeping tabs on our community via this blog.<div><br /></div><div>So here's my promise: From now on, I'll provide 1) the opening thoughts from the community e-blast and 2) a link to the webpage where the new "newsletter" is kept.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sound good? Here goes! First, to get back into the flow, here are some recent links:</div><div>December 30, 2010: <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/archive/1104164529515.html">Children of the Light</a></div><div>January 4, 2011: <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/archive/1104164529515.html">What Can I Give?</a></div><div><br /></div><div>And here's the opening and link for today's posting:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>January 12: <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/archive/1104235307864.html">Tweet Tweet</a></b></div><div><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><b> </b><p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">I hope most of you enjoyed a much deserved Snow Day today. Some of us -- especially telecommuters like me -- worked the same as always. So unfair! But the grace is that I hit send on the edits</p> <table style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-TOP: 20px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 20px" class="imgCaptionTable" width="186" align="right"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="imgCaptionImage" rowspan="1" width="186" colspan="1"><em><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=eftcqeeab&et=1104235307864&s=0&e=001E_TFH14vo_aDcEhHQA56FVxDQi5TtovLbWMOcdbtkVYiLAlgwCadVH5X5g10f6T-_oAOkw8y953uvwIs7sXYGmb8WmJLdbLFxjkytcYAobpG5NrbmmfTD7Pm9IFNUceuk46Jid4iLac=" shape="rect" target="_blank" track="on"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: right" border="0" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.28" alt="Tweet cover" vspace="5" align="right" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs068/1103957675172/img/28.jpg" width="186" height="283" /></a> </em></td></tr> <tr> <td style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Century Gothic, ITC Avant Garde, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; COLOR: #666666; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="imgCaptionText" rowspan="1" colspan="1"><em>One good book! Tweet If You [Heart] Jesus </em></td></tr></tbody></table> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">for a new book that kicks church booty: Elizabeth Drescher's <em>Tweet If You [Heart] Je</em><em>sus: Practicing Church in the Digital Reformation</em>. </p><p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><br /></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"> </p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">Will being the editor for this book finally force me to carve more time for Facebook, get a Twitter account and write a more meaty blog? I'm guessing no (but hey, miracles happen!). It has certainly stirred my thinking about the extraordinary community that meets, gathers, shares, prays and nurtures each other in social digital space. And it makes me wonder what the physical church can learn from all of you who are making authentic community happen online, or enriching your face-to-face community with a commitment to listen, attend and connect digitally.</p><p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><br /></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"> </p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">I could tell you more. Instead, you can click <a href="http://elizabethdrescher.net/tweetifu9829jesus.html">here </a>and go to Elizabeth's homepage.</p><p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><br /></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"> </p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">The book comes out later this spring. The revolution has already begun. Can we keep up?</p><p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><br /></p><p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><br /></p></span></div>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-38689337846805240802010-11-11T13:15:00.000-05:002010-11-11T13:16:42.278-05:00what a difference a week makes!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span ><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >With Transgender Awareness Week starting this weekend AND Homeless Youth Awareness Month going throughout November, it made sense to invite our Minister for Justice and Action, Vicki Morte, to give us all some background and inspiration. Take it away, sister ...</span></span></i></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; "><span ><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; "><span style="font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span ><i>As a community, we’ve chosen some specific ways to pray and act around injustices that threaten the lives of our friends and neighbors. We stand in solidarity as allies and members of the GLBTQ community. We're also developing partnerships to support young, homeless people in the city of Boston. This week is a huge week for action around both of these issues.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span ><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span ><i>Over the last decade, the number of deaths due to transgender-based hate or prejudice has risen monthly. The numbers are likely to keep rising, as even a progressive state like Massachusetts still offers no explicit legal protection for the Transgender Community. One bright light is Transgender Awareness Week, which begins this weekend. It started with one day -- following the 1998 murder of transsexual woman Rita Hester here in Boston, the International Transgender Day of Remembrance was established to memorialize all those who lost their lives due to hatred and ignorance.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span ><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span ><i>The day has expanded into an empowering week of outreach and education. From November 13–20, the city of Boston and others across the nation will have the chance to be a part of Transgender Awareness Week. The Crossing will provide welcoming and loving space as the host site for the Day of Remembrance service here in Boston, and for other events throughout the week.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span ><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span ><i>At the same time, the number of homeless youth in the United States stands somewhere around <u>1.5 million</u>, and it has been estimated that up to 40% of these homeless young people identify as LGBTQ. Recent reports approximate that every day 13 youth die on the streets. To address this growing epidemic, Congress declared November National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. We're taking action by partnering with Bridge Over Troubled Waters and Join the Impact, two local groups that provide support and advocacy for homeless teens and young adults. We want to step forward as loving supporters of these young people, even as we move to end youth homelessness in this country.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span ><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span ><i>As these two important times intersect, we’re joining the movement in Boston to act up and out against injustice, returning hate with love to end discrimination and violence. Please support what's unfolding this November with your presence, your prayers, and your hope.</i></span></p></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; "><span style="font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><b><span style="font-size: large; "><i><span ><span >this week @ the crossing</span></span></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span ><span >TODAY</span></span><span >: </span></b><b><span >Cambridge/Somerville Neighborhood Group</span></b><span > @ 7-9pm at Beth Graham's house</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span ><span >THU</span></span><span >: <span>Crossing</span> Paths </span></b><span >@ noon in front of Cathedral</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span ><span >THU</span></span><span >: Worship </span></b><span >@ 6-7:15pm</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-weight: bold; "><span >THU</span></span><b><span >: Everyone Does Theology </span></b><span >after worship -- topic: Jesus</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-weight: bold; "><span >SAT: </span></span><b><span >Join the Impact </span></b><span >action on Boston Common with homeless LGBT youth</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span ><span >SUN</span></span><span >: Faith Transitions Group </span></b><span >@ 6-7:30pm at Cathedral</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span ><span >SUN</span></span><span >: Sexuality & Faith Group </span></b><span >@ 6-7:30pm at Cathedral</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span ><span >AS NEEDED</span></span></b><span >: <b>Communion Delivery</b></span></li></ul></div></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><i><span ><span ><br /></span></span></i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><i><span ><span >worship: </span></span></i></span><span style="font-size: x-small; "><i><span ><span >where we fall in love with God</span></span></i></span></b></div></span></span></div><blockquote style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span >Worship / Thursdays @ 6pm</span></span></b></span></div></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span >This Thursday Kevin Vetiac offers a reflection on Luke 21:5-19, while Ben Whaley and Vicki Morte tag-team on the spiritual practice: encountering The Other as Christ. </span></div></span></b></div></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><b><span style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="font-size: 13px; "><span ><br /></span></span></div></span></b></div></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span >If you joined us last week, you witnessed a moving profession of vows by Adwoa Lewis-Wilson, who became an oblate in the</span></span></span></div></b></div></span></span><a href="http://www.orderofjulian.org/home.html" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span ><span >Order of St. Julian of Norwich</span></span></b></a><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span >. The order is based in Wisconsin, but we're privileged to serve as the local community that supports her in this deep commitment to the Jesus Way. Click the link above to learn more about the Order. </span></span></div></blockquote><div style="font-size: 15px; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><ul><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span >WAY BEFORE WORSHIP</span></span></b><span style="font-size: small; "><span >: Come anytime between noon and 1pm for <span>Crossing</span> Paths. <span>Crossing</span> <wbr>folks reach out and share art and spiritual practices with <span>the</span> city. (details under "<b><span >action</span></b>")</span></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span >BEFORE WORSHIP</span></b></span><span >: Creative juices flow! Help set-up for worship at 4:45pm. CONTACT Cara at <a href="mailto:millsc@diomassintern.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >millsc@diomassintern.org</span></a> to volunteer regularly!</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; font-size: 13px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span >AFTER WORSHIP</span></span></b><span style="font-size: small; "><span >: Community Potluck Dinner -- bring a dish inspired by your ancestors (details under "<b><span >community</span></b>")</span></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; font-size: 13px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span >BY SUBWAY</span></span></b><span style="font-size: small; "><span >: 138 Tremont St -- across from Park St T stop (Red or Green Line); near Downtown </span></span><span><span style="font-size: small; "><span><span >Crossing</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; "><span > T (Orange)</span></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; font-size: 13px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span >PARKING</span></span></b><span style="font-size: small; "><span >: Boston Common Garage, Charles Street between Boston Common and Public Garden ($5 with validation @ church -- ask a Greeter)</span></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; font-size: 13px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span >FOR MORE INFO</span></span></b><span style="font-size: small; "><span >: Head to our website -- </span></span><a href="http://www.thecrossingboston.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span ><span >www.thecrossingboston.org</span></span></span></b></a></li></ul></ul></span></div></span></span></div><blockquote style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><b><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span ><br /></span></b></span></div></b></div></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><b><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span >Communion Delivery / New offering!</span></b></span></div></b></div></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span >Got a Thursday night class or work, and it's keeping you away from <span>The</span> <span>Crossing</span> worship? Going through a rough work stretch and can't make a couple of weeks? <span>The</span> Worship Circle is helping to knit all of us together as a body by organizing communion delivery to your house, class ... wherever you need some Jesus! To request communion, help with delivery or just get info, CONTACT Ben at <a href="mailto:ben@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >ben@thecrossingboston.org</span></a>. </span></div></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span ><br /></span></div></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><b><span >Thanksgiving Worship and Dinner / Thu., Nov. 25 @ 6pm at Rev. Steph's house in Cambridge</span></b></div></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span >Yes, we'll have our annual Thanksgiving feast for <span>The</span> <span>Crossing</span> community. Plenty of turkey (maybe some tofurkey, too). If you'd like to help cook, set-up, welcome, etc., CONTACT Rev. Steph at <a href="mailto:revsteph@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >revsteph@thecrossingboston.<wbr>org</span></a>. RSVP by Monday, Nov. 22.</span></div></span></div></blockquote><div style="font-size: 15px; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span ><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><i><span ><span >community: </span></span></i></span><span style="font-size: x-small; "><i><span ><span >where we grow in love for each other and ourselves</span></span></i></span></b></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: 900; "><b><span ><span ><br /></span></span></b></span></div></span></div><blockquote style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: 900; "><b><span ><span >AFTER WORSHIP</span></span></b></span></div></span></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 900; "><b><span >THIS Thursday, </span></b></div></span></div></span></div><span style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span >Nov. 11 / Everyone Does Theology -- Topic: JESUS</span></b></span></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span >Second Thursdays, we settle in to learn and kick around deep thoughts on the big religious questions Christians have wrestled with for millennia. The series that will guide our exploration: </span></div></div></div></span></div></span></div><a href="https://www.churchpublishing.org/products/index.cfm?fuseaction=productDetail&productID=8464" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span ><b><span >Embracing an Adult Faith</span></b></span></a><span >, featuring progressive theologian Marcus Borg and a host of regular folks talking about all things faithful. CONTACT Keith at <a href="mailto:keith@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >keith@thecrossingboston.org</span></a><wbr>.</span></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div style="font-weight: 900; font-size: 13px; "><span ><br /></span></div></div></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><div style="font-weight: 900; font-size: 13px; "><b><span >Thursday, Nov. 18 / Open Mic Night with Transcriptions</span></b></div></div></div></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span >For the second year in a row, during </span></div></div></div></div></span></div></span></div><span >Transgender Awareness Week we open our doors to co-host a night of creativity, music, poetry and general fierceness. Our partner is Transcriptions, an open mic night in Jamaica Plan that's especially geared to welcome the voices of transgender and other queer folks. Sign up to share a poem, a song, a reading. And plan to stay for this AMAZING night! CONTACT Penny at <a href="mailto:penny@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >penny@thecrossingboston.org</span></a><wbr>. </span></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span ><br /></span></div></div></div></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div><b><span >Thursday, Nov. 25 / Thanksgiving Dinner</span></b></div></div></div></div></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div><span >Ordinarily, 4th Thursdays equal Education for Action, a gathering hosted by the Justice and Action Team. But on Thanksgiving, everybody's welcome to Rev. Steph's house to celebrate the holiday. See details under<span style="font-weight: 900; ">"<span >worship</span>." </span></span></div></div></div></div></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div style="font-weight: 900; "><span ><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div style="font-weight: 900; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 900; "><b><span >Thursday, Dec. 2 / Community Potluck Dinner</span></b></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div style="font-weight: 900; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div><span >Every first Thursday, we share a good, old-fashioned church potluck! Bring a dish, drink or dessert AND bring a friend. Done by 9pm @ the latest. Got questions or want to help with set-up/clean-up? CONTACT our resident chef, Stephen Gire at </span></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></span></div></span></div><a href="mailto:stephengire@mac.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span ><span >stephengire@mac.com</span></span></a><span >.</span></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div style="font-weight: 900; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div><span ><br /></span></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><div style="font-weight: 900; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: normal; display: inline !important; "><b><span ><span >SMALL GROUPS</span></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></div></div></div></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: 900; font-size: small; "><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="font-size: 13px; "><b><div><span style="font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="font-size: large; "><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small; "><span style="font-size: 13px; "><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><u><span >Neighborhood Groups: </span></u></span></b><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><u><span >share prayer, food, community and service with neighbors</span></u></span></div></span></span></b></div></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></span></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: 900; font-size: 13px; "><div style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span ><span >Cambridge/Somerville Neighborhood Group</span></span></b></span></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: 900; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Date + Time:</span></b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; font-size: small; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span > </span></span><span >THIS WEDNESDAY<span style="font-weight: normal; "> @ 7-9pm (every other week)</span></span></span></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Location: </span></b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><span >Beth Graham's house in Porter Square: 38 Berkeley St, Apt. 5, Somerville</span></span></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Commitment</span></b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><span >: Open to newcomers, but all who join should commit to attend regularly</span></span></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Contact</span></b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><span >: Beth at <a href="mailto:ElizabethLGraham@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >ElizabethLGraham@gmail.com</span></a> <wbr>or 617.767.1969 -- to RSVP</span></span></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span ><br /></span></span></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span ><span >Brookline/Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Group</span></span></b></span></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Date + Time</span></b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><span >: CONTACT ALEX & LEIGH TO TALK DATES </span></span></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Location</span></b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><span >: Alex Froom's house -- 118 Winchester St., Brookline</span></span></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><b><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Commitment</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small; "><span >: Open to newcomers,</span></span></div></span></b></span></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div><b><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><b><div style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Contact</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small; "><span >: Alex <a href="mailto:alexfroom@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >alexfroom@gmail.com</span></a> or Leigh at <a href="mailto:lsfoster83@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >lsfoster83@gmail.com</span></a>.</span></span></div></b></div></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></b></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><u><span style="font-size: small; "><span ><br /></span></span></u></b></div></span></span></b></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><u><span style="font-size: small; "><span >Journey Groups</span></span></u></b><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><u><span style="font-size: small; "><span >: <b>s</b></span></span><b><span >hare around common hopes and struggles on <span>the</span> faith journey</span></b></u></span></div></span></span></b></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div style="font-size: small; font-weight: 900; border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span ><span >Faith Transitions</span></span></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span >Focus</span></b></span></b></span></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><span >: Dealing with big shifts in <span>the</span> way we understand God, Jesus, church, theology and more</span></span></div></span></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span >Date + Time: </span></span></b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span >Sundays @ 6-7:30pm</span></span><span ><span > </span></span></span></div></span></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><b><span >Commitment</span></b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><span >: Open, but consistency appreciated to deepen experience for all participants</span></span></div></span></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span >Location</span></b></span></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><span >: Cathedral, Lawrence Room (1st floor, off reception area)</span></span></div></span></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: 10.8333px; border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span >Contact</span></b></span></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><span >: Rudy at <a href="mailto:rpreyes2@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >rpreyes2@gmail.com</span></a></span></span></div></span></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span ><span ><br /></span></span></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span ><span >Faith and Sexuality</span></span></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span >Focus</span></b></span></span></b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><span >: Explore <span>the</span> intersection of gender, sexuality, our bodies and our faith</span></span></div></span></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span >Date + Time: </span></span></b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><span >Sundays @ 6-7:30pm</span></span></div></span></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Commitment</span></b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><span >: Closed group</span></span></div></span></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span >Location</span></b></span></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><span >: Cathedral office building (5th floor conference room)</span></span></div></span></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span >Contact: </span></b></span></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><span >Andres at <a href="mailto:andres.castro.samayoa@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >andres.castro.samayoa@<wbr>gmail.com</span></a></span></span></div></span></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span ><br /></span></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-weight: 900; font-size: small; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: small; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span ><span >Praying Our Lives</span></span></span></b></span></div></span></b></span></div></span></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div><div style="font-size: small; "><b><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: small; border-collapse: separate; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12.5px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span >Focus</span></b></span></span><span >: Prayer, practice and integrating Christian commitment into <span>the</span> whole of our </span></div></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></div></b></div></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><div><div><b><div><b><div><b><div><div style="font-size: small; "><b><div style="font-size: small; "><span style="font-size: 10.4167px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-collapse: collapse; "><span >Date + Time: </span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-weight: normal; border-collapse: collapse; "><span >Every other Tuesday @ 6-7:30pm (Nov. 16, 30; Dec. 14 -- break for Christmas, restart in January)</span></span></div></b></div></div></b></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div style="font-size: small; "><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: small; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-collapse: separate; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Commitment</span></b></span><span >: Covenant group, so closed after first few gatherings</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div style="font-size: small; "><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: small; border-collapse: separate; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span >Location</span></b></span></span><span >: Cathedral office building, 5th floor conference room</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div style="font-size: small; "><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: small; border-collapse: separate; "><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span >Contact</span></b></span></span></div></span></span></b></span><span >: Adwoa at <a href="mailto:adwoalw1@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >adwoalw1@gmail.com</span></a> or Bill at <a href="mailto:billcomerjr@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >billcomerjr@gmail.com</span></a></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></blockquote><div style="font-size: 15px; "><div><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div style="font-weight: 900; "></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div style="font-size: small; "><div style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: 900; "><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span ><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "></span></span></b></div></span></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><span style="font-size: 15px; "><br /><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><br /></div><div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; "><b><span ><span style="font-size: large; "><i>action: </i></span><span style="font-size: x-small; "><i>where we share God's love with our community and the world</i></span></span></b></span></div></span></div></div></span></span><blockquote style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><div style="font-weight: bold; "><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span ><span >bridge over troubled waters</span></span></span></b></div></div></div></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><div style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; "><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: small; "><b><div style="font-weight: normal; display: inline !important; "><b style="font-size: 13px; "><a href="http://www.bridgeotw.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span ><span >Bridge </span></span></a></b></div> </b></span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span >is an amazing organization literally around <span>the</span> corner from <span>the</span> Cathedral. They work with homeless youth and young adults, offering tutoring, shelter, meals, counseling, fun, safe space and more. Here's how we're partnering with them this Thanksgiving ...</span></span></div></div></div></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><div style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; "><b><span ><br /></span></b></div></span></span></div></span></div></div></div></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><div style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; "><b><span >Make Thanksgiving decorations / </span></b><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: small; "><b><div style="font-weight: normal; display: inline !important; "> <span style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><b><div style="font-weight: normal; display: inline !important; "><span style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><div style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; display: inline !important; "><b><span >Saturday @ 4:30-6:30pm in Brookline</span></b></div></span></span></div></b></span></div></b></div></span></span></div></b></span></div></span></span></div></span></div></div></div></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><div><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span >Thanksgiving celebrations are usually pretty minimal at Bridge, but we’re helping to spruce it up. </span></span></div> <span >Join us in making festive decorations. Supplies will <span style="font-weight: normal; ">be provided. </span><b style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="font-weight: normal; display: inline !important; "> <b><div style="font-size: 13px; display: inline !important; "><span style="font-weight: normal; ">Bring a snack and/or a friend! LOCATION: </span></div></b></div></b><b style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="font-weight: normal; display: inline !important; "> <div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; ">Vicki Morte's house in </div></div></div></b><b style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="font-weight: normal; display: inline !important; "> <b style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="font-weight: normal; display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; ">Brookline (40 Prescott Street, near St. Mary's stop on C line or BU Central on B line). </div></div></div></b>CONTACT <span>Fiona</span> at <a href="mailto:fionabcampbell@mac.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >fionabcampbel<wbr>l@mac.com</span></a>. </div></b></span></div></span></span></div></span></div></div></div></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><div style="font-weight: normal; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><b style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="font-weight: normal; display: inline !important; "><span ><br /></span></div></b></div></b></div></span></span></div></span></div></div></div></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><div style="font-weight: bold; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><span >Help with decorating and serving at Bridge / Wednesday, Nov. 24</span></div></b></div></b></div></span></span></div></span></div></div></div></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><div><div style="display: inline !important; "><span >The Bridge Thanksgiving meal takes place the day before the official Turkey Day.<span style="font-weight: normal; "> CONTACT Fiona to help with decorating and service that day.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></span></blockquote><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 15px; "><div><div><div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div></div></div></div></span><blockquote style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><div><span ><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span >crossing paths</span></span></b></span></div></div></div></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div><b><span >THIS WEEK: Ignatian Jenga / Thursdays at 12-1pm</span></b></div></div></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span >Drop-in with <span>Crossing</span> folks as we share art and spirit with <span>the</span> city. This week, </span></div></div></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><i><span >NOTE: Can't make <span>Crossing</span> Paths? <span>The</span> same practice will also be featured during Open Space on Thursday nights.</span></i></div></div></div></span></blockquote><blockquote style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span ><span >transgender awareness week</span></span></span></b></span></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><b><span >Lots happening all week -- check out the full calendar at </span></b><b><a href="http://www.masstpc.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span ><span >www.masstpc.org</span></span></a><span >. Here's what we're co-sponsoring: </span></b></div></span><div style="font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span ><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span >SATURDAY @ noon-4pm: Join The Impact on the Common (look for the tent)</span></b></div></div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span >We're supporting JTI as they launch a campaign to educate and advocate for Homeless LGBTQ Youth. JTI has complied a comprehensive fact sheet with current numbers, statistics and information, along with all upcoming events related to youth homelessness and the queer community. The event will feature speakers addressing current legislation and shelter services and offering ways to be more deeply involved. CONTACT Vicki at <a href="mailto:vicki@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >vicki@thecrossingboston.org</span></a> or Dani at <a href="mailto:morellda14@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >morellda14@gmail.com</span></a>. </span></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span ><br /></span></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><b><span >THURSDAY after worship: Transcriptions/The Crossing Open Mic Night</span></b></div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span ><b></b>Transcriptions is a queer-friendly Open Mic Night that usually happens in Jamaica Plain. For the 2nd year, during Trans Awareness Week, we'll welcome members of the Transcriptions community to worship and then co-host an open mic night after worship. Open Mic runs from <span style="font-size: small; ">7:30-10:30pm in Sproat Hall (Cathedral lower level). Admission: $5-10 sliding scale -- all proceeds will benefit Bridge Over Troubled Waters. Everyone is welcome to perform! Each performance will run 3-5 minutes.</span></span></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span ><br /></span></span></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span >How to help? Step 1: CONTACT Penny at <a href="mailto:penny@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >penny@thecrossingboston.org</span></a>. Then ...</span></span></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span >-- Come ready to perform: share a poem, sing or play a song, tell a story, paint a picture in real time -- all offerings welcomed!</span></span></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span >-- Come early to help with set-up</span></span></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span >-- Bring items to share at the Transcriptions Bake Sale.</span></span></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span ><br /></span></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><b><span >SATURDAY @ 6pm: Transgender Day of Remembrance Service and Vigil</span></b></div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="line-height: 18px; "><span style="line-height: 16px; border-collapse: collapse; "><span >Every year on November 20, the transgender community turns its attention to its family, friends and loved ones lost to violence. A tradition inspired by the Allston vigil for slain transsexual Rita Hester in 1998, this day has become the worldwide rallying point for a community long under siege. We are proud to host this year's vigil here at The Crossing. It promises to be an inspir</span></span></span></div><span style="display: inline; "><span >ing program of speakers, community speakout, and a candlelight vigil on Boston Common, plus words from our own Bishop Tom Shaw. The program begins at 6 and the candlelight march and vigil follows immediately after. CONTACT Penny at <a href="mailto:penny@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >penny@thecrossingboston.org</span></a> or Vicki at <a href="mailto:vicki@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >vicki@thecrossingboston.org</span></a>.<br /><br />ALSO: During Trans Awareness Week ...<br /><b>TUESDAY, Nov. 16 @ 6-8pm / In Their Own Words: A Forum on Youth Homelessness</b><br />Youth on Fire -- a Cambridge drop-in center that serves homeless youth -- hosts this moving gathering that features personal stories of homeless young people, expert commentary and info on getting involved. CONTACT Vicki at<a href="mailto:vicki@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >vicki@thecrossingboston.org</span></a>. </span></span></span></blockquote><div style="font-size: 15px; "><div><span style="font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span ><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span ><br /></span></b></p></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><div><b><div><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; "><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span ><i><span >behind the scenes</span></i></span></span></b></span></div></b></div></div></span></div></div><blockquote style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; "><div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span ><span style="font-size: large; "><span >giving @ the crossing</span></span></span></b></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span >We gather in a big, rich-feeling Cathedral, and we're located at <span>the</span> seat of <span>the</span> Diocese of Massachusetts. But when it comes to finances, we're actually a tiny operation doing God's work on <span>the</span> cheap: about $100K funds EVERYTHING we do (salaries, programs, admin, music team, outreach). Simple fact is, giving from our community makes <span>The</span> <span>Crossing</span> possible. It's also a spiritual practice that can change your <span>life</span>. To learn about regular giving, CONTACT Lura at <a href="mailto:lura@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >lura@thecrossingboston.org</span></a>. </span></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span ><br /></span></div></span></div></span></div></div><div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span >NOTE: We need to raise $4,500 to close <span>the</span> funding gap in <span>the</span> next two months. If you haven't contributed, please prayerfully do so NOW.</span></div></span></div></span></div></div></blockquote><div style="font-size: 15px; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span >Big blessings in all your prayers, your struggles and your dreaming ..</span></div></span></div></span></div></div></span>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-59127327139578438962010-10-20T14:05:00.002-04:002010-10-21T11:38:27.227-04:00simple blessings<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><span><i>I'm feeling hugely blessed today, so I'm passing along a simple blessing. Source: This morning, I managed to catch staff worship gathering here at The Cathedral, and this closing prayer landed in just the right place for me. Pray with it alone, add a "we" where there's a "you" and share it with someone else. And whatever you do, let's together keep on falling in love with God, growing in love for each other and ourselves, and sharing that love with the world ...<br /></i></span><blockquote style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span><i><br />May today there be peace within.<br />May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.<br />May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.<br />May you use those gifts that you have received,<br />and pass on the love that has been given to you.<br />May you be confident, knowing you are a child of God.<br />Let this presence settle into your bones<br />and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.<br />It is there for each and every one of us.<br />Amen.<br />(prayer popularly attributed to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teresa_of_%C3%81vila" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span>St. Teresa of Avila</span></b></a>)</i></span></blockquote><span><br /></span><span style="font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span>this week @ the crossing</span></span></b></span></div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span><span>TODAY</span></span><span>: Bridge Over Troubled Waters </span></b><span>meeting @ 7:30pm in Brookline w/ Action Team</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span><span>THU</span></span><span>: Crossing Paths </span></b><span>@ noon in front of Cathedral</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span><span>THU</span></span><span>: Worship </span></b><span>@ 6pm at Cathedral</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span><span>THU</span></span><span>: Fajitas 'n Ritas </span></b><span>and then (FINALLY!) </span><b><span>Episco-Disco</span></b><span>, after worship</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span><span>SUN</span></span><span>: Faith Transitions Group </span></b><span>@ 6-7:30pm at Cathedral</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span><span>SUN</span></span><span>: Sexuality & Faith Group </span></b><span>@ 6-7:30pm at Cathedral</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span><b><span>AS NEEDED</span></b>: <b>Communion Delivery</b></span></li></ul></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span><span>worship</span></span></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span>Worship / Thursdays @ 6pm</span></span></b><span style="font-size: small; "><span><br />This week's gospel reflection takes us deeper with Luke (see text below). Isaac Everett shares a spiritual practice that's close to his heart: the Psalms (he loves them so much, he wrote a book about them: </span><a href="http://www.isaaceverett.com/the-emergent-psalter/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><b><span>The Emergent Psalter</span></b></span></a><span>).<br /></span></span><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span>WAY BEFORE WORSHIP</span></span></b><span style="font-size: small; "><span>: Come anytime between noon and 1pm for Crossing Paths. Crossing folks reach out and share art and spiritual practices with the city. (details under "</span><span><b><span>action</span></b></span><span>")</span></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span>BEFORE WORSHIP</span></b><span>: Creative juices flow! Help set-up for worship at 4:45pm. CONTACT Isaac at </span><a href="mailto:isaac@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>isaac@thecrossingboston.org</span></span></a><span><wbr> to volunteer regularly!</span></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span>AFTER WORSHIP</span></span></b><span style="font-size: small; "><span>: Simple snacks, community and clean-up. Then Fajitas 'n Ritas for cheap food and drinks followed by </span><b><span>Episco-Disco</span></b><span> (details under "</span><span><b><span>after worship</span></b></span><span>")</span></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span>BY SUBWAY</span></span></b><span style="font-size: small; "><span>: 138 Tremont St -- across from Park St T stop (Red or Green Line); near Downtown </span></span><span><span style="font-size: small; "><span>Crossing</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; "><span> T (Orange)</span></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span>PARKING</span></span></b><span style="font-size: small; "><span>: Boston Common Garage, Charles Street between Boston Common and Public Garden ($5 with validation @ church -- ask a Greeter)</span></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span>FOR MORE INFO</span></span></b><span style="font-size: small; "><span>: Head to our website -- </span></span><a href="http://www.thecrossingboston.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span><span>www.thecrossingboston.org</span></span></span></b></a></li></ul></span></div></span><div><b><span>Communion Delivery / New offering!</span></b></div><div><span>Got a Thursday night class or work, and it's keeping you away from The Crossing worship? Going through a rough work stretch and can't make a couple of weeks? The Worship Circle is helping to knit all of us together as a body by organizing communion delivery to your house, class ... wherever you need some Jesus! To request communion, help with delivery or just get info, CONTACT Ben at </span><a href="mailto:ben@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>ben@thecrossingboston.org</span></span></a><span>. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><b><span>All Saints Altar-Making / THU., Nov. 4 </span></b></div><div><span>We'll join the worldwide church in marking <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Saints" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span>All Saints Day</span></b></a> on Nov. 4 (most churches will do it Nov. 2 or 7). Come that night ready to contribute to a special altar we'll create together during Open Space. Feel free to bring photos of ancestors: those you've known and lost, those whose memory and wisdom you carry. CONTACT Isaac at </span><a href="mailto:isaac@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>isaac@thecrossingboston.org</span></span></a><span>. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span><span>after worship on thursdays</span></span></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span>THIS Thursday / Episco-Disco</span></b></div><div><span>Third Thursdays, we turn off the brain and turn on the music. All are welcome to eat and drink at Fajitas n Ritas and then head to Estate, a nearby dance club that's free if you arrive at 10pm. 21 & up. CONTACT Travis at </span><a href="mailto:travisastevens@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>travisastevens@gmail.com</span></span></a><span>. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><b><span>Thursday, Oct. 28 / Education for Action</span></b></div><div><span>Fourth Thursdays, our Justice & Action Team organizes an open gathering where we share our stories, grow our passion for justice and prepare for action in the world. CONTACT Vicki at </span><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><a href="mailto:vicki@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>vicki@thecrossingboston.org</span></span></a></span><span><wbr>. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><div><b><span>Thursday, Nov. 4 / Community Dinner</span></b></div><div><span>Every first Thursday, we share a good, old-fashioned church potluck! Bring a dish, drink or dessert AND bring a friend. Done by 9pm @ the latest. Got questions or want to help with set-up/clean-up? CONTACT our resident chef, Stephen Gire at </span><a href="mailto:stephengire@mac.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>stephengire@mac.com</span></span></a><span>.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><div><b><span>Thursday, Nov. 11 / Everyone Does Theology -- Topic: JESUS</span></b></div><div><span>Second Thursdays, we settle in to learn and kick around deep thoughts on the big religious questions Christians have wrestled with for millennia. The series that will guide our exploration:</span><a href="https://www.churchpublishing.org/products/index.cfm?fuseaction=productDetail&productID=8464" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span><span>Embracing an Adult Faith</span></span></b></a><span>, featuring progressive theologian Marcus Borg and a host of regular folks talking about all things faithful. CONTACT Keith at </span><a href="mailto:keith@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>keith@thecrossingboston.org</span></span></a><span><wbr>.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div></div></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: large; "><b><span><span>action</span></span></b></span></div></span></div><div><div><b><span style="font-weight: normal; "><div><b><span>Bridge Over Troubled Waters / TODAY @ 7:30pm at Vicki's House in Brookline</span></b><span><br /></span><a href="http://www.bridgeotw.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span><span>Bridge </span></span></b></a><span>is an amazing organization literally around the corner from the Cathedral. They work with homeless youth and young adults, offering everything from tutoring to shelter, breakfast and lunch to big TVs and safe space. We're partnering with them as part of our commitment to standing with young, homeless people in Boston. If you want to help shape this link, join tonight's talk. CONTACT Vicki at </span><a href="mailto:vicki@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>vicki@thecrossingboston.org</span></span></a><span><wbr>.</span></div></span><div><b><span><br /></span></b></div><span>Icon Painting with Crossing Paths / Thursdays at 12-1pm</span></b></div><div><span>Drop-in with Crossing folks as we share art and spirit with the city. This week, </span><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><span>ICON PAINTING -- together we're each going to add some paint and life to canvases, allowing all of our colors and strokes to give life to a sacred image that will find it's home on our altar.</span></span><span> The point is to welcome people to a new way of interacting with God and each other </span><i><span>and </span></i><span>creating beauty together, right out in the open. CONTACT Vicki at </span><a href="mailto:vicki@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>vicki@thecrossingboston.org</span></span></a><span><wbr>.</span></div><div><span><i>NOTE: Can't make Crossing Paths? The same practice will also be featured during Open Space on Thursday nights.</i></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><b><span><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-weight: normal; "><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span><span>small groups</span></span></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><u><span style="font-size: small; "><span>Journey Groups</span></span></u></b><u><span style="font-size: small; "><span>: </span><b><span>s</span></b></span><b><span>hare around common hopes and struggles on the faith journey</span></b></u></div></span></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span><span>Faith Transitions</span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span>Focus</span></b><span>: Dealing with big shifts in the way we understand God, Jesus, church, theology and more</span></span></b></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><span><span style="font-size: small; "></span></span><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span>Date + Time: </span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span>Sundays @ 6-7:30pm</span></span><span><span> </span></span></span></b></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 9.02775px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span>(Oct. 10, 17, 24, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec. 5, 12)</span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span>Commitment</span></b><span>: Open, but consistency appreciated to deepen experience for all participants</span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span>Location</span></b><span>: Cathedral, Lawrence Room (1st floor, off reception area)</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 10.8333px; border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span>Contact</span></b><span>: Rudy at </span></span><span style="font-size: small; "><a href="mailto:rpreyes2@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>rpreyes2@gmail.com</span></span></a><span> </span></span><span style="font-size: small; "><span>or Rev. Steph at </span></span><a href="mailto:revsteph@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span style="font-size: small; "><span>revsteph@thecrossingboston.<wbr>org</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: small; "><span>. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span><span><br /></span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span><span>Faith and Sexuality</span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span>Focus</span></b><span>: Explore the intersection of gender, sexuality, our bodies and our faith</span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span><span style="font-weight: normal; "></span>Date + Time: </span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span>Sundays @ 6-7:30pm (Oct. 10, 17, 24, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec. 5, 12).</span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span>Commitment</span></b><span>: Closed after first two sessions</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span><span style="font-size: small; "></span></span></b><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span>Location</span></b><span>: Cathedral office building, </span></span></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span>5th floor conference room (exit elevator, go left to very end of long hall)</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span>Contact: </span></b><span>Andres at </span></span><a href="mailto:andres.castro.samayoa@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span style="font-size: small; "><span><span>andres.castro.samayoa@<wbr>gmail.com</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: small; "><span> or Penny at </span></span><span style="font-size: small; "><a href="http://penny@thecrossingboston.org./" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>penny@thecrossingboston.<wbr>org.</span></span></a><span> </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span><span>Praying Our Lives</span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12.5px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span>Focus</span></b><span>: Prayer, practice and integrating Christian commitment into the whole of our </span></span><span><span style="font-size: small; "><span>lives</span></span></span></span></div></span></span></b></span><span>Date + Time: </span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span>Every other Tuesday @ 6-7:30pm (Nov. 2, 16, 30; Dec. 14 -- break for Christmas, restart in January)</span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><b><span><span style="font-size: small; "></span></span></b></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span>Commitment</span></b><span>: Covenant group, so closed after first few gatherings</span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><b><span><span style="font-size: small; "></span></span></b><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span>Location</span></b><span>: Cathedral office building, 5th floor conference room </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "> <span> </span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 8.68058px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span>(exit elevator, go left to very end of long hall)</span></span></b></span></span></div></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span>Contact</span></b><span>: </span></span><span style="font-size: small; "><span>Adwoa at </span></span><a href="mailto:adwoalw1@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span style="font-size: small; "><span><span>adwoalw1@gmail.com</span></span></span></a></span></div></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large; "><b><span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; "><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span><br /></span></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: small; "><u><span>Neighborhood Groups: </span></u></span><span style="font-size: small; "><u><span>share prayer, food, community and service with neighbors</span></u></span></b></div><div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span><span>Cambridge/Somerville Neighborhood Group</span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span>Date + Time: </span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span>NEXT </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span>WEDNESDAY @ 7-9pm (likely every other week)</span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span><b></b></span><b><span>Location: </span></b><span>Beth Graham's house in Porter Square: 38 Berkeley St, Apt. 5, Somerville</span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span>Commitment</span></b><span>: Open to newcomers, but all who join should commit to attend regularly</span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span>Contact</span></b><span>: Beth at </span><a href="mailto:ElizabethLGraham@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>ElizabethLGraham@gmail.com</span></span></a><span> <wbr>or 617.767.1969 -- to RSVP</span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span><span>Brookline/Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Group</span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span>Date + Time</span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span>: CONTACT ALEX & LEIGH TO TALK DATES </span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span><b></b></span></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span>Location</span></b><span>: Alex Froom's house -- 118 Winchester St., Brookline</span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span>Commitment</span></b><span>: Open to newcomers, </span></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "> <span> </span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span>but all who join should commit to attend regularly</span></span></b></span></div></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span>Contact</span></b><span>: Alex </span><a href="mailto:alexfroom@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>alexfroom@gmail.com</span></span></a><span> or Leigh at </span><a href="mailto:lsfoster83@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>lsfoster83@gmail.com</span></span></a><span>.</span></span></div></span></b></span></div></div></span></span></b></div></span></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></b></span></div></span></div></span></b></div><div><b><span><br /></span></b></div></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span><span>behind the scenes</span></span></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span>Community Requests</span></b></div><div><span>Here are some requests that have come through the community grapevine over the last week. Even if you can't help, please pray! And if you've got a need, reply to this email and it'll show up in later weeks ... </span></div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span>MOVING</span></b><span>: Tom, Hannelore, Nadia and Esperanza Nalesnik (the awesome family with two super-creative and wise daughters) are moving and would love some help. They've also got lots of extra furniture and stuff, and they're happy to see it go to a new home. CONTACT Tom at </span><a href="mailto:andwordspread@yahoo.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>andwordspread@yahoo.com</span></span></a><span>.</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span>BIKE</span></b><span>: Got an extra bike? Our New York commuter, Isaac Everett, could use one to get around Boston (don't worry: he takes a bus to get here from NYC). CONTACT Isaac at </span><a href="mailto:isaac@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>isaac@thecrossingboston.org</span></span></a><span>. </span></li></ul></div><div><b><span><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span>Worship help</span></b></div><div><span>Life at The Crossing is a community effort. We'd sure appreciate your help:</span></div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span>Set-up/Clean-up:</span></b><span> If you'd like to offer your artistic gifts (or just like moving furniture around), please come at 4:45pm any Thursday and dive in. Homemade art welcome! Or, if you can be part of a team that does clean-up periodically, that's a one-way ticket to heaven. CONTACT Isaac at </span><a href="mailto:isaac@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>isaac@thecrossingboston.org</span></span></a><span><wbr>.</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span>Advertising</span></b><span>: If you've got talent at graphic design and want to help with flyers + advertising, CONTACT Rev. Steph at </span><a href="mailto:revsteph@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>revsteph@thecrossingboston.<wbr>org</span></span></a><span>.</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span>Worship sheets</span></b><span>: If you have an hour a week to help draft and print worship sheets, CONTACT Isaac at </span><a href="mailto:isaac@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>isaac@thecrossingboston.org</span></span></a><span><wbr>. </span></li></ul></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span><span>giving @ the crossing</span></span></span></b></div><div><span>We gather in a big, rich-feeling Cathedral, and we're located at the seat of the Diocese of Massachusetts. But when it comes to finances, we're actually a tiny operation doing God's work on the cheap: about $100K funds EVERYTHING we do (salaries, programs, admin, music team, outreach). Simple fact is, giving from our community makes The Crossing possible. It's also a spiritual practice that can change your life. To learn about regular giving, CONTACT Lura at </span><a href="mailto:lsteele120@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span><span>lsteele120@gmail.com</span></span></a><span> OR grab a pledge card during worship.<br /></span></div></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><b><span><span style="font-size: large; "><span>this week's scripture: </span></span></span></b><b><span><span style="font-size: large; "><span>Luke 18:1-8</span></span></span></b></div><div><span><span style="font-size: large; "></span></span></div></span><div><h3><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: small; "><span>J</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: small; "><span>esus told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, `God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, `God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."</span></span></span></h3></div><div><br /></div><div>Sharing the love of Christ</div></span>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-13842508788238511282010-10-20T14:03:00.002-04:002010-10-20T14:04:42.452-04:00reason to believe<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><span ><i><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><span ><i><b>(ALMOST caught up -- sent this out to The Crossing community last Wednesday)</b></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><span ><i><br /></i></span></span></div>I grew up in Kentucky, land of coal mines, black lung disease and cave-ins. So the story of the trapped Chilean miners hit close to home. Over the last 65 days, I'd check in every week or so, surprised that they were still there, wondering what it would take to free them, scared to hear the inevitable news of lives lost. Then I saw the first images yesterday. And I heard the voices of the men and their families. Talk about faith in action. Here are just a few excerpts from CNN.com. (Click to watch </i></span><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/10/13/chile.miners.rescue/index.html" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span ><i>CNN footage</i></span></a><span ><i>)<br /><br />"They emerged looking healthier than many had expected and even clean-shaven, and at least one, Mario Sepulveda, the second to taste freedom, bounded out and thrust a fist upward like a prizefighter. 'I think I had extraordinary luck,' he said. 'I was with God and with the devil. And I reached out for God.' "<br /><br />Lillian Ramirez is the wife of Mario Gomez, second to emerge from the mine. She told reporters, "To say there were 33 trapped in the mine is wrong. There were 33 men -- and God." Amen, my sister.<br /><br />Did God trap these men in that mine to teach them a lesson? No. Did God look down from heaven and single-handedly rescue them? No. But God was there, with them, in the mine. Singing in them, praying in them. And I believe when they say they could not have survived without that faith, without the active presence of the 34th one in the mine: God. Thanks be to God who shows up, redeems us and sustains us through everything. And thank you, hermanos y hermanas en Chile, for your witness.</i></span><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><span ><b><span style="font-size: large; ">this week @ the crossing</span></b></span></span></div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span ><b><span >WED</span>: Cambridge/Somerville Neighborhood Group </b>@ 7-9pm at Beth Graham's house</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span ><b><span >THU</span>: Crossing Paths </b>@ noon in front of The Cathedral</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span ><b><span >THU</span>: Worship: Thursdays</b> @ 6pm at The Cathedral</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span ><b><span >THU</span>: Everyone Does Theology -- topic: God: Thursday</b> @ 7:30pm at The Cathedral</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span ><b><span >SAT</span>: Brookline/Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Group </b>@ 6:30-8pm at Alex Froom's house</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span ><b><span >SUN</span>: New to The Crossing Brunch </b>@ 1-3pm at Rev. Steph's house</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span ><b><span >NEXT TUE</span>:</b> <b>Praying Our Lives</b> @ 6-8pm at The Cathedral</span></li></ul></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span >worship</span></span></b></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; ">Worship / Thursday @ 6pm</span></b><span style="font-size: small; "><br />Rev. Steph takes up the gospel of Luke (18:1-8 -- passage below) and Isaac Everett shares a spiritual practice that's close to his heart: the Psalms (he loves them so much, he wrote a book about them: <a href="http://www.isaaceverett.com/the-emergent-psalter/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span ><b>The Emergent Psalter</b></span></a>).<br /></span><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; ">WAY BEFORE WORSHIP</span></b><span style="font-size: small; ">: Come anytime between noon and 1pm for Crossing Paths. Crossing folks reach out and share art and spiritual practices with the city. (details under "<span ><b>action</b></span>")</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b>BEFORE WORSHIP</b>: Creative juices flow! Help set-up for worship at 4:45pm. CONTACT Isaac at <a href="mailto:isaac@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >isaac@thecrossingboston.org</span></a> to volunteer regularly!</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; ">AFTER WORSHIP</span></b><span style="font-size: small; ">: Simple snacks, community and clean-up. Then Everyone Does Theology (details under "<span ><b>after worship</b></span>")</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; ">BY SUBWAY</span></b><span style="font-size: small; ">: 138 Tremont St -- across from Park St T stop (Red or Green Line); near Downtown </span><span><span style="font-size: small; ">Crossing</span></span><span style="font-size: small; "> T (Orange)</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; ">PARKING</span></b><span style="font-size: small; ">: Boston Common Garage, Charles Street between Boston Common and Public Garden ($5 with validation @ church -- ask a Greeter)</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; ">FOR MORE INFO</span></b><span style="font-size: small; ">: Head to our website -- </span><a href="http://www.thecrossingboston.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span >www.thecrossingboston.org</span></span></b></a></li></ul></span></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span ><span >newcomers</span></span></span></b></div><div><b><span >Sunday, Oct. 17 @ 1-3pm / Welcome to The Crossing Brunch @ Rev. Steph's house in Cambridge</span></b></div></span><div><span ><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><span >There's a lot happening in this small but vibrant community, so we host these periodic brunches to help new(ish) people get their bearings. Eat a really yummy Southern brunch and learn about the dreams, commitments and practices that shape the core of our life at The Crossing, plus some history, some intro to our leadership and some info about the traditions (Anglican + emergent + more) that ground us. And, of course, share some about yourself and hear from other new folks! RSVP by Fri., Oct. 15 and CONTACT Jason at </span><span ><a href="mailto:jason@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >jason@thecrossingboston.org</span></a><wbr> or Jack at <a href="mailto:jack@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >jack@thecrossingboston.org</span></a>. </span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; "><b><span style="font-size: large; "><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; "><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><span ></span></span><span >small groups</span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; "><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><u><span style="font-size: small; "><span >Neighborhood Groups: </span></span></u><u><span style="font-size: small; "><span >share prayer, food, community and service with neighbors</span></span></u></b></div><div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span ><span >Cambridge/Somerville Neighborhood Group</span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Date + Time: </span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span >THIS WEDNESDAY @ 7-9pm (likely every other week)</span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span ><b></b></span><b><span >Location: </span></b><span >Beth Graham's house in Porter Square: 38 Berkeley St, Apt. 5, Somerville</span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Commitment</span></b><span >: Open to newcomers, but all who join should commit to attend regularly</span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Contact</span></b><span >: Beth at </span><a href="mailto:ElizabethLGraham@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span ><span >ElizabethLGraham@gmail.com</span></span></a><span > <wbr>or 617.767.1969 -- to RSVP or to say you're interested but can't make Wednesdays</span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span ><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span ><span >Brookline/Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Group</span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Date + Time</span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span >: THIS SATURDAY @ 6:30-8pm </span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span ><b></b></span></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Location</span></b><span >: Alex Froom's house -- 118 Winchester St., Brookline</span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Commitment</span></b><span >: Open to newcomers, </span></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "> <span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span >but all who join should commit to attend regularly</span></span></b></span></div></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Contact</span></b><span >: Alex </span><a href="mailto:alexfroom@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span ><span >alexfroom@gmail.com</span></span></a><span > or Leigh at </span><a href="mailto:lsfoster83@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span ><span >lsfoster83@gmail.com</span></span></a><span > </span></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; "><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="display: inline !important; "> <div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; "><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span >-- to RSVP or to say you're interested but can't make Saturdays</span></span></div></div></span></span></b></span></div></div></span></span></b></span></div></span></b></span></div></div></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><u><span style="font-size: small; "><span ><br /></span></span></u></b></div><div><b><u><span style="font-size: small; "><span >Journey Groups</span></span></u></b><u><span style="font-size: small; "><span >: </span><b><span >s</span></b></span><b><span >hare around common hopes and struggles on the faith journey</span></b></u></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span ><span >Faith Transitions</span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span >Focus</span></b><span >: Dealing with big shifts in the way we understand God, Jesus, church, theology and more</span></span></b></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><span ><span style="font-size: small; "></span></span><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span >Date + Time: </span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span >Sundays @ 6-7:30pm</span></span><span ><span > </span></span></span></b></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 9.02775px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span >(Oct. 10, 17, 24, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec. 5, 12)</span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Commitment</span></b><span >: Open, but consistency appreciated to deepen experience for all participants</span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span >Location</span></b><span >: Cathedral, Lawrence Room (1st floor, off reception area)</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 10.8333px; border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span >Contact</span></b><span >: Rudy at </span></span><span style="font-size: small; "><a href="mailto:rpreyes2@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span ><span >rpreyes2@gmail.com</span></span></a><span > </span></span><span style="font-size: small; "><span >or Rev. Steph at </span></span><a href="mailto:revsteph@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span ><span style="font-size: small; "><span >revsteph@thecrossingboston.<wbr>org</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: small; "><span >. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span ><span ><br /></span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span ><span >Faith and Sexuality</span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span >Focus</span></b><span >: Explore the intersection of gender, sexuality, our bodies and our faith</span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span ><span style="font-weight: normal; "></span>Date + Time: </span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span >Sundays @ 6-7:30pm (Oct. 10, 17, 24, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec. 5, 12).</span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Commitment</span></b><span >: Closed after first two sessions</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span ><span style="font-size: small; "></span></span></b><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span >Location</span></b><span >: Cathedral office building, </span></span></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span >5th floor conference room (exit elevator, go left to very end of long hall)</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span >Contact: </span></b><span >Andres at </span></span><a href="mailto:andres.castro.samayoa@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span style="font-size: small; "><span ><span >andres.castro.samayoa@<wbr>gmail.com</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: small; "><span > or Penny at </span></span><span style="font-size: small; "><span ><a href="http://penny@thecrossingboston.org./" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >penny@thecrossingboston.<wbr>org.</span></a> </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span ><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span ><span >Praying Our Lives</span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12.5px; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span >Focus</span></b><span >: Prayer, practice and integrating Christian commitment into the whole of our </span></span><span><span style="font-size: small; "><span >lives</span></span></span></span></div></span></span></b></span><span >Date + Time: </span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span >Every other Tuesday @ 6-7:30pm (next meeting Oct. 19, then Nov. 2, 16, 30; Dec. 14 -- break for Christmas, restart in January)</span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><b><span ><span style="font-size: small; "></span></span></b></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span >Commitment</span></b><span >: Closed after Oct. 19 gathering</span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><b><span ><span style="font-size: small; "></span></span></b><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span >Location</span></b><span >: Cathedral office building, 5th floor conference room </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "> <span > </span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 8.68058px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span >(exit elevator, go left to very end of long hall)</span></span></b></span></span></div></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12.5px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10.4167px; "><span style="font-size: small; "><b><span >Contact</span></b><span >: Jana at </span></span><a href="mailto:jana.yeaton@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span style="font-size: small; "><span ><span >jana.yeaton@gmail.com</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: small; "><span > or Adwoa at </span></span><a href="mailto:adwoalw1@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span style="font-size: small; "><span ><span >adwoalw1@gmail.com</span></span></span></a></span></div></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large; "><b><u><span ><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small; "><span ><br /></span></span></span></u></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large; "><b><u><span ><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small; "><span ><br /></span></span></span></u></b></span></div></span></span></b></span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span ><span >after worship on thursdays</span></span></span></b></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span >THIS Thursday / Everyone Does Theology -- Topic: GOD</span></b></div><div><span >Second Thursdays, we settle in to learn and kick around deep thoughts on the big religious questions Christians have wrestled with for millennia. The series that will guide our exploration</span><span >:<a href="https://www.churchpublishing.org/products/index.cfm?fuseaction=productDetail&productID=8464" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span >Embracing an Adult Faith</span></b></a>, featuring progressive theologian Marcus Borg and a host of regular folks talking about God. </span><span >CONTACT Keith at <a href="mailto:keith@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >keith@thecrossingboston.org</span></a></span><span ><wbr>. </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><b><span >Thursday, Oct. 21 / Episco-Disco</span></b></div><div><span >Third Thursdays, we turn off the brain and turn on the music. All are welcome to eat and drink at Fajitas n Ritas and then head to Estate, a nearby dance club that's free if you arrive at 10pm. 21 & up. CONTACT Travis at </span><a href="mailto:travisastevens@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span ><span >travisastevens@gmail.com</span></span></a><span >. </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><b><span >Thursday, Oct. 28 / Education for Action</span></b></div><div><span >Fourth Thursdays, our Justice & Action Team organizes an open gathering where we share our stories, grow our passion for justice and prepare for action in the world. CONTACT Vicki at </span><span ><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small; "><a href="mailto:vicki@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >vicki@thecrossingboston.org</span></a></span><wbr>. </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-family: arial; "><div><b><span >Thursday, Nov. 4 / Community Dinner</span></b></div><div><span >Every first Thursday, we share a good, old-fashioned church potluck! Bring a dish, drink or dessert AND bring a friend. Done by 9pm @ the latest. Got questions or want to help with set-up/clean-up? CONTACT our resident chef, Stephen Gire at </span><a href="mailto:stephengire@mac.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span ><span >stephengire@mac.com</span></span></a><span >.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div></span></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; "><b><span >action</span></b></span></div></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-family: arial; "><div><span ><b>Crossing Paths / Thursdays at 12-1pm</b></span></div><div><span >Drop-in with Crossing folks as we share art and spirit with the city. Might be a sidewalk chalk labyrinth with icons and stations. This week, it's Liturgical Jenga. The point is to welcome people to a new way of interacting with God and each other <i>and </i>creating beauty together, right out in the open. CONTACT Vicki at <a href="mailto:vicki@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >vicki@thecrossingboston.org</span></a>.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><b>Bridge Over Troubled Waters / Making connections now</b><br /><a href="http://www.bridgeotw.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span >Bridge </span></b></a>is an amazing organization literally around the corner from the Cathedral. They work with homeless youth and young adults, offering everything from tutoring to shelter, breakfast and lunch to big TVs and safe space. We're starting to partner with Bridge as part of our commitment to standing with young, homeless people in Boston. If you want to be part of the link, CONTACT Vicki at -- you guessed it -- </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; "><a href="mailto:vicki@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >vicki@thecrossingboston.org</span></a><wbr>.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div></span></span></div><div><span ><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span >behind the scenes</span></span></b></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b>Worship help</b></div><div>Life at The Crossing is a community effort. We'd sure appreciate your help:</div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>Set-up/Clean-up:</b> If you'd like to offer your artistic gifts (or just like moving furniture around), please come at 4:45pm any Thursday and dive in. Homemade art welcome! Or, if you can be part of a team that does clean-up periodically, that's a one-way ticket to heaven. CONTACT Isaac at <a href="mailto:isaac@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >isaac@thecrossingboston.org</span></a><wbr>.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>Advertising</b>: If you've got talent at graphic design and want to help with flyers + advertising, CONTACT Rev. Steph at <a href="mailto:revsteph@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >revsteph@thecrossingboston.<wbr>org</span></a>.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>Worship sheets</b>: If you have an hour a week to help draft and print worship sheets, CONTACT Isaac at <a href="mailto:isaac@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >isaac@thecrossingboston.org</span></a><wbr>. </li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span >giving @ the crossing</span></span></b></div><div>We gather in a big, rich-feeling Cathedral, and we're located at the seat of the Diocese of Massachusetts. But when it comes to finances, we're actually a tiny operation doing God's work on the cheap: about $100K funds EVERYTHING we do (salaries, programs, admin, music team, outreach). Simple fact is, giving from our community makes The Crossing possible. It's also a spiritual practice that can change your life. To learn about regular giving, CONTACT Lura at <a href="mailto:lsteele120@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >lsteele120@gmail.com</span></a> OR grab a pledge card during worship. <br /></div></span></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span >this week's scripture: </span></span></b></span><span ><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span >Luke 18:1-8</span></span></b></span></div><div><span ><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; ">Jesus told his disciples a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, `Grant me justice against my opponent.' For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, `Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.'" And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"</p><div><span ><br /></span></div>Blessings as we share the word and share life,</span></div></span>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-28004365908264725092010-10-12T15:42:00.002-04:002010-10-12T15:44:12.654-04:00early edition<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">yup, catching up again. here's a notice i posted to the whole crossing community on oct. 5. titled "early edition" but i guess that's just true for anybody reading it here. still, helps you to know what we're up to, dreaming of, planning for.</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i>This is a special, early edition of my usual community e-blast. It's early because there was some news too urgent to send later. Here's what you'll see below, in roughly chronological order:</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>-- Small groups locations and times, starting </i><b><i>Tuesday <span style="font-weight: normal; ">... and my humble testimony</span></i></b></div><div><i>-- Anti-Bullying Vigil on <b>Tuesday @ 7pm</b></i></div><div><i>-- Potluck Community Dinner <b>this Thursday</b> after worship, and other community happenings</i></div><div><i>-- Anybody got an <b>extra PC computer</b> or wanna help with worship set-up?</i></div><div><i>-- About <b>giving</b> @ The Crossing</i></div><div><i>-- Some gorgeous Mary Oliver <b>poems for St. Francis' Day</b> (which is today!)</i></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span>getting synched in a small group</span></span></b></div><div>This week small groups are kicking off all over our community. Please look and see which one you'll link with this fall. </div><div><br /></div><div>Why the small groups hype? Isn't it enough to just come on a Thursday evening, worship and even stay for formation and play afterward? Have we bought into pop church-growth models? Um, no. If worship is the focused space where we encounter and grow in love with God, then small groups are the focused space where we encounter and nurture God's life in each other. Especially given the transient nature of our community, we need small groups that facilitate the deeper drop into shared life and mutual transformation into Jesus-like people<i> (it's alright if you need to pause and meditate on that for a second ...).</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Being in a group takes more time and a bigger commitment. No doubt. You may find committing to a small group of fellow travelers means you have to say "no" to something else. No pretending that's not the case. All I know is what I gain from the small group I've been part of, every week, for the last five+ years. It's just four people, but they are my church, my intentional Christian community. For an hour and a half, we share home-cooked breakfast, prayer, life check-ins, bible study, sync the scripture with our lives and the world and pray again. Wicked simple.</div><div><br /></div><div>And yet, in this small circle, I experience a direct zing with God. I don't know how I would live Christian life without these people walking with me and knowing me so deeply, laughing at my screw-ups, calling me back to my path. When I see them in other spaces, I know it's gonna be alright. I'm more open and gentle and loving to more people, because of this small community. They see and love God in me. I see and love God in them. </div><div><br /></div><div>That's my testimony. <b>If you want to share a story</b>, feel free to send it to me and we'll pass 'em around. The point is, we're in this together. And having a small circle of folks to journey with and commit to, even for a few months at a time, makes a frickin' huge difference. </div><div><br /></div><div>Enough said. Here are the UPDATED group details -- held @ The Cathedral, unless otherwise noted:</div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>Praying Our Lives: Every other Tuesday @ 6-7:30pm.</b> Focus on prayer and practice and integrating Christian commitment into whole of life. Year-long (break for Christmas). Closed after first two sessions. CONTACT Jana at <a href="mailto:jana.yeaton@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span>jana.yeaton@gmail.com</span></a> or Adwoa at <a href="mailto:adwoalw1@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span>adwoalw1@gmail.com</span></a>. </li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>Faith and Sexuality: Sundays @ 6-7:30pm. </b>Space for everybody to explore the intersection of gender, sexuality, our bodies and our faith. Oct. 10-Dec. 13. Closed after first two sessions. CONTACT Andres at <a href="mailto:andres.castro.samayoa@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span>andres.castro.samayoa@gmail.<wbr>com</span></a> or Penny at <a href="mailto:penny@pennylarson.net" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span>penny@pennylarson.net</span></a>. </li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>Faith Transitions</b>: <b>Sundays @ 6-7:30pm (<span>NEW TIME</span>!!).</b> Space to deal with big shifts in the way we understand God, Jesus, church, theology and more. Oct. 10-Dec. 13. Open group. CONTACT Rudy at <a href="mailto:rpreyes2@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span>rpreyes2@gmail.com</span></a> or Rev. Steph at<a href="mailto:revsteph@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span>revsteph@thecrossingboston.org</span></a><wbr>. </li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>Brookline/Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Group</b>: <b>DATE and TIME TBA (</b><i><b>group choice</b></i><b>).</b> Join with neighbors to pray, eat, learn, serve and chill. CONTACT Leigh at<a href="mailto:lsfoster83@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span>lsfoster83@gmail.com</span></a>. Held @ Leigh's house in Brookline.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>Cambridge/Somerville Neighborhood Group</b>: <b>Sundays @ 6-8pm OR Wednesdays @ 7-9pm (</b><i><b>group choice</b></i><b>).</b> Ditto: pray, eat, learn, serve, chill. CONTACT Beth at <a href="mailto:elizabethLgraham@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span>elizabethLgraham@gmail.com</span></a>. Held @ Beth's house in Porter Square.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span>justice and action</span></span></b></div><div><b>THIS Tuesday @ 7pm / Anti-LGBT Bullying Vigil at Boston's State House</b></div><div>Nine young people killed themselves in the last three-weeks because of anti-LGBT bullying. Please pray for the victims and please stand up for compassion and justice. We'll join <a href="http://jointheimpactma.com/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span>Join the Impact</span></b></a> and folks across the country in a vigil for victims of anti-LGBT bullying. Meet on the Cathedral steps at 6:45pm and then head across to the State House. CONTACT Vicki at<a href="mailto:mortev@diomassintern.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span>mortev@diomassintern.org</span></a> or 508.333.6458 (to meet up that day).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span><b><span style="font-size: large; ">after worship on thursdays</span></b></span></div><div><b>THIS Thursday / Community Dinner</b></div><div>Every first Thursday, we share a good, old-fashioned church potluck! Bring a dish, drink or dessert AND bring a friend. Done by 9pm @ the latest. Got questions or want to help with set-up/clean-up? CONTACT our resident chef, Stephen Gire at <a href="mailto:stephengire@mac.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span>stephengire@mac.com</span></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>NEXT Thursday / Everyone Does Theology</b></div><div>Second Thursdays, we settle in to learn and kick around deep thoughts on the big religious questions Christians have wrestled with for millennia. Offers some background on the traditions and then opens up for all of our wisdom and wonderings. 'Cuz here, everyone does theology. CONTACT Keith at <a href="mailto:nelsonkr@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span>nelsonkr@gmail.com</span></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Thursday, Oct. 21 / Episco-Disco</b></div><div>Third Thursdays, we turn off the brain and turn on the music. All are welcome to eat and drink at Fajitas n Ritas and then head to Estate, a nearby dance club that's free if you arrive at 10pm. 21 & up. CONTACT Travis at <a href="mailto:travisastevens@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span>travisastevens@gmail.com</span></a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Thursday, Oct. 28 / Education for Action</b></div><div>Fourth Thursdays, our Justice & Action Team organizes an open gathering where we share our stories, grow our passion for justice and prepare for action in the world. CONTACT Vicki at<a href="mailto:mortev@diomassintern.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span>mortev@diomassintern.org</span></a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span>newcomers</span></span></b></div><div><b>Sunday, Oct. 17 @ 1-3pm / Welcome to The Crossing Brunch @ Rev. Steph's house in Cambridge</b></div><div>There's a lot happening in this small but vibrant community, so we host these periodic brunches to help new(ish) people get their bearings. Eat a really yummy Southern brunch and learn about the dreams, commitments and practices that shape the core of our life at The Crossing, plus some history, some intro to our leadership and some info about the traditions (Anglican + emergent + more) that ground us. And, of course, share some about yourself and hear from other new folks! RSVP by Fri., Oct. 15 and CONTACT Jason at <a href="mailto:jason.long.1@googlemail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span>jason.long.1@googlemail.com</span></a><wbr>.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large; "><b><span>behind the scenes</span></b></span></div><div><b>Got a spare computer?</b></div><div>One of our two office computers died last week. But wait ... surely, in a city this smart and tech-savvy, someone's got a decent laptop or desktop PC they'd like to donate to church. Look around your room or office. Then CONTACT Rev. Steph at <a href="mailto:revsteph@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span>revsteph@thecrossingboston.org</span></a><wbr>. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Worship help</b></div><div>Worship at The Crossing is a community effort. We'd sure appreciate your help:</div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>Set-up/Clean-up:</b> If you'd like to offer your artistic gifts (or just like moving furniture around), please come at 4:45pm any Thursday and dive in. Homemade art welcome! Or, if you can be part of a team that does clean-up periodically, that's a one-way ticket to heaven. CONTACT Isaac at <a href="mailto:isaac@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span>isaac@thecrossingboston.org</span></a>.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>Advertising</b>: If you've got talent at graphic design and want to help with flyers + advertising, CONTACT Rev. Steph at <a href="mailto:revsteph@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span>revsteph@thecrossingboston.org</span></a><wbr>.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>Worship sheets</b>: If you have an hour a week to help draft and print worship sheets, CONTACT Isaac at <a href="mailto:isaac@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span>isaac@thecrossingboston.org</span></a>. </li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span><span style="font-size: large; ">giving @ the crossing</span></span></b></div><div>We gather in a big, rich-feeling Cathedral, and we're located at the seat of the Diocese of Massachusetts. But when it comes to finances, we're actually a tiny operation doing God's work on the cheap: about $100K funds EVERYTHING we do (salaries, programs, admin, music team, outreach). Simple fact is, giving from our community makes The Crossing possible. It's also a spiritual practice that can change your life. To learn about regular giving, CONTACT Lura at <a href="mailto:lsteele120@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span>lsteele120@gmail.com</span></a> OR grab a pledge card during worship.<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span>TODAY is st. francis' day</span></span></b></div><div>For me, St. Francis of Assisi is the person who most clearly embodies living into "the fullness of Christ". He was human and flawed and quite likely a bit mentally unbalanced. He lived a relatively short life -- born 1182, died 1226. But he was so wildly in love with Jesus that he followed him without reserve, and he gathered communities of men and women to do the same. The Franciscans still radiate the spirit of simplicity, sacrifice, joy, humor, compassion, community, solidarity with the least of these (including animals and creation, but also the poor and sick and oppressed), and renewal of the church of Jesus. If I weren't with you at The Crossing, I'd probably be a Franciscan sister right now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Feel free to read more about Francis <a href="http://satucket.com/lectionary/Francis_Assisi.htm" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span>here</span></b></a>. And ask me about my cross on Thursday. I got it in Francis' hometown this summer. Praise God.</div></span>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-406480917225943492010-10-12T15:39:00.001-04:002010-10-12T15:41:19.225-04:00real simple<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><i><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">playing catch up again -- here's a post sent to the whole crossing community back on sept. 28. just to let you know what's in the air ...</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><i><br /></i></span></div>This one's so simple ...</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Our Community Life crew has been listening closely to The Crossing community. What we've heard: folks want to fall in love with God and learn to intentionally journey with each other, connecting in our neighborhoods and connecting around the unique, big questions we're carrying through life. In response, the Community circle has crafted fall small groups that respond to the deepest yearnings in our community. Now, here's where you come in: </i><div><ol><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><i>Click the link for the </i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; "><i><a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RN3TN6F" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span >Small Groups @ The Crossing survey</span></b></a></i></span><i>. 10 multiple-choice questions. 3 minutes. Go for it.</i></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><i>Bring your calendar to worship on Thursday and sign up to check out the group you're feeling tugged toward.</i></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><i>Be ready to share, walk, eat, pray and love (couldn't resist) as a community this fall. Groups start as early as next week.</i></li></ol></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>And even as we come together as a community, please pray for the blessed rest of the </i><a href="http://boston.com/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span ><i>four people shot and killed in Mattapan</i></span></b></a><i> early Tuesday morning, including two-year-old Amani Florony, and for the many people who are grieving and suffering tonight in the wake of this unspeakable tragedy. Whatever community we nurture in our small circle, it is only so we can bear that much more love and reconciliation into our city and our world. And oh, how this city and this world need that love right now.</i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div></span>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-48901091879054586142010-09-23T16:50:00.000-04:002010-09-23T16:51:34.911-04:00hooking up (the old-fashioned way)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><i>Sometimes, technology is just a way of hiding from the world of flesh and blood, real people and real mess. But sometimes, it dissolves barriers, brings us closer, facilitates community, helps us to share the journey.<br /><br />That’s how we hope you’ll approach this <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RN3TN6F" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span >Small Groups @ The Crossing survey</span></b></a>, via Survey Monkey. It was crafted with love by our Community Life crew, and in 10 simple questions you'll help us to figure out which small groups will truly capture interest this fall. Feeling drawn to a space where you can learn again how to share meals, share prayer, share life with the people who live around you? That’s a Neighborhood Group. Hope to do some deep work around a particular spiritual issue: faith shifts, body & sexuality & faith, an intentional deep prayer practice? Those are the topics we imagine for the new Journey Groups. Other formation and fun opportunities come up on Thursdays (no need to sign up!).<br /><br />So read on for updates on worship, action and community life. Click the <span style="font-style: normal; "><i><a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RN3TN6F" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span >survey link</span></b></a></i></span> to check the options and point us in the right direction. Or just talk to someone on a Thursday. Either way, let’s get hooked up (and I mean it in the most wholesome, Christian way possible).<br /></i><br /><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span >worship</span></span></b><br /><b>Worship / Thursday @ 6pm</b><br />Beth Graham offers this week’s reflection on Luke 16:19-31. Sue Spilecki continues to draw us together for <span>the </span>month’s spiritual practice: community singing.<br /><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>BEFORE WORSHIP</b>: Creative juices flow! Help set-up for worship at 4:45pm.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>AFTER WORSHIP</b>: Simple snacks, community and clean-up, followed by a ritual procession to Fajitas n Ritas for cheap Brazilian/Mexican food. We'll subsidize your first visit!</li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>BY SUBWAY</b>: 138 Tremont St -- across from Park St T stop (Red or Green Line); near Downtown <span>Crossing</span> T (Orange)</li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>PARKING</b>: Boston Common Garage, Charles Street between Boston Common and Public Garden ($5 with validation @ church -- ask a Greeter)</li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>FOR MORE INFO</b>: Head to our website -- <a href="http://www.thecrossingboston.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span >www.thecrossingboston.org</span></b></a></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><br /></span></div><div><b><span ><span style="font-size: large; ">action</span></span></b><br /><b><i><span>The</span> Laramie Project @ Emerson College:</i></b><i><br /></i><b>* Panel discussion (inc. <span>Crossing</span> leaders!) / TODAY, Sept. 22 @ 6:30pm -- FREE BUT REGISTER </b><a href="https://artsemerson.org/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=AB99E78D-3628-4374-8609-CBF585DB3F54" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span >HERE </span></b></a><b><br />* Performances of <span>The</span> Laramie Project(s) / Fri., Sept. 24 - Sat., Oct. 2 -- FREE TIX AVAILABLE (read on)</b><br /><br /></div><blockquote style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><div><b><span>The</span> Details</b>: On October 6, 1998, Matthew Shepard was beaten, tied to a fence and left to die on <span>the</span> outskirts of Laramie, Wyoming. Ten years after interviewing Laramie residents and creating <span>the</span> ground-breaking play <span>The</span> Laramie Project, <span>the</span> original team returned to discover how Laramie had changed: politically, socially and religiously. <span>The</span> result is <span>the</span> epilogue, <span>The</span> Laramie Project: Ten Years Later. Now Boston audiences will be able to watch both plays and engage in discussion about what they mean today.</div></blockquote><div><br /></div><blockquote style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><div><b><span>The</span> Panels</b>: <span>The</span> event launches with a panel discussion TODAY, Sept. 22 @ 6:30pm. Our own Penny Larson will speak about “Be[ing] Part of <span>the</span> Solution.” LOCATION: Bright Family Screening Room at <span>the</span> new Paramount Center, 559 Washington St.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span>The</span> Plays</b>: Performances run Sept. 24-Oct. 2 at Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont St. TO GET A FREE TICKET, contact Vicki Morte at <a href="mailto:mortev@diomassintern.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span >mortev@diomassintern.org</span></b></a>. To purchase a ticket or get info on <span>the</span> plays, <b><span ><a href="https://artsemerson.org/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=AB99E78D-3628-4374-8609-CBF585DB3F54" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >CLICK HERE</span></a>.</span></b> <b>Use <span>the</span> code THELP4 and $5 of your ticket returns to <span>The</span> <span>Crossing</span>.</b></div></blockquote><div><br /><b><i>Justice & Outreach Team / JOIN NOW</i></b><br />If you have a passion for justice, or want to build deeper relationships with more of our neighbors, CONTACT Vicki Morte at <a href="mailto:mortev@diomassintern.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span ><b>mortev@diomassintern.org</b></span></a>. As our Relational Evangelist -- <span>the</span> intern who’s building relationships and helping us to share love, justice and faith more broadly -- she’s building <span>the</span> team now. She’d love to talk about how you can engage with God’s dream.<br /></div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span ><div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span ><br /></span></span></b></span></div>community</span></span></b><br /><div><b><i>Learn and Play on Thursdays / W</i></b><b><i>eekly after Worship, </i><u><i>b</i></u></b><b><u><i>eginning October 7</i></u></b></div><div>This fall we’ll build a rhythm of formation and play every week. First and third Thursdays are all about play and connection. Second and fourth Thursdays we focus on learning, formation and engagement.<br /><br /></div><blockquote style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><div><b>Community Potluck Suppers / 1st Thursdays</b></div><div>Bring a dish and a friend, as we share a community meal at church right after worship. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Everyone Does Theology /2nd Thursdays</b></div><div>Our turn to explore <span>the</span> big theological questions Christians have wrestled with for millennia.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Episco-Disco / 3rd Thursdays</b></div><div>Continue <span>The</span> <span>Crossing</span> <wbr>tradition of dancing after worship at Estate, a nearby club that’s free if you arrive right at 10pm. 21 and up.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Education for Action / 4th Thursdays</b></div><div>Our Justice & Action Team hosts this monthly action/reflection space. Everyone’s welcome to stay, learn and get ready for <span>The</span> Movement.</div></blockquote><div><br /><b><i>Small Groups @ <span>The</span> <span>Crossing</span></i></b></div><div>Groups will run mainly on two tracks: Neighborhood Groups link people who live in similar space. Journey Groups link people at a similar place on <span>the </span>spiritual journey.<br /><br /></div><blockquote style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><div><b>Neighborhood Groups</b></div><div>Gather every other week or monthly (group to decide) to share food, community, prayer and service in <span>the</span> neighborhood. In other words, make yourself at home. Contact leaders IMMEDIATELY, as they’re picking dates and kick off in October.</div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>Brookline/Jamaica Plain</b>: CONTACT Leigh Foster at <a href="mailto:lsfoster83@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span >lsfoster83@gmail.com</span></b></a></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>Cambridge/Somerville</b>: CONTACT Beth Graham at <a href="mailto:ElizabethLGraham@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span >ElizabethLGraham@gmail.com</span></b></a></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Journey Groups</b></div><div>These groups share <span>the</span> spiritual journey, based on a common experience or common hope. They’re taking shape now and will launch in October. The strongest interest is around these areas -- see the Survey for more details and opportunities to share where your passion runs:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>Gender, Body, Sexuality & Faith</b>: Share <span>the</span> journey with others who seek to ask challenging questions and live a more fully embodied Christian faith.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>Faith Transitions</b>: Is your understanding or experience of God, Jesus or Christian community in transition? Join others wandering through uncharted spiritual territory.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>Praying Our Lives</b>: Experimental, year-long Covenant Group for those seeking a deep level of mutual support and accountability on their spiritual path. Echoes <span>the</span> practice and vow of monastic stability: we are changed by our relationships to and with one another only if we learn <span>the</span> discipline of staying put.</li></ul></div></blockquote><blockquote style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><div><b>PLUS: Discernment Groups</b></div></blockquote><blockquote style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><div>In addition to <span>the</span> Neighborhood and Journey Groups, you may seek short-term Discernment Groups. In these Quaker-style listening circles, a small group will sit for about 3 hours with one person’s big decision about <span>the</span> issue they bring into <span>the</span> circle: vocation, relationship, identity and more. If you need such a circle, or want to offer to be part of one when someone requests it, CONTACT Rev. Steph (a former career counselor) at <a href="mailto:revsteph@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span >revsteph@thecrossingboston.<wbr>org</span></b></a><b>.</b></div></blockquote><div><br /><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span >our leaders</span></span></b></div><div><span>The</span> <span>Crossing</span> community has been blessed with passionate, gifted members who give a whole lot of themselves for love of God and each other. If you want to learn more, share more, or engage in worship, community or action, please contact <span>the</span> conveners who gather leaders in each of our ministry areas:</div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>WORSHIP</b>: Isaac Everett / <a href="mailto:isaaceverett@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >isaaceverett@gmail.com</span></a> OR Ben Whaley / <a href="mailto:ben@diomassintern.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >ben@diomassintern.org</span></a> </li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>COMMUNITY</b>: Rev. Stephanie Spellers / <a href="mailto:revsteph@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >revsteph@thecrossingboston.<wbr>org</span></a> OR Keith Nelson / <a href="mailto:nelsonkr@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >nelsonkr@gmail.com</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><b>ACTION</b>: Vicki Morte / <a href="mailto:mortev@diomassintern.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >mortev@diomassintern.org</span></a> OR Penny Larson / <a href="mailto:penny@pennylarson.net" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span >penny@pennylarson.net</span></a></li></ul></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span ><br /></span></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span >this week’s scripture: Luke 16:19-31<br /></span></span></b></div></span>Jesus said, "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' But Abraham said, `Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.'"<div><br /></div><div>Lazarus said, `Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house-- for I have five brothers-- that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' Abraham replied, `They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' He said, `No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, `If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"<br /></div></span>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975223.post-48619552907896508042010-09-08T10:43:00.002-04:002010-09-08T10:47:17.185-04:00what will you say on 9/11?<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I cannot explain how heart-breaking the last week and a half have been. I returned last week from a visit to a small town in England, where billboards along the highway wished everyone "Ramadan Mubarak" (or "Blessed Ramadan," honoring the Muslim month of fasting and prayer). Back home in America -- land of the free, home of the brave -- I heard escalating animosity against Muslims, resistance not only to building an Islamic Cultural Center at Ground Zero but also widespread protests against the construction of mosques in other cities. And today, a friend shared the news of a Qur'an-burning bonfire set for September 11 ... hosted by a Christian church.</span></span></i><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Where have we gone so horribly wrong? It feels all the more important that reconciling voices speak out and reclaim the best of American and Christian values. I hope you will join me. You could do it by signing the </span></span></i><a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/tobigotrynosanction/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span style="color:#CC6600;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">statement affirming religious diversity</span></span></i></b></span></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, penned by a broad sweep of Massachusetts religious leaders. You could do it by joining our Crossing crew at the September 11 Day of Service and Remembrance this Saturday at 9am-1pm. We will send a group to West Newbury for a river clean-up (details below; contact Vicki at</span></span></i><a href="mailto:mortev@diomassintern.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span style="color:#000000;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">mortev@diomassintern.org</span></span></i></b></span></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> to sign up and/or get a ride). In some small way, on 9/11, we'll participate in healing instead of hatred. </span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Whatever way you can find, please stand up. The world is watching our witness. This is no time for silence.</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So Ramadan Mubarak to our Muslim brothers and sisters, and a glorious Eid ul-Fitr celebration on Thursday (the celebratory breaking of the Ramadan fast). Shana tova to our Jewish brothers and sisters as they mark Rosh Hashanah -- the Jewish New Year -- with special acts of repentance and remembrance beginning at sunset Wednesday. And may God bless us all whenever we participate in the healing, humility and reconciliation that are at the heart of all our faiths. Amen.</span></span></i><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">what’s happening @ the crossing</span></span></b></span></div><div><span style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">WORSHIP & COMMUNITY / Thursday @ 6pm at The Cathedral</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Christy Waybright breaks open the gospel with a reflection on Luke 15:1-10 (see text below) , and Sue Spilecki and Isaac Everett co-lead the month's spiritual practice: community singing. </span></span></div><div><span style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><b><i><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BEFORE WORSHIP: Set-up for worship at 4:45pm. Prayer circle at 5:30pm.</span></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">AFTER WORSHIP: Simple snacks and community, followed by a ritual procession to Fajitas n Ritas for cheap Brazilian/Mexican food. We'll subsidize your first visit!</span></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BY SUBWAY: 138 Tremont St -- across from Park St T stop (Red or Green Line); near Downtown Crossing T (Orange)</span></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">PARKING: Boston Common Garage, Charles Street between Boston Common and Public Garden ($5 with validation @ church)</span></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">FOR MORE INFO: Head to our website -- </span></span><b><a href="http://www.thecrossingboston.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span style="color:#CC6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">www.thecrossingboston.org</span></span></span></a></b></li></ul></span></i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">PRAY * SERVE * REFLECT -- SEPTEMBER 11th DAY OF SERVICE // Saturday, Sept. 11 @ 9am-1pm</span></span></b></div></span><span style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Crossing joins with our friends in Life Together -- the Diocese of Massachusetts Young Adult Intern Program -- for the 2nd annual Day of Service and Remembrance to commemorate the tragedy of September 11. T</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">he Crossing crew is headed 45 minutes north of Boston to West Newbury to do environmental cleanup with the Society of St. John the Evangelist (the monastic community runs a retreat center in West Newbury). R</span></span><span style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ead more about the Day of Service at </span></span><span style="color:#CC6600;"><b><a href="http://www.diomassintern.org/911/Welcome.html" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span style="color:#CC6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">http://www.diomassintern.<wbr>org/911/Welcome.html</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here are the quick details:</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); "><b><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Children, friends and sig. others welcome!</span></span></span></span></b></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); "><b><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bring some waterproof boots, work gloves and a water bottle, if you have them.</span></span></span></span></b></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); "><b><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Snacks provided, but you should bring your own lunch.</span></span></span></span></b></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); "><b><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Depart from The Cathedral (or other arranged spots) at 8am. Get started in West Newbury at 9am. </span></span></span></span></b></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="color:#CC6600;"><b><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To join our group, get a ride, get more info, </span></span></span></span></b></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">CONTACT Vicki Morte</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, our new Minister for Justice and Action (she’s the Relational Evangelist serving with us via Life Together): </span></span><a href="mailto:mortev@diomassintern.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span style="color:#000000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">mortev@<wbr>diomassintern.org</span></span></b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> or 508.333.6458. </span></span></li></ul></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">COMMUNITY LIFE @ THE CROSSING: </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Crossing is a community where we share the journey, and an amazing team is helping to give shape to that journey this year. If you'd like to offer input, learn more or offer your gifts in some way, please let us know:</span></span></div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you'd like to be a </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">greeter</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, CONTACT Leigh Foster: </span></span><a href="mailto:lsfoster83@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span style="color:#000000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">lsfoster83@gmail.com</span></span></b></span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you're a newcomer, or want to have coffee with </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">newcomers</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, CONTACT Jack Jenkins: </span></span><a href="mailto:jackmjenkins@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span style="color:#000000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">jackmjenkins@gmail.<wbr>com</span></span></b></span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you're interested in becoming a </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">member</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, CONTACT Jason Long: </span></span><a href="mailto:jlong@diomass.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">jlong@diomass.org</span></span></span></b></a></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you'd like join or help shape </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">spiritual formation and small groups</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, CONTACT Keith Nelson: </span></span><a href="mailto:nelsonkr@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span style="color:#000000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">nelsonkr@gmail.com</span></span></b></span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To share money or learn about "</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">pledging</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">", CONTACT Lura Steele: </span></span><a href="mailto:lsteele120@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">lsteele120@gmail.com</span></span></span></b></a></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To help with </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">communications</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, CONTACT Rev. Steph Spellers:</span></span><a href="mailto:revsteph@thecrossingboston.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><b><span style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">revsteph@thecrossingboston.org</span></span></span></b></a></li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); "><b><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><i><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><i><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><a href="http://thecrossingboston.org/giving.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">GIVING @ THE CROSSING</span></span></span></a></b></div></span></i></b></span></div></span></i></b></span></div></span></b></span></div></div></span></div></span></span></div></div></span></div></span></b></div></span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style=" border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(102, 51, 102); "><b><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><b><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-weight: normal; "><div><span style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span style="font-weight: normal; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><i><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><b><i><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Click the link to learn about sharing your money and your gifts at </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Crossing</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> -- it's a spiritual practice that we're grateful to invite people into. We've set a goal of raising $23,000 from our own members this year -- a large chunk of the $97,000 budget that pays for our two half-time ministers, the awesome music ministry, interns, small groups, justice and outreach, programs, hospitality, advertising, parking and so much more -- and right now we're at the half-way point</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. To make an ongoing pledge, fill out a form at worship or CONTACT Lura at </span></span><a href="mailto:lsteele120@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span style="color:#000000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">lsteele120@gmail.com</span></span></b></span></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div></span></i></b></span></div></span></i></b></span></div></span></b></span></div></div></span></div></span></span></div></div></span></div></span></b></div></span></span></span></b></span></div><div></div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">THE GOSPEL THIS WEEK: </span></span></b><span style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Luke 15:1-10</span></span></span></div></div><blockquote style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border- padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color:initial;"><div><p><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">All the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them."</span></span></i></p></div><div><p><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So he told them this parable: "Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. </span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."</span></span></i></p></div></blockquote><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Praying for power and for peace,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rev. Steph</span></span></div></div></span>Rev Steph Spellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16407425913786847457noreply@blogger.com0