Through an intergenerational Sunday Service rich with moving and jubilant special music, old and new hymns, and stimulating readings, Rev. Shayna Appel, the “Charioteers,” and many others dish up an especially delicious Sunday before Christmas Service. Readings From the Sunday Service, December 23, 2018-“Our Favorite Things” Opening Words What Are You Here For? By Quinn G. Caldwell … Continue reading Our Favorite Things
Ancient people saw the flow of time as circular, not linear, and the Changing Seasons were understood as a great Wheel, the Wheel of the Year. This Sunday, Dec. 16, we gather to observe the turning of the Wheel as we celebrate the Winter Solstice arriving on December 21st.
Our theme for December is “Mystery” which, by definition, is something difficult or impossible to explain. How comfortable are we with the “mysterium” in general, and more particularly, how does that comfort, or lack thereof, impact our ability to experience “Mysterium Tremendum” (Latin used here for emphasis!)? The world renowned scientist Albert Einstein was once … Continue reading Mystery
Keeping with our theme for the month on ‘memory’, Rev. Shayna Appel will exercise hers by recounting an experience of ‘encounter’ while serving as a Fire Department Chaplain at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan following the attacks of 9/11. Rev. Appel recently won First Place at a story slam with this story and looks forward … Continue reading Worship led by Rev. Shayna Appel
Location: First Baptist Church, 190 Main Street in Brattleboro Music, readings and ceremonies from various faith traditions will open our hearts to one another and to gratitude for the blessings that lift our spirits. Special music will be offered by a Community Chorus. Come stand together in community and give thanks! A free will offering of … Continue reading Interfaith Service of Thanksgiving
Reverend Nancy O. Arnold of Rindge, NH will be our guest minister this Sunday. She says, “Thanksgiving affords us the opportunity to remember the gifts of our lives with gratitude. Among these gifts are the memories of those who have touched us with their wisdom and love. There is also a greater appreciation for the bounty … Continue reading “Memory, Gratitude, and Hope”
“Memory & Resiliency; Traumatized or Trauma Grown?” “Most trauma survivors…will suffer, sometimes for years. But, over the last few decades, psychologists have discovered that suffering is not the end of the story: with the right circumstances and support, [some] survivors actually benefit in surprising ways…The suffering they endure actually acts as a catalyst, enabling them … Continue reading “Memory & Resiliency: Traumatized or Trauma Grown?” led by Rev. Shayna Appel
This month’s Social and Environmental Action Committee service features Brattleboro Area Hospice as the local organization with which we are sharing our November collection. At our Sunday Service on November 4, Patty Dunn, Hospice Program Coordinator, whose presentation at ASC last year met with great enthusiasm, will be returning as our guest speaker.
“Blessed Are the Meek; Our Children’s Trust” In 2015, 21 young people filed a lawsuit against the federal government alleging government officials have known for more than 50 years that carbon pollution from fossil fuels was causing climate change. The suit, which was scheduled to begin next week, also claims that existing policies on oil … Continue reading “Blessed are the Meek; Our Children’s Trust” by Rev. Shayna Appel
The service this Sunday is entitled “Living fully within Limits” and is about the challenge and rewards of embracing life even when it is difficult or disappointing. If we lean into changes as we age or as we say goodbye to places and people who have been important to us, we can find ways to … Continue reading Living Fully Within Limits
