october 2012 vol. ix, issue 10 - churchonthehillboston.org€¦ · church is accessible from...

Church on The Hill (Swedenborgian) The Boston Society of the New Jerusalem, Inc.140 Bowdoin Street ~ Beacon Hill ~ Boston, MA 02108 ~ www.churchonthehillboston.org

October 2012Vol. IX, Issue 10

Jesus said ”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” MaAhew 11:28

Autumn is upon us

http://www.churchonthehillboston.org

http://www.churchonthehillboston.org

NEWSLETTER OF THE BOSTON CHURCH OF THE NEW JERUSALEM

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GOALS AND OUR LIFE AS A CHURCH

❖ Seeking to be guided by love of God, love of others, being in community, seeking to be of service.❖ Church services and classes being vital and central.❖ Nurturing teamwork and community throughout the church.❖ The church welcoming diversity of people working together as one.❖ Developing a pervasive spirit of caring in the church community.❖ The church developing as welcoming of all generations (from children to senior).❖ Concerted efforts to involve young people more fully in the life of the church. Perhaps with aid from adults, having leadership emerge from young people. Involvement of young people in service projects in the community.❖ Strengthening of programs for seniors, drawing on resources both within and outside the church.❖ Developing processes for ministry preparation.❖ Growth of participation from the congregation in the church activities.

MinistersSearch Committee

Executive OfficialsMary Guarino, PresidentDiane Williams, Vice PresidentRobert von Wolfgang, Chairman of the Board of TrusteesSusanne Rogers, TreasurerMichael Bancewicz, Secretary/Congregational Director

DirectorsEdward J. Mackenzie, Jr., Director of Operations

Emeritus OfficialsMichael Latkowitch, President Emeritus

Anna Hunt Latkowitch, Church Council Emeritus

MusicCarlton Doctor, Minister of Music

Victor Cayres de Mendonca, Organist and Pianist

Michael Bancewicz, Acting EditorCraig Williams, Assistant Editor

New Jerusalem ChurchCirca 1845

The foundation of the Boston Society of the New Jerusalem (BSNJ) can be traced back to 1784 and the Green Dragon Tavern in Boston. It was then and there that admirers of, and those interested in learning more about, Emanuel Swedenborg first met to hear a lecture on Swedenborg by James Glen. In 1818, twelve people, some of whom were among the early “Green Dragon Tavern crowd,” organized a Swedenborgian Church in the city. Chartered in 1823, the Boston Society of the New Jerusalem, Inc. is the first Swedenborgian Church established in Massachusetts. Members of the Church met at several locations before finally settling in 1845 at its present location atop Beacon Hill. The location inspired the name by which many today know the society: the Church on the Hill (Swedenborgian). Through the years, noted BSNJ members include Timothy Harrington Carter, publisher, and founder of the Old Corner Book Store; Sampson Reed, writer and mentor of Ralph Waldo Emerson; Lydia Maria Child, author, social activist and abolitionist; Warren Felt Evans, writer and healer;

HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

Theophilus Parsons, dean of Harvard Law School; Otis Clapp, apothecary, publisher, member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, co-founder of The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.), Boston University, and and founder of The Home for Little Wanderers; Theophilus P. Chandler, architect; Clarence Barron, financier, editor of the Wall Street Journal, and president of Dow Jones; George James Webb, hymnologist; and The Honorable Malcolm Nichols, Mayor of Boston. A beautiful Gothic Revival structure served the membership until the 1960s when it was replaced with a new Church building and an eighteen story high- rise apartment. Today, the main sanctuary of the Church is accessible from Bowdoin Street. The Church has also served as a place of worship and gatherings for the local Muslim Community and other faith-based communities. The Church has organizes and runs many programs to meet the needs of the Church community and larger surrounding neighborhood.

Use of the Church facility is offered to human service and outreach organizations.

CHURCH ON THE HILL - ESTABLISHED 1818

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From Michael Bancewicz

Howdy Everyone!

It is that time of year when we all seem to be buzzing around doing a dozen projects. September went well with the Max Reger Concert series being a great success. Additionally the Vagabond’s “open mic” Coffee House went over really well so we will continue again this month on Wednesday October 17, from 7:30 – 11:00 PM.

We have some special Shout Outs! Congrats to Maria Mackenzie on attaining her Associates as well as certiSicates (see page 10). Great job Maria! Good Luck to Cindy Gonzalez who has already graduated form North Eastern and now she has moved on to further her education at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. Also special hellos go out to Maggie Sullivan, Mary Noonan, Nate Schindler, Deborah Hammer and Alice & Mary DeRosa.

We will continue to collect linens for the “A Bed For Every Child” initiative (see page 12). Additionally, Maria is collecting clothing items (see page 9) to distribute to seniors that are either home bound or staying at a health care facility.

Join me Saturday Morning, October 20 at 11:00 AM to plant daffodil bulbs in the Common. Boston Parks and Recreation is providing us with 1000 bulbs.

We are also looking for volunteers to assist with the 23rd Annual National Interfaith Homeless Memorial Service to be held on Wednesday December 21, the longest night of the year. The Church on the Hill is sponsoring/hosting the Monday Night Dinner on October 22, at 5:30 PM at the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul.

We will be having a small Halloween Bash in the function room on Wednesday October 31 from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. All are welcome!!

In closing, we have had a wonderful assortment of guest speakers on Sundays and I am hearing a lot of great feedback from many of you. Over the next couple of months we will be having many Holiday events and more great speakers, so keep your eyes on our calendar.

Peace,

Michael


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Meet The Choir...Jared Levin, Bass-Baritone, has been singing for just about as long as he can remember. After a musical childhood, Jared received a Bachelor's in Vocal Performance from Northern Arizona University. While at NAU, Jared learned to sing in many differing styles including: classical and opera singing, jazz, musical theatre, as well as choral singing. After spending the majority of his life in Arizona, Jared is starting to make a name for himself in the greater Boston area. He just wrapped up Little Women with Opera del West, and is looking forward to what's next!

Kathryn McKellar, is excited to join the Church on the Hill Community. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Kathryn has called Boston home for 6 years, and currently resides in Somerville, MA. She is on the artist roster for the Boston Lyric Opera and is director of Opera on Tap Boston. This past season, Kathryn completed her debut with Greater Worcester Opera as Micaela in Carmen, with Reagle Music Theater Company understudying Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, and is currently in The Lyric Stage Company of Bostonʼs production of Mikado. Other recent appearances include Frasquita in Carmen with Boston Opera Collaborative, as part of the company's inaugural series at the American Repertory Theatre's Club Oberon, Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, Dorinda in Handel's Orlando, Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi, Oberto in Alcina, Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro, and Poppea in OperaHub's dramatically innovative production of L'Incoronazione di Poppea. Kathryn is a graduate of the Boston Conservatory, where she was a member of The Opera Studio and received first place in the Conservatoryʼs Chamber Music Competition. She teaches voice and piano in the greater Boston area, has a weakness for dark chocolate, and enjoys running along the Charles River.


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Josephine Rispoli spent much of the last year of her short life battling cancer at Hackensack University Medical Center.Now, the hospital is honoring her courage by opening a special rooftop garden where children fighting terrible odds can play and just be a kid.Her mother has spent the last few months building Josephineʼs Garden as a tribute to her daughterʼs courageous battle.“She loved art, she loved nature,” Heidi Rispoli said. “Everything in this garden represents an element of hope and an element of dreams. Itʼs about life, itʼs about battles.”The space officially opened on Monday, the day Josephine wouldʼve turned 8-years old. The area features a wishing fountain, climbing boulders and inspirational artwork.Rispoli said if her daughter was still alive she would “climb on the boulder and then sheʼd carve her name in the warrior pole and leave her mark to say ʻI fought the fight.ʼ”Josephine died on Oct. 23, 2011 after a 13-month battle with a brain tumor.Throughout her battle, she had dreamed of being outside and creating a space where all pediatric patients could play in the sunshine and interact with nature.

The Brain Tumor Walk is a fun and inspirational day where the brain tumor community unites to inspire hope and take action in the fight against brain tumors. Progress in this fight starts one team, one walker, and one dollar at a time. Like the National Brain Tumor Society, we are fiercely committed to finding a cure.

A good friend of the church, Lyn Grande, lost her husband Billy to a brain tumor in 2010. She has been participating in the

Brain Tumor Walk every year with members and friends of Church on the Hill since in his honor. This year the walk is on Saturday, May 13 and is starting at Reservoir Woods in Waltham, MA. If you would like to walk or donate to Lyn and her team, visit www.BrainTumorCommunity.org and search “Billys Goofey Friends”. No donation is too small and this is for a very good cause.


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What’s Happening This October?Pumpkin picking, foliage drives and ghoulish spectacles of fun make October in Massachusetts a true blessing for those eager to enjoy her natural beauty and intoxicating pleasures. As farmers harvest their end–of-the-season crops and children excite in the anticipation of trick-or-treating, Bostonians are ready to engage in the seasonal activities thematic of cooler temperatures and warmer delights. The crisp snap in the air encourages adventure so get out there and revel within the abundant opportunities of entertainment and amusement that this city has to offer!

HolidaysMonday, October 1, 2012 Child Health DayMonday, October 8, 2012 Columbus DayTuesday, October 9, 2012 Leif Erikson DayTuesday, October 16, 2012 Boss's DaySaturday, October 20, 2012 Sweetest DayMonday, October 29, 2012 Full “Hunter’s” MoonWednesday, October 31, 2012 Halloween

Birthstone: Opal, Tourmaline Flower: Calendula

Astrological Signs: Libra: September 23 - October 22, Scorpio: October 23 - November 21

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Special Events

Date: October 13th and 14th, 2012 Wellfleet Oyster House Time: 10amLoca8on: Main Street Wellfleet, MASeafood lovers won’t want to miss Cape Cod’s finest display of culinary gi9s-‐from-‐the-‐sea during this two day fes<val filled with art, music, games and most importantly, FOOD! Managed by SPAT, a non-‐profit organiza<on dedicated to promo<ng the town’s shell fishing history, those who dare to enter the annual oyster shucking contest might get their hands on the grand prize of $1000.00. All proceeds go towards a scholarship for Nauset Regional High School, a community grant award and improving the knowledge of Wellfleet’s cherished sea faring industry.

Date: October 14, 2012 Open House at the MFATime: 10:30am, FreeLoca8on: Museum of Fine Arts 465 Hun8ngton Avenue, BostonVisit the MFA for a free tour of their Interac<ve Design exhibit structured to enhance further understanding of how ar<s<c contribu<ons effect business, social and general everyday living. Teachers, students and art appreciators are all welcome.

Date: October 20, 2012 Church on the Hill/Boston Common Time: 11:00 AMLoca8on: Church on the Hill 140 Bowdoin Street, BostonFollowing the success of last year, Church on the Hill will once again be plan8ng daffodils in the Boston Common. This year we were provided with double (1000) daffodil bulbs. People will meet at the Church on the Hill at 11:00 AM and move to the Common as a group. All are welcome!

Date: October 20/21, 2012 Head of the Charles Regatta 2012Time: 8am-‐5pmLoca8on: Charles River 2 Gerry’s Landing Road, Cambridge, MAThe Head of the Charles RegaZa is the world’s largest crew racing event and lucky for Bostonians, it takes place right here! Drawing in 9,000 athletes and over 300,000 thousand spectators, this two day event is the perfect des<na<on to become inspired by healthy compe<<on and the natural autumn beauty that graces the riverbanks of the Charles.

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Date: October 27, 2012 Cartoon Fest at Symphony HallTime: 10am -‐ 4p, $10, or a 4-‐pack for $35Loca8on: Symphony Hall,

301 Massachuse[s Ave, BostonKids will adore the Cartoon Fest at Boston Symphony Hall where 99.5 WGBH Classical Radio Sta<on presents the background music to classic Warner Brothers’ Toons! Emphasizing a love for original character images such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck with songs from the greats, children will enjoy both the entertaining and educa<onal aspects of this fabulous symphonic produc<on.

Date: October 27, 2012 Dining in the Dark at Hampshire HouseTime: 6pm -‐ 9pmLoca8on: Hampshire House 84 Beacon Street, Boston Delicious, decadent and downright exci<ng, bring your taste buds to this “dimmed” display of dining. Guests will not only be blind folded while enjoying their meals but will also be present for soothing music and theatrical story telling presenta<ons. Ac<ng as part of the global “Dining in the Dark” movement, patrons will not be disappointed by this unique experience.

Date: Sunday, October 28, 2012 SoWa Market of the Living DeadTime: 10am -‐ 4pmLoca8on: 460 Harrison Ave, Boston's South EndHalloween is one of New England’s most beloved holidays so why not use this theme to create the perfect ghostly gathering? Located in Boston’s largest open market, the SoWa Market of the Living Dead encourages all to put on their favorite costumes and celebrate with music, cra9s, and yummy treats from food vendors. As the final outdoors ac<vity of the year, come with friends and family to partake in the last picnic of the season!

Date: Sunday, October 28, 2012 Pru Boo at Prudential CenterTime: 11am-‐1pm, $5.00 per childLoca8on: The Pruden3al Center 800 Boylston St, BostonBring your liZle ones to this fes<ve and charitable event hosted by the shops at the Pruden<al Center! Kids can trick-‐or-‐treat up and down the beau<ful corridors of the Pru while also helping needy children and babies from around the state. All proceeds are directly given to a non-‐profit organiza<on dedicated to helping and aiding the younger needy of MassachuseZs.

NOTICEANNUAL FALL MEMBERS MEETING

NOVEMBER 25, 2012 ~ 12:30 PM

We encourage all members to attend!!


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Potato PancakesIngredients

• 4 slices bacon, diced

• 4 Idaho potatoes, peeled and quartered

• 1 red onion, quartered

• 3 garlic cloves

• 6 sage leaves, finely chopped

• 2 eggs

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

In a large cast iron skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Discard

bacon fat in the pan. In a food processor fitted with the grater attachment, push potato, onion and garlic through the

grater (if you grate by hand using a mandolin watch your fingers). Remove mixture to a towel and squeeze out excess

liquid. Place potato mixture in a large bowl and mix in sage, eggs, flour, cooked bacon and salt and pepper, to taste. Fill

the skillet with 1/4-inch of vegetable oil and heat until it ripples. Once the oil is preheated, form potato cakes, measuring

roughly 3 inches in diameter, and add to the pan. Continue forming patties, working in batches. Cook pancakes until

crispy and nicely browned, pressing down on the pancakes periodically to flatten, about 2 minutes per side. Remove to

a paper towel lined plate. Keep cooked pancakes warm in a preheated 275 degree F oven while remaining pancakes

cook.

We Need Your Help

Maria MacKenzie has recently been visi2ng a number of nursing homes. It has come to our a:en2on that there are a number of seniors who need clothes. That being said, we will be taking dona2ons of: nightgowns, male pajamas, sweaters, sweatshirts, and warm pants. Dona2ons can be leD in the church office. Cold weather has arrived and they need the help now. Thank you.


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Congratulations Maria MacKenzie!!!

Marvin Gonzalez and his family apple picking in Stow, MA.


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Here is the completed version of last monthʼs crossword puzzle.

We are happy to have had a few people turn in their completed puzzles with 100% accuracy and so we drew a name from a hat.

The winner of last monthʼs crossword is...Janet Paulson!

Congratulations and we will get your gift certificate to you soon!

The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homelessʼ HomeLink Initiative partners with public schools to assist at-risk families of students to avoid becoming homeless. As part of this partnership, the Coalition has been able to assist many parents who need assistance with material items such a clothing and household furniture. Over the past year, HomeLink learned that many of the students in the schools did not have a bed, and were sleeping on the floor or with a sibling.

Many of the studentsʼ families have had an infestation of bed bugs – a growing epidemic in many urban areas, forcing them to throw out their beds without being able to afford to buy new ones. Even more families are living in poverty and can not afford to buy a bed in at all.

Although a bed may not seem like the most pressing social issue, it does have a major affect on a childʼs ability to come to school prepared to learn, which can have long term consequences on their education. In Massachusetts, statistics indicate that 23% of students have the potential of not graduating.

To break the cycle of poverty, we know we have to give these children all the tools they need to assist them in their education. One of these is a bed. To meet this goal, the agency launched A Bed for Every Child Initiative, where we are raising funds to purchase a twin mattress, frame and linens for each student referred to us by our partners. Presently, we are working with the Lynn Public Schools to ensure each student referred to us will have a bed delivered to their home.

For over 25 years, the Coalition has operated the Furniture Bank which stabilizes over 3,000 households a year transitioning from homelessness to their own home by providing donated furniture and household goods to make a house a home. This program has a proven history of operating with maximum efficiency and cost effectiveness. Leveraging this experience and a network of partners, A Bed for Every Child will undertake outreach, build awareness of the need, and provide beds to children through this new collaboration. Our goal over the next 12 months is to distribute 1,500 beds to children in need who are attending school. As funds become available, we will have an additional goal of expanding to schools in Boston.

To get involved by organizing a community drive or inviting a Coalition spokesperson to a civic event to speak about the campaign to raise critical financial support to A Bed for Every Child, contact Alycia Dell'Orfano, A Bed for Every Child Development Coordinator at 781-585-7570 x23 or [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


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Vagabonds Open Mic Coffee House - September 19

Mary Guarino kayaking the Charles River


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Church Calendar Events 2012All are welcome. Come as you are.

OctoberWednesday, October 3 5:00 PM Church Council Meeting

6:00 PM Board of Trustees Meeting

Sunday, October 7 11:00 AM Blessing of the Animals Service

Wednesday, October 17 12:00 Noon Senior Lunch

7:30 PM Vagabonds Open Mic Coffee House

Saturday, October 20 11:00 AM Planting daffodils in the Boston Common

Wednesday, October 31 7-10:00 PM Halloween Party

NovemberWednesday, November 7 5:00 PM Church Council Meeting

6:00 PM Board of Trustees Meeting

Wednesday, November 21 12:00 Noon Senior Lunch

7:30-11 PM Vagabonds Open Mic Coffee House

We are doing our best to update our calendar as fast as possible. We swear weʼre not monkeying around. Keep updated on our website

www.churchonthehillboston.org


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Vagabonds Open Mic

Coffee House

Wednesday, October 177:30-11 PM

After the success of last monthʼs Open Mic night, we are hoping to make this one even

bigger!

We are open to musicians, poets, artists, and locals who would like to perform or just

spectate and enjoy a relaxing night with friends.

Our entrance is on Ashburton Place between the parking lot and 20 Ashburton Place, down

the alley to the right.

This is free to everyone and will continue to take place on the

third Wednesday night of each month.

We hope to see you all there!

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Church on The Hill (Swedenborgian) The Boston Society of the New Jerusalem, Inc.

140 Bowdoin Street, Beacon HillBoston, MA 02108-2799

Check Out The New Website at www.churchonthehillboston.org

“It is my mission to help in the breaking down of classes, and to make all men feel as if they were brethren of the same family, sharing the same rights, the same capabilities, and the same responsibilities. While my hand can hold a pen, I will use it to this end; and while my brain can earn a dollar, I will devote it to this end.” Lydia Maria Child

Lydia Maria Child (1802-1880)Member of the ChurchWriter, Author, Abolitionist, Civil Rights AdvocateWriter of “Over the River”

october 2012 vol. ix, issue 10 - churchonthehillboston.org€¦ · church is accessible from...

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