The Clarendon Connection
September 2008
www.clarendonhillchurch.org
Peacemaking Offering: Break the Bread of New Creation
The Peacemaking Offering was created in 1980 to support the efforts of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) to live out a deeper commitment to peacemaking as part of our faithfulness to God. It is
one of four special offerings designated by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s General Assembly.
Clarendon Hill will receive the Offering on World
Communion Sunday, the first Sunday in October,
which is October 5 this year. During several
September Sundays our focus on mission will
introduce you to some of the wonderful things
that your offering has done to promote peace
locally, nationally and internationally.
Each congregation is encouraged to retain 25
percent of the Offering it receives to use for local
ministries of peacemaking within the church and
its community. Twenty-five percent is used by
presbyteries and synods, and 50 percent is used
by the General Assembly ministries through the
Presbyterian Peacemaking Program.
The 2008 Peacemaking Offering theme, “Break the Bread of New Creation,” is from the hymn
“Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna!” by Brian Wren. To learn more, visit: www.pcusa.org/
peacemakingoffering.
The art is the painting “Supper at Emmaus” by He Qi. Dr. He Qi has been committed to the artistic
creation of modern Chinese Christian art since 1983. He hopes to help change the "foreign image"
of Christianity in China by using artistic language, and at the same time, to supplement Chinese art
the way Buddhist art did in ancient times. In his works, He Qi has blended together Chinese folk
customs and traditional Chinese painting techniques with the western art of the Middle and Mod-
ern Ages. For more information about He Qi and his art, visit www.heqigallery.com.
Shalom: A Study of the Biblical Concept of Peace
Leading up to Sunday, October 5 (which is World Communion Sunday, and the day that we
collect the Peacemaking Offering), we will have a Sunday series entitled "Shalom: A Study of
the Biblical Concept of Peace," which is an elective course of The Kerygma Program. On Sep-
tember 14th, 21st, 28th and October 5th, we will use bible study and a guide to look at peace
from a theological and spiritual perspective. Pastor Karl will lead us in this study, which will
follow our worship and fellowship time. All are welcome.
Introduction to Yoga
Come join our small, half-hour class after coffee
hour to practice mindful breathing and gentle yoga
postures. Great for stress release, improved
flexibility and strength. If interested, please email
Liz at cavatorta1@hotmail.com for upcoming dates.
Equal Exchange Coffee
Katherine will take the Equal Exchange coffee order
on Sunday, August 7, for delivery on September 14.
She does have coffee on hand for those needing an
immediate supply! Email
kath.gustafson@gmail.com
in case of caffeine emergency.
So You Think You Can Teach?
Sunday School begins in September. CHPC
rotates teachers, with each volunteer teaching for
a month. The Logos multi-age curriculum is user
friendly. Please consider signing up for a month
or more. Contact Karl if you are interested
(pastork@clarendonhillchurch.org), or sign up
on the sheet posted on the bulletin board.
Dates at a Glance
Sept. 7
Coffee Orders
Sept. 13
BBQ at Mary Reynolds’
Sept. 14
Peace Study; Coffee Delivery
Sept. 21
Peace Study
Sept. 26
Horizons Women’s Group
Sept. 28
Peace Study
Oct. 5
Peacemaking Offering &
Peace Study
Writing Group
The writing group meets Wednesdays twice a
month in the Green Room. Please join us!! We will
begin with a group check-in, move through 1-2
writing exercises, share as we feel moved, and
finish with a group check-out. We are open to
everyone, regardless of previous writing
experience, and will tailor each session to the
needs and interests of those who attend. Contact
Rachel, reichiru@gmail.com, for upcoming dates
and more details.
Clarendon Happenings
Sunday Worship at Clarendon Hill
9:45 a.m.
Choir rehearsal
10:30 a.m.
Worship
10:45 a.m.
Children’s education
11:30 a.m.
Refreshments and fellowship
Communion will be celebrated on Sept. 7.
Kudos
Thanks to everyone who helped out while Pastor Karl
was away, especially Mike Nickey and Sarah Glass for
leading worship.
Barbeque Invitation
Everyone is invited to a potluck barbeque at Mary
Reynolds’ new home/new deck at 28 Howie St,
Melrose 02176 on Saturday, Sept 13th from 4:30-
8:30 p.m. Mary will provide hot dogs and hamburg-
ers, and she will bring directions to church on
Sunday. Any questions, please phone 781-620-1403.
Apartment for Rent
Paul and Hilary just bought a house and are moving
to Somerville (congratulations!). They were renting a
2 & 1/2 bedroom house in Medford that belongs to
Naila and Munir, who would love to rent to someone
in the church community. It is a 20 minute walk
from the church. Contact
munirg@yahoo.com or
Nailajirmanus@aol.com if interested.
Horizons Women’s Group
The Horizons Women's Group will begin our fall
meetings at Salam's in Arlington on September 26.
Our starting times will be 3:30 for tea and 4:00 for
discussion. We will meet once a month. Please feel
free to join us and if anyone needs directions to
Salam's, contact
salamlebbos@hotmail.com or
Mabel312@aol.com
. We would love for new people
to attend!
Clarendon Hill’s Facebook Account
Missing Clarendon Hillers halfway through the
week? Want to make church friends digital friends?
Clarendon Hill has a new facebook account at
http://groups.to/clarendonhill/
For more information about how to set up a
Facebook account, contact Rachel at
reichiru@gmail.com. Come join us!
the nave gallery
We Will Miss You Salome!
Salome Otami returned to Ghana in August after being offered a great job. The following is her message to
Clarendon Hill:
Hello All,
Hope all is well with you and your families.
By the grace of God, I arrived home safely. My daughter is also doing well though she looks pale. I am very
grateful to you all for the incredible support given me ever since I first visit the US three years ago.
I miss you all so much, however, I am glad being with my family once again and getting reunited with them.
My home phone number is: 011-233-274-244724
Many thanks to you all.
Warmly,
Salome
www.artsomerville.org
Upcoming Exhibit: ‘Kitchen Stories’ at The Nave Gallery
The American kitchen has evolved from a private utilitarian area at the back
of the house, where people of low status would prepare food, to a more public
gathering place, a room of brightness and gleaming surfaces. All along,
though, the kitchen has seen more than its share of dramatic events as
family members and friends gather, sometimes to celebrate and occasionally
to clash. Secrets have been shared over early morning cups of coffee; confi-
dences have been breached while dinner parties unfold nearby; knives have
been waved and frying pans wielded.
In today's kitchens, much attention is paid to appearances. Appliances are
clad in shiny industrial surfaces. Pots and pans are hung like art objects.
Designers bring their skills to bear on can openers and toasters, stoves and backsplashes. All this
provides a rich visual backdrop for the mundane tasks that are the nominal purpose of the kitchen. And
let's not forget food! A profusion of products from the farms, ranches, oceans and factories of the
world pass through the modern American kitchen, on their way to becoming quick snacks or elaborate
group meals.
Kitchen Stories will run from 17 October through 15 November 2008. Look for more details in the
October newsletter.
No Such Animal
19 October 2008, 8 p.m.
Four years ago, avant guardian Tim Mungenast arranged the first-ever collaboration
between members of Cul de Sac and Birdsongs of the Mesozoic to create the Innova
Recordings release "No Such Animal." See the long-overdue reunion of Ken Field
(saxophone, flute), Jon Proudman (drums), Michael Bloom (bass), and Tim (guitar,
sitar, bells, pedals) as they open a sonic portal into another world.
scripture
focus on mission
coffee hour
nursery
Sept. 7
A. Kwaa
K. Graf
Augers
N. Jirmanus
Sept.14
P. Auger
S. Lebbos
Milanesi/Kumpa
K. Gustafson
Sept. 21
H. Rantisi
J. Bray
Camelio/Braga
V. Donovan
Sept. 28
L. Cavano
P. Beran
Reynolds/Graf
E. Schemerhorn
October 6
E. Schemerhorn
C. Milanesi
Newquist/Glass
N. Jirmanus
October 13
M. Jirmanus
E. Schemerhorn
Chapman-Adisho
K. Gustafson
October 20
S. Donovan
P. Auger
Gustafson/Cavano
V. Donovan
October 27
R. Winchester
H. Rantisi
Donovan
E. Schemerhorn
If you would like to be added to the rotation for any of these opportunities, please contact Ann Crews
Melton, anncrews@gmail.com or 617.646.9690.
The Clarendon Connection is edited by Ann Crews Melton. Articles for the October issue are requested
by Sept. 24. Email Ann at anncrews@gmail.com with news, photos, tidbits, corrections or suggestions.
Church Assignments
A Call for Nursery Volunteers
Why have a church nursery?
To ensure that CHPC is an inviting place to all,
including families with young children.
What is involved? On your assigned Sunday:
--Arrive at church 5 to 10 minutes early;
--Greet families with small children as they come
in, telling them that a church nursery is available
and that you will be happy to accompany them to
the nursery at any time during the service;
--Take care of the children during worship time.
Books, toys, and drawing materials are available in
the newly painted room;
--If you can’t make your assigned Sunday, change
with someone else on the list.
The need: Only a few are currently sharing the
duty, which means they are missing the
opportunity to be in worship several times a
month. The more that sign up for this shared
responsibility, the fewer times per year each is on
duty.
Benefits: It is a great way to get to know the
youngest members of our congregation and make
them (and their families) feel welcome, not to
mention just having a lot of fun.
If you are uncomfortable volunteering alone, sign
up with a partner and share the joy of playing
with young ones for an hour or less! Contact Ann
to volunteer, anncrews@gmail.com.
Lectionary Readings
September 2008
September 7
Exodus 12:1-14
Psalm 149:1-9
Romans 13:8-14
Matthew 18:15-20
September 14
Exodus 14:19-31
Psalm 114:1-8 or
Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21
Romans 14:1-12
Matthew 18:21-35
September 21
Exodus 16:2-15
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16
September 28
Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16
Philippians 2:1-13
Matthew 21:23-32
October 2008
October 5
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Psalm 19:1-14
Philippians 3:4b-14
Matthew 21:33-46
October 12
Exodus 32:1-14
Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14
October 19
Exodus 33:12-23
Psalm 99:1-99
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Matthew 22:15-22
October 26
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Matthew 22:34-46
155 Powder House Blvd.
West Somerville, MA 02144-1613
tel: 617-625-4823
www.clarendonhillchurch.org
Rev. Karl Gustafson, Minister Augustus Kwaa, Parish Associate/Evangelist John Adams, Music Director Arnie James, Sexton
Somerville Early Head Start
Somerville is one of a small number of communities that provides an Early Head Start program. This is a
program for low-income families with a pregnant women, an infant or a toddler. The program is designed to
promote the health and wellbeing of all the members of these families in order to give their young children the
best chance of doing well when they get to school, and in their overall social and emotional development. All
of the program’s services are provided free, because it is funded by the Federal Administration for Children
and Families.
Our staff includes Family Support Workers, who do the home visits, and are supervised by Specialists in early
development, health care, family development, parent involvement, and social services. Most of our service
providers are bi-cultural and bi-lingual in English and Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole. Together, they
provide information, educational activities, coaching, and support to help parents. Learn more at
www.somervillementalhealth.org.
Clarendon Hill is accepting donations for Somerville Early Head Start. Items most needed include:
crackers
cereal
macaroni
canned black beans
rice in boxes (rather than plastic bags)
baby formula
diapers
peanut butter
Thank you in advance for your donations!