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The month of December is a time of growing darkness. As the earth turns on its access, the northern hemisphere receives diminishing sunlight until we reach the winter solstice on December 21. It’s not surprising that this season is marked by religious celebrations of light. This year, the Jewish holiday of Hannukah and the Christian Read More

For several weeks this fall, I have reflected on the life and legacy of St. Francis of Assisi. I have introduced to Francis as a teenager through the prayer, “Make Me An Instrument of Your Peace” which has been attributed to him. At various times, I have turned to this 12th century saint because I Read More

A People and A Verb “Although the building is closed, the church has always been open because the church is you.” These are the words that I used at the start of every worship service since the beginning of the pandemic. With this message, I hoped to highlight an idea that is often discussed among Read More

Pastoring During the Pandemic—Some of What I Have Learned Among the many words that are used to identify clergy, the term “pastor” is one that I have struggled to wear comfortably. Earlier in my career, I most often used the words minister or preacher to describe my ordination. My friends outside the church often call Read More

Almighty God, give us wisdom to perceive you, intellect to understand you, diligence to seek you, patience to wait for you, eyes to behold you, a heart to meditate upon you, and life to proclaim you, through the power of the spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ.       Attributed to St. Benedict (480-553) The words of Read More

On Monday, March 1, I was invited to participate in a COVID Memorial Day Service for the City of Newburyport. The event was organized by Mayor Donna Holaday and included several local clergy: The Rev. Rebecca Bryant of the First Religious Society (Unitarian-Universalist), the Rev. Dr. Sara Singleton of Old South Presbyterian Church, and Fr. Read More

During this past year a committee of church members have met bi-weekly to discuss Pandemic topics and to forward advice and recommendations to the Church Council, Diaconate, etc. The resumption of in-person worship has been a constant topic during our discussions. Contemplating a return has been problematic due to a number of items mentioned in Read More

By Heather Alterisio halterisio@newburyportnews.com Mar 31, 2021 Newburyport — Many sanctuaries may still be closed due to COVID-19 concerns, but religious leaders have found new ways during the pandemic to connect with congregants and keep services available, whether online or outdoors. A little over a year ago, just before stay-at-home orders were issued by the Read More