Let Freedom Ring!
Dear friends,
As of Monday, our sanctuary houses an amazing piece of history: New York’s Liberty Bell, cast in Amsterdam in 1731. It has rung for freedom for nearly three hundred years, from its first recorded use celebrating the verdict of the Zenger Trial in 1735 (a hallmark moment in the establishment of freedom of the press) to its commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence to its ringing for the inauguration of every U.S. president since George Washington. It is also a symbol of resilience and hope for our Middle Church family: miraculously unharmed by the terrible fire that destroyed their sanctuary in 2020, it stays with us in safekeeping till it can take its rightful place in their 7th Street building next spring.
The privilege of having this powerful symbol in our midst in time for the U.S. election is not lost on us. Our country may experience doubt and discord over the coming weeks and months, but it also has the strength and resilience of its history and people to draw upon. I feel that strength when I worship at West End: no matter what happens between now and Inauguration Day, I feel a sense of peace and connection while singing hymns in our historic sanctuary. Even better, I look around on Sundays and see a group of people that I’m proud to call friends. I feel grounded here—and that’s no small comfort these days.
One of my hopes for West End is that it can be an antidote to the toxic political environment that surrounds us. Our world may be polarized, but we can and should model a kinder, more thoughtful discourse that is characterized by honesty, trust, and a willingness to listen deeply to each other. One of our first tests will be how we approach our November 17th congregational meeting. As you know from Will’s sermon on Sunday, at that meeting we will be voting on whether to retain our dual affiliation with the RCA and UCC or to affiliate soley with the UCC. This vote comes to us from our Board, who voted this summer to solely affiliate with the UCC. On the 17th, they will ask the congregation to ratify that vote.
This is a topic about which some of us feel strongly, but only a few have complete information. In the spirit of reasoned deliberation, I invite you to use the next two weeks before that vote to come to an informed decision. We’re here to help you, of course! Will is teaching a class on our denominational story—past, present and future—during this Sunday’s 10am Learning Hour. We’d love for you to be there in person, but the class will also be streamed on Zoom and recorded for later viewing. We will also help answer any background questions you may have–just reach out, and look to your inboxes for further resources in the coming week.
Till then, stay well! And if you are feeling any anxiety in the lead-up to the election, don’t forget that Will will be leading 15-minute nightly prayers on Zoom at 9 pm, starting Election Eve and continuing every night until there is a clear winner. This tradition was a balm for many in 2020, and we hope you’ll find it the same in 2024.
Warmly,
Cambridge
And don’t forget the rest of our democracy-themed programming:
Nov. 3rd, 10 am: Join Pastor Will downstairs for the abovementioned exploration of how the RCA and UCC each approach governance, and how democracy plays out in the life of West End Church.
Nov. 4th and onwards, 9 pm: “Prayers for the Soul of the Nation” on Zoom
Nov. 5th, 10 am-12 pm: I’m planning an Election Day civics-themed art project for kids that includes a pizza lunch! Signups close TONIGHT, so please send me an email right away if you’d like to join.
Nov. 10th, 10 am: I’ll lead Adult Ed through a post-election discussion, “What Next? Building the World We Want From 77th Street.”
Nov. 12th, 6 pm: Scout Troop 55 presents “I Have a Dream” speech performed by renowned orator Ronald Haynie in our sanctuary. It’s part of the scouts’ citizenship badge requirement and is sure to be powerful for all. Please come!
Nov. 17th, 10 am: Join members of the Board and leadership team for a coffee hour prior to our congregational vote - even if you don’t have any outstanding questions, get to know our leadership and any new members you haven’t had a chance to meet.
Nov. 17th, 11:45 am: Congregational meeting after church, including program and survey updates.
Also on the horizon:
The 30 minutes after church are getting a glow-up! Many of us hang around after service, but we haven’t always been intentional in how we use this time. Starting November 3, please know that you are actively welcome to stay here till 12:30 for whatever purpose is most meaningful for you! The Program Team will have small tasks for those of you who’d like to lend a helping hand, but we’ll also have tables designated for chatting about the sermon topic or just sitting for a coffee and a catch-up. Our goal will be for us to leave the church and ourselves refreshed for the coming week.
Children’s Choir is back for a limited but very important engagement! Starting Friday November 8, the talented Sarah Sherman Barrera will be taking kids aged 6 and older under her wing to prepare them for the annual Christmas Pageant. Choir practice will take place on Fridays between 5-6 pm through December 13 (skipping 11/29 for Thanksgiving). Email Matt if you’re interested!
Also on November 8 at 7:30pm, join us in our Sanctuary as MORE Opera presents Undivided Spirit: A Concert of Strength and Unity. The ensemble, which includes singers from our own Community Choir, will perform works by American composer and singer, Harry T. Burleigh, who was the first African American soloist at Temple Emanu-El in 1900, and who was also composer and arranger of over 200 American Art songs. The program will also include pieces by the Johnson brothers, composers of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Admission is free, donations are encouraged.
Youth Group meets next on Sunday November 10, 12-2:30pm. We’re bringing in special guest Isaiah Mueller, a comedian and friend of fellow West Ender Erin Lipski to help us play around with some improv games and exercises!
The West End Church Book Club is meeting next on Friday November 15 at 7pm online. Currently, they are reading Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden, and all readers are welcome, whether you have read or finished the book. The group meets regularly by Zoom on the third Friday of every month. For more information and details, email Caren Leslie.