by Stacey Hilliard | Jun 17, 2025 | Uncategorized
My name is Tina Rathbone, I am currently serving the Mass Council of Churches as their Congregational Coordinator for Immigration. Laura Everett has spoken very highly (and very warmly!) of you, and I am wondering if you might have some time for a zoom conversation about some opportunities to engage with an ecumenical group from East Boston which has gathered to serve their immigrant neighbors and is now looking for broader support from neighboring faith communities.
In particular, I am wondering whether you and/or anyone from Crawford Memorial might be interested in joining us all in weekly vigils of prayer and song. These are not protests against anything so much as manifestations of support for our immigrant neighbors, and everyone who has been involved so far – both in East Boston and in New Bedford where the vigils originated – has found the experience to be moving almost beyond belief: full of love and communion and, ultimately, hope.
The idea is simple: we gather for an hour in places where many immigrants live, and then pray (and sing a bit too) as we hold signs of support and solidarity. “Thank you for your courage. We are with you.” reads one sign. “In God’s love, all people are one” says another…. In this way, people who have been so violently targeted and demonized, receive word from Americans with more stable citizenship status that they are valued and important.
Peace to you, and much gratitude for all you do,
Tina
The Rev. Cristina Rathbone
Congregational Coordinator
Massachusetts Council of Churches
The next vigil is THIS Friday, June 20. Participants are asked to meet at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 28 Paris Street, East Boston at 4:30pm. The group will walk together to the Maverick Square T Station for the vigil.
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Come for the Vigil, Stay for the Party If you can, stay after the vigil for our Celebration of World Refugee Day from 6-8 PM to honor the courage and resilience of those who’ve fled their homelands seeking peace. This will be a
potluck celebration with live Brazilian music (read more about our musicians
here!), and we would love to see all of you there. Almost all of us have an immigration story in our family tree. Come hear some amazing music and bring a favorite dish from your family’s tradition to share. Kids welcome!
Register here.
by Stacey Hilliard | Jun 17, 2025 | News
Please join us for our annual Blessing of the Animals, outdoors, under the tent in front of our church at 34 Dix Street, Winchester, MA, on Sunday, October 5, at 10am. We will celebrate communion*, have animal-themed music and have individual blessings for every pet who comes. We will give thanks for our animal companions, honor animals that serve in public safety and wellness, and celebrate those who have taken on the difficult work of animal rescue, shelter, and care. All are welcome (people and animals), so please join us and bring your critters, big or small. “If you can control it, you can bring it.” (Along those lines, please read these tips for keeping the peace among our blessed pets at the service.)
*In the Methodist Church, we practice an open table. You do not have to be a member of this church or any church to join us in Holy Communion. Where Christ is the host, all are welcome.
by Stacey Hilliard | Jun 16, 2025 | News
Life Line Screening will return to Crawford Memorial UMC on Monday, November 3. Life Line Screening is the premier provider of stroke and cardiovascular disease risk screenings since 1993. Their screening packages provide peace of mind and/or early detection of numerous potentially life threatening conditions, including:
- Carotid Artery Disease
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Peripheral Arther Disease
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
- Hypertension
Call 888-814-0466 or visit lifelinescreening.com to reserve an appointment at Crawford on November 3. Life Line Screening services may be eligible for reimbursement using a Health Savings Account (HSA). To confirm HSA eligibility for a specific Life Line Screening service, contact your health insurance provider.
by Stacey Hilliard | Jun 15, 2025 | Sermons
The people in this image are responding to a call from the Spirit to an important biblical figure. Without using a reverse image search, can you guess who that figure was and what task that person was given?
Watch or Read
After you’ve watched, be sure to subscribe to our channel!
by Stacey Hilliard | Jun 11, 2025 | Uncategorized
We’ve been invited to join this important meeting arranged by the Reconciling Ministries Network.
We’ve been invited to an RMN webinar designed for leaders and members of Reconciling Churches like Crawford! This will be a chance for us to:
- Share the challenges in our setting and learn about resources that might be helpful.
- Explore how we can partner to meet the moment with next-level leadership.
- Hear about RMN’s big staff changes, current challenges, and key focuses.
Meeting the Moment with Next Level Leadership, a one hour webinar, was offered several time during the month of June, and will be repeated three more times this summer. Click on the date of your choice below to register!
