by Stacey Hilliard | Jun 30, 2025 | Uncategorized
This year’s Annual Conference passed a resolution that 100% of our clergy and as many of our laity as possible should participate in A Long Talk, a program developed to interrupt racism (and other isms). See a video of the introductory session presented at Annual Conference, here. (If the video doesn’t begin with Bishop Bickerton’s introduction of Carter and Williams, you can get there by forwarding the video to 3:00:30).
The program is available online and includes just two interactive Zoom sessions of two hours each plus other activities and information you can do for a few minutes a day at your own pace. The organizers recently added a session in August, and two more in September. If you haven’t already, please sign up here
WHAT NOW?
I strongly encourage you to at least watch the presentation at Annual Conference (see the link in the second paragraph above) and then consider whether the skills they teach would be useful in your life, no matter what kind of difficult conversation you may be having. Spoiler alert: they will be!
Once you realize that, sign up for a training. I will be doing it as soon as I get back from vacation.
In hope,
Anne
by Stacey Hilliard | Jun 22, 2025 | Sermons
This Sunday we heard from four of our members about the way they have thought about and experienced God’s calling in their own lives. Where and when have you heard God’s call in your life?
Watch
After you’ve watched, be sure to subscribe to our channel!
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
Crawford will host another Life Line Screening event on Monday, November 3. Life Line Screening is the premier provider of stroke and cardiovascular disease risk screenings since 1993. Life Line Screening is extending a discounted offer to all members which will identify your risk level for the following diseases:
- Carotid Artery Disease
- Peripheral Arterial Disease
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
- Atrial Fibrillation
Click HERE for more information and/or to register online. Or call 800-324-9458 to schedule your appointment – mention code HABC001 for discounted package price. A simple screening can be worth a lifetime.
