CELEBRATING 125 YEARS ST. ANDREW'S THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH WELLESLEY, MASSACHUSETTS

No. 385 CALL Winter 2020 Christmas Gifts

made manifest to us in the most in many ways the ideal book for unlikely setting of the birth of a Advent, the season when we are human baby in a manger. God meant to be preparing and creating often seems to work in unexpected space in our lives for the coming of ways or “outside the box,” as we Christ afresh at Christmas. say these days. When Jesus comes anew at Christmas, he reminds us again of One book for Advent the meaning and purpose of life, but The first book I if our lives are too noisy and busy, wish to mention, we will not hear or see the life-giving Essentialism: The good news Jesus has for us. Disciplined Pur- suit of Less by Two books on Christmas purpose The Rev. Adrian Robbins-Cole Greg McKeown, The second two books I want to is ideally suited mention I would place in the cate- y parents and my in- for the season gory of helping us identify what it laws are big readers, so of Advent. It is is to live a meaningful and pur- books are always high different from the other two books poseful life in the way that Jesus Mon the list when I think about I am going to mention. They are would have recognized. what Christmas presents to give about the qualities of a life worth The second book them. Usually I start this process living. Essentialism is about how to is The Second by reflecting on books I have read step back from the rush and busy- Mountain: The during the year that I have partic- ness of life to ask the very question, Quest for a Moral ularly liked. I love reading fiction, what is essential to me to make my Life by David so usually the books I think of first life worthwhile? Brooks. In The are novels. The contention of the book is Second Mountain, But this year the top books on that most of us are swept along Brooks argues my list are three non-fiction books. by busy-ness and pressure, and so that we often These are all books which I have never have the chance or time to ex- think that life is just about as- mentioned in sermons this year amine whether our lives are going cending one mountain; the moun- because I have felt God speak- in the direction we want them to be tain of achievement and success. ing to me through them. None of heading. It is a book that helps you What we often don’t realize is these books is aimed at a religious develop practices or a “rule of life” that there is a second mountain to audience, but their impact for me to ask the important questions and be climbed in order to live a life was deeply spiritual and indeed in then drop the unimportant things worth living. That second moun- line with the teaching and life of that can jam up your life so that you tain is about using one’s gifts to Christ whose birth we celebrate at can do what you really value. help others, and this is where true Christmas. As McKeown puts it, if you fulfillment is found. The tragedy I came across these books in an don’t choose what is important to is that many people don’t see unlikely setting—the daily book your life, then you are leaving it this second mountain; ending up review column of the Wall Street to other people, systems, cultures, living empty and unfulfilled lives Journal. But this reminds me that or social influencers to make those on the first mountain, wondering the Christmas story is about God decisions for you. Essentialism is “is this all life is about?” continued on the next page In This Issue Christmas Gifts continued

Rector’s Letter Christmas Gifts The third book is In the Theory of Moral Sentiments Rev. Adrian Robbins-Cole 1 Our Great Purpose: Smith says a well-lived life is one Adam Smith on in which we seek to live well for Living a Better Life ourselves and others. Smith says Warden’s Message Christmas by Ryan Patrick above all we wish to be loved and Traditions Hanley. It has a we become deserving of that love Paige Manning 2 theme similar to when we love others, whether they The Second Moun- be our friends and family, or those tain. Most of us in the broader society, particularly Deepening Our Appreciation know Adam Smith as the author of the poor and needy. This sounds of Mary The Wealth of Nations and the father very much like the lesson Charles of modern capitalism. But as a Dickens was trying to teach Scrooge Rev. Margaret K. Schwarzer 2 professor of ethics at the University (and us) in A Christmas Carol. of Glasgow in the late eighteenth Great gifts for believers, agnostics, Advent, the Hospital Bed century, Smith wrote another book, less well known to us in the and atheists alike! Rev. Maria (Mia) Kano 3 contemporary world, The Theory of These books make great presents to Moral Sentiments. people of faith but also to friends As most people know, in the and family who are atheists, From the library. . . Wealth of Nations, Smith argues that agnostic, or from another religion. Carol Shedd 4 to maximize the material wellbeing They are “secular books” but speak of a society, each individual should about the themes of a meaningful pursue their own personal interest life along the lines that Jesus would Behind the Scene Reflections of without regard to others. Indeed, have recognized and which we Our Christmas Pageant acting otherwise introduces inef- celebrate at Christmas. Give them Betsy Millane 6 ficiency and will have a negative these books and then leave it to the impact on the overall material Holy Spirit to do what it will. wellbeing of a society. Calendar 9–10 But in Our Great Purpose, Han- Happy Christmas! ley points out that in The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Smith argues that Getting to Know Steve Killeen there is something more important Dan Dent 11 to human happiness and fulfill- ment than personal material gain.

El Hogar Missionaries Becky Taylor, Bianka Eichelberger, Joanna Horobin, and Steve Taylor Warden’s Message “Christmas Traditions” riting this note in October, I must project ST. ANDREW'S THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH WELLESLEY, MASSACHUSETTS my mind to Decem- Wber. First, a few current thoughts: CALL I want to add my big welcome to A publication of Mia Kano, our new assistant rector St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church for youth and families, as she adds her energy and ideas to our vibrant Parish Office: 79 Denton Road, youth programs and classes! We are Wellesley, MA 02482-6404 so glad you are here! 781.235.7310 | fax: 781.235.0067 Next, let me look ahead and standrewswellesley.org thank (in advance) all of you who helped celebrate St. Andrew’s Publisher: Dan Dent 125th anniversary in November. Editor: Katharine Clark, Paige Manning, warden Parish Administrator I know the party will be (was) a [email protected]

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church wonderful evening! And looking from God to all His people. The the birth of Christ, the prayers forward to our 126th year, let me celebration continues for many as and liturgy, the candles, and the also thank those of you who have we mark the twelve days of the communal joy of celebrating and given pledges or gifts for our 2020 Epiphany following Christmas day. worshiping with so many others stewardship campaign—your gen- Not everyone has exactly the in our church family—these are all erous support is a blessing for our same traditions, of course. For treasured elements of the services parish. If you haven’t yet given, example, one of my family tradi- that resonate deeply in all of us, an- please join us in pledging your tions growing up was a big feast nouncing to our souls that Christ- support for our parish missions on Christmas Eve, after which we mas is here, that now is the time to next year. We need everyone’s sup- all opened our gifts. My husband, remember the ancient stories that port and participation! however, views this practice as bring us all together, and to cele- Now, at this time of year, as nearly heretical: his family always brate the gifts—and the challeng- Christmas, winter, and the New opened their gifts on Christmas es—that God gives us. Year approach, we are blessed with morning. Marriage often seems to Whatever your special traditions, a series of observances and tradi- involve some compromises, and I hope you and your families have tions that allow us to slow down thus our kids grew up opening a wonderful, and spiritual, Christ- a bit, to gather with family and some gifts on Christmas Eve, and mas. And if you haven’t been to one friends, to reflect on the year wind- the rest on Christmas day. of our Advent or Christmas ser- ing down, and anticipate the new Within our family, however, vices, please try to find the time this year coming. For us as Christians, we have all come to agree on year: you will be renewed, inspired, the central event is our celebration one beloved holiday tradition: and uplifted! I have very much of Christmas, building through the attending one of the lovely and enjoyed adding the Taizé service to Advent season to the big event, moving Christmas Eve services at commence my Advent traditions Christmas Eve and Christmas day, St. Andrew’s. The beautiful music and look forward to doing so again marking the miraculous birth of and the familiar carols, the magi- this year. Merry Christmas! God Jesus, the original Christmas gift cal Gospel readings surrounding bless you, every one.

Deepening our Appreciation of Mary

The Roman Catholic Church stood quite differently in Protes- identifies her as “Mary, The Mother tant churches. Under the church of God.” For the Roman Catholic reformers of the sixteenth century Church, her most important identi- continued on the next page ty is as a mother. Motherhood finds a sacred model in Mary. Her love, her patience, her endurance can inspire us when we very human parents are engaging very human children. The Catholic Church has also historically proclaimed Mary to be “The Queen of Heaven.” This second identity of Mary’s comes The Rev. Margaret K. Schwarzer from the church’s understanding of Mary after her own death. After e know that Mary, her ascension, she is reunited with Jesus’ mother, plays her son and seated near him. After an essential role in the a faithful, determined life of grace WChristian story, but how much do and suffering, her reward is to be we really know about her and her an eternal model of grace and love, legacy in the Western and Eastern but she is also recognized as being churches? What is her true role in the first, most exemplary human: our salvation history? “Who do we heaven’s queen. say (she is)?” —Matthew 16:15. Her primary identity is under- A Byzantine Icon of Mary as Mother of God

the Call Winter 2020 3 calls her “The Theotokos”—a Greek word which translates as “The God-bearer.” In Eastern churches, the emphasis is on her holy fecundity. They see Mary’s model of faith and discipline as a sign that we are all called to be “bearers of God” for one another. So, what aspects of Mary’s life and faith are the most important to you? In Advent, we will be consid- ering Mary’s life and legacy in Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of the Annunciation. two of our 9am Christian learning classes. On December 15, we will and the unfolding Protestant of shaping Mary’s identity. Without go even deeper in reflecting on church traditions, Mary has come Mary’s “yes” to God, no other Mary’s identity in our own lives to be understood primarily as human “yes” to Christ would have with a class called “Who is Mary?” God’s first Christian disciple. She is been possible. and on December 22, we will be the first person who said “yes” to Our churches have even more “Sharing Icons and Images of Mary, God’s holy and audacious plan to varied views about which aspects the Mother of God”. Please join us bring Jesus (both fully divine and of Mary’s life are most import- in Room 2 if you are free on those fully human) into the world. ant. In the West, we have named mornings and consider spending For Protestants and Episcopa- her “The Virgin Mary,” stressing some of your own Advent reflec- lians, the moment of her annuncia- Mary’s virtue, purity, and faithful- tion time on who you understand tion is a profoundly important part ness to God. The Eastern Church Mary to be. Advent, the Hospital Bed

would irreparably destroy my faith standably, I was met with a good in a loving God. In the end, though, deal of frustration and downright my summer of CPE would come to rage, especially from folks who reaffirm my faith in faith itself. were accustomed to having a sense On the whole, the hospitaliza- of direction and purpose in their tion experience tends to be one lives. I sat with business owners, giant abyss of helpless waiting. leaders, and other accomplished I watched my patients get poked people as they struggled to adapt and prodded at all hours, their to the lack of control that defined privacy invaded, and their lives their new reality, from their mad- upended. They had little choice dening dependence on hospital over what filled their days, who employees to the frustrating uncer- came to speak with them, and tainty of their various diagnoses. The Rev. Maria (Mia) Kano what the future held. Even worse, What I began to notice was their bodies—and sometimes that the folks who were already s part of the ordination their minds—were failing them in equipped with the language of process, I was required to terrifying ways. The tiny actions faith had a head start on coping serve as a hospital chap- of daily living they had taken for with their new situation. Patients Alain intern, completing one unit granted—brushing their teeth, us- who were practiced in giving of what’s called Clinical Pastoral ing the toilet, getting dressed—now over their lives to the will of God Education (CPE). In preparing involved new levels of concentra- exuded a peacefulness, a readi- for a summer sitting with people tion and other people. ness, a grace that others could not. struggling through death, dying, My job, then, was to encounter For some patients, this trust was illness, and chronic pain, I har- strangers at their worst with noth- a learned skill, taught to them by bored a secret fear that so much ing to offer them but prayer, a kind a hard life. For others, release of intimacy with the tragedies of life word, and an attentive ear. Under- control was a deliberate practice of

4 St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church prayer or meditation, honed over In the rhythm of our church future coming of the Messiah. In years. Either way, I began to see year, Advent is our chance to take Advent, we wait. My hope is that faith as something real, something on the practice of letting go of in practicing this waiting each sea- tangible, something with the power control. In Advent, we inhabit the son, we might equip ourselves for to shift a patient’s perspective and hospital bed of faith, confronting those times in life when we need even their ability to survive. our own uncertainty about the the power of faith the most. From the Library. . . Let us Now Praise Famous Women birth to a son, and name him Jesus. transformation of its heroine from He will be a great man and will be failed businesswoman and lustful called the Son of the Most High”. young wife, to devout and chaste Luke 1:30-32. pilgrim. She vividly describes her Mary, by Sholem prayers and visions, as well as the Asch, is a beau- temptations in daily life to which tiful book all but she succumbed before dedicating forgotten today. It herself to her spiritual calling.” is the third of his trilogy of early Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) Christianity his- Teresa, born Teresa Sánchez de torical novels; the Cepeda y Ahumada, was a Span- other two are Jesus ish noblewoman, Carmelite nun, Carol Shedd and The Apostle. His knowledge of prominent Spanish mystic, reli- first century Jewish culture brings gious reformer, author, theologian n this season of Advent, alive Mary’s moving story. of the contemplative life and as we await the coming of the mental prayer, canonized as a saint birth of Jesus, do we ever think Margery Kempe (1373—1440) in 1622, and made the first female Iabout the traumatic experience of Margery Kemp was an English Doctor of the Church in 1970. She his mother, Mary? She is a young religious mystic, a shrewd busi- was an intellectual, feisty woman girl still, hardly a woman according nesswoman and a married moth- who traveled widely establishing to tradition, who is to bring forth a er of 14 children, whom she left houses of the reformed Carmelites most unusual baby. Do we empa- behind, with her husband’s per- for both women and men. She is thize with her pain and confusion? mission, before beginning a series well known for her prolific writ- Do we wonder what she is think- of pilgrimages to Jerusalem, Rome, ings including this familiar poem. ing? Do we consider what her role Germany, and Spain in 1414. Her Let nothing disturb you. will be in raising this child? presence was exalted by many, no- Let nothing make you afraid. As a woman and a mother I am table clerics as well as lay people. All things are passing. aware how much the Bible is told Those who did not appreciate her God alone never changes. from a man’s view. Yet women visions and preachings thought she Patience gains all things. throughout the ages have made, was mad. One tour group left their If you have God mostly unseen, contributions to hostel at dawn in order to lose her, You will want for nothing. the understanding of Christianity. but she turned up to their dismay, a God alone suffices. Following are some suggestions for few days later. books that tell a few of their stories. The Book of Mar- Saint Teresa of gery Kempe “is Avila by Marcelle Mary, Mother of Jesus the extraordi- Auclair is my (c. 20 BCE-35 CE) nary account of recommended All we know from the New Testa- a medieval wife, choice for Tere- ment is that she is a young maiden mother, and mys- sa’s biography. I or virgin who receives a message tic. Known as the heartily agree with from the angel Gabriel that she will earliest autobi- this review by a bear a son. “Don’t be afraid, Mary. ography written secular Discalced You have found favor with God. in the English language, Kem- Carmelite (a person in the world You will become pregnant, give pe’s book describes the dramatic living Carmelite spirituality as continued on the next page

the Call Winter 2020 5 opposed to a cloistered nun). “This Dorothy Day (1897-1980) poused Catholic teachings on social is the best book I’ve ever read on Pope Francis, in 2015 named justice leading to the formation of St. Teresa of Avila! Once you start, Dorothy Day as one of “four great the Catholic Worker Movement. you’ll have a hard time putting Americans’ along with Lincoln, The Long Loneliness it down. I’ve given this book as a Martin Luther King, Jr., and Thom- is her second au- gift to friends, a priest, and even a as Merton. She was an ardent paci- tobiography, after Carmelite nun. If you love Teresa, fist, a believer in women’s suffrage, her conversion to or just want to learn about her, this and radical in her determination the Catholic faith. book is for you!” to make this world a better place It is a fascinating, for all people, helping to establish highly readable And lastly, for a more modern special homes for those in need. In account of a turbu- woman. . . 1933 she co-founded The Catholic lent, controversial, and committed Worker, a free newspaper that es- Christian life.

Behind the Scene The Call invited a handful of parishioners to share reflections of our Christmas Pageant

Holly Anza through the morning. I was so ner- Christmas pageant fun facts: vous that no one would come, that • The script hasn’t changed much we’d be missing characters and since the early 90s. an audience. I trudged to church • The donkey was added in 2004. through the unplowed streets, • Sheep were added in 2005. nervous that I might be performing • The little drummer boy made an in front of just a few enthusiastic appearance in 2015. parents. But every person acting in • The camel was added in 2016. the pageant made it, and parishio- • The ox was added in 2018. ners still showed up to watch. The • When Ian Dwyer was the “pur- pageant went on despite the snow. ple king,” he and the famous hat Now, 2019 years after the birth of measured well over seven feet. Jesus Christ, we still tell the same Betsy Millane • The angel Gabriel costume is story, over and over again, and adult-sized but has been altered it never gets old, even when you ho can resist the every year to fit even the tiniest have to go to church in snow boots. scene? The baby Jesus of our parishioners. in the manger, Mary • The baby Jesus doll used to be- Wand Joseph hovering, the cattle long to Lucy Boland; his original lowing, the star burning bright. name was Aiden. It’s a rite of passage, a Christmas • The three kings used to have to tradition. It’s the Christmas Pag- sing “We Three Kings” solo. eant, brought to you by behind • Many of the costumes are still in the scenes workers. I asked them use after almost three decades. for some stories and this is what • All the animals were handmade they told me. by Judith Boland.

My favorite pageant moment I’ve been in or involved with the pageant since I moved here in 1994. When I was in my early teens, I was preparing for yet another pageant, probably as half of the donkey when the weather forecast took a turn for the worst. The night before the big day, it snowed over

All Photos: Peter B. Lull a foot, and it kept snowing heavily

6 St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church D.D. Alexander Some little-known facts I had discarded the idea of cre- The Three Wise Men adults each ating a camel since I thought have a page. The Wise Men carry it would take many months to real Egyptian lanterns. The pages create. However, I found the most carry gold, frankincense, and amazing flannel that had perfect myrrh. The angel costume halos markings. Perfect for the older are all hand-crocheted, as are the boys (once they got tired of be- collars. ing a shepherd) to put on. With that concept in mind, I contacted My favorite moment Judith Boland Judith Boland (she-of-the-star- Sweet young thing looked up at me Judith noticed that every year ev- and-donkey-design) for help. She and said, “We get to have a halo eryone would sing: began stuffing different parts which fitting?” We Three Kings of Orient are, would give the three-dimensional Bearing gifts we traverse afar, look I craved. My grandson tried Amanda Kern Field and fountain, on the prototype and his tennis Children’s music and pageant director Moor and mountain, shoes were used by Ralph Mercer Every year I get asked the question Following yonder Star. to create the four hooves of the “Why don’t you use a real baby to Yet there was no star to follow. camel. By introducing the camel we play the baby Jesus?” I smile and She created a star but admits “it’s added three new parts to the pag- answer the question as kindly and now old: we need a new one.” She eant: one tall “camel wrangler” and as possible, while horrible images holds her breath during the pag- two parts for third to fifth graders. of past Marys and Josephs man- eant, hoping it won’t “sail down on someone!” She also looked for missing characters. She realized that Mary and Joseph needed a donkey, so they made one! It’s a highly sought role: “College-aged children fought to be in the don- key!” Another missing animal was the camel. She and D.D. Alexander put their talents, time, and energy together and made one. A last ad- dition to the manger scene: an ox, to bow down before the blessed baby Jesus, as it is written. How blessed we are!

the Call Winter 2020 7 handling the Jesus doll, carrying yet when in competition with elves, ing around on the floor, running it around by one foot, putting it snowmen, flying reindeer, jingle down the aisle, crying for a snack down “somewhere” and losing it bells, and presents it can get a bit or basically doing anything other for 20 minutes, and lobbing it like a lost in all of the noise. than what they should be doing— football across the parish hall, run But at St. Andrew’s we have the and yet in the end, through all the through my head. incredible privilege to be able to chaos and different experiences Working with children is a engage our children with beauti- something magical happens. special job and is very rewarding ful costumes, masterfully made All of a sudden there is a mo- but it can also be a bit challenging, props, and loving teens and adults ment, when the 11-year-old girl especially a week before Christmas who give their time to teach and playing Mary stops carrying the as every nerve in their little bodies share this special story. We work Jesus doll like a sack of potatoes is vibrating with the excitement together to take it off the page and and starts rocking it gently as if it of the season. There is such quiet turn it into something vibrant and were a real child; when the toddler beauty in the story of the Nativity, living, creating a new generation of in a sheep costume inquisitively storytellers who will in their own crawls up and reaches out to touch time teach the next generation, and the straw and peek up at the baby on and on. lying in the manger; when the shy Each year we start from the be- little child in a page’s costume looks ginning. There are new and young up at their parent in a big silly pur- readers trying their best but stum- ple hat, straightens their shoulders bling to read words way above and walks proudly down the aisle their reading level. There are eager carrying gifts of gold, frankincense upper elementary school-aged and myrrh for the most regal king kids hoping to finally be some- they have ever seen, and gently, thing other than angel number reverently lays these gifts at the feet three or a speaking shepherd. of the Christ child. There are pre-teens and teenagers These moments don’t happen whose parents may be more en- all at once, but they don’t have to. thusiastic about their participation There is a quiet perfection in the in the pageant than they are. There imperfections of what our young are brave parents with children storytellers bring to the story of under age four who agree to wear Jesus’s birth and it is because of costumes, optimistic that their this that the story truly lives. So it child will have the opportunity to might be just a doll to some, but if experience the story, knowing full we look through the eyes of a child, well they will probably be roll- perhaps we might just see Jesus.

8 St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Calendar December 2019

Sunday, December 1 9:45am Kids’ Place, Church School, & 7:30pm Vestry Meeting 9am Coffee Hour for 8am Worshipers Rite-13 Wednesday, December 18 9:45am Kids’ Place, Church School, & 11:30am Alternative Gifts Fair 6:30pm Blue Christmas Rite-13 5pm Advent Lessons and Carols Thursday, December 19 11:15am Christmas Pageant Auditions Tuesday, December 10 11am Holy Eucharist at North Hill 11:30am Advent Wreath Making 9:15am Pastoral Care Team Meeting 11:30am Faith & Practice 6pm Christmas Intergenerational Choir 10:30am Bible Circle Rehearsal 5pm Confirmation Class 7:30pm Outreach Committee Meeting 5pm Holy Eucharist [Cancelled] Sunday, December 22 Wednesday, December 11 5:45pm Advent Taizé-style Worship NO Kids’ Place, Church School, Rite-13 6:45pm High School Youth Group 7pm Bible Circle 9am Christian Learning Wednesday, December 4 Saturday, December 14 Tuesday, December 24 7:30pm Men’s Book Club 9:30am Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 3pm The Nativity of Our Lord Service Thursday, December 5 Sunday, December 15 4pm Christmas Eve Intergenerational 9:45am Church School Meeting 9am Christian Learning Choir Rehearsal Friday, December 6 9am Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 5pm Festival Family Holy Eucharist 9:45am Kids’ Place Only (No Church 9pm Senior Choir Rehearsal 6pm Little Angel’s Gift Shop School or Rite-13) 10pm Festival Holy Eucharist 7pm Family Cookies and Carols 10am Holy Eucharist and Christmas Wednesday, December 25 Saturday, December 7 Pageant Parish Office closed 8am Men’s Bible Study 5pm Confirmation Class 9am Christmas Day Holy Eucharist 10am Senior Choir 6:45pm High School Youth Group Sunday, December 29 Sunday, December 8 Tuesday, December 17 NO Kids’ Place, Church School, Rite-13 9am Christian Learning 7pm Book Circle 10am Christmas Lessons and Carols

January 2020

Wednesday, January 1 5pm Confirmation Class Tuesday, January 21 Parish Office Closed 5pm Informal Service 7pm Book Circle Saturday, January 4 6:45pm High School Youth Group Sunday, January 26 8am Men’s Bible Study Tuesday, January 14 9am Christian Learning Sunday, January 5 9:15am Pastoral Care Team Meeting 9:45am Kids’ Place, Church School, & NO Kids’ Place, Church School, Rite-13 10:30am Bible Circle Rite-13 9am Coffee Hour for 8am Worshipers 7:30pm Outreach Committee Meeting 11am Annual Meeting 11:30am Faith & Practice Wednesday, January 15 5pm Confirmation Class 5pm Epiphany Fireside Service & 7pm Bible Circle 6:45pm High School Youth Group Potluck Thursday, January 16 Tuesday, January 28 Wednesday, January 8 9:15am Altar Guild Holy Eucharist & 5pm Dinner Volunteers at Pearl Street 7pm Bible Circle Commissioning Cupboard & Café 7:30pm Men’s Book Club 11am Holy Eucharist at North Hill 7:30pm Vestry Meeting Saturday, January 11 7pm Altar Guild Meeting Thursday, January 30 10:30am Ordination of Rev. Maria (Mia) Sunday, January,19 7:30pm Stewardship Meeting Benjamin Kano NO Kids’ Place, Church School, Rite-13 Sunday, January 12 11:30am Financial Forum 9:45am Kids’ Place, Church School, & Monday, January 20 Rite-13 Parish Office Closed

the Call Winter 2020 9 February 2020

Saturday, February 1 5pm Confirmation Class Sunday, February 23 8am Men’s Bible Study 5pm Informal Service 9am Christian Learning Sunday, February 2 6:45pm High School Youth Group 9:45am Kids’ Place, Church School, & SOUPer Bowl Food Drive Tuesday, February 11 Rite-13 9am Coffee Hour for 8am Worshipers 9:15am Pastoral Care Team Meeting 5pm Confirmation Class 9:45am Kids’ Place, Church School, & 10:30am Bible Circle 6:45pm High School Youth Group Rite-13 7:30pm Outreach Committee Meeting Tuesday, February 25 10am Holy Eucharist and Vestry Wednesday, February 12 Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras Commissioning 7pm Bible Circle 5pm Dinner Volunteers at Pearl Street 11am Kids’ Place Coffee Cupboard & Café Sunday, February 16 11:30am Faith & Practice 5:30pm Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Wednesday, February 5 9am Christian Learning 7:30pm Vestry Meeting Monday, February 17 7:30pm Men’s Book Club Wednesday, February 26 Thursday, February 6 Parish Office Closed Ash Wednesday Tuesday, February 18 9:45am Church School Meeting 7:30am Ashes-to-Go 7:30am Holy Eucharist and Ashes Sunday, February 9 7pm Book Circle Thursday, February 20 12pm Holy Eucharist and Ashes 9am Christian Learning 6:30pm Senior Choir 11am Holy Eucharist at North Hill 9:45am Kids’ Place, Church School, & 7:30pm Holy Eucharist and Ashes Rite-13

March 2020 Sunday, March 1 Tuesday, March 10 Sunday, March 22 9am Coffee Hour for 8am Worshipers 9:15am Pastoral Care Team Meeting 9am Christian Learning 9:45am Kids’ Place, Church School, & 10:30am Bible Circle 9:45am Kids’ Place, Church School, & Rite-13 7:30pm Outreach Committee Meeting Rite-13 11:30am Faith & Practice 7pm Bible Circle 5pm Confirmation Class Wednesday, March 4 Wednesday, March 11 6:45pm High School Youth Group 6:30pm Lenten Potluck & Program 6:30pm Lenten Potluck & Program Tuesday, March 24 Thursday, March 5 Sunday, March 15 5pm Dinner Volunteers at Pearl Street 9:45am Church School Meeting 9am Christian Learning Cupboard & Café 7:30pm Vestry Meeting Saturday, March 7 9:45am Kids’ Place, Church School, & Wednesday, March 25 8am Men’s Bible Study Rite-13 6:30pm Lenten Potluck & Program Sunday, March 8 Tuesday, March 17 Sunday, March 29 Daylight Saving Time starts 7pm Book Circle 9am Christian Learning Wednesday, March 18 NO Kids’ Place, Church School, Rite-13 9:45am Kids’ Place, Church School, & 6:30pm Lenten Potluck & Program 9am Christian Learning 10am Holy Eucharist Youth Sunday Rite-13 Thursday, March 19 5pm Confirmation Class 9:30am Altar Guild Meeting 5pm Informal Service 11am Holy Eucharist at North Hill 6:45pm High School Youth Group 7pm Altar Guild Meeting

Parish Register Baptisms Oliver Giles Anza, Reed Edward Chapman, Sophie Claire Hunnewell, Peter Oakes Hunnewell, Joshua William Persson, Morgan Anna Persson, Grace Josephine Van Aelst, and Annabelle Heinz Waddell. Burials Vinnie R. Copeland, Helen Hagopian, Marina Markos Kluter, Sara P. Lane, and Ann Jackson O’Sullivan.

The Sunday Holy Eucharist is celebrated at 8am, 10am and 5pm (except where noted). The Holy Eucharist is also celebrated every Wednesday at 7:30am. All are welcome! Silent Contemplative Prayer is offered Monday through Friday at 8:50am. Senior Choir has rehearsal every Thursday evening at 7:30pm and every Sunday at 9am, unless otherwise noted. Junior Choir meets every Sunday at 9am, unless otherwise noted. Parish office hours are Monday through Thursday 9am to 5pm and Fridays 9am to 12 noon, and staff meetings are Wednesdays at 9:30am. Please note: there will be some changes/ additions and the most up-to-date calendar is found on the website.

10 St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Getting to Know Steve Killeen many renovations over the years? done and that gave us an idea A church sexton keeps every- about what we need to take care of. thing running smoothly so the Obviously with the capital cam- church leaders can focus on the paign project and what’s planned big picture. My role is really about for the spring 2020, there will be a property management. It involves lot of work for me and the church. running the building, making sure I will be the onsite contact for our everything is functioning, and if vendors. Specifically, the lighting there are issues, I make sure to get in the church will be replaced. We the right people involved. There is are going to be painting the church. never a dull day. I could start out We are going to clean up the pews, doing one job and someone could sand the floors, do a little work in walk in and say “could you do the narthex, and refresh the chil- Steve Killeen this?” Each day is its own day. In dren’s chapel with new flooring my job I work with the clergy, the and a new coat of paint on the n this article, The Call con- staff, the vestry, the parishioners, walls. tinues its series of conversations the Montessori School, and many with the people of St. Andrew’s outside vendors. Tell us something about your family. Ito provide the parish an oppor- By the time you read this, Nancy tunity to learn a little more about What would people be surprised to and I will have celebrated our our members, our leaders, and our learn about the St. Andrew’s church 32nd anniversary. We have two staff. In this ninth article, we meet building? sons who have both worked at Steve Killeen, St. Andrew’s sexton. We’re pretty good about staying St. Andrew’s along the way. Ryan —Dan Dent ahead of all of the building’s needs. worked at the church when he We are a proactive parish and we was in his twenties. He is a police When did you start working at have a long-term capital improve- officer now, but you can see him St. Andrew’s, and what brought ment plan. But certainly, in the ear- in the winter. He loves to run the you here? ly years in this job, I would hold my snow blower just to get his mind I started working at St. Andrew’s in breath when I walked in the door. I off his police work. Our son, Matt, January, 1989. A personnel recruiter would look in the boiler room and also works at the church on occa- in Wellesley who played golf with there might be leaks when we had sion. His job at the Massachusetts my father-in-law recruited me. the old steam system. Thankfully, Golf Association keeps him away At the time I was working with a that’s not a problem anymore. from St. Andrew’s during the sum- friend on building modular homes. mer, so we see him more during Looking ahead, what will you be the winter months. In the summer What is it like to be a sexton at working on in 2020? our family spends time at our such a large church, which has had We recently had a roof survey place in Marshfield on the water. Photo: Courtesy Steve and Nancy Killeen

the Call Winter 2020 11 El Hogar Missionaries loving community that focuses on the formation of the whole person. The goal is to raise up young people who will have the skills and confidence they need to move out of poverty and into a life that is full of promise and economic potential. El Hogar’s tag line says it all: “A home. An education. A future.” This past August, Steve and I led a team from St. Andrew’s to El Hogar. Our group spent a week living together on the campus of the Technical Institute. We did a small work project while we were there. But work was not the reason we went to El Hogar. We went to St. Andrew’s invited a group of Becky Taylor El Hogar to be in relationship with parishioners to share their stories from I bring you greetings from the its students and staff, to immerse their recent visit to El Hogar Ministries, children and staff of El Hogar in ourselves as much as possible in Honduras. Following are the voices of Honduras. And I give thanks for the day-to-day life of Hondurans, Bianka Eichelberger, Heidi Harper, Joanna our brothers and sisters in Christ and to gain new insight about both Horobin, Becky Taylor, and Steve Taylor; at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in the joys and the challenges facing Joe Hamilton, Elizabeth Martin, and Tegucigalpa. Grace and peace to Hondurans living in and around us and to them in our Lord Jesus Tegucigalpa. Adrian Robbins-Cole were also on the trip. Christ. While we were there, we learned I’m a member of this congrega- how El Hogar and other organi- tion and the president of the board zations like Oxfam are working of directors of El Hogar Ministries. to combat both the causes and the El Hogar Ministries is the nonprofit consequences of extreme pover- organization here in the United ty. We watched the documentary States that supports the work of El “Poverty Inc.” while we were in Hogar Projects, which for 40 years country and learned how North has been a ministry of the Episco- American charity, however well in- pal Diocese of Honduras. El Hogar tentioned, can handicap the growth Projects operate four programs: of healthy economies in developing • An elementary day school that countries. also provides emergency shelter During our trip we were gra- for children who are under the ciously welcomed into the homes care of the state’s child protec- of three of El Hogar’s students and tive services; saw up close what extreme poverty • A co-ed technical institute for looks like in Honduras. We visited kids in grades 7 to 11 (next year San Juancito, an old mining village we’ll be adding grade 12); on the slopes of La Tigre National • A community residence for ado- Park and learned how a local artist lescent girls; and cooperative has brought new life • A 250-acre farm. to that region. We worshiped at St. Mary’s, and we prayed and studied All of El Hogar’s properties are scripture together each day. And, located in and around the nation’s of course, we had fun hanging capital, Tegucigalpa. Since its in- out with the kids, playing cards, ception our mission has been clear: foosball, ping pong, board games, to serve children living in extreme doing arts and crafts, and becom-

Photos: Becky Taylor poverty. El Hogar is a safe and ing friends.

12 St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Most of the members of the trip coming smile. It was a brick struc- are here this morning to tell you ture she shared with her husband about this trip: what things we and their four kids—including a learned, what we are still mulling little baby boy—just large enough over, and what we discovered for two beds, a sideboard with a about God and our life with God. TV, and a few shelves. She ex- There are three parts to our presen- pressed her gratitude for El Hogar tation: the testimonies given during for providing the opportunity of the sermon on September 29; coffee education to her child. She proud- hour talk and photo sharing from ly showed us school graduation our trip; and the last part will be a pictures, which were on the wall, presentation at the 9am Christian and how lucky they were that they learning series on December 8 enti- had some fruit trees on the lower tled “Called to Honduras: Transfor- terrace. mation Outside the Comfort Zone”. When the baby started crying, I hope you will join us for that. the father took him away so the Now, I turn to my fellow mission- mother could continue to show us aries and give you a chance to hear the outdoor cooking area. Later we from them. walked down the path between the trees and the father was rocking his Bianka Eichelberger little boy, now peacefully sleeping There are so many humbling mo- in a hammock. ments from our time at El Hogar, I saw love, dreams, and hope but what has stayed with me most despite the extreme poverty on was the two home visits we did in the steep hills in La Betania, even La Betania, in the capital Teguci- though it seemed as if they were galpa—an extremely poor housing forgotten and not seen below the sheets lining the wooden planks community stretching for five street, across from the Central Bank were kids’ birthday tablecloths. kilometers between the riverbanks of Honduras. What stuck with me most was and steep hills. Some kids from La The second home was in a that the mother explained her Betania started attending the El different part of La Betania, right hopes that maybe El Hogar could Hogar elementary school as day down at the riverbank. We saw provide night lessons for mothers students in February, the start of the sewage pipes going into the while providing childcare for her the school year. river and two pigs searching for kids, so that she too could finish We met with Delmar Cruz, the food in the mud while we passed school someday, for her own better well-respected community orga- by very simple wooden structures future. El Hogar provides so much nizer from La Betania, at El Hogar with metal roofs. The eight of us more than just education and a before embarking on our journey could barely fit in the tiny house, home for the students. It has a far to visit the two homes. Being led and while I was sitting on one of more impact on mothers, fathers, by Delmar was insurance for our the beds, I realized that the plastic families, and the larger community. safety as the area is impacted by gang violence. Our small El Hogar bus stopped across the street from the modern Central Bank of Honduras high rise. A little yellow “robot” sculp- ture made from scrap metal stood on the sidewalk. Surprised, we got out of the bus. We could not see any houses from the street, but there was a very steep and unstable ladder. We were a little scared, but we climbed down this ladder to get to the first home. The mother of one of the stu- dents welcomed us into the family home with open arms and a wel-

the Call Winter 2020 13 What I still mull over is the smile at the thought of “meeting drastic impact of climate change saints at school, in lanes, or at tea” we saw while visiting the El Hogar and wondered if I ever would. farm. Because of the dried-out Ti- This year I will remember the lapia ponds, which cannot provide saints we met at El Hogar—espe- fish as a food source any longer, cially Lazaro who was one of the Johnny, the farm director, has to founders over 40 years ago, who make a choice: either use the well has dedicated his life to El Hogar, to water the field or use the water and Claudia, the director of the for the farm animals, like chickens, elementary school. pigs, and cows. In contrast, the wood sheds What new insights have you come along the river banks in La Betania home with? will likely be flooded with sewage Something that really struck me water again in this fall when the is that we constantly hear about river floods the low-lying areas, Honduras in the context of “the and the families will need to seek migrant crisis.” But our conversa- shelter in a school up the hill, leav- tions with the leaders of El Hogar, ing their few belongings behind in community workers, parents, and their flooded homes. the team at the local Oxfam office, made it very clear that the major- Joanna Horobin ity of Hondurans trying to get to The thing that stands out for me is the United States are not migrants, the home visits, especially the way but refugees. that class graduation pictures were A migrant is someone who proudly displayed in every home chooses to move. The Hondu- we visited. Education is really rans we heard about are people valued and seen as a critical path who have been forced from their to betterment. homes and are genuinely in Another important and special mortal danger if they stay. No daily experience was the time we one would take the risks they do spent with the students. We visit- unless they really had to. ed the girl’s residence on our first I think it’s important to correct Sunday, and in the evenings, we the terminology that is being used returned to—and stayed at—the and encourage everyone to draw Technical Institute. The boys came attention to the reasons why Hon- over to our building after they fin- durans are forced to leave. The ished study hall every evening. education and various skill sets I was struck how kind and the students of El Hogar receive is caring the kids were to each equipping them to stay and build other. And how good they were at their country so that fewer Hon- sharing: like playing table tennis durans are forced to flee. and foosball in teams so everyone Another exciting aspect of the could play. They loved learning work of El Hogar is the impact it’s the new games we brought with now having in the broader com- us. They had respect for each other munity. For example, we met the and took pride in what they did dentist at the elementary school, and achieved. They did not seem and she treats everyone in the like the macho, misogynist young family of students who attend, boys I was expecting. It gave me not just the kids—otherwise none great hope for the future. of them would have access to dental care. How did the visit at El Hogar impact I have always seen El Hogar as you, maybe in surprising ways? just a school, but now I realize that I keep humming hymn 293 “I sing it is a place that has impact in, and a song of the saints of God!” Every on, the community far beyond the

Photos: Heidi Harper year when we sing this hymn I individual students.

14 St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Steve Taylor Having been to El Hogar several times I focused on changes since my last visit. Things at the elemen- tary school have changed (new students, more students, etc.) but it’s still the same wonderful place for kids. The biggest “event” for me was seeing my friend Julio. When my son Josh and I went to El Hogar in 2006 to record a CD of music at the school, Julio was a student in the marimba band. He was one of the boys that came to

the United States to perform at the Photo: Becky Taylor national convention of the Episco- pal Church that summer. Josh and Heidi Harper for August 3. So, there you go, I I got to know him on those two I really didn’t want to go to Hon- wouldn’t be going. But wouldn’t trips—a great kid. duras. I was truly afraid. It is a you just know it, the wedding On our trip this year, I watched dangerous place. As the idea for date was changed to June 28. I as Julio was teaching class at the mission trip to El Hogar began guess I had to rethink the answer the Industrial School. He is now to take shape, I found myself very to that prayer. I decided to go on a teacher at the school, having conflicted. the trip, much to the horror of my finished his education at El Hogar On the one hand, as the ves- family. and university! He is a grown man, tryperson for outreach, I felt com- I stepped way out of my com- living and working in his country pelled to see El Hogar firsthand fort zone and allowed myself to be to make things better. He is a true and see what our long-standing immersed with people that radiat- “product” of El Hogar—exactly relationship with the school was ed courage, hope, and love. From what we hope will happen for all all about. On the other hand, I was Claudia, the director of the school our El Hogar children. It makes me afraid of catching some crazy dis- who openly talked about her mes- proud of what we have supported ease, like dengue fever or malaria, sages from God, to a young teenage all these years. or, heaven forbid, getting abducted boy who courageously invited me by some violent gang. to be his partner in a rowdy foos- What are you still mulling over? Tegucigalpa is one of the most ball game despite getting teased I am concerned about the Farm. dangerous cities in the world after by his friends. I was amazed by Having visited many times when it all. I prayed a lot about this con- the hospitality and kindness of the was vibrant and green, I am wor- flict, but my prayers were often a Honduran people I met. ried about what will happen given bargaining with God: If you help I didn’t get dengue fever and I the drought and general shortage me find a way to get out of this, I didn’t get abducted, but what I did of water. I hope that the property promise to… (fill in the blank). get was a glimpse of God’s mission can again be a center for a robust When the date was set for the on earth. There is a song by Garth farm and for kids to learn and play first week in August, I knew my Brooks with lyrics that say, “some and grow. Climate change is affect- prayers had been answered: my of God’s greatest gifts are unan- ing us all. nephew’s wedding was planned swered prayers. . .” So true.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Officers, and Staff Warden David Hamlin [email protected] Pastoral Associate Rev. Karen Vickers Budney [email protected] Warden Paige Manning [email protected] Parish Administrator Katharine Clark [email protected] Treasurer Arnout Eikeboom [email protected] Music Minister Helen Ward Mannix [email protected] Clerk Sarah Harris [email protected] Financial Secretary Ruth Hubert [email protected] Rector Rev. Adrian Robbins-Cole [email protected] Christian Learning Coordinator Associate Rector for Adult Formation and Membership Susan Jackson [email protected] Rev. Margaret Schwarzer [email protected] Director of Youth Choirs Amanda Kern [email protected] Assistant Rector for Youth and Family Sexton Stephen F. Killeen [email protected] Rev. Maria (Mia) Kano [email protected] Assistant Sextons William Clover and Matthew Killeen

the Call Winter 2020 15 CELEBRATING 125 YEARS Non Profit Org U S POSTAGE PAID ST ADRES Boston MA EISCA CURC Permit No 54023 DET RAD EESE ASSACUSETTS

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Photo: Peter B. Lull