Winthrop Congregational Church, UCC
No matter who you are. No matter where you are on life's journey. You are welcome here!
Beloveds in Christ,
Given that, at the time of writing this letter, we are so close to the eighth anniversary of my installation as pastor and teacher of Winthrop Congregational Church UCC, I have been re-reading the sermon my seminary classmate, the Rev. Sandra Breeden Greene, preached during that service. The text for the day was Luke 1:46-55, often known as the Magnificat. Mary’s song is marked by both joy and justice. She is overjoyed to be invited to play a part in God’s renewal of creation. And, she clearly sees that this renewal will be marked by justice for the lowly and the hungry. After all, this is what God has promised, to help the people of Israel since making the covenant with Abraham. The child growing inside her was evidence of a promise kept.
When Rev. Greene preached at my installation, she opened with these questions: What promises have you made? What assurances, what pledges, what guarantees? What promises have been made to you? What assurances, what pledges, what guarantees? In this season where we await the fulfillment of God’s promises, it is good to be reminded of God’s particular concern for the well-being of those who are not powerful or wealthy. Especially as we look at rising prices and the on-going pandemic putting pressure on people while they are simply trying to get by, much less celebrate in this season celebrated often celebrated with gatherings and gifts.
I am grateful to be a part of a church that recognizes that we, too, have a part to play in God’s promises. In that same sermon, Rev. Greene noted that our church has “moved through the centuries, together, working to be the hands and feet of Christ.” She prayed that the Spirit would give us strength and courage for our next steps. I echo that prayer today, eight years later. May this Advent time of preparation set the tone for how we will follow the spirit in the next year of our life together as this body of Christ.
Waiting and working with you towards God’s promise,
Pastor Chrissy
Given that, at the time of writing this letter, we are so close to the eighth anniversary of my installation as pastor and teacher of Winthrop Congregational Church UCC, I have been re-reading the sermon my seminary classmate, the Rev. Sandra Breeden Greene, preached during that service. The text for the day was Luke 1:46-55, often known as the Magnificat. Mary’s song is marked by both joy and justice. She is overjoyed to be invited to play a part in God’s renewal of creation. And, she clearly sees that this renewal will be marked by justice for the lowly and the hungry. After all, this is what God has promised, to help the people of Israel since making the covenant with Abraham. The child growing inside her was evidence of a promise kept.
When Rev. Greene preached at my installation, she opened with these questions: What promises have you made? What assurances, what pledges, what guarantees? What promises have been made to you? What assurances, what pledges, what guarantees? In this season where we await the fulfillment of God’s promises, it is good to be reminded of God’s particular concern for the well-being of those who are not powerful or wealthy. Especially as we look at rising prices and the on-going pandemic putting pressure on people while they are simply trying to get by, much less celebrate in this season celebrated often celebrated with gatherings and gifts.
I am grateful to be a part of a church that recognizes that we, too, have a part to play in God’s promises. In that same sermon, Rev. Greene noted that our church has “moved through the centuries, together, working to be the hands and feet of Christ.” She prayed that the Spirit would give us strength and courage for our next steps. I echo that prayer today, eight years later. May this Advent time of preparation set the tone for how we will follow the spirit in the next year of our life together as this body of Christ.
Waiting and working with you towards God’s promise,
Pastor Chrissy
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Support Our Ministry! As we often say, no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. Since its founding in 1776, our Winthrop Church has borne witness to the belief that God's love is a gift for all people and for all times. In January of 2017, the church took a step of faith and committed to raise the funds to help us live into our next steps as a place of welcome for all people. With our neighbors' help and the commitment of our church members, we were able to fulfill the promises we made. |
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Our church community endeavors to accept and embrace all who enter here. We welcome individuals of every race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, family structure, marital standing, socio-economic status, age, physical and mental ability to join us in the ministry of our church. All are invited to participate in worship, fellowship, and leadership.
If you value having us as a faith community and faith partner in our town, please donate today.
If you value having us as a faith community and faith partner in our town, please donate today.
