​​​​​​​Life and Living Course Postponed to February 22nd “Forgiveness” : Our first meeting in the New Year is rescheduled for February 22. I have been thinking about possible topics for the coming months – suggestions are always welcome, and have selected: “Learning to Love Your Enemies: A Conversation with Matthew Potts” . The Rev. Matthew Ichihashi Potts is Pusey Minister at Harvard’s Memorial Church and Professor of Religion and Literature at Harvard Divinity School. We live in a savage political climate and conversations with others are often troubled and fractured. The notion of “loving your enemies” taught by many religious traditions, appears rather strained in a secular world. But, whether we approach ‘forgiveness’ from a religious or secular point of view, it is a problem fraught with difficulty. Please find a copy of the transcript of the conversation with Rev. Potts in our e-newsletter, or in your email if you are on our mailing list; it might invigorate our discussion and exchange of opinions. I am looking forward to meeting again and either gather in person in the Great Room of Old North Church’s  Stacey Street Office, from 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., or on-line via QR code.

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​February narthex display “A Pilgrim’s Journey on the Camino Frances”
A photo journal & highlights of a Pilgrim’s 568 miles (914 km) 42 day walk on The Way of St. James. Beginning in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France and ending in Finisterre, Spain, you’ll view the spectacular everchanging beauty of the terrain, the magnificent churches and historic monuments, a peek into nightly accommodations, and other Pilgrims making this journey. If you’re inspired, have questions and/or want to learn more, please contact Kathi Vander Laan kvanlaan@comcast.net.

 

The Book Study on Walter Bruggeman's Materiality and Resistance WILL NOT MEET this week, but will resume for its final session on Thursday, February 26 at 10AM at 8 Stacey Street. Contact Rev. Christine for details.

 

Our Lenten book group with other area churches will read For Such a Time as This: An Emergency Devotional by Hanna Reichel.

About the book:

"In an era of political polarization, eroding democratic norms, and rising authoritarianism, many Christians find themselves disoriented, wondering how their faith should inform myriad daily decisions. Drawing upon both scholarship and pastoral wisdom, theologian Hanna Reichel offers a timely resource for believers seeking spiritual grounding amid societal upheaval."

We will meet Wednesdays at 7pm starting Feb 25, rotating between churches. 

Feb 25— St Andrew's Church

March 4— Clifton Lutheran

March 11— St Stephen's

March 18—Old North

March 25— St Michael's Church

You can also join us on Zoom.
*Lindsay has copies of the readings for the first meeting if you're waiting for your copy of the book to come in!

 

Gestures of Cheer – If you know of anyone, either here at Old North or in the wider Marblehead community, who is going through a difficult time, the Community Life Board would like to reach out with a little plant and a friendly note. Please contact Lynda Hare at hares8carrots@hotmail.com or 781-639-0107 if you know someone who would appreciate a little extra cheer.

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The Green Team is meeting on March 11.

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The Scrabble Group meets weekly on Wednesdays from 2-4 PM in the Great Room at the Stacey St. office building. Newcomers are always welcome to join in the fun!

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Middle School Sunday Morning Programs at Old North

The Middle School Sunday Morning programs will be on hiatus over February break.

North Shore Youth Group will be meeting from 3:00 – 5:00 PM THIS SUNDAY at Clifton.

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Today’s Lesson: The Rich Fool
Discussion Questions:
What do you think happened when the rich man stored up all the goods?
Instead of storing them up, what do you think he could have done instead?
For details on the youth group, please contact Jess at Jess@thensym.org.

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Please note that the draft minutes from the February 8 Budget Meeting are available for review in our e-newsletter. These minutes are in draft form and will be presented for approval at the Annual Meeting of the church, which will take place in June (date to be determined). We encourage you to read through the draft and share any feedback with us before the final approval.