By Fr. John Hanley The Cracked Pot A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole, which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect for the task for which it was created, but the …

Rev. Jonathan Goodell Last weekend our church, Tewksbury Congregational Church, thoroughly enjoyed the preaching of Brother Ray Cook of St. Williams’ parish.  Each pastor in town took a turn at another pulpit to celebrate the deep unities that we share.  Just the week before that my parish enjoyed the preaching of our pastoral associate Donna Spencer Collins.  Back to back we sampled the  important “internship” experiences that prepare pastors for their ministries, whether Roman Catholic or United Church of Christ. A vision of unity is at the heart of the Christian hope. Christians believe …

By Fr. John Hanley, OMI, St. William Parish The message of Bethlehem and Christmas is a message of love, of promise, of hope, and of salvation.  Christmas is about love - it is about the love of God that never ends. "for God so loved the world…" it is about promise - about a God who was faithful to the promise of the ages.  It is about hope - the hope of a people who would not give up the dream of a world that would be better, but it is ultimately about salvation.  It is about the love of Mary and Joseph and Jesus. It is about the promise of God fulfilled in the person of a little infant, the…

By Pastor Steve York Christmas is a very special time for millions of people. It is a time to gather together with family and friends. It is a time when people are so busy shopping; trying to find the right gifts for loved ones. There is excitement in the air; but what about Jesus the Son of God? He should be the reason for our excitement because He is the Greatest Gift that all of mankind could ever receive. He came to set men free from the bondage and penalty of sin. He came to bring us back into right relationship with God. He came to take our place as a substitute for our sins. He and He…

By Rev. Jonathan Carey Goodell "I'll be home for Christmas… you can count on me…" This song, crooned originally by Bing Crosby at the height of World War 2, captured the longing for home and for reunion that soldiers and their families were feeling in that season.  I suspect you know every word of this old chestnut! But will you be home for Christmas?   Is this something you can count on?! For some, the "Christmas home" of their memories or dreams can indeed be hard to find!  You may be without children in your life … an empty nest, a divorce with children shared across new lines.  Or you may…

By Pastor Richard Bertrand We read in the Bible, God's Word to us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18; "in everything, give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Does this verse of scripture mean that we should be thankful for a car accident, cancer or a heart disease, or the death of a loved one; the list could go on and on. The answer is no! Let us look at the first few words of the above mentioned scripture…"In everything give thanks". It does not say "for everything give thanks". There is a big difference; it means a child of God can be thankful that God is there with …

By Father John W. Hanley, OMI  We will soon celebrate  Thanksgiving Day.  Since the earliest days of our nation, citizens have gathered to give thanks to God for the blessings of the year.  But, thanksgiving celebrations did not begin with the United States.  Indeed, from the very dawn of civilization, celebrations have been held to honor the gods who so blessed the people. The ancient Greeks celebrated the feast of Thesmosphoria, to honor Demeter, the goddess of corn.  The Romans celebrated the harvest festival of Cerelia, their goddess of corn.  The ancient Chinese celebrated a harvest …

By Rev. Jonathan Goodell The Celtic New Year begins in this season, at Halloween and All Saints Day.  In the Celtic tradition, all hearths are allowed to grow cold and the community gathers to build a single fire from which every hearth is renewed.  This image of community… the place from which we take our warmth and light is very powerful.  In the city of Boston, at this time of year, there is a 'lantern walk' around Jamaica Pond.  Borrowing from Asian and Dutch traditions, residents carry a simple paper lantern with a candle inside and walk around the pond together in the evening.  …