Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman
Pastor Megan
November 24, 2023
“You seed light into righteous ones, joy into the heart of the virtuous.”
Psalm 97:11
I love the image of God seeding light and joy into the hearts of Her people that this Psalm offers us; it seems to me to be a kind of extension of the metaphor in last Sunday’s scripture describing God as the grape-growing farmer. God isn’t just putting one kind of fruit into the world; She’s planting lots of good things to nourish Her people!
This Psalm also brings to my mind how we are partners with God in bringing goodness into the world. If God seeds light and joy, then we are the ones who tend the soil so that those seeds might grow. Righteousness and virtue, the Psalm tells us, helps those seeds grow. What else might help the seeds of light and joy grow in us? Faith, grace, love, forgiveness, and, appropriate for this week, gratitude, all come to mind for me.
Our theme for Advent this year comes from the very beginning of John’s Gospel: “Light shines in the darkness.” Like a little candle casting its light out into the world, like a seed pushing forth a sprout, the coming of Christ’s presence in the world and in our lives brings forth goodness. We can partner with God in bringing forth that goodness. Let’s join together in tending the seeds of light and joy that are so needed in this world.
Peace,
Megan
Past Posts
- From Pastor Megan
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
February 6, 2025 It is time to begin turning our hearts and minds to Lent — and what a year to return to the themes of repentance and repair, of wandering the wilderness, of death and new life. Our theme for worship and community life in Lent this year will be “Tools for Survival in the Wilderness,” and we’ll reflect on how the ways we learn to survive in the literal wildernesses (and I know there are some hiking, camping, backcountry skiing, and other outdoor enthusiasts in this congregation!) teach us about how to survive the metaphorical wildernesses of our time. More to come in worship, of course. Learn More - From Pastor Megan: January 30, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
January 30, 2025 As violence has escalated from ICE and other institutions, and as protests have intensified in response, I have heard from a number of you wondering what to do now, especially for those of us who cannot travel to where witness is most needed. I don’t have all the answers, but I have some suggestions of what you might do if you’re feeling helpless and hopeless, as so many of us are. Learn More - From Pastor Megan: January 23, 2026Rev. Megan Berkowitz
January 23, 2025 Happy January, with over a foot of snow headed our way this weekend! Given the weather predictions, Newton Mayor Mark Laredo has asked people to refrain from driving and parking in the city on Sunday and Monday whenever possible. With the uncertainty of when the storm will begin, and predictions that when it does, it will snow as much as an inch an hour, we will move our worship service on to Zoom for the day. Learn More - From Pastor MeganRev. Megan Berkowitz
January 16, 2025 I have exciting news to share about next Sunday, 1/25, when we will welcome two special guests from FamilyAid into our worship service to share about the good work continuing at the Family Navigation Center in West Newton. Learn More - From Pastor MeganRev. Megan Berkowitz
December 24, 2025 Warmest Christmas wishes to you and all your loved ones. As we celebrate the Light of Christ coming into the world, may your life be filled with that light and all of the peace, joy, love, and hope it brings. It is no small thing to celebrate God’s presence in a world in need, or to remember God’s faithfulness in accompanying us in all things. Let us dwell in that grace and goodness together this week. Learn More - From Pastor MeganRev. Megan Berkowitz
December 12, 2025 I attended the “fall” meeting of the Metropolitan Boston Association of the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ (say that three times fast) on Sunday afternoon. Interestingly, the Association is engaged in a very similar kind of vision and strategic planning work as we are. Learn More - Hanging of the GreensRev. Megan Berkowitz
December 5, 2025 What a joy it was to gather for the annual Hanging of the Greens service last Sunday! That’s a tradition that has been stewarded by first the Deacons and now the Worship Team over many years in this church, and it is always such a beautiful way to welcome in the Advent season. Learn More - From Pastor Megan: Novemeber 30, 2025Rev. Megan Berkowitz
November 30, 2025“‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’”
Matthew 25
I pray that you all have had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones, and that those who are traveling return home with ease and in safety.
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