From Our Pastors – December 15

Posted onAuthorAidan Cuningham

Rev. Megan
Berkowitz

Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman

Pastor Megan
December 15, 2023

“The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn.”

 Isaiah 61:1-2 

Last Sunday, I mentioned that Advent isn’t just a season of celebration but also one of prophetic longing: a vision of how the world might be, looking at things through God’s eyes, while still looking clearly at the world as it is. This text from Isaiah is one of many examples of readings that we share during Advent that express this prophetic longing. Mary’s Magnificat, which Amy preached about a few weeks ago, is another one. 

Prophetic longing understands both the needs in the world which caused God to come to dwell among us, and the transformational hope we come to know in Christ. That longing isn’t confined to the people in the Bible or to Biblical times. This Advent, what is the prophetic longing on your heart? How can you proclaim it?

Peace,
Megan

Past Posts

  • From Pastor Megan
    Rev. 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 Megan
    Rev. 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 Greens
    Rev. 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, 2025
    Rev. 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. 

    Learn More
  • From Pastor Megan
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    November 21, 2025
    In the professional development training where I spent the last week, the core curriculum for my cohort this year was about faith-based, relational community organizing for congregations. This congregation has plenty of experience with this community organizing model thanks to GBIO, Learn More
  • From Pastor Megan: November 14, 2025
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    November 14, 2025
    There’s a lot going on behind the scenes at UCW these days! I wanted to be sure everyone is up-to-date, even on processes that are in quieter phases right now.  Learn More
  • From Pastor Megan
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    October 31, 2025
    It’s All Saints Sunday this week, and we’ll be singing many favorite hymns about the saints that we usually save for this one Sunday a year. As we bless the children on their way to Sunday School, we’ll sing “When the Saints Go Marching In,” with an extra verse Karen and I came up with based on this Sunday’s scripture readings: Learn More
  • From Pastor Megan
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    October 24, 2025
    Many of you have heard me quote Julian of Norwich, a mystic nun from the 14th century: “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” I often repeat this phrase in a lighthearted way, but in truth, I do not mean it flippantly, and Julian of Norwich certainly did not.  Learn More