Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman
Pastor Megan
January 3 2025
New Year Traditions
The new year is a time when many of us choose to reflect on what is behind us and what is ahead. I have a few traditions at the new year: a recurring resolution to finish more craft projects than I start (successful 2019-2023, but alas not in 2024); and an evening spent making new year bingo boards with my family (mine this year includes reading a whole book in Spanish and cooking a new recipe).
My favorite tradition at this time of year, though, is to reflect on the last year, to decide what I am carrying with me to the year ahead, and what I will leave behind or pick up anew. These are more spiritual reflections than my fun traditions of crafts and bingo, with a focus on gratitude – even gratitude for what is now ready to be released – rather than self-improvement.
Sometimes I journal, sometimes I just think about it, and sometimes I share with Leila. Always, though, I try to use it as an opportunity to pay attention to how I have been moving through the world and what I am being called to do that is new. The Epiphany tradition of Star Words that has taken shape in recent years invites a similar kind of reflection and intention for the year ahead. Whether you are thinking, journaling, bingo-boarding, or star wording, how might you enter into this new year with intention and attention?
Peace,
Pastor Megan
Past Posts
- From Our Pastors
Pastor Amy
January 10, 2025 Last week, nearly 40 youth came from all around Newton and Boston, almost exactly one-third from the Muslim Al-Huda Society in Chelsea; one-third from the Jewish community; and one-third from Christian churches. Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Megan
January 3, 2025 The new year is a time when many of us choose to reflect on what is behind us and what is ahead. I have a few traditions at the new year: Learn More - From Our Pastors: December 20, 2024Pastor Megan
December 20, 2024Baking Christmas Cookies
Advent is the season of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love; it is the season of anticipation and joy in the gift of Christ we already know has entered the world and is eternally present among us; it is, for many of us, a season of parties and gift-giving and whirlwind celebrations. Learn More - From Our Pastors: December 8 2024Pastor Megan
December 8, 2024
Advent is the season of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love; it is the season of anticipation and joy in the gift of Christ we already know has entered the world and is eternally present among us; it is, for many of us, a season of parties and gift-giving and whirlwind celebrations. Learn More - From Our Pastors: November 29, 2024Pastor Megan
November 29, 2024
UCC Professional Development Program I returned last week from the fall gathering of NGLI, the UCC’s professional development program for young clergy. We gather each fall in Arizona for a time of creative learning, prayer, worship, music, and more. The setting, in the desert outside of Phoenix, is an intentional choice by the program organizers. Learn More - From Our Pastors: November 15, 2024Pastor Megan
November 15, 2024
Congregational Meeting Recap Thank you to everyone who joined in the Congregational Meeting last Sunday, and particular thanks to co-moderators Susan Hunt Stevens and Susan Gedrick for leading us, and to Jaap van Reijendam for ensuring those on Zoom could take part as well. The brief workshop Leila led on 1:1s, in the GBIO and community organizing model, gave us a tool for connecting with one another more deeply. Learn More - From Our Pastors: November 8, 2024Pastor Megan
November 8, 2024
Post Election Interfaith Gathering I want to share with you a small portion of how I opened our interfaith post-election gathering, as we prepare to gather in community together this Sunday for worship and the congregational meeting. Learn More - From Our Pastors: October 18, 2024Pastor Megan
Octoberr 18, 2024
Recent Celebrations Did you miss the recent celebrations at church? Here are some photos from our new sign celebration and the Blessing of the Animals! It has been a fall of connecting – with one another, the wider community, and God’s creation (including beloved pets like Barky, Felix, Jack, Rosey, and Lucy!). Learn More
