From Our Pastors: January 31, 2025

Posted onAuthorAidan Cuningham

Rev. Megan
Berkowitz

Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman

Pastor Megan
 January 31 2025

Sabbath

“The meaning of the Sabbath is to celebrate time rather than space. Six days a week we live under the tyranny of things of space; on the Sabbath we try to become attuned to holiness in time.”  – Abraham Joshua Heschel, The Sabbath

We’ll read in this Sunday’s scripture passage about conflicts between Jesus and other Jewish religious leaders at the time over the observance of Sabbath restrictions. This, and other similar passages, have given rise to generations of interpretation that sets Jesus against religious authority, against Judaism, and against the Law. Jesus, however, doesn’t overturn the laws of the Sabbath, but rather interprets them and claims authority over their observance.

Taking a closer look at this text invites us to find the gifts awaiting us in Sabbath time. Rabbi Abraham Joshue Heschel’s book The Sabbath emphasizes the element of time over space and things in Sabbath observance; turning from that which anchors us to the physical, to space, to things, allows us to experience depths of time more fully and, in doing so, for our spirits to be joined with the Spirit of God.

In anxious times, we need Sabbath more than ever. Practices of turning off technology; of resting for the sake of rest, not for the sake of renewal for work; of simplifying our lives; of setting aside time to be present to ourselves, our loved ones and to God: these practices of Sabbath are life-giving to our spirits if we are overwhelmed with the pace and demands of life, and in need of a renewed relationship with our spirits, our time, and our prayer.

Even if just for a few hours a week, are there ways you can invite Sabbath practices into your life, to enjoy the Sabbath that Jesus tells us was made for the sake of humankind?

Peace,
Megan

“What is the Sabbath? Spirit in the form of time. With our bodies we belong to space; our spirit, our souls, soar to eternity, aspire to the holy. The Sabbath is an ascent to the summit.” – Abraham Joshua Heschel, The Sabbath

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
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    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
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    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. 

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  • From Pastor Megan
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
    November 21, 2025
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  • From Pastor Megan: November 14, 2025
    Rev. Megan Berkowitz
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  • 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