Fall 2026: A Season of Transition and Renewal

God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Lamentations 3.

Dear friends,

For those of us who follow university calendars, September is a season of transitions. This is especially true for us at the Memorial Church in 2026, where we have weathered significant change since spring. Though we’ve said goodbye to some beloved staff and programs, God’s mercies really are new each day, and we are excited to embark upon another academic year with new offerings, new opportunities, new friends, and new partnerships awaiting us.

Our former seminarians, Elizabeth Propst MDiv ’26 and Amy Sexauer MDiv ’26, have joined our staff as ministry fellows and, in addition to helping lead Sunday worship for adults and children, will support our pastoral and programming efforts. This year the ministry team will begin offering Sunday afternoon gatherings to help build our community, deepen our relationships, and open our hearts to one another. These Sunday sessions will cultivate our creativity, spirituality, and charity through shared practices of sacred reading, writing, service, and art-making. Please watch for further announcements and join us if you can.

In addition to our monthly Evensong and Compline services and organ recitals, our music department will present several exciting events this term. On Sunday, Oct. 25, at 4 p.m., the Ferris Choral Fellows will collaborate with the Boston Camerata in presenting Free America! Early Songs of Rebellion and Resistance (This concert will be hosted at the Memorial Church but ticketed through the Boston Camerata website.) On Sunday, Nov. 15, at 4 p.m., the Harvard University Choir will present Benjamin Britten’s St. Nicolas in honor of the 50th anniversary of the composer’s death. And of course, as the term concludes, we will celebrate Christmas with the 117th annual carols services on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 5 p.m., and again on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 8 p.m.

Our mentorship program for students pursuing a college education at the Massachusetts Correctional Institute at Shirley continues this year. Two of our students were awarded associate degrees in the spring and are now hard at work on their bachelor’s degrees. We will again be providing monthly meals to unhoused women and non-binary people at On the Rise in Cambridge. We will also continue our partnership with the Harvard University Native American Program this year. We are always looking for volunteers and donations to support all of these important programs, so please let us know if you would like to help.

Even though years pass and things change, there are blessings to be found in each new season and some things remain the same. As ever, each of you is a blessing to this community, and it remains my great privilege to serve you and to serve the Memorial Church. I know I speak for every member of our staff, past and present, when I tell you how grateful we are for you and for our church.

With peace and every blessing,

The Rev. Matthew Ichihashi Potts, Ph.D ’13
Plummer Professor of Christian Morals in the Faculty of Divinity
Pusey Minister in the Memorial Church