MemChurch Update
November 6, 2021
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From the Pusey Minister
Dear friends,
The liturgy of the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is a cherished part of the Memorial Church tradition and of my own spiritual devotion, and – like many of you – I long to resume its practice under safe circumstances in our beloved sanctuary. We hope that will be soon. During this time when we cannot keep the feast, however, perhaps we can still observe the Lord’s supper in holiness by keeping a fast.
The word "eucharist" simply means thanksgiving; sharing and offering the gifts we have been given is basic to the rite. So, beginning this Sunday and until we can resume our feast, we will mark the Eucharist’s absence from our lives on communion Sundays by ritually sharing the gifts we have been given with those in need, and asking God’s blessing on our gifts, in memory of Jesus’s last supper. To keep this eucharistic fast, our whole offering each communion Sunday will go to Project Manna, a Cambridge-based ministry that does incredible work to combat food insecurity and social isolation in our community.
We also urge you to explore and support the work of the Massachusetts Hunger Free Campus Coalition. Nearly two in five college students in Massachusetts experience food insecurity, and the Coalition is working to find solutions to this problem. Please contact our affiliated minister Kevin Bryant, whose morning prayer talk on this issue is linked here, for more information on how you can help.
Yours in Christ,
Matt
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Be sure to go to the MemChurch website for the latest news, events and features. And, please join us tomorrow for Sunday worship in the sanctuary of the Memorial Church, or streamed live on WHRB 95.3 FM beginning at 11 a.m. Our preacher this week, All Saints Sunday, is the Rev. Matthew Ichihashi Potts Ph.D., Pusey Minister in the Memorial Church, Plummer Professor of Christian Morals, Faculty of Divinity. We look forward to seeing you!
The Memorial Church of Harvard University
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SUNDAY SERMON
The Rev. Matthew I. Potts
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The Sole Meaning of Love
By the Rev. Matthew Ichihashi Potts, Ph.D.
Pusey Minister in the Memorial Church
Plummer Professor of Christian Morals
Faculty of Divinity
Excerpt from Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021
One of the important things about this love, the love of God, has to do with this idea that God's love is different than other kinds of love, because it is given freely. God is the creator, unconditioned, undetermined by anything else, and God's love is unconditioned and undetermined by anything else.
This is kind of abstract theology speak, so let me put a finer point on it. God, doesn't love you because of the kind of person you are, because you're charming or smart, that would just be esteem or affection. God doesn't love you because of the things you do, because you made a lot of money or did well on a test, that would be reward or respect. God loves you for no other reason than that you are, your existence, the fact of your existence is the reason God loves you. In fact, because God's the Creator, you exist because God loves you. God's love draws you into being, and God loves you for no other reason than that you exist.
I think of the first time I held each of my children when they were just born, these precious kids. I tell stories about Cami and Sammy and Danny, and in the moment I held them—all you first year parents who are here—in the moment I held them I didn't love them because they were witty or charming or had done wonderful things in the world. The fact of their existence opened my heart and all of myself poured into them just because, for no other reason. That's a different kind of love, that's hesed, that's agape...
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The Memorial Church Sanctuary and Memorial Room will be open to the public Thursday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Upcoming Events and Services
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The Memorial Church is following health and safety guidelines for the wellbeing of Harvard and the surrounding communities. Face coverings continue to be required in all indoor University spaces for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. This is an ever-changing situation, so please review the latest guidelines before attending services or other events on campus.
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WORSHIP and EVENTS
Sunday Worship
Nov. 7, 11 a.m.
All Saints Sunday
Preacher: The Rev. Matthew Ichihashi Potts, Ph.D., Pusey Minister in the Memorial Church, Plummer Professor of Christian Morals, Faculty of Divinity. Anthems: Tomás Luis de Victoria: O quam gloriosum; Orlando di Lasso: Justorum animae. The service will be in the sanctuary of the Memorial Church and broadcast and streamed on WHRB 95.3 FM. A recording of the service will be available on our website.
Faith & Life Forum
Nov. 7, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Buttrick Room; online Zoom
Speaker: The Rev. Alanna Sullivan, Associate Minister and Director of Administration, the Memorial Church. The Faith & Life Forum explores matters of faith and public life through readings, discussion, interviews, and lectures. The discussion is accessible in person at the Memorial Church, or virtually on Zoom. To participate online, please register here. Those attending the forum in person will be asked to register on site. All are welcome.
Church School
Nov. 7, 11:15 a.m - 12:15 p.m.
Church School is offered on Sunday mornings during Sunday services throughout the academic year. The program is for children ages 3 through 16. It is part of a nurturing Christian environment that strives to honor the intelligence, creativity, and diversity of the children in our care. For more information, please contact the Rev. Calvon Jones, Assistant Minister, the Memorial Church, and go to our Church School page.
Harvard Baroque Chamber Orchestra Fall Concert
Nov. 7, 4 - 6 p.m.
A selection of works celebrating Handel's time in Italy! We’re thrilled to return to the Memorial Church Sanctuary with this joyful program on the other side of the pandemic year. Featuring Benjamin P. Wenzelberg and Phoebe Carrai. For more information: HBCO website. Note: The wellbeing of our community remains our primary commitment. All attendees must be masked. All attendees will be asked to present their Harvard ID at the door, or show proof of vaccination, or show proof of negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours. In addition, all attendees must attest to their current health status. Thank you for your cooperation.
Morning Prayers
Nov. 1 - Nov. 5, 8:30 - 8:45 a.m.
Monday: Susie Hayward, MDiv '07; Tuesday: Lauren Church, '21; Wednesday: The Rev. Matthew I. Potts; Thursday (Veterans Day): Col. Everett Spain DBA '14; Friday: Anna Del Castillo, MDiv '21.
Sunday Worship
Nov. 14, 11 a.m.
Commemoration of the War Dead
Preacher: The Rev. Elam D. Jones, MDiv. ‘19, Ph.D Student, Harvard Divinity School, U.S. Navy Chaplain Candidate Officer. Anthems: Gwyneth Walker (arr.): Let the Life I’ve Lived Speak for Me; Craig Phillips: The Beatitudes; Daniel E. Gawthrop: Sing Me to Heaven.. The service will be in the sanctuary of the Memorial Church and broadcast and streamed on WHRB 95.3 FM. A recording of the service will be available on our website.
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