The frigid temperatures did not deter a hearty group of carolers from gathering at 4:00 pm to celebrate the Christmas holiday. Led in song by Felicity Forbes and Pam and George McNamara, the group raised their voices and enjoyed being together at this festive time of year. The scene was Christmas card perfect and the…

Bishop Alan M. Gates has appointed Bishop Carol Gallagher to serve as assistant bishop in the Diocese of Massachusetts. The appointment comes as Bishop Suffragan Gayle E. Harris prepares to retire after 20 years of active episcopal ministry. Bishop  Gallagher has been serving in the Diocese of Massachusetts since November 2018 as a regional canon,…

The final worship service of the summer was held on September 11, 2022. For the twelfth Sunday in a row, the weather was beautiful as The Rt. Rev. Carol Gallagher presided over the communion service. On Friday before, Bishop Carol led an informal conversation with parishioners regarding the latest work of the Church in Massachusetts…

The 2022 season was celebrated on September 8 at the Salter’s Point Casino. Dozens of parish members enjoyed a festive evening as a late summer sun set over Buzzards Bay.  Volunteers contributed yummy appetizers which complemented beautiful platters of cheeses and smoked salmon from Scuttlebutt Coffee Company. Peter Stanton, a member of the Standing Committee…

On yet another sunny Sunday morning, worshippers gathered for the penultimate service of the summer. The Rt. Rev. Carol Gallagher presided over the communion service that included a heartfelt tribute to outgoing Standing Committee Chair, Stephen Hatfield. Fellow Standing Committee member George Andrews offered remarks in praise of Steve’s leadership and selfless dedication to the…

For ten weeks in a row, the weather was perfect as ushers and other volunteers prepared the chairs and altar, taking advantage of the shade beneath the beautiful beech tree.  The Chapel grounds have provided the setting for our outdoor services all summer long and have proven to be a beautiful substitute for indoor worship…

What do you find the most challenging in your work? Finding clergy to serve in part-time calls and the heartache for parishes that are struggling without clergy. What gives you the most joy in your work? Small congregations who are doing daily incredible ministry on a shoestring – stone soup! What kinds of books, periodicals, podcasts, etc.,…

The hydrangeas are showing their muted August colors yet the high spirits of the assembled remained vibrant and joyful. The Rev. Canon Arlette Benoit Joseph returned to St. Aidan’s for her second summer, a happy homecoming.  Rev. Arlette conducted a poignant service that included a special blessing for Judith and Peter Stanton, long-time parishioners, who…

What do you find challenging in your work? Supply and demand of clergy. What gives you joy in your work? Any opportunity where I’m able to say, “Wow God, I see you at work!” and any opportunity where I develop my own spiritual maturity and see others grow and blossom in their own. What kinds…

The Chapel garden was sunny and breezy once again as Rev. Kit Lonergan began her second summer ministry at St. Aidan’s parish.  An inclusive, high-spirited service ensued which included the annual “Blessing of the Pets,” a favorite of parishioners and animals alike.  Inviting the children present to help her administer the blessings to a bunch…

What do you find challenging in your work? Humans are challenging in general– all of us, parishioners, clergy, and our communities. The greatest challenges in ministry are when we forget that we are all fallible, imperfect works in progress, and expect perfection from every angle. It’s not who we were made by God to be.…

Three baptisms were held on Sunday, July 31 in front of a supportive group of parishioners, the largest gathering of the summer so far. Ninety-seven people assembled under the shade of the beech tree as Rev. Noah Van Niel led the worship service, his last of 2022.  The singing of hymns with flute interludes by…