News & Events

Page updated 13 December 2025

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 This Week at BPC 
 14–20 December 2025 

Mary’s Yes – Luke 1:26-39
Artwork and Reflection by Lisle Gwinn Garrity, A Sanctified Art

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, the angel goes to Nazareth to find Mary. I was six months pregnant with my second daughter when I reread this scripture and began this image, so at first, this detail seemed like a happy coincidence. But as I pondered it, I wondered if Elizabeth’s pregnancy might have everything to do with Mary’s willingness to say yes to this wild, wonderful— but risky and terrifying—undertaking.

Elizabeth’s pregnancy provides reassurance that Mary can trust the angel’s impossible news. By the sixth month, Mary will be able to see for herself that Elizabeth is truly pregnant. By the sixth month, Mary can place her hands on Elizabeth’s belly and giggle as the baby leaps and kicks. By the sixth month, the risk of miscarriage has significantly decreased. By the sixth month, Elizabeth will be emotionally, mentally, and physically preparing for birth. Her miracle is real, even as it is yet to be born. Therefore, Mary can rest her hope in an emerging—not empty—promise.

Mary’s willingness to say “yes” is also fortified by the assurance that she is not stepping forward alone. Even as fears surely surround her, Mary will go to Elizabeth for protection and comfort. She won’t fulfill her calling without support. Her hope will be strengthened in solidarity.

In this image, we see the angel greeting Mary in the form of dappled light. Mary’s back is turned to the angel, but we see her in the process of pivoting toward the warmth of the cascading light.

I imagine this is the moment after the angel responds to her initial question, “How can this be?” After hearing the angel’s response, Mary closes her eyes, imagining her cousin Elizabeth and perhaps her many ancestors holding her up as she prepares to step forward. The wrap around her head carries the angel’s good news, anointing her with the promise that fear won’t stop her. Embroidered along her neckline is Mary’s willing response: “Here I am.” Her lantern earring is a sign to each of us, to anyone who is fearful. It’s as if Mary herself becomes a lantern, emanating courage in the face of a fearful calling, lighting a way forward.

Prayer: Breathe deeply as you gaze upon the image above. Imagine placing yourself in this scene. What do you see? How do you feel? Get quiet and still, offering a silent or spoken prayer to God.

Join us in worship this Sunday, as we continue to explore the ways God is calling us out of fear and into hope. Come, journey with us to Bethlehem!

This week’s scripture readings are:
Jeremiah 1:4-10
Luke 1:26-39

BPC Bulletin for December 14, 2025: 
https://tinyurl.com/3mt4476p

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Monthly Cereal Collection
This is the 2^nd Sunday of the month so remember to bring boxed cereal to the church and we will deliver it to the Food Pantry.

Longest Night Service
We will be holding a service for the Longest Night on Thursday, December 18th at 7 PM. This is an opportunity to gather for a quiet, meditative worship service in the midst of the busy holiday season. It is designed to hold space for those who may be experiencing loss or grief, or those who just want a more peaceful way to reflect on the meaning of Advent and Christmas. Our friends from the UCC Burlington will join us in our sanctuary for this evening of prayer, scripture readings, and music.

Christmas Caroling Singalong!
On Sunday, December 21st, the UCC Burlington has invited our church to join them in doing some local caroling at a few stops in Burlington. Come to UCC for pizza and cookies around 11:30, and join in singing festive Christmas songs starting at 12:15. Deb Raymond is organizing the stops for our merry caravan of carolers. Wear your Christmas sweaters and bring your jingle bells — let’s help to make the season merry and bright!

Nominating Committee
Nominating Committee has been meeting to fill the roles for the next year. We have positions on Session and Deacons open for service. Currently, three of our four Elders are completing their sixth year of service and need to go off of Session. We also have only two active Deacons at present, and we need at least two more.

We are also looking for someone to become the new treasurer of the church, as Jim Brunner has graciously served in the interim treasurer role for the remainder of this year. Session is working to identify a bookkeeping service to help lighten the load of the treasurer role in the new year. If you, or someone you know, might be a good fit for any of these important roles please let Jen Slater (jenmcarver@gmail.com), Sue McGilvray-Rivet (smcgilvrayrivet@gmail.com), or Jen Dewar (yoganana@verizon.net) know.  Thank you!

Christmas Joy Offering

THE PERFECT GIFT
When Jesus was born among us, he came as a helpless baby destined to bring joy, peace and salvation to his people. This child, God’s Word made flesh — fully human and fully God — became one of us. One with us. One among us. In all of our vulnerabilities, struggles and triumphs, Jesus became one of us —leading us, knowing us, connecting us to himself and to each other, and offering us his gift of eternal life. The perfect gift.

Through the Christmas Joy Offering, we reflect God’s perfect gift to us, with generous support of church leaders among us — past, present and future — who have pointed us to God. We honor and celebrate leaders like retired pastors, church workers and their families who have faithfully guided and led us but who now find themselves in critical financial need. We honor and celebrate emerging leaders like students in schools and colleges equipping communities of color, who develop leadership skills as they pursue their education and prepare to bring their gifts in service to the world God loves so much. Jesus’ example as a child born to be among us and lead us to eternal life provides a pattern for us to follow as we celebrate those who have led us in the past and will lead us into the future. Through the Christmas Joy Offering, we come together to support past, present and future leaders, embodying God’s perfect gift to us, Jesus Christ.

We will receive the Christmas Joy Offering on December 21st, or at any time this month.
Please give generously!

Worship Assistance
We are deep into Autumn and headed to Winter. Time to plan our Sundays for the next two months. Below is a link to the sign-up sheet for Worship Assistance. Please sign up and help our church provide meaningful worship services. 

Coffee Hour
Do you enjoy Coffee Hour? Would you like to help in the preparation of it?  Check the list below to see what you can bring to help provide coffee and conversation following worship.

Senior Gift Cards
This holiday season, support People Helping People assist 125 Burlington seniors through the Wish Tree Program. Many seniors on fixed incomes are struggling with rising costs. Help spread kindness this holiday season by donating toward Target gift cards for local seniors!

Food Pantry Fundraiser
Tickets are still available for the 15th annual People Helping People Capital Grille Raffle. Tickets are $20. The winner will enjoy dinner for six at the Capital Grille. Proceeds go to the Burlington Food Pantry. The raffle runs through December! Tickets can be purchased at: A whole Bunch Flower Market (326 Cambridge St.) Morandi Barber Shop (1 Mountain Rd.) or online at this link.

FAITH FORMATION

We have intergenerational, family friendly events planned for each month—invite your neighbors or friends with children to join us!! 

Click here to save the dates and stay tuned for more information:

Sledding in Simonds Park & lunch with the UCC: Sunday 25 January 25. After worship.

Church sleep over: Saturday 28 March.

Palm Sunday procession with the UCC: Sunday 29 March. After our Sunday-School-led worship service.

Starting a church garden: Sunday 24 May. 

New England GLOW

Queer Bible Study
Monday, December 8 at 7:30 PM via Zoom.
Join us for “Magnifinominon”!  Readings: Luke 1:46-55, Queerying Mary, Queerying Christmas by Rev. Dr. Angela Yarber, Mary Queer of Heaven by Elle Dowd.  Reading ahead is optional.  If you don’t get a chance to read the articles, please join us anyway!

New Campaign!
Dungeons & Dragons (and board games!) We are starting a new, youth led, D&D campaign!  We will meet on Sunday, December 14 at the Presbyterian Church in Burlington, MA at 5:30 PM. Anyone who would like to join our campaign please contact Jen Slater at newenglandglow.rym@gmail.com

JOIN US THIS WEEK

Sunday Morning Worship Sunday, 07 Dec 2025, 10:30 am EST Join Zoom Meeting

Women’s Bible Study
Thursday, 11 Dec 2025, 10:00 am EST

Join Zoom Meeting