Old Whalers' Church

Old Whalers’ Church will reopen for weekly in-person worship at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 18. The same safety protocols will be in place as were in effect last summer and fall: Everyone is asked to please wear a mask! (We‘ll give you one if you forget yours.) Two rows of pews are closed between each row that‘s open. We ask that only members of the same household occupy a pew together. There will be music played on the historic organand by the socially-distanced bell choir from time to timebut for now we’re not singing, nor are we passing the Peace. You can drop your offering into the plate on a table at the sanctuary door. As a further precaution, the sanctuary is sanitized during the week between services. We hope to see you soon!

Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Easter Sunday worship at Old Whalers’, Rev. Linda Maconochie preaching. The Lord’s Supper will be celebrated during the service, so you may want to have a bit of bread or cracker and something to drink nearby so you can join in. Mrs. Mitchell tells the Easter story to the children. Thanks to her and the other participants in the service, music director Walter Klauss and the Old Whalers’ Bell Choir. A joyous Easter to all! https://youtu.be/WcJjl0WBKmA

Worship on Palm Sunday, March 27, Rev. Linda Maconochie preaching. The scripture readings are Isaiah 50:4-11 and Mark 11:1-11. The story is familiar: As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, he told two of them exactly where in a nearby village they’d find a colt, which they were to bring back for him to ride into the city, where excited crowds waited to greet him. How did Jesus know where the animal would be? What did he plan to do with the colt after he rode it? Could his plans for us on this day be related to the colt? Mrs. Mitchell and Addy present the children’s message. With thanks to Shawn Mitchell and Walter Klauss, pianist.

Welcome to worship on March 21, the fifth Sunday in Lent, Rev. Linda Maconochie preaching. The Scripture readings are Jeremiah 31:31-34 and John 12:20-23. Mrs. Mitchell and Addy talk to the children about how acorns are the seeds that turn into big oak trees, but as the tree grows, the acorn dies so the tree can produce many more seeds. In talking to the disciples about His coming death, Jesus likened himself to a grain of wheat that in falling to the ground will give rise to a plant but will die in the process. The disciples will become the seeds, spreading God’s message around the world. Thanks to all who participated in the service: Shawn Mitchell and Addy and the musicians: Walter Klauss, organist, David Cummings, clarinetist, and Rebecca Lundahl, soprano.

Worship service of March 7, the third Sunday in Lent, Rev. Linda Maconochie preaching. The Scripture readings are Exodus 20:1-17, the Ten Commandments, and John 2:13-22. Early in his ministry, Jesus expels the money-changers from the temple, even though they and sellers of sacrificial animals had always operated there. What was different now? Jesus is announcing that his ministry will turn the world upside down. We feel safe in our churchessaying the familiar prayers, singing the familiar hymnsbut God calls us to leave that safety and engage in the world, reflecting Him to the community outside our walls. In Lent, let’s consider how, through mission, we too can turn the world upside down in His name. Thanks to Walter Klauss for sharing his musical talent. https://youtu.be/LJKmGgve5NE

Worship service of Feb. 28, the second Sunday in Lent, Rev. Linda Maconochie preaching. The Scripture readings are Genesis 17:1-7 and 15-16, the story of Abraham, and Mark 8:31-38. Every year we make Lent different by giving up something that’s part of our usual lives and habits. But how can we make Lent different when we’ve already had to give up so much in a year of pandemic? Mrs. Mitchell talks to the children about Father Abraham, and how he trusted God because God trusted him. Thanks to Shawn Mitchell and Reginald Stark for their participation. https://youtu.be/m8sJpKGx5CE

SEASONAL MUSIC AT OLD WHALERS’ This Sunday, November 29, marks the first Sunday in Advent. Like many other churches, Old Whalers’ faces new challenges in finding ways to celebrate Advent and Christmas, including ways to share the gift of music. Nevertheless, the joy and hope expressed through the music of the season will resound in our beautiful sanctuary on Sunday mornings. This week Walter Klauss, our music director and organist, and David Cummings, clarinetist and congrega...nt, will begin the worship service with a reflective setting of In the Bleak Midwinter, the poem of Christina Rossetti. It is Number 36 in the hymnal, so you can read the poignant words as they play. This will be followed by a selection from Handel's Messiah adapted for clarinet and organ. The service will end with a rousing 18th-century organ postlude, From Heaven Above I Come. On Sunday, December 6, you will have the opportunity to hear Old Whalers’ Bell Choir. The choir has been rehearsing for several weeks under Mr. Klauss’s direction and will perform some beautiful carols in the service. Watch for more updates on Advent and Christmas plans during the week of December 7. On Christmas Eve, if covid-19 guidelines (and weather!) permit, we plan to have a 30-minute Old Whalers’ candlelight Carol Sing and reading of the Christmas story on the front lawn of the church. It will begin at 5 p.m. Finally, for your enjoyment, our annual Old Whalers’ Christmas concert will be a virtual event to be released on YouTube a few days before Christmas. Walter Klauss says, The music of this season has such healing power, giving us hope, peace and promise, and revealing the heart of humanity and creation. Old Whalers’ bell ringers, singers, instrumentalists and I look forward to seeing you at church and virtually. We wish you a peaceful and safe Christmas filled with joyful music.

Worship service on Sunday, Jan. 3, Rev. Linda Maconochie preaching. The Gospel reading is Matthew 2:1-12, the story of the Wise Men. Epiphany, January 6, is the 12th day of Christmas and marks their arrival at the manger where Jesus lay. In the early history of the Christian church, Epiphany was a major feast day that led to the other two great feasts of the church: Easter, the beginning of the great 50 days that culminated with a blow-out celebration of Pentecost. Epiph...any means manifestation or revelation. The discovery of the Wise Men when they got to Bethlehem was the revelation of Jesus to the gentiles; God’s voice at Jesus’ baptism made Him manifest as God’s Son, and the miracles Jesus performed were continuing signs of God’s presence, though like the wedding guests at Cana, not everyone noticed. In early Christianity, Epiphany was celebrated because people expected that God would manifest Himself in their lives and were watchful lest they miss the signs. Most of us no longer have that expectation, but shouldn’t we? Will we miss the day and the hour if we aren’t keeping watch? Thanks for this service go to Allison Lizewski, liturgist; David Cummings, clarinetist; Walter Klauss, organist; and Reginald Starks, pianist. Thanks also to Cara Maconochie for video production. See more

On Sunday, Dec. 27, there will be no pre-recorded worship service from Old Whalers’ Church, although a service of readings and music will be held at 11 a.m. at the church. The Presbytery of Long Island has provided the following worship video for this week. Pastor Linda will be back next week. Old Whalers’ Church wishes everyone the blessings of peace and good health in the new year. We are grateful for your interest in the church and your support.

Welcome to Christmas Eve worship at Old Whalers’ Church, Rev. Linda Maconochie preaching. Tonight we complete the Advent Wreath by lighting the Christ Candle. The New Testament lesson is Luke 2:1-20, the story of the shepherds and the angels. Mrs. Mitchell, assisted by Addy and Cameron, thinks shepherds must hold a special place in God’s heart, because there are so many of them in the Bible: David, Joseph and his brothers, even Moses. Why did God choose humble shepherds to he...ar the first announcement of Christ’s birth and be the first to spread the good news to others? Perhaps they represent ALL people, and God loves us all. Special thanks to the many participants in this beautiful service of the familiar, beloved words and music. The liturgists are Shawn Mitchell and Bruce Beyer; Evan, Cameron and Adalynn Mitchell; and Anna and Rob Wethington. The musicians are Walter Klauss at the organ; David Cummings, clarinetist; Barbara Fusco, mezzo soprano; and Riley, Lilah and Tessa Simmons with a very energetic Jingle Bells. Cara Maconochie oversaw video production. Merry Christmas to all from Old Whalers’ Church! We look forward to celebrating in person with you next year. See more

Sunday, Dec. 20, the fourth Sunday in Advent, Rev. Linda Maconochie preaching. Today we light the Candle of Love. The New Testament lesson is Luke1:26-45; the angel appears to Mary and tells her she will bring the Son of God into the world. Although she is perplexed, Mary, trusting in God, opens her heart and says let it be. Mrs. Mitchell and Addy talk to the children about how an open heart, like an open door, allows us to move into new places in our lives. If Mary had closed her heart to the angel’s message, the miracle of Christmas couldn’t have come about. Thanks to today’s liturgists, Dru Raley and Deanna Tikkanen; Shawn Mitchell and Adalynn for the children’s sermon; pianist Reginald Starks, and Cara Maconochie for video production.

Welcome to Old Whalers’ annual Home for Christmas concert, virtual only this year because of the public health crisis. Many thanks to the performers: Emily Donato and Nonie Donato, sopranos; David Cummings, clarinetist; Thom Bohlert, guest organist; the Old Whalers’ Bell Choir, and Walter Klauss, director, organist and harpsichordist. We hope you enjoy the music, and we look forward to seeing you in person in 2021!

Old Whalers’ worship service on Sunday, Dec. 13, the third Sunday in Advent, Rev. Linda Maconochie preaching. Today we light the candle of joy as we dream of the many things we’re unable to do this year to celebrate the season. Are you finding joy in familiar things, like the sound of Christmas music or the colors of decorations and lights? In seeing the excitement of childreneven virtuallyas they anticipate Christmas morning? In today’s reading from the New Testament, Luke... 1:46-56, Mary sings a song of joy and praise to God for choosing her to bring his Son into the world, even though she faced the difficult task of telling Joseph and others, hoping they would trust that she was telling the truth. The Bible never speaks of Jesus expressing joy, but God put Him in this world to experience life as we live it, and surely He must have been joyous when he brought his friend Lazarus back to life, restored sight to a blind man, and fed multitudes with just a few loaves and fish. Today let us rejoice that God understands the life we are living, and gave us his only Son so that we may have life everlasting. In the children’s message, Adalynn Beyer shows how to light the candle of joy on the Advent wreath in the craft kit that Pastor Linda delivered to Sunday school students. Thanks to Adalynn, and to Susan Blair, liturgist; David Cummings and Walter Klauss for the music on clarinet and organ, and to Cara Maconochie for video production. See more