Interfaith News

Chautauqua Catholic Community

Daily Mass is held at 8 a.m. Mondays and Fridays and at 7 p.m. Thursdays at St. Mary of Lourdes in Mayville. Daily Mass is held at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Our Lady of Lourdes in Bemus Point. Consult the website for details: https://www.stmaryoflourdesrcparish.org

Chabad Jewish House 

Esther Vilenkin presents “Medical Ethics” from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. EDT Thursday, July 23, via Zoom and YouTube. As new ethical matters arise, Judaism offers Divine guidelines to these often complex issues. These discussions explore medical ethics issues through the lenses of Jewish law.

Rabbi Zalman Vilenkin presents “Kabbalah and Meditation” from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. EDT Friday, July 24, via Zoom and YouTube. This class delves into the steps in the process of hitbonenut in the Jewish mystical tradition. The steps of Jewish meditation through history are retraced, beginning with the Biblical prophets to the Talmudic sages and Jewish mystics.

The Miriam Gurary Challah Baking Series continues this season from 12:15 to 1 p.m. EDT Friday, July 24, via Zoom and YouTube. Discover the meaning of Shabbat foods and rituals while making and braiding challah. 

To watch the classes streamed live, please visit www.cocweb.org. If you would like to join in the discussions and classes via Zoom, click here.

Shabbat candle lighting is 8:27 p.m. EDT Friday, July 24. 

Hebrew Congregation 

With a bit of ingenuity, we are continuing our tradition of a Kabbalat Shabbat service at 5 p.m. EDT Friday, July 24, via Zoom. Cantorial Song Leader Susan Goldberg Schwartz will lead it from her home in Buffalo with a beautiful Chautauqua Lake scene in the background. Join us at 4:45 p.m. EDT for 15 minutes of meet and greet before the service begins. 

To register for the Kabbalat Shabbat service on Zoom, click here before noon Thursday, July 23. 

Please download or obtain a prayer book before the service. For those who are at Chautauqua, you may borrow a copy of our prayer book from Arty Salz at 4 Ames (716-357-2001) to be returned at the end of your stay. For those not at Chautauqua, the prayer book is available here. The downloaded PDF file can be printed for your personal use. 

If you have not downloaded the prayer book in advance, click on the Chat icon in Zoom, and the link to the prayer book will be posted as a PDF file.

If you have a loved one having a yahrtzeit who you would like named in our service, or someone who should be named in our Mi Shebeirach – Prayer of Healing, send their names to Renee Andrews at reneebandrews@gmail.com.

Mystic Heart Community Meditation

The mission of The Mystic Heart is to help participants discover and manifest peace, compassion, and kindness in themselves, in their relations with others, and in their communities.

Rebecca Cole Turner leads a session on Christian Meditation at 8 a.m. EDT Thursday, July 23, on the Virtual Porch.

Michael O’Sullivan leads a session on Korean Zen Meditation at 1 p.m. EDT Thursday, July 23, on the Virtual Porch. 

Carol McKiernan leads a session on Centering Prayer at 8 a.m. EDT Friday, July  24 on the Virtual Porch. 

Larry Terkel leads a session on Judaism and the Kabbalah at 1 p.m. EDT Friday, July 24, on the Virtual Porch. 

Prayers for Peace through Compassion

For many years, every morning during the season from 8:55 to 9 a.m., Chautauquans gather in the Grove to pray for peace through compassion. In 2020, all Chautauquans around the world are invited to join together from wherever they are in silent prayer and reflection for five minutes.

Chabad Jewish House

A full season of activities, including services and classes, has been planned by the Zigdon Chabad Jewish House at 23 Vincent. Visit cocweb.org for the schedule and information about logging into the services and classes.

Rabbi Zalman Vilenkin presents “Talmudic Everyday Ethics” from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. EDT Tuesday, July 21, via Zoom and YouTube. These discussions focus on everyday ethical issues and use the Talmud and other Jewish sources as its guide.

Vilenkin presents “Jewish Psychology” from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. EDT Wednesday, July 22, via Zoom and YouTube. Join us and study the Jewish model of human psychology and how to apply it to life.

To watch the classes streamed live, please visit www.cocweb.org. If you would like to join

in the discussion/class via Zoom, please email rabbi@cocweb.org for the meeting ID and password.

Chapel of the Good Shepherd

Since we cannot socialize in person this season, here is a serving of Social Tea to enjoy:

“True universality does not consist in knowing much but in loving much.” — Jakob Burckhardt

Chautauqua Catholic Community

Daily Mass is held at 8 a.m. Mondays and Fridays and at 7 p.m. Thursdays at St. Mary of Lourdes in Mayville. Daily Mass is held at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Our Lady of Lourdes in Bemus Point. Consult the website for details: https://www.stmaryoflourdesrcparish.org

Hebrew Congregation

To register for the Kabbalat Shabbat service on Zoom, click here before noon Thursday, July 23. After a lot of work and great assistance from Chautauqua Institution, the Kabbalat Shabbat service is also accessible on the CHQ Assembly Virtual Porch. Registration is necessary.

Lutheran House 

Our social hour is at 4:30 p.m. EDT every Tuesday via Zoom. For an invitation, contact our hosts Sue and Jerry Keppel at lutheranhousehost@gmail.com. 

Mystic Heart Community Meditation

The mission of The Mystic Heart is to help participants discover and manifest peace, compassion, and kindness in themselves, in their relations with others, and in their communities. 

Wayman Kubicka leads a session on Japanese Zen Meditation at 8 a.m. EDT Tuesday, July 21, on the Virtual Porch.

Subagh Khalsa leads a session in Sikh Dharma Meditation at 1 p.m. EDT Tuesday, July 21, on the Virtual Porch.

Muinuddin Charles Smith leads a session on Sufi Meditation on the Breath at 8 a.m. EDT Wednesday, July 22, on the Virtual Porch.

Kim Hehr leads a session on Kundalini Yoga Meditation for Protection at 1 p.m. EDT Wednesday, July 22, on the Virtual Porch.

Prayers for Peace through Compassion 

For many years, every morning during the season from 8:55 to 9 a.m., Chautauquans have gathered in the Grove to pray for peace through compassion. In 2020, all Chautauquans around the world are invited to join together from wherever they are in silent prayer and reflection for five minutes.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Chautauqua

Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) host a weekly “get together” for social connection, support, and to answer the inquiries and needs of the greater Chautauqua community at 6 p.m. EDT Wednesdays via Zoom. If you would like to attend, please email steveaschmann@hotmail.com.

Women in Ministry

Women who are involved in ministry are welcome to attend our noon meeting every Wednesday via Zoom. Email janeedmccarthy@gmail.com by the evening of Tuesday, July 20, to receive an invitation.

Abrahamic Program for Young Adults

APYA, founded 15 years ago, is designed to reflect the efforts and mission of the Department of Religion by teaching young adults at Chautauqua Institution about the shared heritage of the Abrahamic traditions. Programming has been suspended for the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will resume in 2021.

Baptist House

Located on the red brick walk in the heart of Chautauqua Institution, the Baptist House has been engaged in the hospitality ministry since 1887. Our house provides a comfortable haven to meet new friends, learn through conversations on covered porches, and share experiences and life lessons as we renew our spirit on these beautiful grounds. Our mission at the Baptist House is to offer a welcoming retreat for all to fellowship, worship, rejuvenate and minister to the needs of all visitors who enter our door. We eagerly anticipate gathering again in person next year!

Blessing and Healing Daily Service

The Service of Blessing and Healing, sponsored by the Department of Religion, had traditionally taken place from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. EDT weekdays in the Randell Chapel of the United Church of Christ Headquarters. These services will resume in the 2021 season.

Chabad Jewish House

A full season of activities, including services and classes, has been planned by the Zigdon Chabad Jewish House, 23 Vincent. Visit cocweb.org for the schedule and information about logging into the services and classes.

Shabbat ends at 9:40 p.m. Saturday, July 18.

Rabbi Zalman Vilenkin presents “Maimonides – Principles of Faith” from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. EDT Monday, July 20, via Zoom and YouTube. This class is not an exposition but rather an expedition into Judaism’s 13 principles of the faith.

To watch the classes streamed live, please visit www.cocweb.org. If you would like to join in the discussion/class via Zoom, please email rabbi@cocweb.org for the meeting ID and password.

Chapel of the Good Shepherd

Our featured chaplain this week is the Rev. Hendree Harrison, rector of The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Lexington, Kentucky. He sends this poem:

 

“Gifted Fruit,” by Hendree Harrison

 

In our woods

one day

we charged into a thicket

and found the fruit.

We’d heard about it

but never tasted

 

The muscadine.

 

We tugged the vine

down to the ground

for the harvest

and crushed the thick skin

between our childhood teeth.

 

The skin, once pierced, yielded,

and the fruit

was born in our mouths

like Spirit

of summer infinite.

The only real thing

in the universe,

capturing in one place

and taste,

the Whole, unmediated.

 

Looking back 35 growing seasons later

I know that fruit

found us.

 

We went looking

thereafter

thirsty for another taste

and the vine was gone.

 

So, I set out to build a kingdom.

 

The problem with building a kingdom

is that once built

a kingdom begs incessantly

to be protected.

 

The armaments required

write a law

that subsumes

the law of love

until love is obscured

and made meek (weak) by

the wolf of self-interest.

 

Better, then, not to build a kingdom, whispers the teacher.

 

Rather,

wander unencumbered

wondering

about remembered fruit

which when looked for is

seldom found,

 

but when waited upon

with unassuming

faith

arrives

unbidden

as gift.

  

Chautauqua Catholic Community

For the first time since our founding in 1985, we are unable to offer Masses, seminars, hospitality and housing on the grounds due to COVID-19.

Weekend Masses are held at 4 p.m. Saturdays at Our Lady of Lourdes in Bemus Point, and at 5:30 p.m. EDT Saturdays at St. Mary of Lourdes in Mayville. Sunday Masses are at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. EDT at Our Lady of Lourdes in Bemus Point, and 11:30 a.m. EDT at St. Mary of Lourdes in Mayville. Daily Mass is held at 8 a.m. Mondays and Fridays and at 7 p.m. EDT Thursdays at the Mayville church. Daily Mass is held at 9 a.m. EDT Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Bemus Point church. Consult the website for details: stmaryoflourdesrcparish.org

Chautauqua Dialogues

Chautauqua Dialogues was established as an opportunity for Chautauquans to have meaningful engagement and conversation within the context of the Chautauqua weekly theme in an informal and small-group setting. The Chautauqua denominational houses provide the venues for these weekly discussions. More than 80 facilitators have been trained by the dialogue team led by Roger Doebke and Lynn Stahl. The Dialogues will resume in the 2021 season.

Christian Science House

The Christian Science House and Chapel join the other denominational houses in not opening this year. After more than 50 years on Bestor Plaza, we look forward to serving Chautauquans next year at our Sunday and Wednesday church services and by providing a quiet place for prayer and reflection in our study room.

Disciples of Christ

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Chautauqua Institution has suspended in-person programming for the 2020 summer season. Therefore, our houses will not be open for summer 2020. We look forward to welcoming you to our houses during the 2021 season. 

Since 1874, we have been hosting guests in our two houses during the Chautauqua Institution summer season. With our new year-round Graybiel House, we now also offer a comfortable and welcoming venue for autumn, winter and spring retreats, workshops and meetings.

While we have a long association with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), we are also leaders in Chautauqua’s interfaith community, providing affordable lodging and a welcoming community for people of all faiths and all ages. 

The first virtual Disciples Day gathering is at 3 p.m. EDT Sunday, July 19. CADC Board President Jill Barrile and administrator Tom Brownfield will bring us up to date on all things related to our houses. Jim Powell and Rick Hull will also bring a report from the newly appointed CADC Mission and Vision Committee, sharing our updated Mission and Vision statements as well as our goals and plans for the next three years. For instructions on accessing the gathering, email chautauqua.doc@msn.com 

ECOC

Friends of the Ecumenical Community of Chautauqua hope that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. 

The Ecumenical Community (ECOC) will not be open this year for guests. The manager and the registrar will be in residence completing paperwork and projects. We welcome friends to stop by with social distancing in mind.

We look forward to being together next summer on these sacred grounds — in the Shaw House, the Bird-Werner House, the Westervelt House and in our friendly community kitchens. In the meantime, please visit the ECOC website at ecoc-chautauqua.org for updates and ways to join together virtually this summer. 

All Chautauquans are invited to gather around ECOC Virtual Kitchen Table Chats for conversation and fellowship at 7:30 p.m. EDT every Tuesday. 

Everett Jewish Life Center in Chautauqua

The Everett Jewish Life Center (EJLCC) facility is regrettably closed this summer. When we reopen, you’ll again enjoy our lecture series with presentations by distinguished scholars, a Jewish-themed film series, and a weekly Yiddish language conversation. 

Our facility offers outstanding bed-and-breakfast accommodations. For information regarding room reservations, please email us at RoomReservations@JewishCenterChautauqua.org. 

For additional information or questions, please email us at Admin@JewishCenterChautauqua.org. 

Keep healthy and safe. 

Food Pantry Donations

Hurlbut Church is accepting nonperishable food items for the Ashville Food Pantry. Donations may be dropped off at any time at the Scott entrance of Hurlbut Church.

Hebrew Congregation

The Hebrew Congregation of Chautauqua has served the Jewish community and folks from other faiths with worship, education and socialization since 1960. Consult Tuesday’s Interfaith News for information on the Kabbalat Shabbat service on Friday, July 24. To register for the Kabbalat Shabbat service on Zoom click here before noon Thursday, July 23.

A new book, Shalom Chautauqua: The Hebrew Congregation and the Jewish Presence, by Betty and Arty Salz, is hot off the press and available at the Chautauqua Bookstore. For any additional information, please contact congregation president Larry Cohen at lcohen@satx.rr.com.

Hurlbut Memorial Community Church

Hurlbut Church will not conduct in-person services until further notice. In the meanwhile, the Rev. Carmen Perry’s sermons are accessible here. 

International Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons

The International Order of The King’s Daughters and Sons’ (IOKDS) mission has included serving young adults in their spiritual development at Chautauqua Institution since 1920. Our newest program is the Learn and Discern college internship. With Chautauqua’s closure due to COVID-19 this season, we quickly pivoted to a virtual internship format. After sharing our syllabus with college officials at Houghton College, Valparaiso University and St. Bonaventure University, our interns will receive college credit for the virtual experience. Students have accepted the unpaid internships for brand marketing, social media communication, faith-based programming, and donor relationships. Upon successful completion of their internships, students may apply for an IOKDS scholarship here.

Islamic Community

Jum’ah, the Friday Muslim communal prayer, has traditionally been held every Friday in the Hall of Christ. This service will resume in the 2021 season. The Jum’ah service, which has been open to all, combines the traditional elements of the Muslim worship experience with the opportunity to engage the Muslim coordinator for the Abrahamic Program for Young Adults with questions to further understanding about Islam. The instructional portion begins at 12:30 p.m. EDT. The Jum’ah prayer handout is available in both Arabic and English transliteration, with detailed explanations for those who wish to join in prayer or understanding.

Labyrinth 

In previous seasons, Chautauquans have had an opportunity to learn about and walk the Labyrinth, located next to Turner Community Center just north of the parking lot. Although the Labyrinth is open for quiet meditation, Norma and Wally Rees will resume their Department of Religion-sponsored orientation — which includes a brief history of the uses of the Labyrinth — in the 2021 season.

Lutheran House

While the Lutheran House is closed for in-person hosting and programming this season, we are actively sponsoring virtual programs to our guests and the Chautauqua community for the 2020 season. 

The Lutheran House hosts are sponsoring a social hour at 4:30 p.m. EDT. every Tuesday via Zoom. For an invitation, contact our hosts Sue and Jerry Keppel at lutheranhousehost@gmail.com. 

Mystic Heart Community Meditation

The mission of The Mystic Heart is to help participants discover and manifest peace, compassion, and kindness in themselves, in their relations with others, and in their communities.

The program continues this year with a series of 90 free pre-recorded meditation sessions led by faculty from a variety of religious, spiritual and wisdom traditions. The sessions premiere at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. EDT each weekday on the Virtual Porch and are archived for later use.

Larry Terkel leads a session on Judaism and the Kabbalah at 8 a.m. EDT Monday, July 20. 

Bob Zuiryu Moore leads a session on Soto Zen Meditation at 1 p.m. EDT Monday, July 20.  

Prayers for Peace through Compassion

For many years, every morning during the season from 8:55 – 9 a.m. EDT, Chautauquans gather in the Grove to pray for peace through compassion. In 2020, all Chautauquans around the world are invited to join together from wherever they are in silent prayer and reflection for five minutes.

Presbyterian Association

The Presbyterian Association is closed for the 2020 season. We look forward and hope we will be open and welcoming of guests in 2021. 

The Presbyterian Association is both a house and a community. Our history began in 1883 to welcome Presbyterians to Chautauqua and house missionaries for summer programs. The Presbyterian Association includes all persons and provides excellent weekly accommodations and meals at prices made affordable by generous donors.

Creating a Presbyterian presence through worship, study and hospitality, the Presbyterian Association shares our beautiful and functional facility, contributes financially to Chautauqua Institution and the surrounding community, and works in cooperation with other denominational houses and religious communities.

For more information, please visit https://presbychq.org/

The Annual Meeting of the Presbyterian Association of Chautauqua will be held at 12:30 p.m. EDT Thursday, July 30, via Zoom. The purpose of this meeting is to elect trustees and the nominating committee, and for the transaction of business of the association. Association members please contact Jim Dakin jim_dakin@yahoo.com to receive a Zoom invitation.

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)

The Chautauqua Friends Meeting (Quakers) will not be holding Meeting for Worship or programs during the 2020 season. We are focusing on our plans for the 2021 season when we will be welcoming our first full-season Friend-in-Residence who will attend programs, be available for discussions, and create activities as needed. We will also welcome the director of the Friends Center for Racial Justice in Ithaca for a full week during the season.

Friends (Quakers) have been at Chautauqua since its earliest years. The largest gathering, estimated at 1,000, occurred during the 1900 season with the founding of Friends General Conference, an association of regional Quaker communities in the U.S. and Canada. For many decades, Friends worshipped in the Octagon Building, but in 2019 needed to relocate, as the building returned to its original use as a home for the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. In response to the need, the Unitarian Universalists made their house available to Quakers at 9:30 a.m. EDT each Sunday, enabling us to continue welcoming all to worship with us in the manner of Friends.

In 2020, we have begun to look for a permanent home to purchase on the grounds. Such a home might be only large enough to hold our Sunday morning service, or it might be large enough to house a few people as well. We look forward to updating our denominational friends in 2021.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Chautauqua

Unitarian Universalists have a legacy of “deeds not creeds.” Our work for a better world calls us to harness love’s power to stop oppression. From grassroots community organizing, to interfaith state, national and corporate advocacy; in protest marches, prayer vigils and press conferences; in homeless shelters and in prisons, Unitarian Universalists put our faith into action.

Our justice efforts are grounded in our congregationally driven social justice statements and our call to break down divisions, heal isolation, and honor the interconnectedness of all life and all justice issues. At Chautauqua we model these commitments by creating a just, welcoming and inclusive congregation. We act in partnership with groups at Chautauqua, including the LGBTQ and Friends Community, The Collaborative Union, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and the African American Heritage House, to bring attention to the issues of diversity, equality and inclusiveness through our Sunday Services, our Ethics Week Lectures and our contribution of funding to each organization. 

The LGBTQ and Friends Community at Chautauqua have canceled all activities this season in keeping with the limitations on public gatherings during the pandemic. For information about activities for the 2021 season, including our speaker sponsorships and community events, visit lgbtq-chq.com. To receive our newsletters, sign up on our website. 

The Chautauqua PFLAG Chapter expanded beyond the Institution about a year ago. Now, in addition to its weekly meetings at the Unitarian Universalist House during the Chautauqua season, PFLAG also meets monthly during the off-season at the Patterson Library in Westfield. Since the Institution is curtailing the summer programming, PFLAG is hosting a weekly “get together” for social connection, support and to answer the inquiries and needs of the greater Chautauqua community at 6:30 p.m. EDT Wednesdays via Zoom. PFLAG’s official monthly meeting is at 6:30 p.m. EDT on the last Wednesday of every month via Zoom. If you would like to attend, please email Steve Aschmann at steveaschmann@hotmail.com. For more info, call 814-440-0902 or consult our Facebook page.

United Church of Christ

We greatly regret that all three buildings of the UCC Society will be closed throughout this summer. For further information, go to our website: cuccs.org 

We look forward to welcoming you back next summer. Stay safe and healthy. 

United Methodist

The United Methodist House was built in 1888 by the founders of the Chautauqua Assembly. Methodist Episcopal Bishop John Heyl Vincent and Lewis Miller, a philanthropist and member of the Board of Trustees, accepted a bid of $3,800 to erect a headquarters building. Amazingly, the construction was completed in 90 days and ready for the 1888 Assembly. In the early days, it housed meeting rooms, a ladies parlor, a library and public toilets.

The United Methodist House today is a year-round center. In the summer months, rooms are rented by the week. Once the Chautauqua summer season has ended, the house is rented by groups for retreats, family reunions, craft gatherings, etc. More information is available on our website, umhouse.com, and Facebook: United Methodist House – Chautauqua Institution.

While we are sorry and sad to not be there to greet visitors this summer, all are welcome and encouraged to visit the porch in 2021, when we can enjoy the wicker rockers, have something cool to drink, meet with old friends and make new ones, or just sit and watch the constant stream of interesting folks who stroll by the house. Until then, stay safe and count your blessings!

Unity of Chautauqua

This summer, Unity will explore “Trusting the Process of Change Using Life’s Changes for Spiritual Awakening” during the 9:15 a.m. EDT Sunday meetings via Zoom. Topics addressed are:

• Understanding the nature of change and the dynamics of the transition process.
• Discovering deeper meaning in the disturbing and unsettling events in our individual lives and in the world.
•   Navigating life’s changes and challenges using the Biblical Exodus story.
•   Bringing forth our “best” selves as we allow a greater Reality to direct our lives.

The Rev. Barbara Williams’ topic at 9:15 a.m. EDT Sunday, July 19, via Zoom is “Departure from Egypt.” “The biblical story of the Exodus lies within the collective memory of our culture; as such it is more than just history, it is the story that lives within each of us,” she said.

For more information about Unity of Chautauqua and how to access the Zoom meeting, visit unitychq.org.

Chautauqua Catholic Community

Daily Mass is held at 8 a.m. Mondays and Fridays and at 7 p.m. Thursdays at St. Mary of Lourdes in Mayville. Daily Mass is held at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Our Lady of Lourdes in Bemus Point. Consult the website for details: https://www.stmaryoflourdesrcparish.org

Chabad Jewish House 

Esther Vilenkin presents “Medical Ethics” from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. EDT Thursday, July 16, via Zoom and YouTube. As new ethical matters arise, Judaism offers Divine guidelines to these often complex issues. These discussions explore medical ethics issues through the lenses of Jewish law.

Rabbi Zalman Vilenkin presents “Kabbalah and Meditation” from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. EDT Friday, July 17, via Zoom and YouTube. This class delves into the steps in the process of hitbonenut in the Jewish mystical tradition. The steps of Jewish meditation through history are retraced, beginning with the Biblical prophets to the Talmudic sages and Jewish mystics.

The Miriam Gurary Challah Baking Series continues this season from 12:15 to 1 p.m. EDT Friday, July 17, via Zoom and YouTube. Discover the meaning of Shabbat foods and rituals while making and braiding challah. 

To watch the classes streamed live, please visit www.cocweb.org. If you would like to join in the discussions and classes via Zoom, click here.

Shabbat candle lighting is 8:33 p.m. EDT Friday, July 17. 

Disciples of Christ

For instructions on accessing the first virtual Disciples Day gathering at 3 p.m. EDT, Sunday, July 19, email chautauqua.doc@msn.com.  

Hebrew Congregation 

With a bit of ingenuity, we are continuing our tradition of a Kabbalat Shabbat service at 5 p.m. EDT Friday, July 17, via Zoom. Cantorial Song Leader Susan Goldberg Schwartz will lead it from her home in Buffalo with a beautiful Chautauqua Lake scene in the background. Join us at 4:45 p.m. EDT for 15 minutes of meet and greet before the service begins. 

To register for the Kabbalat Shabbat service on Zoom, click here before noon Thursday, July 16. 

After a lot of work and great assistance from Chautauqua Institution, the Kabbalat Shabbat service is also accessible on the Virtual Porch. Registration is necessary. 

Please download or obtain a prayer book before the service. For those who are at Chautauqua, you may borrow a copy of our prayer book from Arty Salz at 4 Ames (716-357-2001) to be returned at the end of your stay. For those not at Chautauqua, the prayer book is available here. The downloaded PDF file can be printed for your personal use. 

If you have not downloaded the prayer book in advance, click on the Chat icon in Zoom, and the link to the prayer book will be posted as a PDF file.

If you have a loved one having a yahrtzeit who you would like named in our service, or someone who should be named in our Mi Shebeirach – Prayer of Healing, send their names to Renee Andrews at reneebandrews@gmail.com.

Mystic Heart Community Meditation

The mission of The Mystic Heart is to help participants discover and manifest peace, compassion, and kindness in themselves, in their relations with others, and in their communities.

Kainat-Felicia Norton leads a session on Sufi Meditation on the Breath at 8 a.m. EDT Thursday, July 16, on the Virtual Porch.

Carol McKiernan leads a session on Centering Prayer  at 1 p.m. EDT Thursday, July 16, on the Virtual Porch.

Wayman Kubicka leads a session on Japanese Zen Meditation at 8 a.m. EDT Friday, July  17 on the Virtual Porch.

David Gluck leads a session on Hindu-based Meditation at 1 p.m. EDT Friday, July 17, on the Virtual Porch.

Prayers for Peace through Compassion

For many years, every morning during the season from 8:55 to 9 a.m., Chautauquans gather in the Grove to pray for peace through compassion. In 2020, all Chautauquans around the world are invited to join together from wherever they are in silent prayer and reflection for five minutes.

Chabad Jewish House

A full season of activities, including services and classes, has been planned by the Zigdon Chabad Jewish House at 23 Vincent. Visit cocweb.org for the schedule and information about logging into the services and classes.

Rabbi Zalman Vilenkin presents “Talmudic Everyday Ethics” from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. EDT Tuesday, July 14, via Zoom and YouTube. These discussions focus on everyday ethical issues and use the Talmud and other Jewish sources as its guide.

Vilenkin presents “Jewish Psychology” from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. EDT Wednesday, July 15, via Zoom and YouTube. Join us and study the Jewish model of human psychology and how to apply it to life.

To watch the classes streamed live, please visit www.cocweb.org. If you would like to join

in the discussion/class via Zoom, please email rabbi@cocweb.org for the meeting ID and

password.

Chapel of the Good Shepherd

Since we cannot socialize in person this season, here is a serving of Social Tea to enjoy:

“Those who have drained the cup of joy in this world, will have a hangover in the next.” — Heinrich Heine

Chautauqua Catholic Community

Daily Mass is held at 8 a.m. Mondays and Fridays and at 7 p.m. Thursdays at St. Mary of Lourdes in Mayville. Daily Mass is held at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Our Lady of Lourdes in Bemus Point. Consult the website for details: https://www.stmaryoflourdesrcparish.org

Hebrew Congregation

To register for the Kabbalat Shabbat service on Zoom, click here before noon Thursday, July

16.

Lutheran House 

Our social hour is at 4:30 p.m. EDT every Tuesday via Zoom. For an invitation, contact our hosts Sue and Jerry Keppel at lutheranhousehost@gmail.com. 

Mystic Heart Community Meditation

The mission of The Mystic Heart is to help participants discover and manifest peace, compassion, and kindness in themselves, in their relations with others, and in their communities. 

Subagh Khalsa leads a session on Sikh Dharma Meditation at 8 a.m. EDT Tuesday, July 14, on the Virtual Porch.

Larry Terkel leads a session in Judaism and the Kabbalah at 1 p.m. EDT Tuesday, July 14, on the Virtual Porch. 

Kim Hehr leads a session on Kundalini Yoga Meditation – Invoking a Meditative State at 8 a.m. EDT Wednesday, July 15, on the Virtual Porch.

Jim Leff leads a session on Sufi Meditation on the Breath at 1 p.m. EDT Wednesday, July 15, on the Virtual Porch.

Prayers for Peace through Compassion 

For many years, every morning during the season from 8:55 to 9 a.m., Chautauquans gather in the Grove to pray for peace through compassion. In 2020, all Chautauquans around the world are invited to join together from wherever they are in silent prayer and reflection for five minutes.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Chautauqua

A weekly “get together” for social connection, support, and to answer the inquiries and needs of the greater Chautauqua community is at 6 p.m. Wednesdays via Zoom. If you would like to attend, please email steveaschmann@hotmail.com.   

Women in Ministry

Women who are involved in ministry are welcome to attend our noon meeting every Wednesday via Zoom. Email janeedmccarthy@gmail.com by the evening of Tuesday, July 14, to receive an invitation.

Abrahamic Program for Young Adults

APYA, founded 15 years ago, is designed to reflect the efforts and mission of the Department of Religion by teaching young adults at Chautauqua Institution about the shared heritage of the Abrahamic traditions. Programming has been suspended for the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will resume in 2021.

Baptist House

Located on the red brick walk in the heart of Chautauqua Institution, the Baptist House has been engaged in the hospitality ministry since 1887. Our house provides a comfortable haven to meet new friends, learn through conversations on covered porches, and share experiences and life lessons as we renew our spirit on these beautiful grounds. Our mission at the Baptist House is to offer a welcoming retreat for all to fellowship, worship, rejuvenate and minister to the needs of all visitors who enter our door. We eagerly anticipate gathering again in person next year!

Blessing and Healing Daily Service

The Service of Blessing and Healing, sponsored by the Department of Religion, had traditionally taken place from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. EDT weekdays in the Randell Chapel of the United Church of Christ Headquarters. These services will resume in the 2021 season.

Chautauqua Catholic Community

For the first time since our founding in 1985, we are unable to offer Masses, seminars, hospitality and housing on the grounds due to COVID-19.

Weekend Masses are held at 4 p.m. Saturdays at Our Lady of Lourdes in Bemus Point, and at 5:30 p.m. EDT Saturdays at St. Mary of Lourdes in Mayville. Sunday Masses are at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. EDT at Our Lady of Lourdes in Bemus Point, and 11:30 a.m. EDT at St. Mary of Lourdes in Mayville. Daily Mass is held at 8 a.m. Mondays and Fridays and at 7 p.m. EDT Thursdays at the Mayville church. Daily Mass is held at 9 a.m. EDT Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Bemus Point church. Consult the website for details: stmaryoflourdesrcparish.org

Chabad Jewish House

A full season of activities, including services and classes, has been planned by the Zigdon Chabad Jewish House, 23 Vincent. Visit cocweb.org for the schedule and information about logging into the services and classes.

Shabbat ends at 9:45 p.m. Saturday, July 11.

Rabbi Zalman Vilenkin presents “Maimonides – Principles of Faith” from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 13, via Zoom and YouTube. This class is not an exposition but rather an expedition into Judaism’s 13 principles of the faith.

To watch the classes streamed live please visit www.cocweb.org. If you would like to join in the discussion/class via Zoom, please email rabbi@cocweb.org for the meeting ID and password.

Chapel of the Good Shepherd

Our featured chaplain this week is the Rev. William Roberts, rector of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. He sends this message, from Genesis 32:24-28: “He was alone wrestling with a man who said, ‘Let me go.’ But Jacob said, ‘You will not go, unless you bless me.’ The man asked, ‘What is your name?’ He replied, ‘Jacob.’ The man told him, ‘No longer Jacob, but Israel. You strove with God and with humans, and prevailed.’”

“With this pandemic we are left alone, all struggling with something, physical, emotional, spiritual or societal,” Roberts wrote. “Jacob encourages us to hold on, continue to wrestle, and seek out the blessings found through the pain. All will be different when we have prevailed against this virus. What that looks like depends upon what blessings we gather along the way.”

Chautauqua Dialogues

Chautauqua Dialogues was established as an opportunity for Chautauquans to have meaningful engagement and conversation within the context of the Chautauqua weekly theme in an informal and small-group setting. The Chautauqua denominational houses provide the venues for these weekly discussions. More than 80 facilitators have been trained by the dialogue team led by Roger Doebke and Lynn Stahl. The Dialogues will resume in the 2021 season.

Christian Science House

The Christian Science House and Chapel join the other denominational houses in not opening this year. After more than 50 years on Bestor Plaza, we look forward to serving Chautauquans next year at our Sunday and Wednesday church services and by providing a quiet place for prayer and reflection in our study room.

Disciples of Christ

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Chautauqua Institution has suspended in-person programming for the 2020 summer season. Therefore, our houses will not be open for summer 2020. We look forward to welcoming you to our houses during the 2021 season. 

Since 1874, we have been hosting guests in our two houses during the Chautauqua Institution summer season. With our new year-round Graybiel House, we now also offer a comfortable and welcoming venue for autumn, winter and spring retreats, workshops and meetings.

While we have a long association with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), we are also leaders in Chautauqua’s interfaith community, providing affordable lodging and a welcoming community for people of all faiths and all ages. 

ECOC

Friends of the Ecumenical Community of Chautauqua hope that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. 

The Ecumenical Community (ECOC) will not be open this year for guests. The manager and the registrar will be in residence completing paperwork and projects. We welcome friends to stop by with social distancing in mind.

We look forward to being together next summer on these sacred grounds — in the Shaw House, the Bird-Werner House, the Westervelt House and in our friendly community kitchens. In the meantime, please visit the ECOC website at ecoc-chautauqua.org for updates and ways to join together virtually this summer. 

All Chautauquans are invited to gather around ECOC Virtual Kitchen Table Chats  for conversation and fellowship at 7:30 p.m. EDT every Tuesday.  

Everett Jewish Life Center in Chautauqua

The Everett Jewish Life Center (EJLCC) facility is regrettably closed this summer. When we reopen, you’ll again enjoy our lecture series with presentations by distinguished scholars, a Jewish-themed film series, and a weekly Yiddish language conversation. 

Our facility offers outstanding bed-and-breakfast accommodations. For information regarding room reservations, please email us at RoomReservations@JewishCenterChautauqua.org. 

For additional information or questions, please email us at Admin@JewishCenterChautauqua.org. 

Keep healthy and safe. 

Food Pantry Donations

Hurlbut Church is accepting nonperishable food items for the Ashville Food Pantry. Donations may be dropped off at any time at the Scott entrance of Hurlbut Church.

Hebrew Congregation

The Hebrew Congregation of Chautauqua has served the Jewish community and folks from other faiths with worship, education and socialization since 1960. Consult Tuesday’s Interfaith To register for the Kabbalat Shabbat service on Zoom click here before noon Thursday, July 16.

A new book, Shalom Chautauqua: The Hebrew Congregation and the Jewish Presence, by Betty and Arty Salz, is hot off the press and available at the Chautauqua Bookstore. For any additional information, please contact congregation president Larry Cohen at lcohen@satx.rr.com.

Hurlbut Memorial Community Church

Let Hurlbut Memorial Community United Methodist Church be your summer presence for summer worship on the Chautauqua grounds.

Hurlbut church will not conduct in-person services until further notice. In the meanwhile, the Rev. Carmen Perry’s sermons are accessible here. 

International Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons

The International Order of The King’s Daughters and Sons’ (IOKDS) mission has included serving young adults in their spiritual development at Chautauqua Institution since 1920. Our newest program is the Learn and Discern college internship. With Chautauqua’s closure due to COVID-19 this season, we quickly pivoted to a virtual internship format. After sharing our syllabus with college officials at Houghton College, Valparaiso University and St. Bonaventure University, our interns will receive college credit for the virtual experience. Students have accepted the unpaid internships for brand marketing, social media communication, faith-based programming, and donor relationships. Upon successful completion of their internships, students may apply for an IOKDS scholarship here.

Islamic Community

Jum’ah, the Friday Muslim communal prayer, has traditionally been held every Friday in the Hall of Christ. This service will resume in the 2021 season. The Jum’ah service, which has been open to all, combines the traditional elements of the Muslim worship experience with the opportunity to engage the Muslim coordinator for the Abrahamic Program for Young Adults with questions to further understanding about Islam. The instructional portion begins at 12:30 p.m. EDT. The Jum’ah prayer handout is available in both Arabic and English transliteration, with detailed explanations for those who wish to join in prayer or understanding.

Labyrinth 

In previous seasons, Chautauquans have had an opportunity to learn about and walk the Labyrinth, located next to Turner Community Center just north of the parking lot. Although the Labyrinth is open for quiet meditation, Norma and Wally Rees will resume their Department of Religion-sponsored orientation — which includes a brief history of the uses of the Labyrinth — in the 2021 season.

Lutheran House

While the Lutheran House is closed for in-person hosting and programming this season, we are actively sponsoring virtual programs to our guests and the Chautauqua community for the 2020 season. 

To register  for a live 40-minute discussion of Anna Deavere Smith’s lecture on CHQ Assembly from noon to 12:40 p.m. EDT Monday, July 13, via Zoom, email schweinfurth22@gmail.com.

The Lutheran House hosts are sponsoring a social hour at 4:30 p.m. EDT. every Tuesday via Zoom. For an invitation, contact our hosts Sue and Jerry Keppel at lutheranhousehost@gmail.com. 

Mystic Heart Community Meditation

The mission of The Mystic Heart is to help participants discover and manifest peace, compassion, and kindness in themselves, in their relations with others, and in their communities.

The program continues this year with a series of 90 free pre-recorded meditation sessions led by faculty from a variety of religious, spiritual and wisdom traditions. The sessions premiere at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. EDT each weekday on the Virtual Porch and are archived for later use.

Bob Zuiryu Moore leads a session on Soto Zen Meditation at 8 a.m. EDT Monday, July 13.  

Rebecca Cole Turner leads a session on Christian Meditation at 1 p.m. EDT Monday, July 13.  

Prayers for Peace through Compassion

For many years, every morning during the season from 8:55 – 9 a.m. EDT, Chautauquans gather in the Grove to pray for peace through compassion. In 2020, all Chautauquans around the world are invited to join together from wherever they are in silent prayer and reflection for five minutes.

Presbyterian Association

The Presbyterian Association is closed for the 2020 season. We look forward and hope we will be open and welcoming of guests in 2021. 

The Presbyterian Association is both a house and a community. Our history began in 1883 to welcome Presbyterians to Chautauqua and house missionaries for summer programs. The Presbyterian Association includes all persons and provides excellent weekly accommodations and meals at prices made affordable by generous donors.

Creating a Presbyterian presence through worship, study and hospitality, the Presbyterian Association shares our beautiful and functional facility, contributes financially to Chautauqua Institution and the surrounding community, and works in cooperation with other denominational houses and religious communities.

For more information, please visit https://presbychq.org/

The Annual Meeting of the Presbyterian Association of Chautauqua will be held at 12:30 p.m. EDT Thursday, July 30, via Zoom.  The purpose of this meeting is to elect trustees and the nominating committee, and for the transaction of business of the association. Association members please contact Jim Dakin jim_dakin@yahoo.com to receive a Zoom invitation.

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)

The Chautauqua Friends Meeting (Quakers) will not be holding Meeting for Worship or programs during the 2020 season. We are focusing on our plans for the 2021 season when we will be welcoming our first full-season Friend-in-Residence who will attend programs, be available for discussions, and create activities as needed. We will also welcome the director of the Friends Center for Racial Justice in Ithaca for a full week during the season.

Friends (Quakers) have been at Chautauqua since its earliest years. The largest gathering, estimated at 1,000, occurred during the 1900 season with the founding of Friends General Conference, an association of regional Quaker communities in the U.S. and Canada. For many decades, Friends worshipped in the Octagon Building, but in 2019 needed to relocate, as the building returned to its original use as a home for the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. In response to the need, the Unitarian Universalists made their house available to Quakers at 9:30 a.m. EDT each Sunday, enabling us to continue welcoming all to worship with us in the manner of Friends.

In 2020, we have begun to look for a permanent home to purchase on the grounds. Such a home might be only large enough to hold our Sunday morning service, or it might be large enough to house a few people as well. We look forward to updating our denominational friends in 2021.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Chautauqua

Unitarian Universalists have a legacy of “deeds not creeds.” Our work for a better world calls us to harness love’s power to stop oppression. From grassroots community organizing, to interfaith state, national and corporate advocacy; in protest marches, prayer vigils and press conferences; in homeless shelters and in prisons, Unitarian Universalists put our faith into action.

Our justice efforts are grounded in our congregationally driven social justice statements and our call to break down divisions, heal isolation, and honor the interconnectedness of all life and all justice issues. At Chautauqua we model these commitments by creating a just, welcoming and inclusive congregation. We act in partnership with groups at Chautauqua, including the LGBTQ and Friends Community, The Collaborative Union, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and the African American Heritage House, to bring attention to the issues of diversity, equality and inclusiveness through our Sunday Services, our Ethics Week Lectures and our contribution of funding to each organization. 

The LGBTQ and Friends Community at Chautauqua have canceled all activities this season in keeping with the limitations on public gatherings during the pandemic. For information about activities for the 2021 season, including our speaker sponsorships and community events, visit lgbtq-chq.com. To receive our newsletters, sign up on our website. 

The Chautauqua PFLAG Chapter expanded beyond the Institution about a year ago. Now, in addition to its weekly meetings at the Unitarian Universalist House during the Chautauqua season, PFLAG also meets monthly during the off-season at the Patterson Library in Westfield. Since the Institution is curtailing the summer programming, PFLAG is hosting a weekly “get together” for social connection, support and to answer the inquiries and needs of the greater Chautauqua community at 6:30 p.m. EDT Wednesdays via Zoom. PFLAG’s official monthly meeting is at 6:30 p.m. EDT on the last Wednesday of every month via Zoom. If you would like to attend, please email Steve Aschmann at steveaschmann@hotmail.com. For more info, call 814-440-0902 or consult our Facebook page.

United Church of Christ

We greatly regret that all three buildings of the UCC Society will be closed throughout this summer. For further information, go to our website: cuccs.org 

We look forward to welcoming you back next summer. Stay safe and healthy. 

United Methodist

The United Methodist House was built in 1888 by the founders of the Chautauqua Assembly. Methodist Episcopal Bishop John Heyl Vincent and Lewis Miller, a philanthropist and member of the Board of Trustees, accepted a bid of $3,800 to erect a headquarters building. Amazingly, the construction was completed in 90 days and ready for the 1888 Assembly. In the early days, it housed meeting rooms, a ladies parlor, a library and public toilets.

The United Methodist House today is a year-round center. In the summer months, rooms are rented by the week. Once the Chautauqua summer season has ended, the house is rented by groups for retreats, family reunions, craft gatherings, etc. More information is available on our website, umhouse.com, and Facebook: United Methodist House – Chautauqua Institution.

While we are sorry and sad to not be there to greet visitors this summer, all are welcome and encouraged to visit the porch in 2021, when we can enjoy the wicker rockers, have something cool to drink, meet with old friends and make new ones, or just sit and watch the constant stream of interesting folks who stroll by the house. Until then, stay safe and count your blessings!

Unity of Chautauqua

This summer, Unity will explore “Trusting the Process of Change Using Life’s Changes for Spiritual Awakening” during the 9:15 a.m. EDT Sunday meetings via Zoom. Topics addressed are:

•   Understanding the nature of change and the dynamics of the transition process.
•   Discovering deeper meaning in the disturbing and unsettling events in our individual lives and in the world.
•     Navigating life’s changes and challenges using the Biblical Exodus story.
•     Bringing forth our “best” selves as we allow a greater Reality to direct our lives.

The Rev. Jesse James’ topic at 9:15 a.m. EDT Sunday, July 12, via Zoom is “Endings.” “If we do not deal with our endings, we carry the unfinished business of the past into our future,” James wrote.  

For more information about Unity of Chautauqua and how to access the Zoom meeting, visit unitychq.org.

Chautauqua Catholic Community

Daily Mass is held at 8 a.m. Mondays and Fridays and at 7 p.m. Thursdays at St. Mary of Lourdes in Mayville. Daily Mass is held at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Our Lady of Lourdes in Bemus Point. Consult the website for details: https://www.stmaryoflourdesrcparish.org

Chabad Jewish House 

No classes are held Thursday July 9. It is 17 Tamuz, a fast day.

Rabbi Zalman Vilenkin presents “Kabbalah and Meditation” from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. EDT Friday, July 10, via Zoom and YouTube. This class delves into the steps in the process of hitbonenut in the Jewish mystical tradition. The steps of Jewish meditation through history, beginning with the Biblical prophets to the Talmudic sages and Jewish mystics, are retraced. 

The Miriam Gurary Challah Baking Series continues this season from 12:15 to 1 p.m. EDT Friday, July 10, via Zoom and YouTube. Discover the meaning of Shabbat foods and rituals while making and braiding challah. 

To watch the classes streamed live, please visit www.cocweb.org. If you would like to join in the discussions and classes via Zoom, click here.

Shabbat candle lighting is 8:37 p.m. Friday, July 10. 

Hebrew Congregation 

With a bit of ingenuity, we are continuing our tradition of a Kabbalat Shabbat service at 5 p.m. EDT Friday, July 10, via Zoom. Cantorial Song Leader Susan Goldberg Schwartz will lead it from her home in Buffalo with a beautiful Chautauqua Lake scene in the background. Join us at 4:45 p.m EDT. for 15 minutes of meet and greet before the service begins. 

To register for the Kabbalat Shabbat service on Zoom click here before noon Thursday, July 9. 

Please download or obtain a prayer book before the service. For those who are at Chautauqua, you may borrow a copy of our prayer book from Arty Salz at 4 Ames (716-357-2001) to be returned at the end of your stay. For those not at Chautauqua, the prayer book is available here. The downloaded PDF file can be printed for your personal use. 

If you have not downloaded the prayer book in advance, click on the Chat icon in Zoom, and the link to the prayer book will be posted as a PDF file.

If you have a loved one having a yahrtzeit who you would like named in our service, or someone who should be named in our Mi Shebeirach – Prayer of Healing, send their names to Renee Andrews at reneebandrews@gmail.com. 

Mystic Heart Community Meditation

The mission of The Mystic Heart is to help participants discover and manifest peace, compassion, and kindness in themselves, in their relations with others, and in their communities.

Kim Hehr leads a session on Kundalini Yoga Meditation for Surrender at 8 a.m. EDT Thursday, July 9, on the Virtual Porch.

Muinuddin Charles Smith leads a session on Sufi Meditation and Purification with Elements at 1 p.m. EDT Thursday, July 9, on the Virtual Porch. 

Carol McKiernan leads a session on Centering Prayer, Meditation at 8 a.m. EDT Friday, July 10, on the Virtual Porch.

Michael O‘Sullivan leads a session on Korean Zen, Meditation at 1 p.m. EDT Friday, July 10, on the Virtual Porch.

Prayers for Peace through Compassion

For many years, every morning during the season from 8:55 to 9 a.m., Chautauquans gather in the Grove to pray for peace through compassion. In 2020, all Chautauquans around the world are invited to join together from wherever they are in silent prayer and reflection for five minutes.

Chautauqua Catholic Community

Daily Mass is held at 8 a.m. Mondays and Fridays and at 7 p.m. Thursdays at St. Mary of Lourdes in Mayville. Daily Mass is held at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Our Lady of Lourdes in Bemus Point. Consult the website for details: https://www.stmaryoflourdesrcparish.org

Chapel of the Good Shepherd

Since we cannot socialize in person this season, here is a serving of Social Tea to enjoy:

“He only earns his freedom and existence who daily conquers them anew.” — Goethe 

Hebrew Congregation

To register for the Kabbalat Shabbat service on Zoom, click here before noon Thursday, July

9.

Lutheran House 

The Lutheran House will host a brief, live 40-minute discussion of David Rohde’s lecture on CHQ Assembly from noon to 12:40 p.m. EDT Tuesday, July 7, via Zoom. Email schweinfurth22@gmail.com for an invitation.

Our social hour is at 4:30 p.m. EDT every Tuesday via Zoom. For an invitation, contact our hosts Sue and Jerry Keppel at lutheranhousehost@gmail.com.

Mystic Heart Community Meditation

The mission of The Mystic Heart is to help participants discover and manifest peace, compassion, and kindness in themselves, in their relations with others, and in their communities. 

Bob Zuiryu Moore leads a session on Soto Zen Meditation at 8 a.m. EDT Tuesday, July 7, on the Virtual Porch. 

Larry Terkel leads a session in the Judaism/Kabbalah tradition at 1 p.m. EDT Tuesday, July 7, on the Virtual Porch.

Subagh Khalsa leads a session on Sikh Dharma Meditation at 8 a.m. EDT Wednesday, July 8, on the Virtual Porch.

Eryl Kubicka leads a session on Japanese Zen Meditation at 1 p.m. EDT Wednesday, July 8, on the Virtual Porch.

Prayers for Peace through Compassion 

For many years, every morning during the season from 8:55 – 9 a.m., Chautauquans gather in the Grove to pray for peace through compassion. In 2020, all Chautauquans around the world are invited to join together from wherever they are in silent prayer and reflection for five minutes.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Chautauqua

A weekly “get together” for social connection, support, and to answer the inquiries and needs of the greater Chautauqua community is at 6 p.m. Wednesdays via Zoom. If you would like to attend, please email steveaschmann@hotmail.com.  

Women in Ministry

Women who are involved in ministry are welcome to attend our noon meeting every Wednesday via Zoom. Email janeedmccarthy@gmail.com by Tuesday evening to receive an invitation.

Abrahamic Program for Young Adults

APYA, founded 15 years ago, is designed to reflect the efforts and mission of the Department of Religion by teaching young adults at Chautauqua Institution about the shared heritage of the Abrahamic traditions. Programming has been suspended for the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will resume in 2021.

Baptist House

Located on the red brick walk in the heart of Chautauqua Institution, the Baptist House has been engaged in the hospitality ministry since 1887. Our house provides a comfortable haven to meet new friends, learn through conversations on covered porches, and share experiences and life lessons as we renew our spirit on these beautiful grounds. Our mission at the Baptist House is to offer a welcoming retreat for all to fellowship, worship, rejuvenate and minister to the needs of all visitors who enter our door. We eagerly anticipate gathering again in person next year!

Blessing and Healing Daily Service

The Service of Blessing and Healing, sponsored by the Department of Religion, had traditionally taken place from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. EDT weekdays in the Randell Chapel of the United Church of Christ Headquarters. These services will resume in the 2021 season.

Chautauqua Catholic Community

For the first time since our founding in 1985, we are unable to offer Masses, seminars, hospitality and housing on the grounds due to COVID-19.

Weekend Masses are held at 4 p.m. Saturdays at Our Lady of Lourdes in Bemus Point, and at 5:30 p.m. EDT Saturdays at St. Mary of Lourdes in Mayville. Sunday Masses are at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. EDT at Our Lady of Lourdes in Bemus Point, and 11:30 a.m. EDT at St. Mary of Lourdes in Mayville. Daily Mass is held at 8 a.m. Mondays and Fridays and at 7 p.m. EDT Thursdays at the Mayville church. Daily Mass is held at 9 a.m. EDT Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Bemus Point church. Consult the website for details: stmaryoflourdesrcparish.org

Chabad Jewish House

A full season of activities, including services and classes, has been planned by the Zigdon Chabad Jewish House, 23 Vincent. Visit cocweb.org for the schedule and information about logging into the services and classes.

Shabbat ends at 9:49 p.m. Saturday, July 4.

Rabbi Zalman Vilenkin presents “Maimonides – Principles of Faith” from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 6, via Zoom and YouTube. This class is not an exposition but rather an expedition into Judaism’s 13 principles of the faith.

To watch the classes streamed live please visit www.cocweb.org. If you would like to join in the discussion/class via Zoom, please email rabbi@cocweb.org for the meeting ID and password.

Chapel of the Good Shepherd

The featured chaplain this week is the Rev. Arianne Rice, rector of The Church of the Good Shepherd in Ruxton, Maryland. She is also a Certified Daring Way Facilitator, teacher and speaker using the work of Brené Brown. Rice provided the following reflection:

“Glory to God whose power working in us can do infinitely more than we could ask or imagine; glory to God from generation to generation through the church and in Christ Jesus. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

“I have prayed, preached and proclaimed this prayer for years,” Rice reflected. “And when I’m feeling excited and scared at the same time (i.e. vulnerable), it gives me strength. In this time of uncertainty, fear, challenging truths and daunting realities, I encourage all of us to pray it. To lean into our vulnerability and open our hearts, because that is where our courage lives. The courage to trust and follow the way of love, day by day.”

Chautauqua Dialogues

Chautauqua Dialogues was established as an opportunity for Chautauquans to have meaningful engagement and conversation within the context of the Chautauqua weekly theme in an informal and small-group setting. The Chautauqua denominational houses provide the venues for these weekly discussions. More than 80 facilitators have been trained by the dialogue team led by Roger Doebke and Lynn Stahl. The Dialogues will resume in the 2021 season.

Christian Science House

The Christian Science House and Chapel join the other denominational houses in not opening this year. After more than 50 years on Bestor Plaza, we look forward to serving Chautauquans next year at our Sunday and Wednesday church services and by providing a quiet place for prayer and reflection in our study room.

Disciples of Christ

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Chautauqua Institution has suspended in-person programming for the 2020 summer season. Therefore, our houses will not be open for summer 2020. We look forward to welcoming you to our houses during the 2021 season. 

Since 1874, we have been hosting guests in our two houses during the Chautauqua Institution summer season. With our new year-round Graybiel House, we now also offer a comfortable and welcoming venue for autumn, winter and spring retreats, workshops and meetings.

While we have a long association with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), we are also leaders in Chautauqua’s interfaith community, providing affordable lodging and a welcoming community for people of all faiths and all ages. 

ECOC

Friends of the Ecumenical Community of Chautauqua hope that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. 

The Ecumenical Community (ECOC) will not be open this year for guests. The manager and the registrar will be in residence completing paperwork and projects. We welcome friends to stop by with social distancing in mind.

We look forward to being together next summer on these sacred grounds — in the Shaw House, the Bird-Werner House, the Westervelt House and in our friendly community kitchens. In the meantime, please visit the ECOC website at ecoc-chautauqua.org for updates and ways to join together virtually this summer. 

Everett Jewish Life Center in Chautauqua

The Everett Jewish Life Center (EJLCC) facility is regrettably closed this summer. When we reopen, you’ll again enjoy our lecture series with presentations by distinguished scholars, a Jewish-themed film series, and a weekly Yiddish language conversation. 

Our facility offers outstanding bed-and-breakfast accommodations. For information regarding room reservations, please email us at RoomReservations@JewishCenterChautauqua.org. 

For additional information or questions, please email us at Admin@JewishCenterChautauqua.org. 

Keep healthy and safe. 

Food Pantry Donations

Hurlbut Church is accepting nonperishable food items for the Ashville Food Pantry. Donations may be dropped off at any time at the Scott entrance of Hurlbut Church.

Hebrew Congregation

The Hebrew Congregation of Chautauqua has served the Jewish community and folks from other faiths with worship, education and socialization since 1960. Consult Tuesday’s Interfaith News column for details on accessing this week’s Shabbat service at 5 p.m. EDT Friday, July 10.

A new book, Shalom Chautauqua: The Hebrew Congregation and the Jewish Presence, by Betty and Arty Salz, is hot off the press and available at the Chautauqua Bookstore. For any additional information, please contact congregation president Larry Cohen at lcohen@satx.rr.com.

Hurlbut Memorial Community Church

Let Hurlbut Memorial Community United Methodist Church be your summer presence for summer worship on the Chautauqua grounds.

In-person services will begin on July 12. Until that time, the Rev. Carmen Perry’s sermons are accessible here. 

International Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons

The International Order of The King’s Daughters and Sons’ (IOKDS) mission has included serving young adults in their spiritual development at Chautauqua Institution since 1920. Our newest program is the Learn and Discern college internship. With Chautauqua’s closure due to COVID-19 this season, we quickly pivoted to a virtual internship format. After sharing our syllabus with college officials at Houghton College, Valparaiso University and St. Bonaventure University, our interns will receive college credit for the virtual experience. Students have accepted the unpaid internships for brand marketing, social media communication, faith-based programming, and donor relationships. Upon successful completion of their internships, students may apply for an IOKDS scholarship here.

Islamic Community

Jum’ah, the Friday Muslim communal prayer, has traditionally been held every Friday in the Hall of Christ. This service will resume in the 2021 season. The Jum’ah service, which has been open to all, combines the traditional elements of the Muslim worship experience with the opportunity to engage the Muslim coordinator for the Abrahamic Program for Young Adults with questions to further understanding about Islam. The instructional portion begins at 12:30 p.m. EDT. The Jum’ah prayer handout is available in both Arabic and English transliteration, with detailed explanations for those who wish to join in prayer or understanding.

Labyrinth 

In previous seasons, Chautauquans have had an opportunity to learn about and walk the Labyrinth, located next to Turner Community Center just north of the parking lot. Although the Labyrinth is open for quiet meditation, Norma and Wally Rees will resume their Department of Religion-sponsored orientation — which includes a brief history of the uses of the Labyrinth — in the 2021 season.

Lutheran House

While the Lutheran House is closed for in-person hosting and programming this season, we are actively sponsoring virtual programs to our guests and the Chautauqua community for the 2020 season. 

To register for a post-lecture dialogue via Zoom at noon EDT Tuesday, July 7, contact schweinfurth22@gmail.com. 

The Lutheran House hosts are sponsoring a social hour at 4:30 p.m. EDT. every Tuesday via Zoom. For an invitation, contact our hosts Sue and Jerry Keppel at lutheranhousehost@gmail.com. 

Mystic Heart Community Meditation

The mission of The Mystic Heart is to help participants discover and manifest peace, compassion, and kindness in themselves, in their relations with others, and in their communities.

The program continues this year with a series of 90 free pre-recorded meditation sessions led by faculty from a variety of religious, spiritual and wisdom traditions. The sessions premiere at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. EDT each weekday on the Virtual Porch and are archived for later use.

David Gluck leads a session on Hindu Based Meditation at 8 a.m. EDT Monday, July 6. 

Michael O’Sullivan leads a session on Korean Zen Meditation at 1 p.m. EDT Monday, July 6.  

Prayers for Peace through Compassion

For many years, every morning during the season from 8:55 – 9 a.m. EDT, Chautauquans gather in the Grove to pray for peace through compassion. In 2020, all Chautauquans around the world are invited to join together from wherever they are in silent prayer and reflection for five minutes.

Presbyterian Association

The Presbyterian Association is closed for the 2020 season. We look forward and hope we will be open and welcoming of guests in 2021. 

The Presbyterian Association is both a house and a community. Our history began in 1883 to welcome Presbyterians to Chautauqua and house missionaries for summer programs. The Presbyterian Association includes all persons and provides excellent weekly accommodations and meals at prices made affordable by generous donors.

Creating a Presbyterian presence through worship, study and hospitality, the Presbyterian Association shares our beautiful and functional facility, contributes financially to Chautauqua Institution and the surrounding community, and works in cooperation with other denominational houses and religious communities.

For more information, please visit https://presbychq.org/

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)

The Chautauqua Friends Meeting (Quakers) will not be holding Meeting for Worship or programs during the 2020 season. We are focusing on our plans for the 2021 season when we will be welcoming our first full-season Friend-in-Residence who will attend programs, be available for discussions, and create activities as needed. We will also welcome the director of the Friends Center for Racial Justice in Ithaca for a full week during the season.

Friends (Quakers) have been at Chautauqua since its earliest years. The largest gathering, estimated at 1,000, occurred during the 1900 season with the founding of Friends General Conference, an association of regional Quaker communities in the U.S. and Canada. For many decades, Friends worshipped in the Octagon Building, but in 2019 needed to relocate, as the building returned to its original use as a home for the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. In response to the need, the Unitarian Universalists made their house available to Quakers at 9:30 a.m. EDT each Sunday, enabling us to continue welcoming all to worship with us in the manner of Friends.

In 2020, we have begun to look for a permanent home to purchase on the grounds. Such a home might be only large enough to hold our Sunday morning service, or it might be large enough to house a few people as well. We look forward to updating our denominational friends in 2021.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Chautauqua

Unitarian Universalists have a legacy of “deeds not creeds.” Our work for a better world calls us to harness love’s power to stop oppression. From grassroots community organizing, to interfaith state, national and corporate advocacy; in protest marches, prayer vigils and press conferences; in homeless shelters and in prisons, Unitarian Universalists put our faith into action.

Our justice efforts are grounded in our congregationally driven social justice statements and our call to break down divisions, heal isolation, and honor the interconnectedness of all life and all justice issues. At Chautauqua we model these commitments by creating a just, welcoming and inclusive congregation. We act in partnership with groups at Chautauqua, including the LGBTQ and Friends Community, The Collaborative Union, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and the African American Heritage House, to bring attention to the issues of diversity, equality and inclusiveness through our Sunday Services, our Ethics Week Lectures and our contribution of funding to each organization. 

The LGBTQ and Friends Community at Chautauqua have canceled all activities this season in keeping with the limitations on public gatherings during the pandemic. For information about activities for the 2021 season, including our speaker sponsorships and community events, visit lgbtq-chq.com. To receive our newsletters, sign up on our website. 

The Chautauqua PFLAG Chapter expanded beyond the Institution about a year ago. Now, in addition to its weekly meetings at the Unitarian Universalist House during the Chautauqua season, PFLAG also meets monthly during the off-season at the Patterson Library in Westfield. Since the Institution is curtailing the summer programming, PFLAG is hosting a weekly “get together” for social connection, support and to answer the inquiries and needs of the greater Chautauqua community at 6:30 p.m. EDT Wednesdays via Zoom. PFLAG’s official monthly meeting is at 6:30 p.m. EDT on the last Wednesday of every month via Zoom. If you would like to attend, please email Steve Aschmann at steveaschmann@hotmail.com. For more info, call 814-440-0902 or consult our Facebook page.

United Church of Christ

We greatly regret that all three buildings of the UCC Society will be closed throughout this summer. For further information, go to our website: cuccs.org 

We look forward to welcoming you back next summer. Stay safe and healthy. 

United Methodist

The United Methodist House was built in 1888 by the founders of the Chautauqua Assembly. Methodist Episcopal Bishop John Heyl Vincent and Lewis Miller, a philanthropist and member of the Board of Trustees, accepted a bid of $3,800 to erect a headquarters building. Amazingly, the construction was completed in 90 days and ready for the 1888 Assembly. In the early days, it housed meeting rooms, a ladies parlor, a library and public toilets.

The United Methodist House today is a year-round center. In the summer months, rooms are rented by the week. Once the Chautauqua summer season has ended, the house is rented by groups for retreats, family reunions, craft gatherings, etc. More information is available on our website, umhouse.com, and Facebook: United Methodist House – Chautauqua Institution.

While we are sorry and sad to not be there to greet visitors this summer, all are welcome and encouraged to visit the porch in 2021, when we can enjoy the wicker rockers, have something cool to drink, meet with old friends and make new ones, or just sit and watch the constant stream of interesting folks who stroll by the house. Until then, stay safe and count your blessings!

Unity of Chautauqua

This summer, Unity will explore “Trusting the Process of Change Using Life’s Changes for Spiritual Awakening” during the 9:15 a.m. EDT Sunday meetings via Zoom. Topics addressed are:

•   Understanding the nature of change and the dynamics of the transition process.
•   Discovering deeper meaning in the disturbing and unsettling events in our individual lives and in the world.
•     Navigating life’s changes and challenges using the Biblical Exodus story.
•     Bringing forth our “best” selves as we allow a greater Reality to direct our lives.

The Rev. Barbara Williams’ topic at 9:15 a.m. EDT Sunday, July 5, via Zoom is Rites of Passage. “Transition may be uncomfortable yet is always meaningful,” Williams said. “It’s an opportunity for a breakthrough into a new life.”  

For more information about Unity of Chautauqua and how to access the Zoom meeting, visit unitychq.org.

Chautauqua Catholic Community

Daily Mass is held at 8 a.m. Mondays and Fridays and at 7 p.m. Thursdays at St. Mary of Lourdes in Mayville. Daily Mass is held at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at St. Mary of Lourdes in Bemus Point. Consult the website for details: https://www.stmaryoflourdesrcparish.org

Chabad Jewish House 

Rabbi Zalman Vilenkin presents “Talmudic Everyday Ethics” from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 2, via Zoom and YouTube. These discussions focus on everyday ethical issues and use the Talmud and other Jewish sources as a guide.

Vilenkin presents “Kabbalah and Meditation” from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 3, via Zoom and YouTube. This class delves into the steps in the process of hitbonenut in the Jewish mystical tradition. The steps of Jewish meditation through history beginning with the Biblical prophets to the Talmudic sages and Jewish mystics are retraced. 

The Miriam Gurary Challah Baking Series continues this season from 12:15 to 1 p.m. Friday, July 3, via Zoom and YouTube. Discover the meaning of Shabbat foods and rituals while making and braiding challah. 

To watch the classes streamed live, please visit www.cocweb.org. If you would like to join in the discussions and classes via Zoom, please email rabbi@cocweb.org for the meeting ID and password.

Shabbat candle lighting is 8:39 p.m. Friday, July 3.  

Hebrew Congregation 

With a bit of ingenuity, we are continuing our tradition of a Kabbalat Shabbat service at 5 p.m. Friday, July, 3 via Zoom. Cantorial Song Leader Susan Goldberg Schwartz will lead it from her home in Buffalo with a beautiful Chautauqua Lake scene in the background. Join us at 4:45 p.m. for 15 minutes of meet and greet before the service begins. 

To register for the Kabbalat Shabbat service on Zoom click here before noon Thursday, July 2. 

Please download or obtain a prayer book before the service. For those who are at Chautauqua, you may borrow a copy of our prayer book from Arty Salz at 4 Ames (716-357-2001) to be returned at the end of your stay. For those not at Chautauqua, the prayer book is available here. The downloaded PDF file can be printed for your personal use. 

If you have not downloaded the prayer book in advance, click on the Chat icon in Zoom, and the link to the prayer book will be posted as a PDF file.

If you have a loved one having a yahrtzeit that you would like named in our service or someone who should be named in our Mi Shebeirach – Prayer of Healing, send their names to Renee Andrews at reneebandrews@gmail.com. 

Mystic Heart Community Meditation

The mission of The Mystic Heart is to help participants discover and manifest peace, compassion, and kindness in themselves, in their relations with others, and in their communities.

Rebecca Cole Turner leads a session on Christian Meditation at 8 a.m. Thursday, July 2, on the Virtual Porch.

Bob Zuiryu Moore leads a session on Zen Meditation at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 2, on the Virtual Porch.

Jim Leff leads a session on the Introduction to Sufi Meditation and Breath at 8 a.m. Friday, July 3, on the Virtual Porch.

Kim Hehr leads a session on Kundalini Yoga Meditation for Balance at 1 p.m. Friday, July 3, on the Virtual Porch.

Prayers for Peace through Compassion

For many years, every morning during the season from 8:55 to 9 a.m., Chautauquans gather in the Grove to pray for peace through compassion. In 2020, all Chautauquans around the world are invited to join together from wherever they are in silent prayer and reflection for five minutes.

Chautauqua Catholic Community

Daily Mass is held at 8 a.m. Mondays and Fridays and at 7 p.m. Thursdays at St. Mary of Lourdes in Mayville. Daily Mass is held at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at St. Mary of Lourdes in Bemus Point. Consult the website for details: https://www.stmaryoflourdesrcparish.org

Chapel of the Good Shepherd

Since we cannot socialize in person this season, here is a serving of Social Tea to enjoy:

Recipe for a Happy Day

A heart full of thankfulness.

A thimble of care.

A soul of simple hopefulness.

An early morning prayer.

A smile to greet the morning with.

A kind word as a key

To open the door and greet the day,

Whatever it brings to thee.

A patient trust in providence

To sweeten all the way.

All these combined with thoughtfulness

Will make a happy day. 

Hebrew Congregation

To preregister for this week’s Kabbalat Shabbat service at 5 p.m. Friday, July 3, via Zoom, email lenkatz186@aol.com by noon Thursday, July 2.

Lutheran House 

The Lutheran House hosts a brief, live 40-minute discussion of Janis Searles Jones’ lecture on CHQ Assembly, “The Ocean and the Climate: How to Save Both” from noon to 12:40 p.m. EDT Tuesday, June 30, via Zoom. Email schweinfurth22@gmail.com if you would like an invitation.

Our social hour is at 4:30 p.m. EDT every Tuesday via Zoom. For an invitation, contact our hosts Sue and Jerry Keppel at lutheranhousehost@gmail.com.

Mystic Heart Community Meditation

The mission of The Mystic Heart is to help participants discover and manifest peace, compassion, and kindness in themselves, in their relations with others, and in their communities.

Kainat-Felicia Norton leads a session on Sufi Meditation at 8 a.m. EDT Tuesday, June 30, on the Virtual Porch.

Carol McKiernan leads a session on Centering Prayer Meditation at 1 p.m. EDT Tuesday, June 30, on the Virtual Porch.

Larry Terkel leads a session in the Judaism/Kabbalah tradition at 8 a.m. EDT Wednesday, July 1, on the Virtual Porch.

Michael O’Sullivan leads a session on Korean Zen Meditation at 1 p.m. EDT Wednesday, July 1, on the Virtual Porch.

Prayers for Peace through Compassion 

For many years, every morning during the season from 8:55 – 9 a.m., Chautauquans gather in the Grove to pray for peace through compassion. In 2020, all Chautauquans around the world are invited to join together from wherever they are in silent prayer and reflection for five minutes.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Chautauqua

A weekly “get together” for social connection, support, and to answer the inquiries and needs of the greater Chautauqua community is at 6 p.m. Wednesdays via Zoom. If you would like to attend, please email steveaschmann@hotmail.com.  

Women in Ministry

Women who are involved in ministry are welcome to attend our noon meeting every Wednesday via Zoom. Email janeedmccarthy@gmail.com by Tuesday evening to receive an invitation.

Abrahamic Program for Young Adults

APYA, founded 15 years ago, is designed to reflect the efforts and mission of the Department of Religion by teaching young adults at Chautauqua Institution about the shared heritage of the Abrahamic traditions. Programming has been suspended for the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will resume in 2021.

Baptist House

Located on the red brick walk in the heart of Chautauqua Institution, the Baptist House has been engaged in the hospitality ministry since 1887. Our house provides a comfortable haven to meet new friends, learn through conversations on covered porches, share experiences and life lessons as we renew our spirit on these beautiful grounds. Our mission at the Baptist House is to offer a welcoming retreat for all to fellowship, worship, rejuvenate and minister to the needs of all visitors who enter our door. We eagerly anticipate gathering again in person next year!

Blessing and Healing Daily Service

The Service of Blessing and Healing, sponsored by the Department of Religion, had traditionally taken place from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. EDT weekdays in the Randell Chapel of the United Church of Christ Headquarters. These services will resume in the 2021 season.

Chautauqua Catholic Community

For the first time since our founding in 1985, we are unable to offer Masses, seminars, hospitality and housing on the grounds due to COVID-19.

Weekend Masses are held at 4 p.m. Saturdays at St. Mary of Lourdes in Bemus Point, and at 5:30 p.m. EDT Saturdays at St. Mary of Lourdes in Mayville. Sunday Masses are at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. EDT at St. Mary of Lourdes in Bemus Point, and 11:30 a.m. EDT at St. Mary of Lourdes in Mayville. Daily Mass is held at 8 a.m. Mondays and Fridays and at 7 p.m. EDT Thursdays at the Mayville church. Daily Mass is held at 9 a.m. EDT Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Bemus Point church. Consult the website for details: https://www.stmaryoflourdesrcparish.org

Chabad Jewish House

A full season of activities, including services and classes, has been planned by the Zigdon Chabad Jewish House, 23 Vincent. Visit www.cocweb.org for the schedule and information about logging into the services and classes.

Shabbat ends at 9:51 p.m. EDT.

Chapel of the Good Shepherd

Our chaplain for Week One of the 2021 season will be the Rev. Eric Williams, rector of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, Minnesota. Williams provided this reflection on the Trinity for our time: “The somewhat arcane theological debates over the Trinity can seem very distant to modern pragmatic Christians. But there is a deep connection between our spirituality, theology, and practical living. Just as praying shapes believing, so believing shapes living. The Trinity gives us an image of God as perfect, loving, mutual community. And because we are created in the image of that community, we long for and work towards that standard of love in ourselves and in our world. In this moment of COVID-19 and protests over systemic racism, may we strive to reflect more deeply the love of the Trinity.”

Chautauqua Dialogues

Chautauqua Dialogues was established as an opportunity for Chautauquans to have meaningful engagement and conversation within the context of the Chautauqua weekly theme in an informal and small group setting. The Chautauqua denominational houses provide the venues for these weekly discussions. More than 80 facilitators have been trained by the dialogue team led by Roger Doebke and Lynn Stahl. The Dialogues will resume in the 2021 season.

Christian Science House

The Christian Science House and Chapel join the other denominational houses in not opening this year. After more than 50 years on Bestor Plaza, we look forward to serving Chautauquans next year at our Sunday and Wednesday church services and by providing a quiet place for prayer and reflection in our study room.

Disciples of Christ

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Chautauqua Institution has suspended in-person programming for the 2020 summer season. Therefore, our houses will not be open for summer 2020. We look forward to welcoming you to our houses during the 2021 season. 

Since 1874, we have been hosting guests in our two houses during the Chautauqua Institution summer season. With our new year-round Graybiel House, we now also offer a comfortable and welcoming venue for autumn, winter and spring retreats, workshops and meetings.

While we have a long association with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), we are also leaders in Chautauqua’s interfaith community, providing affordable lodging and a welcoming community for people of all faiths and all ages. 

ECOC

Friends of the Ecumenical Community of Chautauqua hope that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. 

The Ecumenical Community (ECOC) will not be open this year for guests. The manager and the registrar will be in residence doing paperwork and projects. We welcome friends to stop by with social distancing in mind.

We look forward to being together next summer on these sacred grounds — in the Shaw House, the Bird-Werner House, the Westervelt House and in our friendly community kitchens. In the meantime, please visit the ECOC website at www.ecoc-chautauqua.org for updates and ways to join together virtually this summer. 

Everett Jewish Life Center in Chautauqua

The Everett Jewish Life Center (EJLCC) facility is regrettably closed this summer. When we reopen, you’ll again enjoy our lecture series with presentations by distinguished scholars, a Jewish-themed film series, and a weekly Yiddish language conversation. 

Our facility offers outstanding bed-and-breakfast accommodations. For information regarding room reservations, please email us at RoomReservations@JewishCenterChautauqua.org

For additional information or questions, please email us at Admin@JewishCenterChautauqua.org

Keep healthy and safe. 

Food Pantry Donations

Hurlbut Church is accepting nonperishable food items for the Ashville Food Pantry. Donations may be dropped off at any time at the Scott entrance of Hurlbut Church.

Hebrew Congregation

Welcome to the Hebrew Congregation of Chautauqua, which since 1960 has served the Jewish community and folks from other faiths with worship, education and socialization.

To preregister for this week’s Kabbalat Shabbat service at 5 p.m. EDT Friday, July 3, email lenkatz186@aol.com by noon EDT Thursday, July 2.

A new book, Shalom Chautauqua: The Hebrew Congregation and the Jewish Presence, by Betty and Arty Salz, is hot off the press and in the Chautauqua Bookstore. For any additional information, please contact congregation president Larry Cohen at lcohen@satx.rr.com.

Hurlbut Memorial Community Church

Let Hurlbut Memorial Community United Methodist Church be your summer presence for summer worship on the Chautauqua grounds.

In-person services will begin on July 12. Until that time, the Rev. Carmen Perry’s sermons are accessible here. 

International Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons

The International Order of The King’s Daughters and Sons’ (IOKDS) mission has included serving young adults in their spiritual development at Chautauqua Institution since 1920. Our newest program is the Learn and Discern college internship. With Chautauqua’s closure due to COVID-19 this season, we quickly pivoted to a virtual internship format. After sharing our syllabus with college officials at Houghton College, Valparaiso University and St. Bonaventure University, our interns will receive college credit for the virtual experience. Students have accepted the unpaid internships for brand marketing, social media communication, faith-based programming, and donor relationships. Upon successful completion of their internships, students may apply for an IOKDS scholarship here.

Islamic Community

Jum’ah, the Friday Muslim communal prayer, has traditionally been held every Friday in the Hall of Christ. This service will resume in the 2021 season. The Jum’ah service, which has been open to all, combines the traditional elements of the Muslim worship experience with the opportunity to engage the Muslim coordinator for the Abrahamic Program for Young Adults with questions to further understanding about Islam. The instructional portion begins at 12:30 p.m. EDT The Jum’ah prayer handout is available in both Arabic and English transliteration, with detailed explanations for those who wish to join in prayer or understanding.

Labyrinth 

In previous seasons, Chautauquans have had an opportunity to learn about and walk the Labyrinth, located next to Turner Community Center just north of the parking lot. Although the Labyrinth is open for quiet meditation, Norma and Wally Rees will resume their Department of Religion-sponsored orientation — which includes a brief history of the uses of the Labyrinth — in the 2021 season.

Lutheran House

While the Lutheran House is closed for in-person hosting and programming this season, we are actively sponsoring virtual programs to our guests and the Chautauqua community for the 2020 season. 

To register for a post-lecture dialogue via Zoom at noon Tuesday, June 30, contact schweinfurth22@gmail.com. 

The Lutheran House hosts are sponsoring a social hour at 4:30 p.m EDT. every Tuesday via Zoom. For an invitation, contact our hosts Sue and Jerry Keppel at lutheranhousehost@gmail.com

Mystic Heart Community Meditation

The mission of The Mystic Heart is to help participants discover and manifest peace, compassion, and kindness in themselves, in their relations with others, and in their communities.

The program continues this year with a series of 90 free pre-recorded meditation sessions led by faculty from a variety of religious, spiritual and wisdom traditions. The sessions premiere on the Virtual Porch each weekday at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. EDT and are archived for later use.

Subagh Khalsa leads a session in the Sikh Dharma tradition at 8 a.m. EDT Monday, June 29.

Wayman Kubicka leads a session on Japanese Zen Meditation at 1 p.m. EDT Monday, June 29.

Prayers for Peace through Compassion

For many years, every morning during the season from 8:55 – 9 a.m. EDT, Chautauquans gather in the Grove to pray for peace through compassion. In 2020, all Chautauquans around the world are invited to join together from wherever they are in silent prayer and reflection for five minutes.

Presbyterian Association

The Presbyterian Association is closed for the 2020 season. We look forward and hope we will be open and welcoming of guests in 2021. The Presbyterian Association is both a house and a community.

Our history began in 1883 to welcome Presbyterians to Chautauqua and house missionaries for summer programs. The Presbyterian Association includes all persons and provides excellent weekly accommodations and meals at prices made affordable by generous donors.

Creating a Presbyterian presence through worship, study and hospitality, the Presbyterian Association shares our beautiful and functional facility, contributes financially to Chautauqua Institution and the surrounding community, and works in cooperation with other denominational houses and religious communities.

For more information, please visit https://presbychq.org/

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)

The Chautauqua Friends Meeting (Quakers) will not be holding Meeting for Worship or programs during the 2020 season. We are focusing on our plans for the 2021 season when we will be welcoming our first full-season Friend-in-Residence who will attend programs, be available for discussions, and create activities as needed. We will also welcome the director of the Friends Center for Racial Justice in Ithaca for a full week during the season.

Friends (Quakers) have been at Chautauqua since its earliest years. The largest gathering, estimated at 1,000, occurred during the 1900 season with the founding of Friends General Conference, an association of regional Quaker communities in the U.S. and Canada. For many decades, Friends worshipped in the Octagon Building, but in 2019 needed to relocate, as the building returned to its original use as a home for the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. In response to the need, the Unitarian Universalists made their house available to Quakers at 9:30 a.m. EDT each Sunday, enabling us to continue welcoming all to worship with us in the manner of Friends.

In 2020, we have begun to look for a permanent home to purchase on the grounds. Such a home might be only large enough to hold our Sunday morning service, or it might be large enough to house a few people as well. We look forward to updating our denominational friends in 2021.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Chautauqua

Unitarian Universalists have a legacy of “deeds not creeds.” Our work for a better world calls us to harness love’s power to stop oppression. From grassroots community organizing, to interfaith state, national and corporate advocacy; in protest marches, prayer vigils and press conferences; in homeless shelters and in prisons, Unitarian Universalists put our faith into action.

Our justice efforts are grounded in our congregationally driven social justice statements and our call to break down divisions, heal isolation, and honor the interconnectedness of all life and all justice issues. At Chautauqua we model these commitments by creating a just, welcoming and inclusive congregation. We act in partnership with groups at Chautauqua, including the LGBTQ and Friends Community, The Collaborative Union, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and the African American Heritage House, to bring attention to the issues of diversity, equality and inclusiveness through our Sunday Services, our Ethics Week Lectures and our contribution of funding to each organization. 

The LGBTQ and Friends Community at Chautauqua have canceled all activities this season in keeping with the limitations on public gatherings during the pandemic. For information about activities for the 2021 season, including our speaker sponsorships and community events, visit lgbtq-chq.com. To receive our newsletters, sign up on our website. 

The Chautauqua PFLAG Chapter expanded beyond the Institution about a year ago. Now, in addition to its weekly meetings at the Unitarian Universalist House during the Chautauqua season, PFLAG also meets monthly during the off-season at the Patterson Library in Westfield. Since the Institution is curtailing the summer programming, PFLAG is hosting a weekly “get together” for social connection, support and to answer the inquiries and needs of the greater Chautauqua community at 6:30 p.m. EDT Wednesdays via Zoom, starting Wednesday, July 1. PFLAG’s official monthly meeting is at 6:30 p.m. EDT on the last Wednesday of every month via Zoom. If you would like to attend, please email Steve Aschmann at steveaschmann@hotmail.com. For more info, call 814-440-0902 or consult our Facebook page.

United Church of Christ

We greatly regret that all three buildings of the UCC Society will be closed throughout this summer. For further information, go to our website: cuccs.org 

We look forward to welcoming you back next summer. Stay safe and healthy. 

United Methodist

The United Methodist House was built in 1888 by the founders of the Chautauqua Assembly (1884). Methodist Episcopal Bishop John Heyl Vincent and Lewis Miller, a philanthropist and member of the Board of Trustees, accepted a bid of $3,800 to erect a headquarters building. Amazingly, the construction was completed in 90 days and ready for the 1888 Assembly. In the early days, it housed meeting rooms, a ladies parlor, a library and public toilets.

The United Methodist House today is a year-round center. In the summer months, rooms are rented by the week. Once the Chautauqua summer season has ended, the house is rented by groups for retreats, family reunions, craft gatherings, etc. More information is available on our website, www.umhouse.com, and Facebook: United Methodist House – Chautauqua Institution.

While we are sorry and sad to not be there to greet visitors this summer, all are welcome and encouraged to visit the porch in 2021, when we can enjoy the wicker rockers, have something cool to drink, meet with old friends and make new ones, or just sit and watch the constant stream of interesting folks who stroll by the house. Until then, stay safe and count your blessings!

Unity of Chautauqua

This summer, Unity will explore “Trusting the Process of Change Using Life’s Changes for Spiritual Awakening” during the 9:15 a.m. EDT Sunday meetings via Zoom. Topics addressed are:

• Understanding the nature of change and the dynamics of the transition process.
• Discovering deeper meaning in the disturbing and unsettling events in our individual lives and in the world.
• Navigating life’s changes and challenges using the Biblical Exodus story.
• Bringing forth our “best” selves as we allow a greater Reality to direct our lives.

The Rev. Barbara William’s topic at 9:15 a.m. EDT Sunday, June 28, is “The Paradox of Change” as she examines Robert Brumet’s quote: “To live is to grow; to grow is to change; to change is to die to the old.”

For more information about Unity of Chautauqua and how to access the Zoom meeting, visit www.unitychq.org.