Natick February 2016

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Vol. 1 No. 4

February 2016

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A Place of Hope for Lasting Change

Participants “talk race” in the Circle of Peace. [Photo: courtesy of Amy Mevorach]

By Via Perkins, Contributing Writer For the past four years, the Common Street Spiritual Center has been at the core of faith life in Natick. The Center’s uncommon blend of religious experience, arts and culture and emphasis on diversity make it a sanctuary for residents who are looking for a fresh and welcoming church ex-

perience, rooted in Christian faith and practice. Common Street is led by husband-and-wife team Ian and Amy Mevorach, who were inspired to create a distinctive faith community from a work opportunity. In 2012, Ian Mevorach was hired to develop a new congregation at 13 Common St., in the space that once held the First Baptist Church.

The elements that set Common Street apart stem largely from the Mevorachs’ backgrounds. Ian Mevorach had a unique upbringing in an interfaith family, and grew up learning about his Jewish and Catholic heritages. The couple was influenced by a variety of spiritual leaders and ideals, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s concept of the “beloved community.” In an era where churches are sometimes criticized for being close-minded and exclusive, Common Street seeks to build bridges between individuals and groups. The Center chooses to be “noncreedal,” which allows members and visitors to come to understand and express their faith in their own personal ways.

Connecting Beyond the Labels “If you want to exclude people, there are plenty of religious orga-

A PLACE OF HOPE

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New in Town? Come on Down! By Renee Plant, Contributing Writer The Natick CommunitySenior Center, 117 East Central St., will be hosting a new program this month to welcome residents in town. The “Welcome to Natick” interactive program will be led by longtime residents of town who will offer information about Natick’s unique history, resources and neighborhoods. The first session will be held on Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. to noon; the second, on Feb. 10 from 7 to 8 p.m. Sharon Kirby, program and events coordinator at the Natick Community-Senior Center, said she hopes the program will help newcomers get better acquainted with their

surroundings and neighbors. “We want to provide a welcoming face for people and let them know there are facilities in town to use,” Kirby said. “We will offer handouts of all town programs. Our goal is to revitalize the old ‘welcome wagon’ feeling and give [new residents] a foundation for understanding Natick.” This idea for the program was brought about by Natick resident and longtime community volunteer Jeanette, who will be one of the presenters for the first session. “This idea of welcoming people to town is important to me,” Szretter said. “With so many new people coming in, this seemed like the perfect

NEW IN TOWN?

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