Andover's Temple Emanuel, South Church To Have Annual Pulpit Exchange

ANDOVER, MA — Temple Emanuel and South Church, both of Andover, have announced details of their upcoming pulpit exchange, a program that will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

At 10 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29, Temple Emanuel's Rabbi Max Chaiken will deliver the sermon at South Church, located at 41 Central St. All are invited to attend.

The pulpit exchange has taken place since 1993, with a reverend from the church preaching at the temple one year, and a rabbi preaching at the church the next. Last year, South Church's Reverend Dana Allen Walsh was welcomed to Temple Emanuel.

According to Temple Emanuel, Chaiken's sermon will be about the values shared by Jews and Christians. Music at the service will include "I Lift My Voice," performed by Soul Sisters and the South Church Sanctuary Choir.

"I am looking forward to delivering the sermon at this popular 30-year religious tradition, bringing together two Andover congregations in harmony," Chaiken said. "With so much uncertainty in our world, what a wonderful way to show unity by coming together on a Sunday morning and reconnecting with our interfaith partners."

Temple Emanuel, which is located at 7 Haggetts Pond Rd., was founded over 100 years ago. South Church is over 300 years old and is affiliated with the United Church of Christ.

"I've found great joy and support in the collegial friendship with Rabbi Max Chaiken, and I am filled with hope each year as this pulpit swap creates an annual opportunity to build connections, learn together and celebrate that there is more that unifies than separates us," said Allen Walsh, who is the senior pastor at South Church.