Church notes

Pancake breakfast at Rowley church

First Congregational Church of Rowley at 175 Main St. (Route 1A) is holding a pancake breakfast today from 8 to 9:30 a.m. The menu will include pancakes, an assortment of toppings, bacon, turkey sausage, juice, coffee and tea. Gluten-free pancakes will be available upon request. Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and children.

Bundle Sunday at IC this weekend

Bundle up your old clothes and bring them to church. A big truck from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be parked between the Immaculate Conception Church and the school today and tomorrow. Volunteers will be available before and after all the Masses to help put the clothing bundles in the truck and to provide receipts for the donations. Please limit donations to clothing and shoes of any size, color and condition. No toys, household items or furniture can be accepted at Bundle Sunday. All of the clothing donations will be brought to Stoughton to be sorted and used to help people in need.

St. Paul’s Blessing of the Animals

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Newburyport will hold its Blessing of the Animals tomorrow at 10:15 a.m. All pets, great and small, are invited to join in the special service. At the 8 a.m. service, worshippers are invited to bring a picture or memento of their pets for a blessing. The early blessing will be a pet-free service in case of allergies.

Activities at Merrimacport UMC

Christianity and World Religions study on Monday at 7 p.m. and on first, third and fifth Mondays through Dec. 3 at the Merrimac United Methodist Church. Through this DVD-based study by Adam Hamilton, the major world religions will be discussed: Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism and Christianity. Newcomers welcome.

Merrimacport Youth Superbowl: Youth stay up all night beginning Friday, Nov. 16, through Saturday morning. The group will be leaving from Merrimac and attending the event in Providence, R.I. The evening begins with a hockey game, followed by Christian speaker and games on the ice until midnight. Then groups go to different venues through morning such as bowling, roller skating and climbing. All youth welcome in grades 6 to 12. Newcomers welcome.

Kids Live Big children’s ministry tomorrow at 11 a.m. during worship. Children learn about and experience God’s love through games, media, crafts and discussion. All children pre-K through sixth grade are welcome.

The church is located at 39 High St. (corner of River Road) in Merrimac. For more information, call 978-346-8989 or www.MerrimacportUMC.org.

Flatbread pizza benefit Tuesday

An evening at Flatbread pizza to benefit the Union Congregational Church Restoration Alliance will be held Tuesday from 5 to 9 p.m. Flatbread will donate $3.50 for each large pizza and $1.75 for each small pizza sold during the evening. (Benefit does not apply to salads, drinks or desserts). No time for a sit-down dinner? You can still contribute to the preservation efforts by ordering take-out. Flatbread is located at 5 Market Square, Amesbury, 978-834-9800.

Congregation Ahavas Achim events

Congregation Ahavas Achim, 53 1/2 Washington St., Newburyport, offers the following services and events:

Shabbat services every Saturday morning at 9 a.m.

Oct. 17 – Rosh Chodesh service, 6:45 a.m.

Oct. 19 – Friday Night Lights, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 21 – Challah making at Zac and Ani’s Bakery, 10 a.m.; Movie night, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 – Adult Education, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 28 – New member brunch at Sheryl Blair’s house, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 31 – Adult Education, 7:30 p.m.

Quartet For-Te to perform at St. Paul’s

On Friday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m., Quartet For-Te, the string quartet in residence at Endicott College, will be performing at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 166 High St., Newburyport. The fall festival will include Mozart’s “The Hunt” and Mendelssohn’s String Quartet in D major. Local Newburyport resident Loren Lee will be performing on violin joined by Caroline Lieber, violin, Dayla Stoerzbach, viola, and John Bumstead, cello.

There is no charge to attend the performance. A free offering will be taken and all proceeds from the 7:30 p.m. concert will benefit the church.

Church plans Harvest Fall Fair

A Harvest Fall Fair will be held Friday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 20, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Georgetown Congregational Church, 7 Andover St. There will be local crafters, baked good, White Elephant, raffles and entertainment. Special events include Lobster Lunch, Mother & Daughter Tea and Turkey Dinner. For detail about the Golf Outing, call the church office at 978-352-8443. Tickets may be purchased at the church office.

Women of Faith and Centering Prayer at St. James

St. James Episcopal church in Amesbury offers a Women of Faith Bible Study Group every other Wednesday through May 22. The Women of Faith has a round-table discussion of the various stories in the Bible that are read. All are welcome to participate. Meeting dates are noted on the church calendar, which can be found on the website www.stjamesamesbury.org.

Also offered is Centering Prayer, a meditative practice based on the work of the Rev. Thomas Keating, who believes that silence is “God’s first language.” Centering Prayer is made available upon request. For further information on Women of Faith or Centering Prayer, call the office at 978-388-0030 or check the website at www.stjamesamesbury.org.

Yoga and Meditation Workshop

The Insight Meditation Center of Newburyport will offer a half-day ‘Mindfulness Yoga & Insight Meditation’ workshop. We will explore how to create continuity between our practice on the yoga mat and our practice on the meditation cushion. Workshop will include short periods of sitting meditation, yoga, and discussion. Beginners and experienced students are welcome.

Saturday, Oct. 20, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. For registration information and fees, visit www.imcnewburyport.org.

Crafters wanted for Georgetown fair

First Congregational Church of Georgetown will be hosting their Annual Fall Fair on Friday, Oct. 19, and Saturday, Oct. 20. The fair offers many events including a Mother/Daughter Tea, White Elephant Area, Lobster Roll Luncheon, Chili/Corn Chowder Lunch, Homemade Goodies, Our Own Pies and Turkey Supper. Crafters who make their own items, who are interested in renting a space should complete an application found at www.georgetowncongregational.org.

For more information, call the church office at 978-352-8443.

Ecumenical Taize Service in Groveland

The Groveland Congregational Church will hold a candlelight meditation service modeled on the services held at the Taize community in France. The service will take place on Sunday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at the church, 4 King St., corner of King Street and Main Street.

Taize prayer is a simple form of ecumenical Christian prayer centered on scripture, silence and song. The worship space will be illuminated with a multitude of candles; the music will consist of simple repeated refrains, enabling the worshipers to enter into prayer. There will be readings from scripture, petitions and a time of silent prayer. For further information, contact the church at 978-372-3463 or visit the website at www.grovelanducc.org.

Union Church Spaghetti Supper Oct. 27

Union Congregational Church, 350 Main St., Point Shore, Amesbury (across from Alliance Park), will host a Spaghetti Supper Saturday, Oct. 27 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Spaghetti with homemade sauce, meatballs, bread, salad and dessert. All you can eat for $7. Family $24. Take-out available for $8. Ample parking. Handicapped accessible. 978-388-0631, www.amesburyunion.org.

St. Paul’s Fall Fair Nov. 10

St. Paul’s Church Annual Fall Fair and Silent Auction, 166 High St., Newburyport, will be held on Nov. 10. The fair begins at 9 a.m. and runs to 2 p.m. It will include baked goods, books, boutique, Christmas and holiday room, crafts, clothing, children’s clothing, jewelry, linens, raffle, Treasure Chest and much more.

Bidding at the Silent Auction begins at 9 a.m. and goes to 2:30 p.m. Auction items include gift certificates, furniture, antique items, jewelry, fine collectibles, goods and services. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This is St. Paul’s largest fundraiser of the year and benefits the chuch’s many projects.

Mass schedule changes for Holy Redeemer Parish

Holy Redeemer Parish in both Merrimac and West Newbury has changed its church service schedule.

This weekend, Mass will be said at St. Ann Parish at 300 Main St. in West Newbury on Sundays at 10:15 a.m. At the Church of the Nativity, 4 Green St. in Merrimac, Mass will be said on Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 8 a.m.

The 4 p.m. Mass on Saturdays switches every six weeks between the two churches.

The daily Mass schedule is Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at Church of the Nativity in Merrimac and Thursday and Friday at 9 a.m. at St. Ann in West Newbury.

Helping those in need

Hugh Doyle Resource Center Collaborative Meeting is a monthly gathering of leaders and representatives of social service agencies and religious organizations in the area. It meets the first Wednesday of each month to share ideas on how to help those in need in Greater Newburyport. Interested? Contact Ingrid Cyros at 978-465-1688 or go to www.hughdoyle.org.

Thrift shop in Rowley

Fellowship Thrift Shop located in lower hall of First Congregational Church of Rowley, 175 Main St., Rowley, has new hours.

The shop is open Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, weather permitting.

Check out daily half-price sales and the special tag sale the first Saturday of each month. When the shop is open, it accepts donations of gently used clothing and household items, but no electronics, books or toys.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

The Baha’is of Amesbury will host the study group Reflections on the Life of the Spirit every Friday evening at 7 at the Powow Community Building. For more information, call Cara Smoley at 978-388-4987.

Belleville Church thrift shop

The Belleville Church thrift shop at 300 High St., Newburyport, is open. Hours are Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Volunteer opportunity

Looking for a way for your business, church group, club, organization or yourself to give back to the community? The Salvation Army, 40 Water St., offers the following:

Community meal served every Thursday. Each week a different group (six to 12 people) prepares and serves the meal to about 80 people. Time: Three to four hours, including preparation, serving and cleanup. Call Maj. Kathryn Purvis at 978-465-0883, ext. 10, for more information.

Centering prayer at St. James

St. James Episcopal Church in Amesbury offers centering prayer as one of its Saturday alternative services. Centering, or contemplative prayer, is a meditation practice based on the work of the Rev. Thomas Keating, who believes that silence is “God’s first language.” St. James will continue to offer a twice-weekly opportunity for centering prayer in the meditation chapel. Those interested in participating or learning more should call St. James at 978-388-0030 or check the website, www.stjamesamesbury.org.

Compassionate Friends

The Compassionate Friends of Greater Newburyport Chapter meet every fourth Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center, St. James Chapel Room, corner of Green and High streets, Newburyport. The meetings are for parents who have lost children and grandparents who have lost grandchildren. For more information, call 978-388-1514.

Tuesday meal at Immaculate Conception

The Immaculate Conception Church offers a free hot dinner every Tuesday at 5 p.m. in the Parish Center, 42 Green St., Newburyport. Call 978-462-2724 for more information.

The Friendship Table

For all who enjoy good food and fellowship, the Friendship Table serves meals Thursdays beginning at 5 p.m. at the Salvation Army, 40 Water St., Newburyport. Volunteers are also needed. For more information, call 978-465-0883.

Our Neighbors’ Table

Free meals are served every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Our Neighbors’ Table, Main Street Congregational Church, 145 Main St., Amesbury. All are welcome. Our Neighbors’ Table also offers the following food pantries: Friday, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-noon every Saturday, open to residents of Amesbury and South Hampton; last Saturday of the month: open to residents of Amesbury, South Hampton, Merrimac, Salisbury, Newburyport, Newbury, West Newbury, Groveland, Byfield, Boxford, Rowley and Georgetown.

St. Basil’s Kitchen

The Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, Harris and Park streets, Newburyport, offers free luncheons Mondays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the church hall. All those hungry for food and companionship are welcome. For more information or to volunteer services, call 978-465-5757.

Among Friends

Among Friends is the mission of St. Paul’s Church to provide nutritious, hot, home-cooked meals. Lunch is served every Tuesday and Friday at 11:30 a.m. in St. Paul’s Hall, 166 High St., Newburyport. Evening Among Friends serves home-cooked meals every Monday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. All are welcome. Donations of food items, supplies and services are needed; call 465-5351.

Seabrook Community Table

Every Monday Seabrook Community Table serves free meals at the Church of Christ at 867 Lafayette Road (beside the dance studio) from 5 -6 p.m. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, meals are served at the Trinity Parish House (beside the Seabrook Post Office) from 5-6 p.m. Meals are offered to residents of surrounding communities as well as Seabrook residents. For more information or to volunteer, contact Joyce Addison, 603-474-9608.

Seabrook food pantry

The Seabrook Church of Christ Food Pantry is open every Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. to all who live on the Seacoast. The church is on Lafayette Road, Seabrook, 603-474-2660.

Community Food Pantry in Byfield

The Community Food Pantry located at Community United Methodist Church, 11 Central St., Byfield, is open to residents of Byfield and Newbury every Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. In addition, a free community meal will be offered every second and fourth Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. All are welcome.

For more details, contact the Community Food Pantry at CFPByfield@gmail.com or by phone at 978-255-0135.

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If you have an item for Church Notes, contact Merrily Buchs at mbuchs@newburyportnews.com, 978-462-6666, ext. 3248.

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