New location, times for Christian Science Church services
Beginning Jan. 3, First Church of Christ, Scientist, Newburyport, will have a temporary change in its location and times for services. At that time, the Sunday service and Sunday School will both begin at 11:15 a.m. in the People's United Methodist Church, 64 Purchase St., Newburyport. Wednesday testimony meetings will also be held at this same location at 7:30 p.m. Call 978-465-0286 for more information. The members of the Christian Science Church in Newburyport give special thanks to the members of the People's United Methodist Church for extending their hand of fellowship and sharing their building. For the rest of the year, Christian Science services will continue to be held at the current Christian Science church edifice on 286 High St., Newburyport, and will convene at 10 a.m. on Dec. 27 for its Sunday Service and Sunday School, and at 7:30 p.m. for the Dec. 30 Wednesday testimony meeting.
Interfaith service tomorrow at Friends Meeting House
The Chaplaincy Institute of Maine-Massachusetts Campus (ChIME-MA) invites the public to attend an interfaith service tomorrow, 4 p.m., at the Friends Meeting House, 120 Friend St., Amesbury. The service is titled "Gifts of the Spirit." It will address giving and receiving our unique gifts. It will be led by Marc Lisle, Paula Jaye Jorgenson and Gretchen Hunsberger, Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact the Rev. Helen Rankin at 978-388-5479 or Shrankins@aol.com.
Holy Day of Obligation Masses at IC
Masses for the Holy Day of Obligation at Immaculate Conception Parish, Green Street, Newburyport, will be Thursday, Dec. 31, 7:15 p.m. and Friday, Jan. 1, at 8 a.m. There will be no Adoration on Jan. 1.
Marriage course
The Marriage Course will be held at St. Mary's Church hall, Main St., Rowley. The program begins Jan. 16 and runs seven weeks from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The seven date nights cost $175 and include dinner and workbooks. This conference is presented by North Shore Christian Ministries, Inc. For more information or to register, visit www.northshorecm.org.
Raffle raising funds for non-profits
St. James Episcopal Church, Amesbury, is selling raffle tickets for a time share at the Silver Lake Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. All proceeds from this raffle will be used for outreach ministry with registered non-profits. This time share is good for one week in 2010, subject to availability. The accommodation has two bedrooms, sleeps six and is only 2 miles from Disney World. Only 200 tickets will be sold at $25 per ticket. The drawing is scheduled for tomorrow, immediately following the 10 a.m. service at the church. For more information on the Silver Lake Resort, check the Web site at wwwsilverlakeresort.com. If interested in purchasing a ticket, call St. James' office at 978-388-0030.
Food drive at First Religious Society
As employment and the economy continue to falter, the number of Newburyport families and seniors who are struggling with hunger continues to climb. Items most needed by local food pantries include peanut butter, jelly, rice, spaghetti sauce, boxed potatoes, coffee, crackers, cereal, canned soups, and canned meats (Spam, chicken, deviled ham, tuna). Contributions can be placed on the table in the vestibule of the First Religious Society, 26 Pleasant St., Newburyport, on Sundays, and delivered to the church office on weekdays. Donations are also accepted.
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.
Sports at Hope Community Church
Join us during the week for a great time of recreation in the Hope gym with one of the following sports: Co-ed Volleyball on Monday nights from 7-9; Men's Pickup Basketball on Tuesday nights from 7-9; Christian Karate on Thursday nights from 6 to 8. Hope Community Church is located at 11 Hale St., Newburyport.
Monthly Healing Service at Holy Family Parish
Holy Family Parish of Amesbury announces that Father Albert MacPherson. O.S.A., will be holding a¬ Healing Service at St. Joseph Church on the third Tuesday of the month. The¬ Healing Service¬ will be preceded by Holy Mass at 7 p.m.
Monthly bean supper in Newbury
The First Parish Church of Newbury on High Road holds a monthly bean supper on the third Saturday of every month. The menu is the same each month: a variety of beans, ham, hot dogs, cole slaw, rolls, desserts, rolls and beverage. It is served from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The price is $8 for adults and $5 for children with a $20 maximum for a family.
Insight Meditation Center of Newburyport
The Insight Meditation Center of Newburyport offers a variety of meditation opportunities including: daily sittings, practice groups, retreats and workshops. Located in a rural setting close to I-95 and downtown Newburyport, the center provides an ideal environment for the practice of Insight Meditation (Vipassana). Originated in the Buddhist tradition more than 2,500 years ago, Vipassana is a simple practice that steadies the mind by grounding attention in the present moment. For the most current schedule information, visit www.imcnewburyport.org or call 978-499-0325.
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.
Midweek service at First United Methodist
An alternate service time is now available at First United Methodist Church of Amesbury, 140 Main St. On Thursday evenings at 7, a more casual service is held in the Fellowship Hall. Led by the lay leader, there are hymns, readings, prayers and a time of reflection.
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 Web site, www.stjamesamesbury.net.
Compassionate Friends meet
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. For more information, call 978-388-1514.
Volunteer directory
The First Religious Society has published a booklet called People Helping People — a directory of volunteer opportunities in the Newburyport area. For a copy, e-mail the church office at frsuuadmin@netway.com or call 978-465-0602.
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 on 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: Saturday Food Pantry: 9:30 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. Merrimac Mobile Pantry: first and third Saturday of each month, 9:30 to10:30 a.m., Pilgrim Congregational Church, 27 Church St., Merrimac. Open to Merrimac residents only.
St. Basil's Kitchen
The Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, Harris and Park streets, Newburyport, offers free luncheons on 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 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.







