Church notes

Financial Peace University at Hope

A 10-week course for reducing debt, featuring Dave Ramsey, popular radio personality, began Thursday at 7 p.m. at Hope Community Church, 11 Hale St. in Newburyport. Registrations accepted at www.hopenewburyport.com or call the church office at 978-463-HOPE.

10 keys to unlocking the Bible course

A 10-week course that explains the Big Story of the Bible began Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Hope Community Church, 11 Hale St. in Newburyport. Call the church office to register at 978-463-HOPE.

Fundraising spaghetti supper today

A fundraising spaghetti supper will be held today from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at St. John's Hall, All Saints Episcopal Church, 893 Main St., West Newbury. Cost for adults is $7, children 8 to 12, $5; children 7 and under, free. Menu is spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, desserts and beverages. For tickets in advance, call Karen at 978-463-6669.

Interfaith service tomorrow

ChIME, the Chaplaincy of Maine, is offering an interfaith service at the Amesbury Quaker Meeting House, 120 Friend St., at 3 p.m. tomorrow. This service celebrates the sacred sounds and sights of spring awakening in nature. It also encourages the renewal, transformation and unfolding of sacred spirit in our lives. This service will be led by second-year ChIME student Barbara Goddard and first-year ChIME student Deb Joyce. For more information, call the Rev. Katie Moody, 603-566-1900.

Events at Congregation Ahavas Achim

Congregation Ahavas Achim, Washington and Olive streets, Newburyport, has planned the following events:

Wednesday, 8 p.m., Yom Hashoah service and program

Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m., services led by Rabbi Avi Poupko

Sunday, April 22, 8 p.m., Rosh Chodesh Iyyar Morning services and breakfast

Wednesday, April 25, 8 p.m., Yom Ha'atzmaut service and program

Saturday, April 28, 9 a.m., Junior Congregation

Friday, May 4, 6 p.m., Board of Directors Friday Night Dinner

Saturday, May 5, 9 a.m., Services Led by Rabbi Avi Poupko

Events offered at Old South Church

Old South Church, 27 Federal St., Newburyport, will hold the following happenings:

The Women's Fellowship will have a breakfast for the ladies at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, followed by guest speaker, the Rev. Pat Batton. Call Gloria at 978-465-2849 to reserve a seat.

A Spaghetti Dinner will be held Thursday, May 3, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children under 12. Call Gloria at 978-465-2849 if planning to attend.

A flea market will be held Saturday, May 19, at 9 a.m. To sell things at a table, the cost is $10 for the table and 10 percent of sales for tithe. Call Nancy at 978-462-2359.

Please use the School Street entrance for all affairs.

Bean supper in Groveland April 21

St. James Church Bean Supper will be held Saturday, April 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 119 Washington St., Groveland. Adults, $7; children under 12, $3. Menu includes homemade beans, dogs and special desserts.

Newcomer in concert at Belleville

Singer/songwriter Carrie Newcomer will perform a concert at the Belleville Church Concert Hall, 300 High St., Newburyport, on Saturday, April 21, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20, $25 day of show, and $10 for children 12 and under. For more information, email bellevilleconcerts@gmail.com or visit www.bellevillechurch.org/music.php.

Special Sunday School programs

The Growing Together Sunday School, held at First Parish Church in Newbury, will not meet tomorrow. On Earth Day, April 22, children will plant vegetable or herb plants in the Sunday School's garden in the New Eden Collaborative in back of the church on Route 1A. A special guest gardener will teach students about planting strawberries as part of the church's Arbor Day celebration on April 29.

Lynn to speak at First Religious Society

On Sunday, April 22, at the First Religious Society, 26 Pleasant St., Newburyport, the Rev. Ed Lynn will deliver a sermon titled "Extraordinarily Ordinary" at 10:30 a.m. The sermon and service are inspired by Lynn's recently published book, "Shore Lines: Life Lessons from the Sea." His book uses seaside imagery to reflect upon individual attitudes about facing adversity and embracing gratitude and includes stories to illustrate personal experiences.

'Living into Wholeness' workshop at Unity

Unity on the River spiritual center will host the "Living into Wholeness" workshop by Deborah Trueheart on Sunday, April 22, from 12:15 to 2:30 p.m. The "Living into Wholeness" workshop reveals a new paradigm of wholeness, community, cooperation, trust, peace, order and beauty. Suggested cost is $20. Unity on the River is at 58 Macy St. (Route 110), Amesbury Plaza, Amesbury.

Concert of Romantic Sacred music April 22

The Candlelight Chorale under the direction of Dr. Jay Lane will present a spring Concert of Romantic Sacred music on Sunday, April 22, at 4 p.m. at The First Religious Society, 26 Pleasant St., Newburyport. Antonín Dvorak's Mass in D is the main offering. Also on the program is Felix Mendelssohn's "Hear My Prayer."

This is the first of several musical events that will celebrate the restoration of the First Religious Society's historic pipe organ. Originally built in 1834 by Newburyport native Joseph Alley and expanded in 1889 by the Boston firm of George Hutchings, it was rebuilt again in 1957 by the Andover Organ Company and is just now being rebuilt for the third time by the Vermont firm of A. David Moore. Suggested donation is $15.

Intro to Meditation classes offered

The Insight Meditation Center of Newburyport will offer a five-week class titled "The Mindful Moment: an Introduction to Insight Meditation." The class is designed for anyone interested in learning Insight Meditation (Vipassana), which is a simple practice that steadies the mind by grounding attention in the present moment. It originated in the Buddhist tradition more than 2,500 years ago. Class begins Thursday, May 3, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and will last five weeks. For registration information and fees, visit www.imcnewburyport.org.

Christopher Williams in concert May 5

A night of music, stories and fellowship is in store when noted musician, songwriter and storyteller Christopher Williams performs in concert Saturday May 5, 7 p.m. at Pilgrim Congregational Church. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For further information or to order tickets, call 978-346-8400, ext. 10. Fully accessible, Pilgrim Congregational Church is located at 27 Church St. in Merrimac.

'Occupy Christianity' retreat

Noted theologian and author the Rev. Matthew Fox will host "Occupy Christianity," a weekend retreat for spiritual activists, on May 25 to 27 at Adelynrood Conference Center in Byfield. The cost is $395 and includes two nights lodging and six meals.

For complete details and to register, visit www.matthewfox.org. For more information on Adelynrood Conference Center, visit www.adelynrood.org.

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 Janet Hawkes 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: 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 to 10:30 a.m., Merrimac Senior Center, 100 East Main 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 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 to 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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