Church notes

Palm Parade in Amesbury tomorrow

Amesbury churches will be celebrating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem with an ecumenical worship service and parade tomorrow. The service begins at the Amesbury Millyard Amphitheater at 9 a.m. The celebration will include prayers, songs, waving of palms, shouts of hosanna and a local youth riding on a donkey through town. The parade will continue through town, stopping at each church for prayers and blessings for the ministries coming through Holy Week leading up to Easter. All are welcome.

Participating clergy include, but are not limited to, the Rev. Jamie Arrison, campus pastor at Rock Church Ministries, the new ministry of First United Methodist; the Rev. William Main of Union Congregational Church; and the Rev. Joan McPherson of Main St. Congregational Church. Other celebrations for the season include an ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service at Alliance Park and a service of darkening on Maundy Thursday at 7 p.m. at 146 Main St.

Easter egg hunt at First Parish tomorrow

Children of all ages are invited to an eco-friendly Easter egg hunt hosted by the Growing Together Sunday School at First Parish Church of Newbury. Tomorrow, the congregation meets on the Upper Green at 9:45 a.m. for worship, beginning with a Palm Sunday procession and Blessing of the Palms in church at 10 a.m. The Easter egg hunt will be on the lawn in back of the church immediately after the Blessing of the Palms. The church is at 20 High Road (Route 1A), Newbury.

Soup giveaway at Main St. Congregational

On Maundy Thursday between 5:30 and 6 p.m., members of the Main Street Congregational Church, United Church of Christ will be giving away "soup to go" in front of the church at 145 Main St., Amesbury.

"With followers of Jesus from around the world, we gather that night to remember Jesus' Last Supper and the words he shared with his friends. Jesus fed his friends and told them, 'I give you a new commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you, you should love one another' (John 14:34). The soup giveaway is our way of following in Jesus' footsteps and expressing our love for the people of Amesbury," said the Rev. Joan MacPherson.

Holy Week services

Belleville Church, 300 High St., Newburyport

Palm Sunday: Intergenerational service at 10 a.m.

Maundy Thursday: Potluck meal at 6 p.m. followed by Tenebrae Service at 7.

Easter Sunday: Ecumenical sunrise service at 6 a.m. at Salisbury Beach State Reservation. Morning worship at 10 a.m., followed by an Easter egg hunt for small children.

Community United Methodist Church, 6 Central St., Byfield

Maundy Thursday: Worship service, 7:30 p.m.

Good Friday: Worship service, 7:30 p.m.

Easter Sunday: Sunrise Service at Central Street (Manters) Fields, 6 a.m. followed by breakfast, 7 to 8 a.m. at the church; worship service, 9 a.m.

East Parish United Methodist Church, 8 Lafayette Road, Salisbury

Palm Sunday: Service, 9:15 a.m.

Maundy Thursday: Service, 6 p.m.

Easter Sunday: 6 a.m., Sunrise service at Salisbury Beach State Reservation; 7 a.m., free Easter Breakfast at the church; 9:15 a.m., Easter Sunday worship.

First Congregational Church of Georgetown, Andover Street

Maundy Thursday: Tenebrae Service, 7 p.m.

Easter Sunday: Sunrise Easter Vigil, 6:30 a.m. at Camp Leslie. Breakfast immediately following the sunrise service back at the church. Worship service, 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. Easter egg hunt on the front lawn after the service.

First Parish Church of Newbury, 20 High Road, Newbury

Palm Sunday: Gathering on the Green and Procession with Palms, Blessing of the Palms and annual Easter Egg Hunt, 9:45 a.m.

Maundy Thursday: 6 p.m., potluck supper; 7 p.m., Service Shadows, in which the Last Supper will be commemorated.

Good Friday: Contemplation at the Cross, 7 to 9 p.m.

Holy Saturday: Sanctuary will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for prayer.

Easter Sunday: Easter Sunrise Service at dawn on top of Old Town Hill, Newbury; service at 10 a.m.

Groveland Congregational Church, 4 King St., Groveland

Palm Sunday: An ecumenical Taize meditation service at 7:30 p.m.

Immaculate Conception Parish, Green Street, Newburyport

Palm Sunday weekend: Masses today at 4 p.m.; tomorrow at 7:15 a.m., 9 a.m., with a procession with palms from the school gymnasium, 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Confessions, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Holy Thursday: Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper, 7:30 p.m.

Good Friday: No Eucharistic Adoration; Stations of the Cross, 3 p.m.; Solemn celebration of the Lord's Passion, 7:30 p.m.

Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil, gather at 7:30 p.m.

Easter Sunday: Masses at 7:15, 9, 10:30 a.m. and noon. No 5:30 p.m. Mass.

Hope Community Church, 11 Hale St., Newburyport

Palm Sunday: Services at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Maundy Thursday: Service at 7 p.m. to reflect on Jesus's death on the cross and take communion together.

Easter Sunday: Worship at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Main St. Congregational, 145 Main St., Amesbury

Palm Sunday: 9 a.m., Palm Sunday Procession from The Millyard sponsored by the Council of Churches; 10 a.m., Festival worship and communion.

Maundy Thursday: 6 p.m., Bread & Soup Supper; 7 p.m., worship with communion and Tenebrae Service. Following worship through Friday morning, vigil in the sanctuary.

Easter Sunday: 6 a.m., Ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service at Alliance Park; 10 a.m., Easter worship.

Market Street Baptist Church, Market Street, Amesbury

Palm Sunday: Worship, 10 a.m. Child care for ages 4 years and under. No Sunday school classes.

Maundy Thursday: Communion Service, 7 to 8 p.m., to commemorate the Last Supper.

Good Friday: Prayer and meditation, noon to 3 p.m. The sanctuary will be open to all.

Merrimacport United Methodist Church, 39 High St., Merrimac

Palm Sunday: Worship service at 11 a.m. with palm branches to wave

Maundy Thursday: Tenebrae Service, 7 p.m.

Good Friday: Self-guided devotional centers, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Holy Saturday: Prayer vigil, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Merrimac Easter Sunrise Service on the River at Carey Park at 111 River Road (near the corner of Broad Street and River Road), 6:15 a.m. Hosted by the churches of Merrimac: Pilgrim Congregational, Merrimacport United Methodist and Holy Redeemer Catholic Churches.

Easter Egg Hunt: 9 a.m.; Easter worship, 11 a.m.

People's United Methodist Church, 64 Purchase St., Newburyport

Palm Sunday: Service, 11 a.m.

Good Friday Service: 6 p.m.

Easter Sunday: 6 a.m., Sunrise Service at Salisbury Beach State Reservation; 7 a.m., free Easter Breakfast at East Parish United Methodist Church, Salisbury; 11 a.m., Easter Sunday Worship.

St. James Episcopal Church, 120 Main St., Amesbury

Palm Sunday: 10 a.m., Liturgy of the Palms and Holy Eucharist with a dramatic reading of the Passion Gospel

Monday: 7 p.m., Holy Eucharist

Tuesday, 7 a.m., Holy Eucharist

Wednesday, 7 p.m., Holy Eucharist

Maundy Thursday: 7 p.m., Silent Eucharist with foot washing followed by stripping of altar and night watch

Good Friday: 7 p.m., Family Way of the Cross

Saturday: 7 p.m., quiet vigil

Easter Sunday: 10 a.m., Festival of Eucharist

St. Paul's Church, 166 High St., Newburyport

Palm Sunday: Holy Eucharist at 8 and 10:15 a.m.

Maundy Thursday: Agape meal at 6:30 p.m., Holy Eucharist with foot washing at 7:30; Night Watch continues through the night following the service.

Good Friday: 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Saturday: The Great Vigil of Easter, 7:30 p.m.

Easter Day: Holy Eucharist at 8 and 10:15 a.m.

West Newbury Congregational Church, 308 Main St., West Newbury

Palm Sunday: Worship service, 10 a.m.

Maundy Thursday: Loaf and Ladle, 6:30 p.m. (Bring favorite soup and bread to share)

Good Friday: Service of The Cross, 7 p.m.

Saturday: 24-hour Easter Prayer Vigil, 6 a.m.; Holy Saturday Service, 9 a.m.

Easter Sunday: 6 a.m., Sunrise Service at the Artichoke Reservoir, Moulton Street, West Newbury, followed by breakfast back at the church; Family Praise Music Service, 8:45 a.m.; Easter Worship Service, 10 a.m.

Seders at Congregation Ahavas Achim

The following are planned at Congregation Ahavas Achim, corner of Washington and Olive streets, Newburyport:

Visit: www.ahavas-achim.org for more information or call 978-462-2461.

Tomorrow, 4 p.m., Interfaith Passover Seder. The Seder will include a sharing of rituals, teachings, and prayers. Easter and Passover offers an opportunity for diverse religious communities to come together in shared celebration and worship. The Seder will be taking place at the synagogue on the corner of Washington and Olive Streets.

Congregatiin Ahavas Achim will hold a Community Passover Seder on April 7 at 6:15 p.m., at 10 Cushing Ave. This event is expected to sell out quickly, so those wishing to attend should purchase tickets as soon as possible. For more information, email Kim Gobbi at membership@ahavas-achim.org.

There will be an annual meeting on Sunday, May 6, at 10:30 a.m. The election of board of directors and officers will take place. All are encouraged to attend. For more information, email Ilene Grady at: info@ahavas-achim.org.

Six-week yoga program in Newbury

A six-week yoga program of relaxation yoga is being held in Holton Hall, First Parish Church of Newbury, on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. The instructor is Rebecca Robertson, a 2011 graduate of Anahata Yoga Teacher Training. Bring a mat and wear stretchy clothes suitable for movement. Payment is by donation to First Parish Church of Newbury. For more information contact the church office at 978-465-5597.

Musicians at Unity's Easter services

Unity on the River spiritual center, 58 Macy St. (Route 110), Amesbury, will hold two services on Easter Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m. The musicians performing during Easter services will include saxophonist "Sax" Gordon of Cambridge and vocalists Patty Barkas of Boston, Meg Rayne of Newbury and Lynne Taylor and Lisah Plumley-Zimpfer, both of Amesbury.

Unity will return to one Sunday service on Sunday, April 15, at 10 a.m.

Passover Encounter ay Market Street Baptist

Nathan Joiner, assistant to the rabbi at Ruach Israel in Needham, will be leading a Seder Supper at Market Street Baptist Church, 37 Market St., Amesbury, on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

The Passover Encounter is a two-hour participation and learning experience in the supper that Jesus and His disciples would have enjoyed together. Space is limited. Reservations are requested by calling 978-388-9621. For more, visit www.MarketStreetBaptistChurch.org.

Rummage Sale today

Rummage Sale at the First Religious Society today, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Gently used clothing, shoes, handbags, etc. Also nearly new and vintage used clothing. Parish Hall. Come and rummage through the racks.

Financial Peace University at Hope

A 10-week course for reducing debt featuring Dave Ramsey, popular radio personality, begins Thursday, April 12, 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 begins Wednesday, April 11, at 7 p.m. at Hope Community Church, 11 Hale St. in Newburyport. Call the church office to register at 978-463-HOPE. 'Occupy Christianity' retreat

World-renowned theologian and author Rev. Matthew Fox, Ph.D., 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 -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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