NewburyportNews.com, Newburyport, MA

Local News

September 13, 2008

Church notes

Spaghetti Supper tonight

The First Baptist Church of Newton, N.H., will hold a Spaghetti Supper in the Toste Christian Education Building at 2 North Main St. (Route 108) today from 5 to 7 p.m. Supper includes spaghetti, homemade meatballs and sauce, Parmesan cheese, garlic bread, Hawaiian Dream Cake, coffee, punch and milk. Adults $6. Children under 12, $2.50. For more information, call Pastor Peter A. Perkins, 603-394-8007.

Rally Day tomorrow at Rowley church

Tomorrow is Rally Day Sunday at the First Congregational Church of Rowley, United Church of Christ, 175 Main St. Sunday School starts at 9:15 a.m., and then children, youth and families will attend worship together for special message, parade of banners and more to kick off the Christian Education program. Between Group (for youth grade four, five and six) will meet during worship for special activity. An Ice Cream Social and Bake Sale will be held during coffee hour.

Rally Day at Union Congregational

Tomorrow is Rally Day at Union Congregational Church, 350 Main St., Amesbury. There will be music, food and celebration of the new church year along with a long-awaited blessing of the newly rehabbed Union Congregational Church. Worship and Sunday School begins at 10 a.m., followed by refreshments in the newly renovated fellowship hall.

Homecoming Sunday at St. Paul's

Homecoming Sunday is tomorrow at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 166 High St., Newburyport. There will be one service at 9 a.m. and will include the blessing of prayer shawls and the commissioning of Sunday School staff. A picnic will follow on the back lawn of the church. During the picnic, the Sunday School will hold an open house to orient members before the start of the program year on Sept. 21. The youth group will meet following the picnic to make plans for the fall months. The regular service schedule of 8 and 10:15 a.m. resumes on Sunday, Sept. 21.

Richardson to speak at Unity

Tomorrow, Cheryl Richardson will return to Unity on the River at 58 Macy St., Route 110, in Amesbury. She will be giving a talk entitled "The True Origin of Peace: How to Change the World One Soul at a Time" at both the 9 and 11 a.m. services. Richardson is a New York Times best-selling author and hosts an Internet talk radio show called "Coach on Call" on www.hayhouseradio.com. For more information, call Unity on the River at 978-834-7830 or visit www.unityontheriver.org.

Live Internet chat on Tuesday

All are invited to participate in a live Internet chat on "Spirituality — the source of health and healing" Tuesday, 2-3 p.m. For more details, log on to www.spirituality.com. This is sponsored by the Christian Science Church in Boston. Anyone is welcome to participate or just listen at the Christian Science Reading Room, 50 Pleasant St., Newburyport, 978-465-0286. All chats are archived and will be available 24/7.

Sellers sought for Sept. 27 Fall Festival

The First Baptist Church of Newton, N.H., will hold their Fall Festival on Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The church is seeking people who would like to display and sell their crafts, antiques and flea market items. Bring your own table. Space is $10. Reservations are required. Call 603-394-8007 or e-mail fbcnewtonnh@yahoo.com. Those who do not want to set up a table but have saleable items and winter clothing in good clean condition to donate to the Thrift Shop, drop items off at the Christian Education Building, 2 North Main St. (Route 108), during the day or on Saturday mornings. Absolutely no large, bulky, electrical or electronic items or appliances.

VOTF to meet Sept. 28

The North Shore-Seacoast and Lynn affiliates of Voice of the Faithful begin our sixth annual adult faith formation series for the 2008-2009 season. This year's theme is "The Liturgical Year: Seasons for Spiritual Growth." In collaboration with Boston College, Department of Theology, VOTF sponsors speakers, promotes discussion, serves refreshments and invites everyone to attend. The program is free.

On Sunday, Sept. 28, the first program of the series will be at Immaculate Conception Parish Center, 5 Court St., Newburyport from 7-9 p.m. The Rev. Bruce T. Morrill S.J., associate professor, Theology Department, Boston College, will speak on "The Liturgy of Time: How the Church Sanctifies the Seasons." The host parishes this year are: Immaculate Conception in Newburyport, St. Rose's in Topsfield, St. John's in Peabody and St. Pius in Lynn.

Workshop offered for parents

Parent Workshop: "Making Virginity Possible!" Learn what the ultimate weapon is in protecting a child's sexual integrity. This two-day workshop will be held at Hope Community Church, 11 Hale St., Newburyport, on Thursday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 16, from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Cost is $12 if registered by Sept. 14; after, $20. Register by calling the church office, 978-463-4673.

Salvation Army fall programs

The Salvation Army is offering many new fall programs.

Sept. 14, 6 p.m.: It's a Teen Thing. Every second and fourth Sunday enjoy a teen night. Call Major Purvis at 978-465-0883.

Sept. 25, 5:30 p.m.: September Life Lesson. All are welcome to talk about nutrition for you, the kids and the pets. Receive free groceries, information and maybe a little something for the pets. Fellowship dinner at 5 p.m.

Sept. 30, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Kids Day Food Give Away. All area families with children under 18 can receive a bag of kid-friendly food and snack foods. Bring a birth certificate or Mass. Health card for each child and your own identification. No intake required.

Pilgrim Homecoming tomorrow

Pilgrim Homecoming is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 14, at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 27 Church St., Merrimac. Following worship there will be a Homecoming Party and Cookout in the church parking lot. There is no charge; a freewill offering will be taken. Registrations for Sunday School, Senior Choir, Junior Choir, Cherub Choir and Youth Group will be held during the cookout. Sunday School classes will resume on Sept. 21.

Alpha is back at Pilgrim Church

At an Alpha course people explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over 10 weekly sessions, with a day or weekend away. It is low-key, friendly and fun — and is supported by all the main Christian denominations. An informational dinner will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m. at Pilgrim Church, 27 Church St., Merrimac. This meeting is introductory; there is no obligation to attend further meetings. Everyone is welcome. For more information, log on to www.alphausa.org, or call or e-mail the church, 978-346-8400, pilgrimchurch01860@verizon.net.

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.

Knitting group at Hope Church

Knit One, Pray Too meets the first Monday of each month at Hope Community Church, 11 Hale St., Newburyport, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and is about knitting, mentoring, praying and sharing. Come for the knitting and the fellowship. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. If interested, call Pat McGowan at 978-388-4451.

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.

Tuesday morning meditation

All are welcome every Tuesday at 7 a.m. for a half hour of meditation in the form of Episcopal Morning Prayer at All Saints Episcopal Church, 895 Main St., West Newbury.

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.

Prayer service at 6 a.m.

An early morning prayer worship service is held daily at 6 a.m. beginning Sept. 13 at Market Street Baptist Church, 37 Market St., Amesbury. This service is nondenominational and open to all.

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.

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, Amesbury. The food pantry is open from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. For more information or to volunteer, call 978-388-4863. Donations of food and money are always welcome.

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 1 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.

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