New class at Amethyst Light Ministry
The Rev. Deborah Hogan of The Amethyst Light Ministry announces a new weekly class in Newburyport. On Saturday, Oct. 11, the ALM will begin a weekly gathering based on the teachings of The Infinite Way, as founded through Joel Goldsmith, a mystic and author. This class will be held from 10 a.m.-noon every Saturday. It will include meditation and sharing on the written teachings of this mystic. Presently, there is a Law of Attraction group based on the Abraham-Hicks work from 4-6 p.m. on Sundays and a Women's Spirituality Group on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-noon. Both are open to new attendees. There is no fee or commitment. The Amethyst Light Ministry is located at 3 Cherry St. For more information, call 978-270-4642 or go www.amethystlightministry.org.
New date for Fall Festival
The First Baptist Church of Newton invites the public to a Fall Festival from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. today at 2 North Main St. (Route 108), Newton, N.H. The day's activities include thrift shop, home-made baked goods, arts, crafts, antiques and flea market tables. Free for children under 12 years. Clown, goats, and kids games with prizes, face painting, cookie decorating and lunch: hot dog, chips and drink. Breakfast: coffee, milk and homemade apple cider doughnuts. Lunch: homemade meatball and sauce subs, hot dogs, chips, tonic, water and coffee. Ice Cream Social: 2:30 p.m., free for children under 12 years. For more information, call Pastor Peter A. Perkins, 603-394-8007, or e-mail at fbcnewtonnh@yahoo.com.
Lamb Shank Dinner today
Enjoy a lamb shank with a variety of appetizers, Greek salad, rice and a selection of Greek pastries today at 6 p.m. at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Nicholson Hall, Harris and Park streets, Newburyport. Admission: $20. Contact Bill Angelos at 978-270-6477.
Pumpkin Patch begins Oct. 11
On Saturday, Oct. 11, Byfield Center will transform into a pumpkin patch filled with thousands of beautiful pumpkins and gourds. The Pumpkin Patch Festival, hosted by Community United Methodist Church, 6 Central St., Byfield, begins Oct. 11 and is open weekends through the end of October. Highlights include the Family Pumpkin Fair on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with free games, bouncy house, crafts, food booths and more. A Pot-Roast Supper follows beginning at 5p.m. with pot roast, sumptuous sides and desserts. Proceeds benefit local and national mission projects.
High Holy services at synagogue
Congregation Ahavas Achim, the Newburyport synagogue, invites readers to an open house on tomorrow, 12:30-2 p.m., at the corner of Olive and Washington streets. See the beautifully refurbished exterior and "Ten Commandment" tablets, learn about plans for the renovation of the synagogue, hear about the Hebrew School program, view the sanctuary, and have a nosh.
Attendance at High Holiday Services at Congregation Ahavas Achim in Newburyport is open to the public. The schedule is:
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6 p.m., Kol Nidre service¬
Thursday, Oct. 9, 9 a.m.-1:15 p.m., Yom Kippur service, Children's service, 10 a.m., Yizkor, 11:15 a.m., Mincha, 5:45 p.m., Ne'ilah, 6:30 p.m., conclusion, 7:15 p.m., Break-the-fast, 7:30 p.m.
The choir will sing throughout the services.
For information on the High Holiday service times and tickets, call Sheryl, 978-465-0841 or 978-462-4261.
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.
Harvest Fair Oct. 18
A Harvest Fair will be held Oct. 18 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the First Parish Church, 20 High Road, Newbury. Artisans are being offered a table to set up and sell their work. The price of a table is $25. Champion apple pie bakers are being solicited. The admission for this is free ... bring an apple pie to be judged by local celebrities. Families will compete to construct the most unique scarecrow, which will reside in the victory gardens at the rear of the church. Bring a pumpkin to carve with your family and compete for that blue ribbon. Grills will be going to sell hot dogs, hamburgers and tofu pups with chips, popcorn and other goodies.
Eco Services at First Parish
The First Parish Church, 20 High Road, Newbury, holds an Eco Service Saturdays at 4 p.m. rain or shine. Dress warmly. This service is held in the Chapel under the Trees at the rear of the church. This is a non-denominational environmental/spiritual service.
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.







