NewburyportNews.com, Newburyport, MA

Local News

June 13, 2009

Church notes

Yard Sale today

Union Congregational Church, 350 Main St., Amesbury, will hold a yard sale and luncheon today from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Day of Reflection for Women today

Created in God's Image — Day of Reflection for Women will be presented by the Daughters of St. Paul, Holy Family Parish Hall, 5 Sparhawk St., Amesbury, today, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Themes include the Trinity's Unconditional Love, Who I am in God? Mass will be at 9 a.m., followed by coffee at 9:30 and the program 10. The Daughters of St. Paul will bring a selection of related titles on the themes covered in the workshop for those who wish additional readings. Contact Chris Moore at adultfaith@hfamesbury.com, 978-388-0330. A freewill offering will be taken.

Energy Management workshop tomorrow

Jackie Woodside, speaker, trainer and coach, will lead a transformative workshop at Unity on the River tomorrow from 1 to 4 p.m. entitled "Energy Management Workshop: Debunking the Myths of Time and Stress Management." Energy Management recognizes that people are all energetic beings, moving about in an energetic maze called the universe. The workshop will teach people how to debunk the myths of time and stress management by introducing a new paradigm that will help transform people's experience of life. The fee for the workshop is a loving offering (contribute what you wish), which will benefit Unity's "New Earth Project," which is an exterior landscape redesign project. For more information, call Unity on the River at 978-834-7830 or visit www.unityontheriver.org.

Live Internet chat Tuesday

All are invited to participate in a live Internet chat on "Why Church Is Still Relevant" Tuesday, 2 to 3 p.m. Many Christian churches have found ways to minister through social programs — meals for the homeless, courses in parenting, substance abuse support groups and other social service networking. In addition to those good works, does church have a deeper, spiritual mission? Mary Baker Eddy defined church as "the structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle." She went on to speak of Church as that which "affords proof of its utility ... " (Science and Health, p. 583). If you'd like to know more about how your church can give "proof of its utility," bring questions and thoughts to this longtime practitioner and teacher of Christian Science, who is also clerk of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston. 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 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Strawberry Festival June 20 in Groveland

Groveland Congregational Church, 4 King St., will hold a Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. It will offer homemade shortcake, crafts, ice cream and face painting. It will be held rain or shine.

Strawberry Festival June 20

Merrimacport United Methodist Church will hold a Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 20, at Carey Park, River Road, Merrimac. Food tent will include lobster roll plate, chicken salad plate, strawberry shortcake, beverages, hot dogs and popcorn. There will also be a book table, white elephant table, face painting and music.

Insight Meditation Retreat June 21

Matthew Daniell will lead a Classic Insight Meditation Retreat on Sunday, June 21, at the Insight Meditation Center, 443 Middle St., West Newbury. This retreat follows the teachings of the Buddha on cultivating mindfulness of the body, breath, heart and mind. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome to attend for the full day or a half day. Those coming for the whole day should bring a bag lunch. Daniell, the guiding teacher at the Insight Meditation Center, has been practicing Buddhist meditation and yoga for over 20 years.

Theology on Tap for young adults

Holy Family Parish, Amesbury, will offer Theology on Tap, a speaker series based on Catholic theology for adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Issues affecting young adults and topics of faith will highlight the Theology on Tap series and feature a different speaker at each session. The first session will take place on Tuesday, June 23. at 7 p.m. at a site to be announced. Father Marc Bishop from Our Lady of Good Counsel in Methuen will speak. Three other sessions are planned for July 28, Aug. 25 and Sept. 22. To learn more, visit Amesbury Theology on Tap on Facebook (Theology on Tap Amesbury MA), Twitter (twitter.com/TOTAmesbury) or e-mail questions to totamesbury@yahoo.com.

Introduction to Insight Meditation Class

On Monday, June 29, a series of six classes on Introduction to Insight Meditation begins and runs through Aug. 10 with Matthew Daniell, the guiding teacher at the Insight Meditation Center, 443 Middle St., West Newbury.

Strawberry and lobster festival June 26

The Main Street Congregational Church, member of the United Church of Christ, will host its annual Strawberry Festival on Friday, June 26, between 4 and 7:30 p.m. on the front lawn at 145 Main Street. Live music begins at 3:30 p.m., and there will be kids games and a raffle, in addition to a menu of chowder, lobster rolls, strawberry shortcake, hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, drinks and chips. Take-out lunch service will be available and delivered between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to businesses interested in purchasing a lobster roll lunch for their employees. For more information, contact Joanne Sheehan at jmsheehan10@comcast.net.

For more information about the Strawberry Festival, contact Jane Church at j.ansaldo@comcast.net. For more information about Main Street Congregational Church, contact Rev. Joan MacPherson at 978/388-0982 or visit www.main-street-church.org.

Vacation Bible School at Market St. Baptist

A four-day Vacation Bible School for ages 5 to 9, "The King is Coming," will be held Monday through Thursday, July 13 to 16, from 9 a.m. to noon at Market Street Baptist Church, 37 Market St., Amesbury. The program will include music, games and Bible study. A snack will be provided each day. Early registration by July 6: $15 for first child and $10 for each additional sibling. Registration: $20 for first child and $15 for each additional sibling. For more information, call, e-mail or visit online at 978-388-0930, msbcsec@verizon.net, www.marketstreetbaptistchurch.org.

Vacation Bible School at Hope Community

Hope Community Church's next Vacation Bible School adventure, Crocodile Dock, will be held July 13 to 17. It's for children who are age 5 to those entering fifth grade. Cost: $35 for the first child, $25 for each additional sibling. Volunteer all five days and get one child free. Plus: KiD Counselors-in-training program for sixth- and seventh-graders.

Vacation Bible School at Old South Church

Old South Church invites all children (ages 5 to 10) to go to the edge this summer for Vacation Bible School. Camp E.D.G.E.: Experience & Discover God Everywhere is an extreme adventure camp taking kids on Bible treks to experience and discover God everywhere, every day. The fun begins on Monday, July 20, and ends Friday, July 25, and runs from 9 a.m. to noon at Old South Church, 29 Federal St., Newburyport. Each Bible trek is supported with science activities, songs, crafts, games and snacks. For more information, call the church office at 978-465-9666 or visit the church's Web site at www.oldsouthnbpt.org.

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.

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.

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 every 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.

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.

Eco Services at First Parish

Join the First Parish Church, 20 High Road, Newbury, at the Chapel Under the Trees for a weekly Eco service Saturdays at 4 p.m., all weather, year round. Around the fire, the group prays for awareness and renewal and opening to transformation by the Holy Spirit. Participants are free to read a poem or tell a story or sing or play instruments. Dress warmly.

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.

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 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.

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, 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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