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All Saints' open house
All Saints' Anglican Church, 67 Friend St., Amesbury, will be hosting an open house today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free, and the event will feature free food, live music, a basketball contest, a food drive and a chance to win four tickets to a Red Sox game.
Spaghetti Supper today at Union
A Spaghetti Supper will be held today, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at Union Congregational Church, 350 Main St., Amesbury. The suppers are held the fourth Saturday of every month. Tickets: $6/individual; $20 family; $7 take-out dinner.
Live Internet chat Tuesday
A live Internet chat entitled "Hurricanes and how to pray about them" will take place Tuesday from 2-3 p.m. on www.spirituality.com. Weather experts who track hurricanes — both in the U.S. government and at other institutions — continue to predict an active hurricane season as a result of unusually warm tropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures, and the development of La Nié±a. They also state that there is a high probability of a major hurricane landfall. To find out why these predictions don't have to come true, and how prayer can protect you and your loved ones even if a storm does come, tune in to this chat with an experienced Christian Science healer. This chat is sponsored by the Christian Science church in Boston. Anyone is welcome to participate or just listen in at the Christian Science Reading Room, 50 Pleasant St., Newburyport, 978-465-0286. All chats are archived and will be available 24/7.
World Day of Prayer at Unity
Unity on the River invites the public to participate in its annual World Day of Prayer celebration, a 24-hour prayer vigil starting Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. and ending Thursday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. The church is located at 58 Macy St. (Route 110) in the Amesbury Plaza.
Services at Congregation Ahavas Achim
Jews around the world will be ushering in the year 5771 beginning on Wednesday evening, Sept. 8. As the High Holy Days approach, interim Rabbi Melissa Wenig prepares to lead services at Congregation Ahavas Achim at the corner of Washington and Olive Streets in Newburyport. Information regarding the services and tickets may be found on the website, www.ahavas-achim.org/ or by calling Sheryl Blair at 978-465-0841.
Pentecostal church offers children's clubs
Pre-registration for Wednesday night children's clubs will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 8 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Newburyport Pentecostal Assembly of God Church, 13 Hale St. Royal Rangers and Girls' Ministries groups are available for children from preschool to teenage years. These ministries are designed to help children develop respect for God, country, family and community. The public is invited to meet the group leaders, see the classrooms and preview the fall curriculum. Classes begin Wednesday, Sept. 15 and convene from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Bible study for adults is offered during the children's class time. For further information, contact Jerry Burd at 978-463-7840 or gaburd@comcast.net or check the church website at www.newburyportag.com.
Lemon the Duck at Georgetown church
The First Congregational Church of Georgetown invites the public to Rally Day, Sept. 12 at 10:30 a.m. There will be a special guest appearance by Lemon the Duck, a live 4-year-old Peking duck that was hatched in a kindergarten classroom. She has a neurological condition that affects her coordination and balance, very similar to cerebral palsy. She lives with Laura Backman, her caretaker, who is a teacher in Portsmouth, R.I. Lemon uses a scooter to help her stand and move around. Church School registration will be available beginning at 10 a.m. for preschool through eighth grade classes. Classes will resume on Sunday, Sept. 19. A special Fellowship Hour will be held after worship, "Welcome Back to Sundae School." Everyone is invited to make their own ice cream sundaes after worship.
Religious School sign-up at Ahavas Achim
Ahavas Achim is presently registering for 2010-2011 Religious School. Pre-Gan (ages 3-Pre K) through Zavin (grade 7), along with teen classes, will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 14. Contact Phyllis Osher at posher@gis.net or call 978-462-2461 for more information.
Fellowship Thrift Shop open
The Fellowship Thrift Shop is located in the basement of the First Congregational Church, 175 Main St. (Route 1A), Rowley. The shop, which opened in November, has a variety of clothing of all sizes; household items; sewing notions and more. Shop hours are: Tuesdays, 8 a.m.-noon; Thursdays, 3-7 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. During August the shop is having Bag Sales — just fill up a bag with non-taxable items for $3 or $5!
Sunday School sign-up begins
Registration is now open for inclusive Sunday School at First Parish Church, Route 1A, Newbury. All children, including those with special needs, are welcome.
'Sunday on the Lawn'
"Sunday on the Lawn," co-sponsored by Pilgrim Church and Our Neighbors' Table, is held on the last Sunday of the month from 4-5:30 p.m. at Pilgrim Church, Church Street, Merrimac. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a cookout on the church lawn.
Fashion show at Georgetown church
The First Congregational Church of Georgetown, Andover Street, will be holding a "Cheap Chic Fashion Show" on Friday, Oct. 1, at 7:30 p.m. The fashion show will feature gently used re-sale fashions and will be available for purchase at very reasonable prices. Proceeds will benefit the Jean Geiger Crisis Center and refreshments will be served. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the door or by contacting the church office at 978-352-8443.
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.
Monthly Healing Service at Holy Family
Holy Family Parish of Amesbury announces that Father Albert MacPherson. O.S.A., will be holding a Healing Service at St. Joseph Church on the third Tuesday of the month. The Healing Service will be preceded by Holy Mass at 7 p.m.
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.
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.
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 Web site, www.stjamesamesbury.org.
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. The meetings are for parents who have lost children and grandparents who have lost grandchildren. For more information, call 978-388-1514.
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, 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 to10:30 a.m., Pilgrim Congregational Church, 27 Church 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 on 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 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.
