Union Congregational spaghetti dinner
Union Congregational Church will host a spaghetti supper today from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the church, 350 Main St., Amesbury. Cost is $6 per person or $20 per family, or $7 for take out. On the menu is spaghetti and meatballs, salad, garlic bread, refreshments, and desserts, as well as coffee, tea and hot chocolate. For more information, call Sheila Lee at 978-882-2294.
Purim Carnival and canned food drive tomorrow
Games, prizes, treats ... and kids bringing canned goods for local families during the Purim Carnival and canned food drive tomorrow, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Admission is free at Temple Ahavas Achim, corner of Olive and Washington streets, Newburyport. Attendees are asked to use the side entrance.
Interfaith service tomorrow
The Chaplaincy Institute of Maine-Massachusetts Campus (ChIME-MA) invites the public to an interfaith service tomorrow, 3 to 4 p.m. at the Friends Meeting House, 120 Friend St., Amesbury. The service is titled "In The Presence Of." The service will address the questions: What do we really mean when we say that I believe in God? What is this based on? And what can happen when we shift our most profound and perplexing paradigm from believing that God is real, to experiencing the reality of God?" It will be led by Phil Boynton, Darcy Johnson and Jennifer Morriss.
To learn more about ChIME go to http://www.chimeofmaine.org/. These services are open to all. Refreshments will be served.
Live Internet chat Tuesday
All are invited to participate in a live Internet chat entitled "Healing Incurable Disease with Christian Science" Tuesday, 2 to 3 p.m., on www.spirituality.com. The book of Psalms speaks of God as one who "forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases" (Ps. 103:3). If you're looking for spiritual answers that will help guide your prayers for healing, join this chat with an experienced Christian Science healer. You'll learn about how the concepts of Christian Science can help bring healing to your life, what the Science behind this healing is, and gain a better understanding of how Jesus healed. This chat is sponsored by the Christian Science church in Boston. Anyone is welcome to participate or to come and listen at the Christian Science Reading Room, 50 Pleasant St., Newburyport. 978-465-0286. All chats are archived and will be available 24/7.
Community Kabalat Shabbat in the Round
Come for a evening of song and inspiration as the Shabbat is welcomed at Temple Ahavas Achim, corner of Olive and Washington streets, Newburyport. Everyone is welcome — families, couples, singles. The event will be held Friday from 7 to 8 p.m. Admission is free; please use the side entrance.
Indoor flea market March 13
An indoor flea market, a mission trip fundraiser will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 13 (snow date, March 20), at Market Street Baptist Church, 37 Market St., Amesbury. The church is handicapped-accessible. There are 6-foot tables for rent, $20. Call 978-388-0930 or e-mail to msbcsec@verizon.net.
Lenten services at IC
Lenten services at Immaculate Conception Church, Green Street, Newburyport, are as follows:
Eucharistic Adoration in St. James Chapel: During Lent, the Friday time of Eucharistic Adoration will conclude with Benediction at 11:30 a.m. because of the 12:05 p.m. Liturgy.
Stations of the cross, Friday evenings, 7, St. James Chapel: Many parishioners remember the Stations of the Cross as a regular part of Lenten devotions. Join us as we meditate on the Passion and Death of Jesus in prayer and simple song.
Liturgy: During Lent there will be two daily liturgies, Monday through Friday: 7:15 a.m. and 12:05 p.m.
Lenten speakers at Holy Family
Friday Night Chowder Lenten speakers at Holy Family Parish, Amesbury, who will speak on "Ministry as My Vocation," are as follows:
March 5: Sister Maureen Casey
March 12: Thomas Hanshaw
March 19: Gerry Corcoran
March 26: Rosemary Werner
The evening begins at 5 p.m. with Stations of the Cross, followed by Mass at 5:30, chowder at 6 p.m. and the speaker at 6:45.
St. James schedule for Lent
The Lenten worship schedule at St. James Episcopal Church, 119 Washington St,, Groveland, includes:
March 17, 7 p.m.: Celtic Service of Evening Prayer
March 28, 9:30 a.m., Palm Sunday, Holy Eucharist, Rite II
April 1, 6 p.m., Agape Feast with Simple Eucharist; 7:30 p.m., Service of Tenebrae; Vigil in the Garden of Gethsemane, 9 p.m. Thursday evening to 7 a.m. Friday morning
Good Friday, April 2, 2 p.m.: Stations of the Cross
April 3, 7 p.m., The Great Easter Vigil with Baptism
Easter, April 4: 5 a.m., Sunrise Service, Second Congregational, West Boxford, at Nason's Stonehouse Farm, Route 133 West Boxford; 9:30 a.m., Festival Eucharist.
New location, times for Christian Science Church services
First Church of Christ, Scientist, Newburyport, has a temporary change in its location and times for services. Sunday service and Sunday School will both begin at 11:15 a.m. in the People's United Methodist Church, 64 Purchase St., Newburyport. Wednesday testimony meetings will also be held at this same location at 7:30 p.m. Call 978-465-0286 for more information. The members of the Christian Science Church in Newburyport give special thanks to the members of the People's United Methodist Church for extending their hand of fellowship and sharing their building. For the rest of the year, Christian Science services will continue to be held at the current Christian Science church edifice on 286 High St., Newburyport, and will convene at 10 a.m. on Dec. 27 for its Sunday Service and Sunday School, and at 7:30 p.m. for the Dec. 30 Wednesday testimony meeting.
Food drive at First Religious Society
As employment and the economy continue to falter, the number of Newburyport families and seniors who are struggling with hunger continues to climb. Items most needed by local food pantries include peanut butter, jelly, rice, spaghetti sauce, boxed potatoes, coffee, crackers, cereal, canned soups, and canned meats (Spam, chicken, deviled ham, tuna). Contributions can be placed on the table in the vestibule of the First Religious Society, 26 Pleasant St., Newburyport, on Sundays, and delivered to the church office on weekdays. Donations are also accepted.
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.
Sports at Hope Community Church
Join us during the week for a great time of recreation in the Hope gym with one of the following sports: Co-ed Volleyball on Monday nights from 7-9; Men's Pickup Basketball on Tuesday nights from 7-9; Christian Karate on Thursday nights from 6 to 8. Hope Community Church is located at 11 Hale St., Newburyport.
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 on the 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.
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.
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.
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.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.
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.
