Church notes

February 23, 2008 12:00 am

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Nature and the human soul today

Today at 7:30 p.m., the Belleville Church will hold a free talk by West Newbury resident Tim Thomson in the Parish Hall, located on Chapel Street. A semi-technical exploration of the nature and characteristics of the human soul will be presented. The concept of an immortal spirit and a mortal body will be shown to be a universal concept. Implications will be summarized in eight principles of spiritual dualism. Thomson is a scientist with seven patents and three books on polymer chemistry. Time for questions and answers will follow the talk; refreshments will be available.

Taize Prayer at Immaculate Conception Parish

Sundays during Lent, at 7 p.m., Taize Prayer, a simple form of ecumenical Christian prayer centered on Scripture, Silence and Song, will be held at Immaculate Conception Parish, Green Street, Newburyport. It was inspired by the monastic tradition in Taize, France. It involves singing and listening to the word of God in an atmosphere of silence and peace. Immaculate Conception Pastor Father Marc Piche and the Immaculate Conception Music Ministry invite the public to come join, sing and pray together as one ecumenical faith community.

Spaghetti dinner to benefit 30 Hour Famine

The youth group of First United Methodist Church of Amesbury, 140 Main St., will be serving a spaghetti dinner today, 5 to 7 p.m. All proceeds will be donated to the 30 Hour Famine. On the menu are spaghetti with meatballs, garlic bread, salad bar and dessert. The cost is $5 per person; age 3 and under, free. Tickets will be sold after church or at the door.

Historical view at Central Congregational

"... And the Rest is History" is the theme tomorrow at Central Congregational Church, 14 Titcomb St., Newburyport, a look at the city's rich past and the role of Congregationalism. The Rev. John Burciaga has researched the historical trail beginning with the landing of new settlers at the Quascunquin (now Parker) River to the present. He found that the Parker River was so renamed for the Rev. Thomas Parker, who led first services on the river bank after the landing in 1635.

Among those to be acknowledged on Sunday are local resident John Gove, whose mother was of the Hathaway family in Salem, and whose ancestor, James Ordway, was among the settlers in 1635; Phyllis (Rose) TeSelle, Jean Chase, Carol Daigle, Elizabeth Little and Barbara Roche. Others are living elsewhere or are deceased, except Joan MacPherson, now minister to the Main Street United Church of Christ, in Amesbury.

Voice of the Faithful meeting tomorrow

Bridget Shaheen, executive director of Lazarus House in Lawrence and a contributor to a variety of community service organizations, will be the guest speaker at the Voice of the Faithful Adult Faith Formation Series tomorrow from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 19 Chestnut St., Peabody. Her topic will be "It is mercy I seek, not sacrifice," based on Chapter 9 of Matthew's gospel. Donations accepted. Refreshments served.

Chowder supper fundraiser Feb. 29

People's United Methodist Church and Girl Scout Troop 676 will serve a chowder supper Friday, Feb. 29, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., at the church on Purchase Street, Newburyport, to benefit Nothing But Nets Campaign. Freshly made home-cooked fish or corn chowder, tossed salad, sweetbreads, dinner rolls, homemade desserts, Aunt Pat's famous homemade pies, fruit punch, coffee, tea. $7 per person; $20 per family. Takeout also available. Proceeds benefit the Nothing But Nets Campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. For more information, visit www.nothingbutnets.net.

Taize service in Groveland March 2

The Groveland Congregational Church invites the community to a candlelight meditation service modeled on the services held at the Taize community in France at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, at the Groveland Congregational Church, 4 King St. In keeping with the season, the half hour service will have a Lenten theme. The Taizé community, which was founded in 1940, today is composed of more than 100 brothers, Roman Catholics and Protestants from a variety of backgrounds and representing more than 25 different nations. There will be readings from Scripture, petitions and a time of silent prayer. For further information, contact Groveland Congregational Church at 978-372-3463 or visit the Web site at www.grovelanducc.org.

First Parish Benefit auction March 15

The First Parish Church of Newbury will hold its second annual Benefit Auction at The Governor's Academy in Byfield on Saturday, March 15. The Phillips Hall doors open at 5 p.m. for viewing and silent auction. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. with $25 admission. A live auction will follow. Ways to help support the church auction: buy a raffle ticket on a 2008 Prius Hybrid ($100 per ticket, only 300 tickets will be sold); donate items (all items are tax-deductible); advertise a business in the program booklet. Baby-sitting provided. For more information, call 978-465-5597 or visit www.FirstParishOfNewbury.org.

Thrift shop bag sale

Belleville Congregational Church, 300 High St., is having its annual $3 bag sale during February. Hours are Wednesday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Men, women and children's clothing in very good condition.

Immigration Ministry auction and dinner

Amesbury Refugee Immigration Ministry's 5th annual Dinner and Auction will be held at Holy Family's Hall on Saturday, March 29, at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 each and include dinner. To donate items to the auction, call Annie Tunstall at 978-388-9774. RIM is a nonprofit organization that assists recently arrived asylum seekers with housing, education, English tutoring, job development and acculturation as well as offering pastoral care and legal advocacy.

Christian Science talk March 6

The public is invited to a talk titled "What is Christian Science, and How Does it Heal?" Martha Moffett, a Christian Science practitioner from St. Paul, Minn., will be speaking and answering questions on Thursday, March 6, at 7 p.m. at Northern Essex Community College, Tech Center, 100 Elliott St., Haverhill. There's no charge for the lecture, and everyone's welcome.

Ken Medema in concert April 13

Ken Medema will be in concert at Belleville Church, 300 High St., Newburyport, on Sunday, April 13, at 4 p.m. If you do not know him, take a quick peek at kenmedema.com. Blind from birth, he started his career as a music therapist, and now has sung for audiences as diverse as the Crystal Cathedral's Hour of Power, and Sojourner's Justice Rallies. The theme of the concert will be "Songs of Healing And Hope," and it is meant for a diverse community. In every concert, he composes songs on the spot about stories he has just heard from the audience. Call the church to reserve ticket ($20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $10 for children under 12).

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., is offering the following:

r 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, cleanup. Call Major Kathryn Purvis at 978-465-0883, ext. 10, for more information.

Winter coats available

The Newburyport Salvation Army, 40 Water St., has received cleaned and gently used winter coats of all sizes. Anyone in need is welcome to come by. See Donna in the family development office on Monday or Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or Thursday, noon to 6 p.m.

Wednesday 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.

Emergency funding for shelter, utilities

The Salvation Army has received this year's second round of federal emergency funding for shelter and utilities. If individuals and families in the Seacoast area need assistance, call Donna at the Salvation Army at 978-465-0883, ext. 12. Funding is awarded after interview, intake and review. Appointments will be made until the funding is exhausted, which will be in just a few weeks.

Label-free empty medicine bottles needed

Partners In Development Inc. is asking for help by donating label-free empty medicine bottles. Participating in this program helps transform lives in Haiti and Guatemala. Drop-off location is Atria Merrimack Place, 85 Storey Ave. For more information, call 978-462-7324.

Meditation service

A meditation service is held on the second Sunday of each month at 5 p.m. at Belleville Church, 300 High St., Newburyport. The church welcomes all to quiet gatherings that will include Scripture reading, sharing, singing, prayer and guided meditation.

Centering prayer at St. James

St. James Episcopal Church in Amesbury offers centering prayer as one of its Saturday alternative services. Centering prayer, 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 5 a.m.

An early morning prayer worship service is held daily at 5 a.m. 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. 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 in the Seacoast area. The church is on Lafayette Road, Seabrook, 603-474-2660.