Union church flea market today

Union Congregational Church, 350 Main St., Amesbury, will hold a "Trash to Treasure" sale today from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch with strawberry shortcake will be served.

Yard sale for 'Teens to Transylvania'

Today, 9 a.m. "Teens to Transylvania": A great yard sale for a great cause will be held at 35 Woodland St., Newburyport. This summer, six Unitarian-Universalist teens will travel to their sister church and village in Transylvania. Proceeds from this special yard sale will aid them with their travel expenses. Rain date: Sunday, June 15.

First Religious Society summer services

The First Religious Society, UU does not hold regular Sunday services from June 16 until the Sunday after Labor Day, Sept. 7. In the summer, many parishioners attend the First Congregational Society (Unitarian) in Hampton Falls, N.H. The First Congregational Society is a separate church from the First Religious Society.

Free talk on 'Interfaith Ministry' Wednesday

There will be a talk on "Interfaith Ministry" on Wednesday, June 18, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Newburyport Public Library, 94 State St., Newburyport, with the Revs. Joel Grossman and Anna Smulowitz, interfaith ministers and coordinators of the Massachusetts Satellite of the Chaplaincy Institute of Maine (ChIME, http://www.chimeofmaine.org).."Interfaith ministry" is the service of helping people deepen their faith, regardless of the spiritual path they are traveling. Interfaith ministers provide life event ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, baby namings, etc. They also work as chaplains in.hospital, hospice, prison, college or military settings.

Strawberry Festival in Merrimacport June 21

The Merrimacport United Methodist Church will hold a Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 21, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Carey Park, River Road, Merrimacport. Available will be strawberry shortcake, lobster rolls, chicken salad, baked goods, drinks, book table, white elephant table and music. Hot dogs and popcorn will be on sale by the kids attending Camp Wanakee this summer.

Butterfly release ceremony June 21

Unity on the River in Amesbury is hosting a community event titled "The Summer Solstice Butterfly Release" at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, the first day of summer, at the Amesbury Town Park. Butterflies are available for purchase at Unity on the River for $15 each. For more information, call 978-834-7830, e-mail diane@unityontheriver.org, or visit the church's office at 58 Macy St., Route 110, Amesbury.

'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 p.m. at the Powow Community Building. For more information, call Cara Smoley at 978-388-4987.

First Congregational Society services

Sunday, June 22, 10:45 a.m. at The First Congregational Society (Unitarian), Hampton Falls, N.H.,..the Rev. Pamela Barz,.Unitarian Universalist chaplain at Wellesley College, will speak. Prior to taking on the UU chaplainship, Rev. Barz had been parish minister in Saco, Maine, and Amesbury, Arlington, Boston, Lancaster, and Newton..The church is on Route 88, just past Applecrest Farms. Parking is in the rear of the building.

Strawberry Festival in Amesbury June 27

The Main Street Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, will host its annual Strawberry Festival on Friday, June 27, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the front lawn at 145 Main St., Amesbury. There will be music, kids' games and a raffle in addition to the traditional menu items of fish and corn chowder, lobster rolls, strawberry shortcake, hot dogs, burgers, drinks and chips. For more information, call Barbara Moon at 978-317-2823 or e-mail her at bampta@yahoo.com.

Sacred Harp singing June 29

Participatory a cappella shape-note singing from The Sacred Harp will be held Sunday, June 29 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at First Parish Church, 20 High Road, Newbury. Admission is free; no musical experience required.Singing School will be led by Chris Noren.

The group will sing four-part a cappella harmony from The Sacred Harp, a shape-note tunebook first published in Georgia in 1844. The Sacred Harp tradition dates back to 18th century New England, and is likely the oldest "home-grown" musical tradition in the United States. The music is an eclectic mixture of early New England hymns and "fuging-tunes" and Southern camp-meeting songs. For more information, contact Noren at noren@neb.com.

Church fundraiser at Flatbread Pizza

Flatbread Pizza will hold a fundraiser for the Main Street Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, on Tuesday, July 1, between 5 and 9 p.m. The church will get a portion of profits on all food (eat-in and take-out) purchased between 5 and 9 p.m. that evening. As an added treat, MSCC musicians will provide musical entertainment in the Millyard that evening. Funds raised will help support mission efforts like Camp Sunshine, Our Neighbors' Table, the Emmaus House and other community programs.

VBS in July at Old South Church

Old South Church invites all children to ride the wave of God's love at summer Vacation Bible School, "Beach Party: Surfin' Through the Scriptures." The fun begins on Monday, July 21, and ends on Friday, July 25, 9 a.m. to noon. This program is a celebration of God's love and a chance for children to learn new Beach Be-Attitudes. Each lesson will be supported with Bible stories, science activities, songs, crafts, games and snacks. Old South Church is at 29 Federal St., Newburyport. For more information, call the church office at 978-465-9666.

VBS in August at Pilgrim Congregational

Pilgrim Congregational Church in Merrimac invites children to "Power Lab," where they'll discover Jesus' miraculous power! This VBS program begins on Monday, Aug. 11, and continues through Friday, Aug. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $25 for the week. For more information and to register, call Renee Lundy at 978-346-8398.

Environmental Camp

First Parish Church, 20 High Road, Newbury, is sponsoring a three-day environmental camp, Stewards of Earth and Spirit Seas Camp, Tuesday, Aug. 19, to Thursday, Aug. 21, 9 a.m. to noon. The camp will be led by environmentalist Don Sineti and will explore dolphins and whales through journals and marine life collections. For children in the fifth through eighth grade. Cost is $200. Registration ends May 30. To register, call the First Parish Church at 978-465-5597 or visit www.firstparishofnewbury.org.

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.

Historic talks celebrate Belleville's bicentennial

During Belleville Congregational Church's bicentennial year, historic talks about the ministers and their times of service are given every second and fourth Sunday during the church service. Those Sundays are also Bonnet Sundays. Women of the church have made facsimiles of bonnets worn in the early 1800s and will be wearing them throughout the year.

Coffee hours have been hosted at the first parsonage, the home of Belleville's first minister (1808-1836) the Rev. Miltimore, and at the current parsonage built in 1849, home of the Rev. Fiske, a long-time minister from 1847 to 1903 and home of the current minister, Ross Varney.

The public is welcome to share in Belleville's bicentennial year. Services at the Newburyport church, 300 High St., are at 10 a.m.

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 Major 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.

Update on empty medicine bottles

Atria Merrimack Place thanks participants in the Empty Medicine Bottle campaign by dropping off empty medicine bottles for Partners in Development to distribute. Atria Merrimack Place is no longer accepting bottles; however, you may drop off bottles at the Newburyport Council on Aging, located at 40 Water St.

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.

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