Church notes

July 04, 2009 03:45 am

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ChiME graduates to speak Wednesday

The Chaplaincy Institute of Maine-Massachusetts Campus (ChIME, http://www.chimeofmaine.org/) will present an evening of presentations by graduates of the program on Wednesday, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the Newburyport Library, 94 State St., Newburyport. The presenters will share aspects of their spiritually based healing practices. Information will be shared about the ChIME program. This program is free and open to the public. No reservation is needed. For more information, contact Rev. Joel Grossman, 978-363-2063, joelandsheilag@earthlink.net.

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. The church is implementing a suggested donation to help defray the cost. However, in order not to keep any child away for financial reasons, any donation, even if it's nothing, will be accepted. Suggested donation: $15 for first child and $10 for each additional sibling. Make checks payable to: MSBC (memo: VBS). Mail form and payment to: MSBC/VBS, 37 Market St., Amesbury 01913.

For more information, call, e-mail or visit online at 978-388-0930, msbcsec@verizon.net, www.marketstreetbaptistchurch.org.

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 June 23 instead of the usual third Tuesday. The Healing Service will be preceded by Holy Mass at 7 p.m. There will be no Healing Service in July.

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.

Closing time at Immaculate Conception

Church closing time for the Immaculate Conception Parish on Green Street, Newburyport, has changed for summer months. For purposes of security, the church doors will be locked at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at noon on Fridays since no one is available to monitor the church in the evenings we need to close early.

Also, the office will close at noon on Fridays through Friday, Aug. 28.

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 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.

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 to 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 Interstate 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.