Family Pumpkin Festival today

The Family Pumpkin Festival, sponsored by Community United Methodist Church, 11 Central St., Byfield, will be held today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festival features free children's games, crafts and bounce house, and a food booth with homemade soups, baked goods, grilled items, and more. The Harvest Dinner is tonight from 50 to 7 in Faith Hall of the church building, featuring roast beef, side dishes, desserts and drinks. Prices are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4.00 for children ages 3 to 10. The Pumpkin Festival and Harvest Dinner are special events of the ongoing Pumpkin Patch, which continues through the end of October. Proceeds benefit local and national mission projects.

Stew and chowder served today

A Stew and Chowder Dinner will be held today from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Merrimacport United Methodist Church, River Road and High Street. On the menu are beef stew, fish chowder, chicken stew, chili, mac 'n' cheese, witches' stew, coleslaw and breads, with ice cream sundae for dessert. Cost is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $4 for children 5-12 and under 5, free.

Roast pork dinner and recital today

A roast pork dinner today will be followed by Doug Latham and Friends singing a variety of music: folk, popular, classical and Broadway tunes. The evening starts at 6 p.m. at Groveland Congregational Church, 4 King St. Admission: $12 adults, $6 children. For more information, contact Lisa Quinnan at 978-372-3463.

Missionary to Africa to speak tomorrow

Old South Church, Federal Street, Newburyport, welcomes Rev. Ted Wright, missionary from Zambia, Africa, as part of our World Mission Sunday tomorrow at the 10:30 a.m. service. Rev. Wright has just completed a term of service in Zambia, Africa, and has also worked in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Ecumenical Candlelight Taize Service

The Groveland Congregational Church invites the community to a candlelight meditation service modeled on the services held at the Taize community in France tomorrow at 7 p.m. at the church, 4 King St. Taize prayer is a simple form of ecumenical Christian prayer centered on scripture, silence and song. It involves singing and listening to the word of God in an atmosphere of silence and peace. 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.

Live Internet chat Tuesday

All are invited to participate in a live Internet chat on "A spiritual response to mental illness" Tuesday, 2-3 p.m. Despite much progress, people's attitudes toward mental illness still tend toward stigmatizing individuals who are struggling with this challenge. If you or someone you love is looking for spiritual strength and for healing of mental illness, join this chat. The guest is an experienced Christian Science healer, who will welcome your questions.

For more details log on to www.spirituality.com. This is sponsored by the Christian Science Church in Boston. Anyone is welcome to participate or just listen at the Christian Science Reading Room, 50 Pleasant St., Newburyport, 978-465-0286. All chats are archived and will be available 24/7.

Spaghetti supper Oct. 24

Union Congregational Church, 350 Main St., Amesbury, will hold a Spaghetti Supper on Saturday, Oct, 24, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Cost is $6 individual, $20 family, $7 take-out dinner.

Eco service Oct. 24

The Rev. Nancy Haverington will lead an Eco service Oct. 24 at First Parish Church, High Road, Newbury, at 4 p.m. in the chapel under the trees behind the church. Everyone is invited to bring one package of spring bulbs to plant along the burying ground wall and await 350 bulbs blooming in the spring.

Oct. 24 is the "350 Global Day of Action," at which time Deb Cinamon Whalen will lead a "healing blanket workshop" in Holton Hall. The finished blanket will be displayed in the sanctuary until delivered to a town affected by the mountaintop removal coal mining.

Harvest Supper at Trinity United Church

Trinity United Church will hold its Annual Harvest Supper on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m. at the Parish House on the corner of Route 1 and Folly Mill Road, Seabrook, next to the post office. A turkey dinner with all the fixings is offered, with homemade desserts, including Indian pudding. Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for children. Call 474-7900 for details.

Crafters, vendors needed for fair

Crafters and vendors are wanted for Trinity United Church's annual Yule Fair scheduled for Saturday Nov. 14 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Parish House on the corner of Route 1 and Folly Mill Road, Seabrook, The fair offers Christmas decorations, jewelry, crafts and raffles as well as a bake sale with all sorts of homemade treats. There's even a lunch counter with chowder, hot dogs and sandwiches and sweets. Space is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Spaces are still available for this event. Rental prices from $15 to $20. Call the church at 474-7900 for more details.

Celtic services resume

The Wednesday evening Celtic services have resumed at the First Parish Church, 20 High Road, Newbury, at 7:30 p.m. The community is invited to attend.

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: Wednesdays, 3:30-6 p.m., open to the greater Amesbury community; Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-noon, open to Amesbury residents only; and the Merrimac Mobile Pantry, first and third Saturday of each month, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Pilgrim Church, 27 Church St., Merrimac, limited to Merrimac residents.

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.

Bible study for women

Christi Humphrey, Director of Small Group Ministries at St. James Episcopal Church, and Pat McBride, St. James member/facilitator, will host "Living Our Story Through God's Story" Monday, Sept. 28, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., in the parish hall, for an introductory meeting concerning a new and exciting opportunity to engage the Bible with a unique lectionary-based study. The Bible Workbench method will be used to explore a portion of scripture- What is happening in this biblical story? How is this story happening in the world around us? How does this story touch my life as an individual and how does it speak to us as a community?

Contact the office at 978-388-0030 for additional information.

Union Congregational dinner and bake sale

Union Congregational Church, 350 Main St., has changed the hours for its spaghetti dinner on Saturday, Sept. 26; it will now be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Cost is $6 per person or $20 per family, and $7 for takeout.

The church will also be hosting a fall-themed bake sale on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church.

Free writing seminar

Peoples United Methodist Church is holding a free writing seminar, hosted by Bob Campbell, Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 3 p.m. at the church, 64 Purchase St., Newburyport. Campbell will present eight key points for those who have a story to tell.

Campbell has over 1000 articles in print, is a monthly contributor for the "As I See It" column of the Daily News, is editor of Pfizer's "Lite Forum," a newsletter that reached some 25,000 around the world, and published "Humor is Life's Lubricant."

Community baby shower/ fair

The Salvation Army at 40 Water St., Newburyport, is hosting a community baby shower/fair Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be health and wellness tables, free food, free raffles for every family, and free gifts while they last. Fair-goers will also be treated to one free hours of child care while you are in the building.

Belleville Church thrift shop

The Belleville Church thrift shop at 300 High St., Newburyport will have its grand re-opening Saturday, Oct. 3. Hours will be Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.