Information session on lay ministry
North Shore Christian Ministries will host an informational session on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at St. Mary's Hall, 200 Main St., Rowley.
As part of a regionwide expansion to provide opportunities for lay ministry, NSCM has developed a one-year intensive training program for individuals to discover and use their spiritual gift sets. The purpose of this meeting is to introduce several of the program offerings and answer any questions regarding time and cost commitments.
As part of developing individuals for lay ministry, NSCM provides training and support in such programs as Youth Alpha, Alpha in the Workplace, Freedom in Christ, and Financial Peace. NSCM also presents The Marriage Course, the Truth Project and offers opportunity for individuals to receive certification in lay ministry with programs developed by the American Association of Christian Counselors, such as "Caring for Teens God's Way" and "Extraordinary Women."
St. Paul's fair and silent auction
A fair and silent auction will take place Saturday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Church, 166 High St., Newburyport. Offerings at the fair include baked goods, books, boutique, Christmas and holiday room, crafts, clothing, jewelry, linens, toys, treasure chest and more. There will also be a selection of Bead for Life Jewelry to benefit the women of Uganda and the sale of "Our Daily Bread," a cookbook fundraiser from the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Biloxi, Miss. The Silent Auction offer many quality items donated from local merchants and others. This is St. Paul's largest fundraiser of the year and benefits the church's many projects.
Spiritual teacher at Unity Nov. 15
Dr. Michael Mirdad, a noted spiritual teacher, healer and author, will speak on "Living the Christ Life" at both services on Sunday, Nov. 15, 9 and 11 a.m., at Unity on the River in Amesbury. Mirdad has worked as a healer and counselor for nearly 30 years and is the author of the best-selling books, "The Seven Initiations of the Spiritual Path, You're Not Going Crazy ... You're Just Waking Up!" and "An Introduction to Tantra and Sacred Sexuality."
Following the services, Mirdad will be leading a workshop on the topic of "Understanding the Purpose of Life's Tests." The workshop is from 1 to 4 p.m., and there is a suggested offering of $35.
Mirdad will also be giving a lecture on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. entitled "An Evening of Miracles." This lecture will be an experience of spirituality and healing. It's especially informative for students of A Course in Miracles or "miracle consciousness." There is a suggested offering of $20.
For more information on any of these events, call Unity on the River at 978-834-7830 or visit www.unityontheriver.org.
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. to 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, 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.
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.
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 to 9; Men's Pickup Basketball on Tuesday nights from 7 to 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 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 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.
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.
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.
