Area religious listings for the week of Dec. 29
By NewsPress Now
BELLOWS FALLS
First Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church of Bellows Falls at 9 Church Street offers worship service at 10 a.m. every Sunday.
This week, members will look into 2 Corinthians 5:17. Paul reminds: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” God’s love, grace, and mercy can powerfully change and renew our lives. This inner transformation comes from knowing we are loved and forgiven of any wrong we have done or has been done to us. The realization of knowing we do not have to live in shame changes our old ways of thinking and behaviors. As we become more integrated, our behaviors reflect the teachings of Jesus. When we connect to Divine love, we become more compassionate, empathetic, and loving. As we allow God to transform us, we learn to care for others more deeply, bear one another’s burdens, and live a life that is a mirror of God’s love.
Coffee time follows the service. For more information, call 802-463-3220. Offerings and donations can be mailed to 9 Church Street, Bellows Falls.
Immanuel Episcopal
Services at Immanuel Episcopal Church are offered at 20 Church St. and via Zoom at 10 a.m. on Sundays. To attend via Zoom, email immanuelepiscopal@gmail.com. Telephone: 802-463-3178.
St. Charles Catholic
The Mass schedule at St. Charles Catholic Church, 31 Cherry Hill St., is as follows: Wednesday through Friday at 9 a.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m., and Sundays at 9 a.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered every Saturday from 3 to 3:30 p.m.
For more information, contact the church or Father Agnel Samy at 802-463-3128 or stcharlesrectory@comcast.com, or visit the website at stcharles.vermontcatholic.org.
United Church
The United Church (UCC) of Bellows Falls, 8 School St., will hold worship service at 10 a.m. on Sunday. Refreshments and fellowship after the service. For more information, call 802-463-4323 or find the church on Facebook.
BRATTLEBORO
All Souls Church
This Sunday’s 10 a.m. service at All Souls Church will focus on the theme, “dreamkeeping” led by Rev. Telos Whitfield.
Members will share a “dream” for the coming year by reading a favorite saying, motto, brief quotes from a 3×5” card during the church’s Story for All Ages. Materials will be on hand to illustrate the words later in the service. (During January, they will be displayed for others who may add their own). Contact Maisie if you wish to help coordinate this service.
All services are offered in person and via zoom. The church offers Religious Exploration for kids at 9 a.m. prior to the service. Child care is available every Sunday. The service will be in person at 29 South St., and via Zoom at www.ascvt.org.
Brattleboro Area Jewish Community
The Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, Congregation Shir Heharim is a reform congregation with a commitment to practice and celebrate Judaism with creativity.
BAJC will celebrate the festival of Chanukah. The celebration will feature Klezmer music & dancing with Klezamir, menorah lighting, latke contest, crafts, traditional treats & refreshments, and even a juggling workshop with Kinetic Theory Theatre. All are welcome. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
Klezamir, based in Western Massachusetts, is New England’s dynamic roots rockin’ Klezmer band extraordinaire. Klezamir plays traditional Jewish favorites as well as pop, rock, classical, and jazz.
The event will be held Saturday, Dec. 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Vermont Jazz Center, 72 Cotton Mill Hill.
BAJC is located at 151 Greenleaf St. For more information, visit https://bajcvermont.org/ or call 802-257-1959.
Centre Congregational
Centre Church will celebrate the First Sunday after Christmas on Dec. 29 at 10 a.m. at 193 Main St. The service will also be streamed on the Friends of Centre Congregational Church Facebook Group and Zoom.
Following the children’s message, the children will be led to Sunday School (Faith in Action). The scripture sourced from the lectionary will be Luke 2:41-52. The Rev. Dr. Scott Couper will deliver a message entitled “Wise Beyond Years” wherein the meaning of ‘wisdom’ will be explored philosophically and, more importantly, theologically. Music on the organ that will be enjoyed: Prelude: “Concerto in b Minor” by J. Walther and Postlude: “Plein Jeu a la Couperin” by J. Payne.
Join in after the service for Hospitality Time with light food and drinks.
Centre Church hosts a United Church of Christ devotional every Monday at 10 a.m. on Zoom; the Zen Buddhist community (dharma) gathers each Tuesday at 7 p.m. (half-day sitting on Saturday, January 18 from 9 a.m. to noon); a Justice and Peace Film Screening at 167 Main Street on the first Thursday of each month; Brattleboro Community Mantra Meditation (Kirtan) on the first and third Thursdays of each month, 6 to 7 p.m.; and prayer of the Muslim community (Jum’a) each Friday at 1 p.m.
For more information, call the church office at 802-254-4730 on any weekday, or e-mail Centrechurchvt@gmail.com, visit the church website at centrechurchvt.org.
First Baptist/First United Methodist
Join in each Sunday at First Baptist/United Methodist churches, 18 Town Crier Drive. Service begins at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Suzanne Andrews and the Rev. Ralph Howe preside. Holy Communion is offered each Sunday. First United Methodist and First Baptist have formed the Beloved Community of Brattleboro, a Center for Story, Spirit & Justice. Visit the website at belovedcommunityvt.org.
For more information about events or for a ride to the services, call the church at 1-802-254-1234.
First Church of Christ, Scientist
First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 57 Putney Road, offers worship services in person every Sunday at 10:30 a.m., and Sunday School for children and teenagers up to the age of 20 is held at the same hour. A Wednesday testimony meeting is held each week at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. For more information, visit csbrattleboro.org.
First Congregational Church
Join in at 10 a.m. this Sunday at First Congregational Church, 880 Western Ave., to celebrate the first Sunday of Christmastide. The service will focus on Luke 2:41-52. Music under the leadership of Lisa Provatas will include familiar Christmas carols.
The Rev. Jeremy Kirk’s office hours are Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and by chance or appointment other days of the week. The church office is open Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact us at fccwb1770@gmail.com or 802-254-9767.
Insight Meditation Center
The Vermont Insight Center offers meditations on Zoom and on the second floor of The Riverton Building, 28 Vernon St. To ensure access to the building, arrive at least 5 minutes early for in-person practice.
Join in for a Sunday Sitting and Dharma Talk on Dec. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Vermont Insight’s weekly schedule includes meditations at 7 a.m. every weekday, Tuesday and Friday evening practices, and meditations every Sunday.
For more information about weekly events, plus course and retreat offerings, see vermontinsight.org/calendar or contact Drew Kovach at 802-257-1213.
Quaker
The West Brattleboro Quaker Worship Group meets for unprogrammed worship, both in person and on Zoom, Sundays at 10 a.m. In-person worship is indoors at the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, 151 Greenleaf St. To join via Zoom, email WestBrattQuakers@gmail.com for more information.
St. Michael’s Episcopal
This Sunday, Dec. 29, there is an 8 a.m. service with Eucharist and a 10:15 a.m. service of Christmas Lessons & Carols. There will not be Eucharist at the 10:15 a.m. service on Dec. 29. The 10:15 a.m. service is also available on livestream. Links to the bulletin for the 10:15 a.m. service and to the livestream for Vimeo are on the website, www.stmichaels-vt.org, under “Sunday Morning” and the “eNews.”
Many of the special services, such as the December 24 Festival Candlelight Christmas Eve Service with Holy Communion, are available on the website under “Livestream Archive.”
The Church offices are closed Dec. 25 through Jan. 1.
Contact the Church office by emailing jeanie@stmichaelsvermont.org or by calling 802-254-6048, ext. 104.
St. Michael Roman Catholic
Saint Michael Roman Catholic Church, 47 Walnut St., offers weekend Mass on Saturdays at 4 p.m. (also livestreamed, ch. 1078) and Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. There is a coffee social after the 10:30 Mass. Father Henry Furman is the Priest.
If you are 1) An unbaptized person who wishes to learn about the Catholic Faith, 2) A baptized Christian from another faith denomination who would like to learn more about the Catholic Church with the possibility of joining, 3) A baptized Catholic who has not yet received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation, or 4) A baptized and confirmed Catholic who would like to learn more about the Catholic Faith, come to meet with Father Henry Furman. Registration forms are available online or in the back of the church.
For more information, call 802-257-5101 or email stmichael@vermontcatholic.org.
Trinity Lutheran
Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA), 161 Western Ave., will hold a worship service on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. with the message “Make it real” also livestreamed on the church’s Facebook page. Bring food for the food collection.
Calendar: Wednesday, 7 p.m. A.A. (women); Thursday 10:15 a.m. Choir
DOVER
Baptist Church
East Dover Baptist Church, 34 Dover Hill Road, welcomes everyone to worship service this Sunday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The church also offers a simulcast of the service. For more information, visit eastdoverbaptistchurch.org or call 802-348-6366.
Congregational Church
All are welcome to Sunday Services at 10 a.m. at West Dover Congregational Church, 104 Route 100, or join livestream at www.facebook.com/westdoverchurch. After the service there is a coffee hour and bible study.
For more information, visit the website at https://Westdoverchurch.org or call 802-464-1195.
DUMMERSTON
Congregational Church
Dummerston Congregational Church, UCC will worship this Sunday at 10 a.m. in the church sanctuary at 1535 Middle Road. The deacons of the church will lead “breakfast church,” holding worship around a simple breakfast table. The service will include a hymn sing and a story for all ages.
GRAFTON
Community Church
Grafton Community Church, 55 Main St., offers virtual worship services via Zoom. Visit graftoncommunitychurch.org or on Facebook (The Grafton Church).
GUILFORD
Community Church
Sunday services begin at 10 a.m. and are also streamed live on the church website, www.guilfordchurch.org.
This Sunday’s service is led by Fred Breunig, who also directs the Choir. The Guilford Community Choir welcomes all singers to arrive at 8:40 a.m. There is no program for children this morning. Nursery Care will be provided by Merry Gebre.
JAMAICA
Community Church
Jamaica Community Church, located in the “Heart of the Village,” welcomes all on Sunday at 11 a.m.
To meet with Pastor Pete, call the church (802-874-7109) or his house (802-874-4181) or email him at carlsonpw56@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. His office hours are Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon and Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. Donations to the Wardsboro/Jamaica Food Pantry may be left inside the front door in the large basket during these hours.
NEWFANE
First Congregational
Join in for worship service this Sunday at 10 a.m. at Newfane First Congregational Church. With Pastor Matthew Deen on vacation this week, Deborah Coyle Barry will lead the final celebration of the holiday season. Her message is titled “Now What? From Presents to Presence.” The Winter Solstice and Christmas both signify renewal, rebirth, and the triumph of light over darkness. Now that those holidays are behind us and the presents are all put away, how can we offer ourselves and our presence as we enter the New Year?
Hymns sung by the congregation will this week will include “In the Bleak Midwinter” and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Member Jim Kyle will also perform as soloist on “I Wonder as I Wander.”
This week’s calendar: Al-Anon meeting on Monday at 7 p.m., Coffee Group at 10 a.m. on Thursday and weekly Bible Study on Thursday at 5 p.m.
Because Wednesday is New Year’s Day, the Church office will be open only Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. this week. Pastor Matthew Deen is on vacation this week and will begin office hours again on Tuesday, January 7, noon to 4 p.m. Contact admin@newfane.church or calling 802-365-4079.
PUTNEY
Quaker
Join in for worship and gathering at Putney Friends Meeting, 17 Bellows Falls Road, every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (hybrid). Thursday 6 p.m. online. Childcare provided for Sunday 10:30 a.m. worship. Meeting for Worship for Business monthly every third Sunday at noon. Contact clerk@putneyfriendsmeeting.org for online links. Handicapped accessible.
For more information, visit putneyfriendsmeeting.org.
SAXTONS RIVER
Zen
Forest Flower Zen Sangha meets on Wednesday evenings (weather permitting) in Saxtons River at the 24 Main Street Community Building. Zen meditation and practice in the Diamond Sangha Zen tradition. 6:30 Newcomers welcome and orientation. 7 p.m. Meditation; 7:30 p.m. Dharma talk and discussion which ends at 8:15 p.m. Donations are accepted but not required. Beginners welcome. Visit www.forestflowerzen.org.
TOWNSHEND
Community Church
Townshend Community Church meets every Sunday at 10 a.m. Pastor Don Hashem leads the service and his wife Carmen leads the music. The church in the country where the difference is worth the distance.
WALPOLE, N.H.
St. John’s Episcopal
Join in for Sunday services at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 26 Elm St., or via Zoom at 10 a.m. The Rev. Fred Chisolm has joined the congregation as priest-in-charge.
Morning prayer will be offered on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. with Contemplative Prayer from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and quiet library (reading) time from 11 a.m. to noon most Thursdays. For more information and Zoom link visit the website: www.stjohnswalpole.org or call 603-756-4533.
Walpole Unitarian
Walpole Unitarian Church offers Sunday services at 10 a.m., led by the Rev. Elaine Bomford, the church’s affiliate minister, and other clergy and lay leaders. The church is located at the corner of Main and Union streets. The congregation embraces spiritual exploration, social justice and care for each other and the planet.
The church plans to continue a modified Zoom element to the service as technology permits. Visit walpoleunitarianchurch.org.
WESTMINSTER
First Congregational Church
The First Congregational Church of Westminster on Route 5 invites all to join in on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, at 5:30 p.m. The candle light service will consist of traditional Christmas hymns and readings. The service will be led by the Rev. Rich O’Donnell with a sermon titled: “How Home Alone 2 saved my Christmas… kind of.”
WILMINGTON
St. Mary’s
St. Mary’s in the Mountains Episcopal Church, 13 East Main St., holds services at 10 a.m. every Sunday in person and on Zoom. There will be coffee and refreshments after the service.
For a Zoom link, visit smmvt.org.
