Blue Christmas

December 9, 2021

Tuesday, December 21, at 7 PM

Each third Tuesday of the month we hold a special “Pressing Pause” service of quiet reflection and meditation. This month, the service will focus on the theme of “The Longest Night” or “Blue Christmas.” December 21st marks the longest night of the year, when the sun sets the earliest and rises the latest in the northern hemisphere. For those who aren’t able to be “jolly” in this season, it can be especially lonely and difficult. If you are grieving, depressed, anxious, lonely, heartbroken, or just fed up with the pandemic, you might find this meditative space helpful.

The Sanctuary will be open with contemplative live piano music and candlelight from 6:30 to 7 PM

From 7 to 7:30 PM there will be a brief service of meditation on the theme of Blue Christmas.

You’re invited to come in, light a candle, listen to the music, and press pause, whether that’s for 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or the whole hour. …

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Intergenerational Advent Workshop

November 2, 2021

Join us after worship on Sunday, Nov. 28 at 11 AM for an all-ages Advent Workshop where we will move between various stations around the church learning about Advent, making crafts, hanging greens, and decorating our own Advent Wreaths! Sign up is strongly encouraged so we know how many supplies to account for.

Can’t make it in person? No worries! Sign up below and select the option to receive Advent in a Bag so you don’t miss out on the fun.

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Trunk-or-Treat – Oct. 31 at 2 PM

October 18, 2021

Join us on Sunday, October 31 at 2 PM in the Town Hall Parking Lot for an intergenerational Trunk-or-Treat event where kids can get something sweet, and adults and families can also give something sweet!

Each “trunk” will be decorated and offer candy to hand out. And each trunk will also represent a local charity that the church partners with. You’re invited to bring the following donations to give to the different trunks:

Reading Food Pantry
Canned goods

PAWS Wakefield
Canned or dry cat food

Emmaus Inc (shelter and services in Haverhill, MA)
Diapers size 3-6
Pull ups
Toiletries (unopened hotel or travel size are good)
Paper products (bath tissue, paper towels, etc)
Education or art supplies

Habitat for Humanity
Cash or check donation
(checks can be made out to FCCR with charity in the memo)

Reading POWIR Afghan Refugee Support
Stop & Shop Gift Cards
Cash or check donation
(checks can be made out to FCCR with charity in the memo)

Various organizations who work with the homeless & unhoused (Outdoor Church, Common Cathedral, etc)
Plain new white socks
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Blessing of the Animals

October 3, 2021

All pets of all kinds and their owners are invited to receive a blessing on Sunday, Oct. 10 at 1 PM on the lawn on Sanborn Street.

If your pet doesn’t play well with others, or maybe isn’t very mobile, or perhaps you’ve lost a beloved pet recently — we invite you to bring a photo of your pet to receive a blessing.

This will be a brief event so we will hold it rain or shine! (If there is rain, we’ll set up a little canopy tent. If the rain is very heavy, we will plan to cancel)…

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