Some seasons ask more of our hearts than words can hold.
In “When Words Are Not Enough”, our choir, orchestra and handbell ensemble lead us in a service where music becomes prayer. With selections from John Rutter’s “Requiem” alongside beloved Lenten hymns and choral works, we will bring before God what cannot be easily spoken, knowing that God’s wondrous love will carry us forward.
Join us for worship on Sunday, April 19, as we welcome guest minister, Rev. Alisa Halliday.
Rev. Halliday is the Spiritual Care Coordinator and Chaplain at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital in Jamaica Plain, where she brings a deep love for justice, compassion, and community.
Originally from New York, Alisa earned her MDiv from New York Theological Seminary in 2013 and is an Active Minister in the United Church of Christ.
Alisa has been journeying closely with people through the highs and lows of life for years in churches, hospitals, and neighborhoods. Her theology is grounded, heartfelt, and rooted in the belief that God shows up everywhere – in creation, in care, and in each of us.
Outside of work, Alisa spends time with her wife, their kid, and their cats, dogs, and chickens, and tending to the good things that grow in their garden (yay seedling season!). It is her prayer that we grow together, too, when she joins us on Sunday, April 19. …
We’ll gather after worship to approve next year’s budget and also celebrate the work of the church this past year.
Saturday, April 25 at 7 PM, at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church (95 Woburn St.)
The First Congregational and Good Shepherd Episcopal Churches are sponsoring a night of music to benefit Solstice House. A band of guitar, fiddle, and bass players will lead us in an evening of music. Drawing from the worlds of bluegrass and southern traditional American music, the program features heartfelt songs, lively instrumentals, and choruses that invite you to sing along. Songs like these were once sung on porches, in houses of prayer , and at community gatherings across the Appalachian South—simple melodies carrying deep themes of faith, perseverance, and fellowship.
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Join us for a lively intergenerational worship service the Sunday after Easter with special guest Tivvi Paré, Executive Director of Horton Center, the UCC summer camp in New Hampshire. We’ll learn all about the work of Outdoor Ministries and summer camp opportunities for every age (including camps for adults, family camp, and Grandparents & Grandchildren camp!).
A Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration of Life for John B. Douglass, Sr. will be held at First Congregational Church of Reading on Monday, March 30 at 11 AM EDT. Those who cannot be there in-person but who would like to receive a Zoom link to attend virtually may sign up below. A link will be sent out to those who signed up the morning of the service.
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Beginning April1st through April 29th our church will again be collecting Hygiene Kits for Church World Service as part of their Emergency Response Program. Hardly a day has gone by this year that we have not heard about the devastating floods, tornadoes, fires, and other disasters that have occurred across our country. Some people losing everything overnight. A hygiene kit containing everyday essentials is a small package that can make a meaningful difference in their lives offering comfort and a fresh start each day.
Supplies Needed:
If you don’t wish to purchase the items listed above, a monetary donation would be appreciated. There is a $2.00 shipping fee for each kit. The completed Kits can be placed in the Collection Box in the sanctuary.
Please contact the church office with any questions at office@churchofreading.org or 781-944-0205.…
The church sewing and quilting group, Women ‘n’ Stitches, is excited to invite students (ages 10 and up) to a hands-on, one-day workshop!
Learn the basics of machine sewing, enjoy a pizza lunch, and bring home a handmade tote bag.
Reach out to the church office at office@churchofreading.org or 781-944-0205 with any questions.
Join us in the sanctuary between 6 and 6:30 on Thursday, March 19, for a Soup Supper!
6-6:30 PM – Potluck Soup Supper
If you’d like to help contribute to our potluck meal, sign up below. You don’t need to bring something, just come for good food and fellowship!
6:30 – 7:15 PM – Presentation
Rev. Emelia will offer a presentation on her trip to Assisi, the home of St. Francis. For those unable to make it in-person, the presentation will be recorded.
Need a ride? Reach out to the church office at office@churchofreading.org or 781-944-0205.
Save the Date: Our next gathering is Thursday, April 2, in the Dining Hall, followed by our Maundy Thursday service.…
On Sunday, March 15th, join us on after worship in the Dining Hall for Fair Trade coffee, snacks and fun activities.
Once again, a multigenerational team of volunteers has come together to help make this event happen. This year’s Marketplace booths will include plants, sheep/alpacas, bees, goats, pigs, chicks, fair trade coffee and clean water, and of course, heifers.
Each booth at our Marketplace represents a Heifer International program that invests in communities, giving families the resources needed to thrive.
In addition to learning how Heifer works to help end hunger and poverty, you will have the opportunity to make a donation to support Heifer’s work.
For more information about Heifer International visit the Heifer website at https://www.heifer.org/our-work
If you have questions, or would like to lend a hand, please reach out to the church office at office@churchofreading.org.…
