We will be giving thanks for and celebrating the life of Sharon Ofenstein on Wednesday, May 14 at 11:30 AM (EDT) at First Congregational Church of Reading UCC (25 Woburn Street, Reading, MA, 01867). For anyone who would like to join the service virtually on Zoom, please enter your information below. A Zoom link will be sent out by email the morning of May 14. For those joining in-person, we welcome all to a Memorial Luncheon at 12:30 PM at the church.
BE THE LIGHT One Great Hour of Sharing®
This year’s theme for One Great Hour of Sharing is “Be the Light.” OGHS is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ. This offering supports the disaster, refugee, and development ministries of the UCC, in the United States and abroad. The development ministries include healthcare, education, agriculture, food security, micro financing and women’s empowerment. Funding for all non-profits is especially crucial this year!
Throughout May, you will receive additional OGHS information during Sunday services. To donate, you may use an envelope provided during the service later this month, or simply put your offering in the collection plate with OGHS in the memo line on your check.
You may also use the link below to donate online using our church website. When donating online, be sure to select “Give to One Great Hour of Sharing” from the first drop-down menu.
https://www.churchofreading.org/donate/
Thank you!
Ministry for Mission and Social Action…
Book Group meets Tuesday, May 6, at 7:30 on zoom. We’ll be discussing Union: The Struggle to Forge the Story of United States Nationhood by Colin Woodard.
Let’s Talk meets Tuesday, May 13, at 1:30pm in the Parlor. The topic this month will be on sharing resources for end-of-life planning: what are the things to think about now, so loved ones know what to do later?
Women ‘n Stitches meets Tuesday, May 13, at 7:15 in room 17.
Yarning to Care meets Monday, May 26, at 1 PM in the Parlor.
To learn more about these group or to be added to the email list, reach out to the church office at office@churchofreading.org or 781-944-0205.…
Friday, May 9 & Saturday, May 10
ReadingCares and the Reading Climate Advisory Committee are again hosting the annual Bike Recycling and Give-Away. The public is invited to donate their used bikes (in good condition) at RMLD, 230 Ash Street, on Friday, May 9th from 11am-12:30pm and on Saturday, May 10th, from 9am – 11am. All donors will receive a voucher for early admission on Saturday to choose a free bike. Free Bikes will be available to everyone starting at 12:30pm on Saturday, May 10th.
Please consider volunteering an hour or two at the Bike Event this year! On Friday, May 9th from 11:00am to 12:30pm, 1 -2 people will be needed to accept donated bikes at RMLD. On Saturday, May 10th , several people will be needed to help wipe down the bikes, pump tires and organize the donations. No experience or expertise required. The busiest time will be Saturday between 9am to noon.
Come down to see what it is all about! RMLD is very generous to offer us space and support to hold the event. Additional support is provided by The Reading Police Dept., REI, Reading Town Hall, and our incredible volunteers. Please join us!…
Our Easter Sunday service begins at 10 AM in the Sanctuary, on Zoom, and on Facebook Live.
All are welcome!
There will be an activity for children during the service, as well as activities in our children’s area or items parents can bring to their seats.
Large print bulletins and listening assist devices are also available.
Our Easter service also includes our church orchestra and choir.
An Easter Egg Hunt for children will be held on the lawn on Sanborn Street after the service at about 11:15 AM (weather permitting).…
Many people living on the edge of poverty often have to choose between buying food for their family or basic hygiene items. Many are living in temporary shelters. As hurricanes, floods and other disasters become more frequent, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. We can help in a small but important way with the collection of these Hygiene Kits which could make a difference between sickness and health.
The kits contain the following 9 items. (Note there has been a change from past years)
All items should be packed in a gallon ziplock bag and left in the collection box outside the church office on Sundays, or Monday thru Thursday 10am to 1pm beginning April 6th. Gallon bags for your use will be left near the collection box.
Monetary donations are also accepted. The cost of a kit is $15.
Please contact the church office, office@churchofreading.org or 781-944-0205, with any questions.…
Book Group meets Tuesday, April 1, at 7:30 PM on Zoom. We’ll be discussing The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict.
Let’s Talk meets Tuesday, April 8, at 1:30 PM in the Parlor. This month we will be discussing the non-canonical Gospel of Mary.
Women ‘N Stitches meets Tuesday, April 8, at 7:15 PM in Room 17
Yarning to Care meets Monday, April 28, at 1 PM in the Parlor…
