We are one of 32 Massachusetts organizations that received grant money from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program funded by Gov. Maura Healey’s administration.
We’re so grateful the state approved our application! We applied for funding for updated lock systems and security as our building is used by a variety of nonprofit and community groups serving all generations and peoples. We’re excited to bring our community building into the 21st century and offer safety for groups like Creative Arts, A Community School for the Arts, Northeast School of Ballet, and others! Work will be done over the next year according to the grant guidelines. We’re grateful for legislation that supports nonprofits like ours!
We are looking for someone to take the role of project manager to work with church groups and subcontractors to implement this project. Work will be done over the next year according to grant guidelines.
Many thanks to Craig Vickery who developed and submitted the proposal on the church’s behalf.
6:30 – 8:30 PM in Guild Hall
Our monthly Open Mic Night is back! This partnership with Reading School of Guitar and Creative Arts has been an amazing community event each month with acts from all ages, experience, and a variety of talents. Come to perform or be a part of the audience!
If you’re interested in volunteering to offer and host refreshments, please reach out to Rev. Emelia.
Sign up here to perform – https://tinyurl.com/Open-Mic-at-FCCR
Mark your calendar for future dates!
- November 18
- December 16
Last year’s fall retreat brought dozens of creative ideas, discussion on our church’s norms, culture, and how we communicate formally and informally. It was also excellent time for relationship building!
This year we’ll meet on Saturday, October 21 with special guest Rev. Barb Lemmel who will instruct us on Behavioral Covenants for churches, why they are helpful, and more importantly, how we can implement them in our congregational life together.
The retreat will begin with light breakfast at 9:15 AM, followed by Rev. Lemmel’s presentation, and will end after lunch at 1 PM. Come even if you didn’t register!
Interested in learning CPR and how to use a defibrillator?
First Church is hosting a CPR/AED class on November 18th, at 9 am.
The class is $50 per person, and a typical class is 2 hours maximum.
All attendees will learn infant, child and adult CPR, use of an AED (Defibrillator), Chokesaver, and will receive a CPR card valid for 2 years.
Register by Monday, November 13th. Fill out the form below to sign up.
October 1 – Intergenerational Worship & World Communion Sunday with Chancel Choir
October 8 – Indigenous Peoples’ Weekend with Chancel Choir
October 15 – Handbell Ensemble in Worship & Rev. Alex Shea Will visits and preaches
October 22 – Chancel Choir
October 29 – Reformation Sunday with the FCCR Orchestra & Chancel Choir
As always, we are looking for volunteers to lead us in worship! We need you to volunteer for Flower Delivery, Greeters, Scripture Reading, and Fellowship Hour Hosts. Contact Rev. Emelia, sign up outside the office, or use the link below.
Last year’s fall retreat brought dozens of creative ideas, discussion on our church’s norms, culture, and how we communicate formally and informally. It was also excellent time for relationship building! It was so great, we’re doing it again!
This year we’ll meet on Saturday, October 21 with special guest Rev. Barb Lemmel who will instruct us on Behavioral Covenants for churches, why they are helpful, and more importantly, how we can implement them in our congregational life together.
The retreat will begin with coffee and donuts at 9:15 AM, followed by Rev. Lemmel’s presentation, and will end after lunch at 1 PM. We hope all can attend! Please register with the link below to help us plan ahead. Please sign up by October 17 so we can plan for lunch. Walk-in’s are welcome on Saturday, this just helps us plan ahead!
…
A Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for the Life of Joe Kingston will be held on Saturday, September 23 at 11 AM followed by a collation at First Congregational Church of Reading.
If you are unable to attend in person, and would like to receive the Zoom link, please add your email below and click “submit.” We will send an email out with the Zoom link the morning of the service.
If you already receive the weekly E-News and Sunday Zoom links, you are already on the mailing list.
As the excitement for the Olde Redding Faire builds, we ask you to consider donating to this year’s Silent Auction. We hope you will join us in celebrating our faire and auction.
Our silent auction is part of a tradition that goes back to 1957, when the first faire was held. The online Silent Auction has grown to be a significant area of the faire. In fact, the bidding starts the week before the faire!
Donations to the auction include gift cards, gift baskets, products, and services. Last year, we had donations such as crafts, including hand knitted afghans, quilts, artwork, and pottery; homemade food from soup to dessert, vacation rentals, and unique local daytrip experiences. You might have a different and wonderful idea for a new creative donation. Contact the Silent Auction team if you want to discuss ideas for your contribution.
All donations are greatly appreciated. Click here to donate. If you need help with this online process, please reach out for help.
We can pick up your donation or you can leave your donation in the church office starting on Sunday, September 24. We will coordinate drop off of food baskets and very large items. Please contact us for details.
Click here to view the auction.
The Silent Auction will open Saturday, September 23 and close on Saturday, September 30. You can view the donations and make bids in person during the faire on Saturday, September 30, between 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Please drop by!
Proceeds from the Silent Auction, which earned roughly $7,000 last year, benefited our church, as well as the Reading Food Pantry and Reading’s Mission of Deeds.
Contact the Church Office at 781‑944‑0205 or at OldeReddingFaire@gmail.com if you have any questions.
…
Save the date for the Olde Redding Faire!
Saturday, September 30th, from 10am-2pm
- Picnic Basket – Lunch & Fun Food
- Silent Auction – In Person
- Jewelry – Modern and Vintage
- Puzzles – GREAT Selection
- Baked Goods – Fresh & Tasty
- Farm Stand – Seasonal Items
- Books – Used and Classics
- Kids’ Place – Fun Activities for All
Email OldeReddingFaire@gmail.com for more info.
…