Join us on Wednesday, December 24 to celebrate the birth of Christ online or in-person.
- 5 PM – Family Lessons & Carols with Candlelight, Choir and Handbells
- 10 PM – Intimate Candlelight Service
Join us on Saturday, December 13th, at 1:45pm for caroling at the Residence at Pearl Street. Reach out to the church office at office@churchofreading.org or 781-944-0205 for more info.…
It’s time to decorate our sanctuary for Advent! Once again, our altar will be adorned with many bright poinsettias.
Choose to take your flowers home on Christmas Eve or donate them to someone in need of cheer.
Fill out the form below to order. Please reach out to the church office with any questions. office@churchofreading.org or 781-944-0205. Be sure to order by Sunday, December 7th.
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It is time to decorate our Sock and Mitten Tree again! With a late Thanksgiving, the amount of time to decorate our tree is shorter than usual, so we are putting up the tree in the Atrium on November 22. If you are coming to our Thanksgiving dinner, that will be the perfect time to place your items on the tree.
What should you bring?
- Adult and child hats
- Adult and child gloves and mittens
- Scarves
- White socks
Items will be donated on Sunday, December 7.
Our generosity has been so appreciated through the years. Thank you for your continued support.…
Once again, the Mission Ministry will celebrate the arrival of the Christmas season with collections for vital local charities. We will continue to update this page as more details become available. You will find all the latest updates here.
December 14 – Toiletries for Emmaus House
We will be collecting toiletry supplies for Emmaus House of Haverhill through the third Sunday of Advent, with a collection end date of Sunday, December 14.
Emmaus is specifically in need of the following items:
- toothpaste
- floss
- mouthwash
- shampoo
- conditioner
- razors
- shaving cream
- lotion
- deodorant
- body wash
Right now they have plenty of toothbrushes.
We have been a longtime supporter for Emmaus House – providing meals, Easter baskets, cookouts, and all type of supplies – kitchen items, linens and toiletries. Emmaus operates two emergency shelters: Mitch’s Place for single adults and the Emmaus Family Shelter for families with children. Their shelters provide a safe bed, warm meals, and support services for those who have no place else to turn.
December 21 – Financial Donations Towards the Reading Food Pantry
Good News! The pantry shelves are currently full! However, the shelves will start to empty after the surge of holiday donations is depleted. The food pantry purchases some fresh food and other food in bulk. They need money for these items. Please consider a financial donation on December 21 using one of these options.
Cash – Put your cash donation in an envelope labelled food pantry.
Check – Please make out the check to FCCR (note Food Pantry in the memo). We will then present the food pantry with one check for the combined amount.
Gift Card – Purchase a Market Basket or Stop & Shop gift card
Credit Card – Use this link to donate on our church website. https://www.churchofreading.org/donate/. Select “Give to Reading Food Pantry” from the drop-down menu, and please consider adding the amount to cover the processing fee as noted on the payment form.
Now until Sunday, January 4th: Used coat collection
We are once again a collection point for the Anton’s Coats for Kids drive. Please drop off gently used coats for kids and adults in the box near the Chapel. The last drop off is Sunday, Jan 4, noon. Any winter coat in good condition (no rips, stains, broken zippers) is welcome, especially plus sizes. Each fall, Anton’s Cleaners collects, cleans and distributes approximately 50,000 coats for children and adults. Nearly 90 social service agencies make sure that the coats get to those in need, free of charge. Since the program’s inception in 1995, Anton’s have collected and distributed over one million coats.
More info at https://antons.com/cfk/about-us/
Complete! – November 30 – December 7: Coat Boston and The Holiday Shop
Coat Boston and The Holiday Shop are charitable giving programs based on the belief that everyone deserves to have a warm coat during the winter – especially the youngest and most vulnerable in the community. Last year we supported their mission by providing 35 coats, 2 bags of hats, and one bag of toys.…
We are opening our doors to the community during the Reading Tree Lighting festivities to be held on November 30th. Visitors will be greeted with a cup of hot cocoa and a small bag of homemade cookies. The town activities run from 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM, with Santa turning on the Christmas lights at Reading Common at 4:30. The event is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season!
In addition to treats, our guests may enjoy a production of “A Christmas Carol” provided by Creative Arts. Shows will be held in our sanctuary at both 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM.
For a successful event, once again we need our FCCR Christmas elves to bake, set up, serve cocoa, clean up, and so forth. Please use the link below to sign up to bake and/or assist for an hour or so during the event. Baked goods may be delivered to the church kitchen any time on November 30th before 1:00 PM. Our hospitality is always greatly appreciated by those seeking a toasty beverage and place to get warm on this first Sunday of advent.
Reach out to Cindy or the church office with questions. Thank you!! …