There’s so much happening this fall! Join us for one or all of these events, and keep an eye on your weekly e-news for full details.
Not receiving our e-news yet? Sign up today by emailing office@churchofreading.org!
Join us on Friday, November 6, at 7pm for a screening of “The Scarlet Letter.”
Silent Film historian Jeff Rapsis returns offering live musical accompaniment to the 1926 silent film adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic American novel.
Free admission.
This program is a part of our Sanctuary Arts Series to host arts and cultural programs in our sanctuary.
This month’s date/time change is to accommodate special guests from the Reading mosque.
Our November Mission/Social Justice collection will be non-perishable food items for the Neighbors in Need in Lawrence and the Reading Food Pantry.
Food insecurity is a very real problem for many households due to inflation as well as policy and benefit shifts.
Please bring donations to church from now through November 22nd when we will pack up, ship off, and bring relief to a number of people in need.
Join us each Sunday for worship at 10am. Here’s what’s happening in November.
November 1 – All Saints meets “Art Church,” a special Sunday of reflection
November 8 – The Handbell Ensemble rings a tribute for our Veterans
November 15 – Orchestra & Choir lead us in worship with guest preacher, Rada Ruggles
November 22 – Thanksgiving “Lessons and Carols,” followed by our annual Thanksgiving Dinner!
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The Reading Adopt-A-Family Program is available to families who could benefit from extra help during the holidays. Through the Program, Recipients are provided food baskets for Thanksgiving and/or Holiday/Christmas, and gifts for children 18 or younger. It is coordinated by The Reading Rotary Club and ReadingCares, with support from the Reading Food Pantry, Reading DPW and several Town Hall departments.
Recipients must be Reading families, or have children in the Reading School System, who can provide proof of need and residency, with at least one child 18 or younger. Recipients may also be referred by Elder/Human Services, the Food Pantry, Reading Public Schools, or local clergy. Recipients are assigned numbers to maintain anonymity and confidentiality. The deadline for applying for a Thanksgiving basket is October 31st, and the deadline for Holiday applications is November 12th. The Program strives to support all qualifying applications.
Donors can be individuals, families, work or social groups, scout troops and school groups. Donors can choose to donate a Thanksgiving food basket, a Holiday/Christmas food basket, and/or gifts for children. Donors are provided with suggestions for food baskets as well as personal Wish Lists if they elect to provide gifts for children.
Please contact Reading AAF at 781-942-6678 or ReadingAAF@gmail.com if you would like information about becoming either a Recipient or a Donor. Applications can also be accessed through Reading Town Hall, the Food Pantry, or downloaded here.
Please contact us promptly with any questions since the deadline is fast approaching. If you would like to be a donor but cannot shop this year, please consider sending a monetary donation made out to Reading Rotary, and mailed to AAF, 16 Lowell Street, Reading MA 01867. Thank you!
Collection Moved Earlier – Final Donation Day November 8
First Church has a long history of generously supporting Coat Boston and the Holiday Shop – last year with a record donation of 39 coats, a giant bag of hats, gloves, etc., and a giant bag filled with toys.
This year Coat Boston is moving their donation window earlier, which will allow coats to be in the hands of Boston children and adults before the first hard freeze of winter. Donations are due at the Hancock Church hub by November 8.
While we normally pace our calendar, the schedule change means that we are collecting for both white socks and the Holiday Shop/Coats Boston simultaneously. Please donate as you are able.
Last winter Coat Boston received over 3,500 coat requests and was able to serve 2,600 individuals, as well as provide toys to children through 27 recipient organizations. They expect the need to grow again this year.
We will be collecting new winter coats, gloves, and hats for children and adults as well as new toys starting now through November 8.
Coat Boston – Donation List – New Items Only
Coat Boston has an Amazon Wish List of coats, from infants to teens and adults. This convenient option is available through November 3, 2026. Choose delivery to your home or directly to our facility in Lexington, for drop off no later than November 8, 2026. When ordering please use the “NOTES” section to provide the donor’s name or organization, unless you wish to remain anonymous.
Thank you for all you do.
Please contact Linda or the church office at office@churchofreading.org with any questions or visit the Coat Boston website. …
Reach out to the church office at 781-944-0205 or office@churchofreading.org to learn more or be added to the email list.…
