Post Grad Care Package Time!

Yes! If it’s November it’s time to think about planning to send packages to our recent graduates. The Care Ministry loves supporting this program.

This year we have twelve young people on our list as recipients. And as we know, young people LOVE home made cookies. And FCCR of course, has a multitude of outstanding bakers. Contact the church office to learn more about volunteering to bake.

If you won’t be baking but would like to lend your support to this ministry, we would welcome donations to cover mailing expenses. Should you wish to do so, please mark your envelope, or comment on the memo line of your check, “care pckgs”.

The packages will “hit the street” after Thanksgiving weekend. Thank you for your help in letting these young adults know that they are remembered.

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Thanksgiving Food Pantry Collections!

Saturday, November 23rd

  • town-wide collection
  • 10am-1pm
  • Sanborn Street

Sunday, November 24th

  • collection during worship

Now that we have enjoyed our delicious turkey feast on Celebration Sunday, it is time to also think of our neighbors. Once again, we are having a town-wide food pantry collection on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, November 23. Food may be dropped off on Sanborn Street between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Please mention this collection to friends and family.

In addition, we will have our annual food collection during our worship service on Sunday, November 24. You are encouraged to bring items into the sanctuary this day for the collection.

We will combine the items from both collections and share one half with the Reading Food Pantry, which currently serves 200+ households across our community, and one half with Neighbors in Need, an organization which serves over 5000 families in the Greater Lawrence area each year.

Your gift of food provides more than a meal. It also helps to prevent serious health issues caused by unhealthy diets and food insecurity. Food is something that FCCR does well. Please contribute generously.

Donations needed for Lawrence:

  • Canned Food – NO glass jars
  • Shelf Stable Milk (e.g. Parmelat)
  • Canned Beans (all kinds, not baked)
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Canned Fruit (no sugar added)
  • Peanut Butter
  • Tuna
  • Canned Ham & Chicken
  • Soups (Low Sodium)
  • Cereal (unsweetened)
  • Rice—Canilla or Carolina— (NOT Uncle Ben’s or Minute Rice)
  • Pasta (all kinds)
  • Formula – Similac Advanced – (blue label)
  • Diapers – all sizes
  • Baby Wipes
  • Baby Food

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Cocoa and Cookies

Yes, it’s time! Contact Rev. Emelia if you’re interested in assisting with making cocoa, baking cookies, setting up or helping on December 1 during the Reading town Tree Lighting event.

Creative Arts will once again be hosting a performance of A Christmas Carol in the sanctuary while we serve warm cocoa and homemade cookies in the narthex so we can invite people to warm up in our sanctuary decorated for the Advent & Christmas season.

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October Mission

White Socks for The Outdoor Church of Cambridge

“A majority of the ailments suffered by the homeless are foot-related. Having a clean pair of socks to change into when you get dirty or wet is essential for staying healthy on the street. Responding to this need, the Outdoor Church distributes over 8,000 pairs of socks annually.” ~The Outdoor Church

Participate in our October Sock Drive for The Outdoor Church of Cambridge. Drop off your new, men’s, crew length white socks in the collection box outside the music room.

Thank you for making a difference.…

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Phantom of the Opera

Tomorrow, October 18, 7pm in the Sanctuary

Free Admission

$10 Suggested donation welcome

Registration not required, but encouraged! Go to https://tinyurl.com/PhantomEvite

Get into the Halloween spirit with a timeless silent horror film! All are welcome to a screening of the 1925 black-and-white film on the big screen in the historic sanctuary. There will be live accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis, a New Hampshire-based composer who specializes in creating music for silent films. The show will allow movie-goers to experience the silent ‘Phantom’ the way it was intended to be seen: on the big screen, with live music, and with an audience.

Part of our Sanctuary Arts Series to highlight arts and cultural programming in the historic sanctuary in the heart of downtown Reading. Go to www.churchofreading.org/sanctuaryarts

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