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Have you been joining us for worship recently (whether it’s the last few months, or the last few years!) and wondering how to become a member or get more involved with the church?

Or maybe you’ve been a member for decades, but are curious about church history, UCC polity, or find yourself envying the Confirmation Classes and want a refresher on things?

This Winter and Spring, there will be a series of classes covering a variety of topics open to anyone to attend. Attend 2 if you’re interested in joining as a new member (attend 3 and receive a (re)member certificate!). New members will join on Annual Meeting Sunday, May 21 at 10 AM.

• History of First Congregational Church
  Sunday, February 26 after church/in-person
  Thursday, March 2 at 7 PM on Zoom
• “What’s that called?” Words & Traditions Explained
  Wednesday, March 22 at 1 PM in-person
  Thursday, March 23 at 7 PM on Zoom
• History & Polity of the United Church of Christ
  on Zoom (Date TBD)
• Volunteer Fair – Learn about each ministry and church group
  Sunday, April 30 after church/in-person

Contact the church office at office@churchofreading.org or 781-944-0205 to learn more.…

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February Mission Collection: BUCKETS

We’re “collecting” full clean up buckets for Church World Service (CWS) this month. There is however, no list of materials, and no need to shop. This year we are doing a financial collection.

From the CWS web page: “Hurricanes, floods and other disasters are happening more frequently. When our neighbors around the world experience these unforeseen circumstances, you can make the road to recovery easier with CWS Cleanup Buckets. These buckets are full of essential home recovery supplies that are needed after a disaster strikes.” If you have read or tuned in to the news in recent weeks, you are aware that disasters (plural) have struck across our country. Northern California was victim to an “atmospheric river”. The impact was flooding throughout the area. And when the rains stopped, the disaster did not. Mud slides, prompted by previous years of drought, followed. And shortly before Christmas a series of tornadoes broke out causing devastation across six states. There were 70 deaths in Kentucky alone. Countless homes were destroyed, and others severely damaged.

What can WE do? First, as people of faith we can pray. Pray for those who are working on cleanup, pray for rebuilding, and pray for generosity to help get the people suffering back in homes and on their feet. Practically, we can be a part of that generosity. Each clean up bucket costs $75. Our hope is that you will consider donating a quarter of a bucket for $18.75, half a bucket for $37.50, or perhaps a full bucket for $75.00. And there is this additional good news! The Mission team had set aside $500 in its budget as “matching funds” for disaster relief. Therefore, every dollar we receive for buckets, up to $500, will be matched by Mission! We will welcome your participation in any amount – your donation need not be one of these amounts. It is our hope however, that you will lend your support to help whose lives have been upended. If you would like to donate via check, please be sure to mark your gift as “buckets.” Or use the link below to donate online.

https://churchofreading.breezechms.com/form/050790…

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There is so much going on at the Reading Congregational Church! If ever there was a month for you to consider testing the waters here, this may be the one. Our theme for the month is Drawing on our Resources…and we have many. See what’s happening. Uncertain where to go? Contact the office at 781-944-0250 or office@churchofreading and ask!

• Feb 2nd, 7 pm, sanctuary: “Out of Darkness, a service of healing, peace and blessing.
• Feb 7th, 7 pm, parlor: Book Group, “Founding Mothers – The Women Who Raised our Nation”.
• Feb 12th, starting at 10 am, downstairs: Brunch church (yes we eat AND worship), followed by a fundraising cookie walk
• Feb 14th, 7:15 pm, room 17: Women ‘n Stitches, making lap ad baby quilts for charity
• Feb 18th, 11 am: a paint party as a part of our monthly theme
• Feb 21, 7 pm, sanctuary: Pressing Pause, a time of quiet, prayer and meditation
• February 25, A community Open Mic Night
• Feb 27, 1 pm parlor: Yarning to Care: knit crochet, visit, making hats, blankets, shawls

And while you’re in the building, check out our newly installed art wall along the ramp heading from the chapel/town hall end of the building toward the sanctuary, FCCR is an art centered meeting place for many.…

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Thursday, Feb. 2 at 7 PM 

Some call it “Candlemas,” others “St Brigid’s Day,” and others call it “Imbolc” – no matter the tradition, February 2 marks the half-way point between Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. In days of old, villagers would bring their candles to be blessed at the local church on this day. Join us for a special evening service as we lift up prayers for the difficult things in our lives and the world, and bless candles which can be brought home.

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Start the weekend with service, and end with reflection and learning!

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Start the new year off feeling great by doing good! There are 13 projects you can sign up for, some able to be completed at-home and some to be completed on January 14th at 9:00am at the First Congregational Church. If you choose to work at home, indicate that when you sign up and a volunteer will send you complete instructions for your chosen project(s). Volunteers will also be at the January 14th workshops with instructions and supplies.

Choose one or several projects:
Knit or Crochet Hats for adults or children.
Make no-sew fleece blankets for the Linus Project.]
Make cards for local health care workers.
Sew dresses for girls around the world.
Decorate positive bookmarks for our neighbors.
Prepare and bag meals for Lazarus House in Lawrence.
Decorate the Peace Tree with your own leaf.
Move and pack household items at Mission of Deeds.
Decorate and fill individual bags with snacks for DPW, RFD, RPD and Pantry workers.
Write a Valentine’s Day card for LGBTQ+ incarcerated people in Massachusetts.
Sort and move items at the Reading Food Pantry.
Donate money towards grocery gift cards for the Pantry.
Donate pajamas and diapers for children in the care of DCF.

To sign up for projects: https://tinyurl.com/MLK2023SIGNUP

To donate to the Reading Food Pantry: Go to Gift Cards for the Food Pantry 2023

Please contact info@ReadingCares.org with any questions. Thank you!

Monday, January 16

Come to the RMHS Performing Arts Center at 9:30am for a community breakfast followed by a special interfaith invocation by the Reading Clergy Association, performances by student groups including Mixed Choir and RMHS Jazz Band, an art exhibit, and more! This year’s guest speaker is Lynnette Marshall, co-founder and Director of Learning and Collaboration for The Flourish Collective, a racial and social justice organization. This year’s program theme is “True peace is the presence of justice”. Everyone is welcome to attend this commemoration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his ongoing influence in the world.
For more details, contact the Office of Equity & Social Justice, oesj@ci.reading.ma.us. The event location is wheelchair accessible and ASL translators are available on request. We look forward to seeing you there!…

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Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day

10 AM at Old South Church UMC

Jan. 8 – Epiphany Sunday

10 AM Brunch Church downstairs

Food Pantry Collection Sunday

Jan. 15 – MLK Jr Weekend

10 AM in the Sanctuary

Sunday School Activity Sunday; Card Ministry & Zoom Fellowship after church

Jan. 22 – Stewardship Season

10 AM in the Sanctuary

Recognition & celebration of birthdays & anniversaries during worship

Jan. 29 – Stewardship Season

10 AM in the Sanctuary…

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You’re invited to join us in celebrating the Christmas Season! Here’s what’s going on:

• December 18, 2022 – Pageant & Orchestra Sunday celebrating the 4th Sunday of Advent at 10 AM in the sanctuary and online on Zoom & Facebook
• December 20, 2022 – Winter Solstice Pressing Pause Meditation – In the busiest weeks of the year, come and “press pause” for 5 minutes or a whole hour. Each 3rd Tuesday of the month we open the sanctuary with quiet music, candlelight, and space to just sit and be in quiet from 6:30-7 PM. Following that time, a guided meditation is offered with a different theme each month from 7-7:30 PM
• December 24, 2022 – Christmas Eve services (see below) in the sanctuary and online on Zoom & Facebook
• December 25, 2022 – 10 AM Christmas Day service with carol sing, choir, children’s story, poetry. All are welcome to wear a tacky Christmas sweater or Christmas pajamas to church! Members of Old South UMC are invited to join us for worship this Sunday in the sanctuary and online on Zoom & Facebook
• January 1, 2022 – We’re invited to celebrate a New Year’s Day service at Old South UMC (6 Salem St., Reading, MA) at 10 AM. No services at FCCR.
• January 8, 2022 – Epiphany Sunday Brunch Church – Brunch Church returns after its long pandemic hiatus! We celebrate worship together over brunch downstairs, joining together at a table instead of a pew. Bring a potluck brunch item or come and enjoy. We’ll celebrate the arrival of the Wise Ones who followed the star.

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We know that it’s tough for families to make plans, and busy schedules often mean coming to church is difficult. To make it easier, you can always guarantee the following:

• No matter what, every Sunday there is a children’s message on the steps! The activity corner is stocked with toys, books, puzzles, and craft supplies. Most weeks, there will be an activity for you as well.

• Every third Sunday of the month, Melissa has a special activity planned. If you’re planning on coming to church any week of the month, the third Sunday is the one to plan for. We’re sharing two upcoming activities below — check them out!

Coming in December

Sunday, December 4:  After church there is a Thanksgiving Dinner — yes, it’s after Thanksgiving and it will be in the middle of the day but that doesn’t stop us from giving thanks for our community! Come for a meal, fellowship, and get caught up with church friends.

Sunday, December 18: Is our annual “Pick-Up Pageant”. The idea of this is no matter what age you are there is a role (and a costume!) for you! This year there’s an original script called “Entertaining Angels” with a few speaking roles (great for middle and high school youth) which you may want to read in advance. If you’re interested in a speaking role, contact Rev. Emelia. Otherwise, come to church this Sunday to grab a costume and be in the show! 

Saturday, December 24: We’re bringing back caroling on the steps at 4:30 PM before the Christmas Eve service at 5 PM.

Christmas Day is a Sunday this year, so we’ll have pajamas, cocoa, and carols at 10 AM if you want to come to church after opening presents!

Coming in January

Sunday, January 8: We are bringing back Brunch Church! That’s right, pancakes during church! Its also Epiphany Sunday when you get a Star Word for the year.

Saturday, January 14: Mark your calendar for the Reading Cares MLK Jr. Day of Service Saturday where we’ll have community service projects for every skill and every age available. This year it will be hybrid, so even if you can’t come in-person, there will be projects you can do at home over a period of a few weeks. 

Sunday, January 15: Will be a third-Sunday with a special Sunday School activity.…

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Can you believe that we are already in Advent? In fact, December 4th is the second and final Sunday to donate gifts and other items to the City Mission Society’s Christmas Shops.

Our collection schedule is as follows: 

• November 27 through December 4 – NEW gifts for the CMS Christmas Shop
• November 27 through January 5 – gently used coats for Anton’s Coats for Kids & Families
• December 11 – toiletries for Emmaus Inc.
• December 18 – items for the Reading Food Pantry

We will have our usual collection boxes inside the church. The main box will sit outside the doorway to the Music Room. The box for coats will be outside the Chapel. All CMS Christmas Shop items should be in the collection box by December 4, which allows time for sorting and distribution to organizations partnering with CMS.

The Mission Ministry thanks you in advance for your generosity!

City Mission Society Wish List (All Items must be NEW)

This year, in addition to clothing and toys, there is an increased need for household items. The following list includes high-need items marked with an asterisk *.

Toys/Games/Books:

• Infant and Toddler Toys
  • Dolls of diverse ethnicities* 
• Children’s Toys
• Teen Games and Activities* 
  • Click here for an age-by-age gift suggestion guide.  
• Children’s Books
  • Books featuring people of color*
• Teen Books
• Sports Equipment
• Art Supplies
• Gifts for Adults*
• Backpacks, Purses, Wallets

Clothing:

• Children’s Clothing – All Sizes
• Teen Clothing – All Sizes*
• Adult Clothing – All Sizes, including Professional/Work Attire*
• Hats
• Mittens/Gloves
• Scarves
• Underwear for all Ages/Sizes*

Household Supplies: (Must Be NEW)

• Bedding
• Towels
• Cleaning Supplies
• Tableware
• Dishes
• Pots & Pans
• Blender
• Mixing bowls
• Household Gifts
• Toiletries
• Blankets

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You probably don’t have to be told that filling a grocery cart is more
demanding on your wallet these days. Many of us groan, but have the
wherewithal to still make our purchases. It is not so for everyone.

On SATURDAY, NOV. 19 TH FROM 10 A.M. UNTIL NOON, cheery
people stationed on Sanborn Street will welcome your donations to this
collection. We will be sharing items with both the Reading Food Pantry and a food pantry in Lawrence. Our local pantry is currently serving 125 households. The Lawrence pantry provides food to over 1000 families a week. The need is great.

• Instant coffee (regular and decaf)
• Swiss Miss hot chocolate
• Tea
• Canned fruit
• Goya products
• 2 pound bags of flour
• 2 pound boxes of granulated sugar
• Granola or protein bars
• Cookies (especially chocolate chip)
• Crackers
• Popcorn
• Mayonnaise
• Tissues
• Paper Towels
• Toilet Paper

Members at the church will be bringing their own donations to church on Sunday, November 20th,Thanksgiving Sunday. Thank you for your help!…

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