Area religious listings for the week of Sept. 1 (2024)

BELLOWS FALLS

First Baptist Church

This week the First Baptist Church of Bellows Falls welcomes Pastor Beverly Jordan.

Gentleness is highlighted among the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit. This attribute embodies a spirit of patience, kindness, and humility most evidenced by a considerate and calm approach with others. Gentleness should not be mistaken for weakness, instead it exercises respect and a gracious strength rooted in humility. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus exemplified gentleness as he extended comfort and guidance with a humble and kind heart. Living out gentleness in our everyday encounters with others means that we clothe ourselves with compassion and care, and we seek to build one another up instead of tearing others down.

There will be a Meet & Greet Reception for Pastor Jordan this Sunday at the church.

Worship is at 10 a.m. Coffee time follows the service. For more information about the church and bible study, call 802-463-3220. Offerings and donations can be mailed to 9 Church Street, Bellows Falls.

Immanuel Episcopal

Services at Immanuel Episcopal Church are offered at 20 Church St. and via Zoom at 10 a.m. on Sundays. To attend via Zoom, email immanuelepiscopal@gmail.com. Telephone: 802-463-3178.

St. Charles Catholic

The Mass schedule at St. Charles Catholic Church, 31 Cherry Hill St., is as follows: Wednesday through Friday at 9 a.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m., and Sundays at 9 a.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered every Saturday from 3 to 3:30 p.m.

For more information, contact the church or Father Agnel Samy at 802-463-3128 or stcharlesrectory@comcast.com, or visit the website at stcharles.vermontcatholic.org.

United Church

The United Church (UCC) of Bellows Falls, 8 School St., will hold worship service at 10 a.m. on Sunday. Refreshments and fellowship after the service. For more information, call 802-463-4323 or find the church on Facebook.

BRATTLEBORO

All Souls Church

This Sunday's 10 a.m. service at All Souls Church will feature the message “'Come, Sing a Song With Me:' A Celebration of Singing Together."

As we begin to transition from spring into fall, join in as congregation members of all ages tell us why their favorite hymns are special to them, and invite us to sing those hymns together.

The service will be both in-person at 29 South St., and via Zoom at www.ascvt.org.

Brattleboro Area Jewish Community

Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, Congregation Shir Heharim is a reform congregation with a commitment to practice and celebrate Judaism with creativity. BAJC welcomes young families and empty nesters, toddlers and elders, doubters and the devout.

BAJC is located at 151 Greenleaf St. For more information, visit https://bajcvermont.org/ or call 802-257-1959.

Centre Congregational

Centre Congregational Church at 193 Main St. meets for worship every Sunday at 10 a.m. The service is also live-streamed on the Friends of Centre Congregational Church Facebook Group page.

This Sunday the Rev. Dr. Scott Couper will lead worship with a sermon entitled “Christian Life: a Constant Ad-venture," which is heavily influenced by Albert Luthuli’s sermon by the same title preached on Nov. 9, 1952, as he relinquished his democratically held chieftainship of a Congregationalist Christian community to remain a leader and President-General of the African National Congress. The scripture for the morning, Luke 1-11, will be read by Julian Mutter. Laura Slate will deliver a message for the children. A parishioner, George Sweeny, with organist Mary Milkey-May, will offer several hymns and spirituals. The congregation will share in a celebration of Holy Communion.

Immediately following the service there will be a social hour with refreshments.

Calendar: UCC Devotional: Monday, 10 a.m., on Zoom; Dharma Evening, Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Brattleboro Zen Center (third Floor); Quilting Ministry, Thursday at 1 p.m. pm at the McCarty home; Women’s Spirit, Thursday at 4 p.m. at the DiMauro home; Jum’a (Muslim) Worship, Friday at 1 p.m.; Sunday Spirit Book Discussion, Sundays at 9 a.m. in the Heritage Room. Sept. 5: 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the parlor; of special interest is a showing of a film about Albert Luthuli and his connections with the Anti-Apartheid Movement in the United States, sponsored by the Peace and Justice Committee.

First Baptist/First United Methodist

Join in this Sunday at First Baptist/United Methodist churches, 18 Town Crier Drive. Service begins at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Suzanne Andrews and the Rev. Ralph Howe preside. Holy Communion is offered each Sunday. First United Methodist and First Baptist have formed the Beloved Community of Brattleboro, a Center for Story, Spirit & Justice. Visit the website at belovedcommunityvt.org.

Announcements: Bible Study will resume the first Thursday in September. A dinner is shared from 5 to 6 p.m. and the study of the Book of Luke will be from 6 to 7 p.m. The First Baptist Council will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m.

Remember to bring non-perishable items for the homeless. For more information about events, or for a ride to the service, call the church at 1-802-254-1234.

First Church of Christ, Scientist

First Church of Christ, Scientist offers worship services in person every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. A Wednesday testimony meeting is held at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit csbrattleboro.org.

First Congregational Church

Join in for a Communion service this Sunday at 10 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 880 Western Ave. The Rev. Jeremy Kirk’s reflection this week is titled “The Power of Anger in the Work of Love.” Focusing on a reading from the Letter of James, Pastor Kirk will explore what constructive role anger can play in living a life of faith and when that anger can get in the way.

Musical selections will include pianist/organist Lisa Provatas playing “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” and Music Director Steve Rice singing “I’ll Fly Away.” The choir begins rehearsals again next Sunday, Sept. 8, at 9 a.m. New members are needed and will be welcomed.

Services are streamed live on Facebook at “First Congregational Church of West Brattleboro.” Reverend Kirk’s office hours are Friday, 10 a.m. to noon, and by appointment on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. The church office is open Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact the church at fccwb1770@gmail.com or 802-254-9767.

Insight Meditation Center

The Vermont Insight Meditation Center offers meditations at the Vermont Insight Meditation Hall at Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St.

Schedule: Monday-Thursday Practice leader sitting: 7 to 7:45 a.m. (hybrid); Tuesday Evening Practice leader sitting: 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. (Zoom only); Friday Morning Practice Leader Sitting: 7 to 7:45 a.m. (in-person only); Friday Morning Group Awareness Exercise: 7 to 8 a.m. (Zoom only); Friday Evening Practice Leader Sittings: 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (Zoom only) 1st and 3rd Saturday Meditation & Conversation: 9 to 10:30 a.m. (Zoom only); 3rd Saturday Sangha Poetry Group: 7 to 8 p.m., (Zoom only); Sunday Meditation & Dharma Talk: 10 a.m. to noon (hybrid).

For more information with visiting teachers and classes, visit www.vermontinsight.org or contact Drew Kovach at 802-257-1213.

Quaker

The West Brattleboro Quaker Worship Group meets for unprogrammed worship, both in person and on Zoom, Sundays at 10 a.m. In-person worship is indoors at the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, 151 Greenleaf St. To join via Zoom, email WestBrattQuakers@gmail.com for more information.

St. Michael’s Episcopal

Each Each Sunday St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 16 Bradley Ave., offers an 8 a.m. service with Eucharist and a 10:15 a.m. service with Eucharist and music and nursery care for children 0-3. The 10:15 service is also available on live stream and are shown during the week on Brattleboro Community TV at channel 1078 on Comcast cable: Wednesday at 2 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m.

From Sept. 1 to Oct. 6, St. Michael's will join with millions of Christians around the world to celebrate the Season of Creation. During this time, the liturgy will reflect a focus on gratefulness and concern for God's creation. The movement which began in the Eastern Orthodox Church and spread widely among Protestant, Catholic and Anglican congregations is observed every year from Sept. 1 to Oct. 4, St. Francis' feast day.

On Sunday, Sept. 8, St. Michael's program year begins. Come explore groups for children and youth and learn about the Choir, the Sunday morning Forums, and the variety groups for adults. More information is on the Church website.

Morning Prayer is offered each weekday at 8 a.m. on Zoom and in person in the Chapel on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. “Breakfast with the Psalms” is each Wednesday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at The Works on Main Street. Centering Prayer is in the Chapel from 11:30 to 11:55 a.m. each Wednesday and at 8 a.m. each Saturday. Eucharist with the Saints is each Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel. Contemplative Worship is in the Chapel and on Zoom each Thursday from 5:30 to 6 p.m.

St. Michael Roman Catholic

Saint Michael Roman Catholic Church, 47 Walnut St., offers weekend Mass on Saturdays at 4 p.m. (also livestreamed, ch. 1078) and Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. There is a coffee social after the 10:30 Mass. Father Henry Furman is the Priest.

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA – formerly RCIA) is a “process” by which people come to a deeper understanding of our Catholic Christian Faith and, in many cases, seek to become Catholic through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.

If you are 1) An unbaptized person who wishes to learn about the Catholic Faith, 2) A baptized Christian from another faith denomination who would like to learn more about the Catholic Church with the possibility of joining, 3) A baptized Catholic who has not yet received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation, or 4) A baptized and confirmed Catholic who would like to learn more about the Catholic Faith, come to meet with Father Henry Furman on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 5:15 p.m. in the youth center. Registration forms are available online or in the back of the church. Contact the rectory office for more information.

For more information, call 802-257-5101 or email stmichael@vermontcatholic.org.

Trinity Lutheran

Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA), 161 Western Ave., will hold a worship service on Sunday at 9:30 a.m., also livestreamed on the church's Facebook page. Message: "So What is within... the Red Flags"

Calendar: Wednesday, 7 p.m. A.A. (women); Thursday, 10:15 a.m. Choir; Saturday, 9 a.m. Discussion and Meditation. Yard Sale Sept. 14.

DOVER

Baptist Church

East Dover Baptist Church, 34 Dover Hill Road, welcomes everyone to worship service this Sunday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The church also offers a simulcast of the service. For more information, visit eastdoverbaptistchurch.org or call 802-348-6366.

Congregational Church

All are welcome to Sunday Services at 10 a.m. at West Dover Congregational Church, 104 Route 100, or join livestream at www.facebook.com/westdoverchurch. After the service there is a coffee hour and bible study.

For more information, visit the website at https://Westdoverchurch.org or call 802-464-1195.

DUMMERSTON

Congregational Church

Dummerston Congregational Church, UCC will worship together in the church sanctuary at 1535 Middle Road at 10 a.m. on Sunday. Rev. Shawn Bracebridge and Mary Westbrook-Geha will lead worship with communion. The scripture reading is Psalm 100 and we will hold our annual End of Summer Hymn Sing with communion. Refreshments will be served after the service.

GRAFTON

Community Church

Grafton Community Church, 55 Main St., offers virtual worship services via Zoom. Visit graftoncommunitychurch.org or on Facebook (The Grafton Church).

GUILFORD

Community Church

Join us this Sunday at 10 a.m. for worship at the Guilford Community Church, 38 Church Drive. Sunday services are also streamed live, and a link is available on the church website, www.guilfordchurch.org.

This Sunday’s service is led by Pastor Allyson Platt. It is Communion Sunday. Rachel Johnson is the accompanist, and Stefan Amidon directs the Choir. The Guilford Community Choir welcomes all singers. Arrive at 8:40 a.m., ready to rehearse at 8:45 a.m. for the 10 a.m. service.

Children are invited to begin in worship with their families. After the Children’s Message they are dismissed to the Sunday Morning program, and there is nursery care for younger children with Merry Futsum Gebre.

HALIFAX

Halifax Union Society

Mindful Minute columnist Jon Heydenreich will lead an inter-denominational service at the Halifax Union Society this Sunday at 5 p.m. He will focus on how to deal mindfully with the challenges of our world as we find it, avoiding both naivete and cynicism.

Heydenreich writes the Reformer’s Mindful Minute column and serves as part-time pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Brattleboro.

This is the fourth in a series of four bi-weekly services led by Heydenreich at the Union Society and the final service of the summer 2024 season.

The Union Society has organized inter-denominational services for 133 years. The Society has no creed and welcomes people of all denominations or no particular denomination who wish to join with others to gain perspective and inner renewal.

The Union Society is located at 44 Stowe Mountain Road in Halifax Center. For more information, contact HalifaxUnionSociety@gmail.com or go to Facebook or Google Maps.

JAMAICA

Community Church

Jamaica Community Church, located in the “Heart of the Village,” welcomes all on Sunday at 11 a.m.

To meet with Pastor Pete, call the church (802-874-7109) or his house (802-874-4181) or email him at carlsonpw56@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. His office hours are Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon and Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. Donations to the Wardsboro/Jamaica Food Pantry may be left inside the front door in the large basket during these hours.

MARLBORO

Meeting House

The final service of the summer at Marlboro Meeting House will be Sunday at 10 a.m. Pastor C. J. King’s sermon is “Being God’s New Creation” – Part 3. Amy Cann on the organ will play the music, including the hymns “The Summer Days are Come Again,” “What a Friend We Have In Jesus,” and “Bless Be the Tie that Binds.” Holy Communion will be served. There also will be a special ceremony to welcome three new members. Fellowship and refreshments will follow the service

Marlboro Meeting House is located at 524 South Road. For more information, contact marlboromeetinghouse@gmail.com.

PUTNEY

Quaker

Join in for worship and gathering at Putney Friends Meeting, 17 Bellows Falls Road, every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (hybrid). Thursday 6 p.m. online. Childcare provided for Sunday 10:30 a.m. worship. Meeting for Worship for Business monthly every third Sunday at noon. Contact clerk@putneyfriendsmeeting.org for online links. Handicapped accessible.

For more information, visit putneyfriendsmeeting.org.

TOWNSHEND

Community Church

Townshend Community Church meets every Sunday at 10 a.m. Pastor Don Hashem leads the service and his wife Carmen leads the music. The church in the country where the difference is worth the distance.

WALPOLE, N.H.

St. John’s Episcopal

Join in for Sunday services at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 26 Elm St., or via Zoom at 10 a.m. The Rev. Fred Chisolm has joined the congregation as priest-in-charge.

Morning prayer will be offered on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. with Contemplative Prayer from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and quiet library (reading) time from 11 a.m. to noon most Thursdays. For more information and Zoom link visit the website: www.stjohnswalpole.org or call 603-756-4533.

Walpole Unitarian

Walpole Unitarian Church offers Sunday services at 10 a.m., led by the Rev. Elaine Bomford, the church’s affiliate minister, and other clergy and lay leaders. The church is located at the corner of Main and Union streets. The congregation embraces spiritual exploration, social justice and care for each other and the planet.

The church plans to continue a modified Zoom element to the service as technology permits. Visit walpoleunitarianchurch.org.

WILMINGTON

St. Mary’s

St. Mary’s in the Mountains Episcopal Church, 13 East Main St., holds services at 10 a.m. every Sunday in person and on Zoom. There will be coffee and refreshments after the service.

For a Zoom link, visit smmvt.org.