Area religious listings for the week of Jan. 5

BELLOWS FALLS

First Baptist Church

The First Baptist Church of Bellows Falls at 9 Church Street offers worship service at 10 a.m. every Sunday.

This week members encounter the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12, who, with open hearts and minds, are following a star to find the Christ child. These wise travelers come from distant lands, and their journey is one of wonder, vulnerability, and openness to a new understanding of the Divine’s work in the world. This story invites members to reflect on how we, too, are called to seek the light of justice and truth, even when it leads us to unexpected places and challenges our assumptions. Their story encourages us to approach our own spiritual journeys with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to be renewed and transformed. The Magi teach us that our faith is not a fixed destination but rather a continuous journey of discovery and that revelation often comes from others who are different from us. This Epiphany, may we be inspired to follow the light of the world with humility, to seek out new perspectives, and recognize the divine in all people, regardless of where they come from.

Coffee time follows the service. For more information, 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected], 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 welcome Joe Wiah, the Executive Director of the Brattleboro office of the Ethiopian Community Development Council. He will describe their current work of aiding immigrants and refugees to settle successfully in their new homes. The offering for the month of January will be shared with the ECDC

All services are offered in person and via zoom. The church offers Religious Exploration for kids at 9 a.m. prior to the service. Child care is available every Sunday. The service will be in person at 29 South St., and via Zoom at www.ascvt.org.

Brattleboro Area Jewish Community

The Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, Congregation Shir Heharim is a reform congregation with a commitment to practice and celebrate Judaism with creativity. Located at 151 Greenleaf St., 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, United Church of Christ, will celebrate the Second Sunday after Christmas and Holy Communion on Jan. 5 at 10 a.m. at 193 Main St. The service will also be streamed on the Friends of Centre Congregational Church Facebook Group and Zoom.

Following the children’s message, the children will be led to Sunday School (Faith in Action). The scripture sourced from the lectionary will be John 1:10-18. The Rev. Dr. Scott Couper will deliver a message entitled "The Big Reveal of the Eternal Gestation” wherein the revelation in John’s gospel of who and what Jesus the Christ is will be explored. Music on the organ will include: Prelude: "The Calm of Heaven" by G. Handle and "O My Soul on Wings Ascending" by J. Pasquet; Anthem: "Mary, Go Tell It!" by M. Hayes with Lisa Keller as soloist; Offertory: "Brightest and Best" by J. Harding; and Postlude: "Go, Tell It on the Mountain" by G. Young.

Join in after the service for Hospitality Time with light food and drinks.

A new play by Brattleboro-based author and playwright Stephen Wangh, "Jesus Wept," imagines Mary and God responding to prayerful supplications from humans confronting challenging situations. When Jesus arrives, God and Mary fear he may not be able to handle difficult human suffering. Sacred and profane disagreements among the divinities culminate in a musical epiphany. "Jesus Wept" will be presented in the sanctuary Feb. 19-22. The cast includes: God (David Zucker), Mary (Michelle Dussault), Jesus (Sean Fitzharris), Arie (Emmadora Boutcher), Gabriel (Steve Eldredge), Pastor (Scott Couper).

Contact the church for tickets ($20). Proceeds above the cost of the production will go to Luz del Mundo educational scholarships in El Salvador.

Centre Church hosts a United Church of Christ devotional every Monday at 10 a.m. on Zoom; the Zen Buddhist community (dharma) gathers each Tuesday at 7 p.m. (half-day sitting on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon); the Meditation and Recovery Gathering, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday; a Justice and Peace Film Screening at 167 Main Street on the first Thursday of each month; Brattleboro Community Mantra Meditation (Kirtan) on the first and third Thursdays of each month, 6 to 7 p.m.; and prayer of the Muslim community (Jum'a) each Friday at 1 p.m.

For more information, call the church office at 802-254-4730 on any weekday, or e-mail [email protected], visit the church website at centrechurchvt.org.

First Baptist/First United Methodist

Join in each 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.

For more information about events or for a ride to the services, call the church at 1-802-254-1234.

First Church of Christ, Scientist

First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 57 Putney Road, offers worship services in person every Sunday at 10:30 a.m., and Sunday School for children and teenagers up to the age of 20 is held at the same hour. A Wednesday testimony meeting is held each week at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. For more information, visit csbrattleboro.org.

First Congregational Church

There will be a free community breakfast this Sunday from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 880 Western Ave.

Worship will be at 10 a.m. to celebrate the second Sunday of Christmastide, with a focus on Matthew 2:1-12. The congregation will explore how the story of three foreign visitors to the manger signifies God's reach beyond human borders to reconcile humanity to God and to one another. Music under the leadership of Lisa Provatas will include familiar Christmas carols.

The Rev. Jeremy Kirk's office hours are Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and by chance or appointment other days of the week. The church office is open Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact us at [email protected] or 802-254-9767.

Insight Meditation Center

The Vermont Insight Center offers meditations on Zoom and on the second floor of The Riverton Building, 28 Vernon St. To ensure access to the building, arrive at least 5 minutes early for in-person practice.

Join in for a Sunday Sitting and Dharma Talk on Jan. 5 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Vermont Insight's weekly schedule includes meditations at 7 a.m. every weekday, Tuesday and Friday evening practices, and meditations every Sunday.

For more information about weekly events, plus course and retreat offerings, see vermontinsight.org/calendar 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 [email protected] 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.

This Sunday, the Adult Forum resumes. All interested people are invited to attend from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Meeting Room. The topic this Sunday is “The Iconography of Epiphany.” The season of Epiphany has its own special imagery, connected to, but distinct from Christmas. Every church and many homes have Christmas crèche displays with Mary, Joseph and the animals, and baby Jesus who makes his appearance on Christmas night. The three gift-giving visitors come from afar, and their camels draw ever nearer until they arrive on Epiphany. The images of the season are so much richer than just these. Participants will see some of the images that surround the season and discuss what the stories and images of the Epiphany say about who the three visitors were, how Christ’s Good News spread in the world, and ultimately, how our experience of Epiphany illuminates the relationship between God and God’s people. Led by David Treadwell.

On Epiphany - Monday, Jan. 6 - there will be a noon service of the Eucharist in the Mary Magdelene chapel to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. All are welcome.

Morning Prayer is offered each weekday at 8 a.m. on Zoom and in person in the Chapel on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. At noon on Wednesdays, there is a brief service of Eucharist with the Saints. Centering Prayer is at 11:15 a.m. on Wednesdays and at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Contemplative Worship is in the Chapel and on Zoom each Thursday from 5:30 to 6 p.m.

The Church office hours are from 8 a.m. to noon, Tuesday through Friday. Contact the Church office by emailing [email protected] or by calling 802-254-6048, ext. 104.

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.

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. Registration forms are available online or in the back of the church.

For more information, call 802-257-5101 or email [email protected].

Trinity Lutheran

Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA), 161 Western Ave., will hold a worship service on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. with the message "The star we follow," also livestreamed on the church's Facebook page. Bring food for the food collection.

Calendar: Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. book group; Wednesday, 7 p.m. A.A. (women); Saturday, 9 a.m. discussion and meditation

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.

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

Sunday services begin at 10 a.m. and are also streamed live on the church website, www.guilfordchurch.org.

This Sunday’s service is led by Allyson Platt. This Sunday is Communion Sunday. Peter Amidon directs the Choir.

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

The Guilford Community Choir welcomes all singers to arrive at 8:40 a.m.

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 [email protected] 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.

NEWFANE

First Congregational

Join in this Sunday at 10 a.m. for an Agape service in the fellowship room at Newfane First Congregational Church. Pastor Matthew Deen’s message this week is titled “The Covenant, Illuminated.” The ministry and sacrifice of Jesus established a new Covenant, as a reading from Hebrews chapter 8 emphasizes. This covenant creates a deep bond that knits us all together as members of a community. As part of the service, an open Communion will be offered along with a light Communion meal.

Hymns sung by the congregation will this week will include “Let Us Break Bread Together” and “Bind Us Together.”

This week’s calendar includes the regular Al-Anon meeting on Monday at 7 p.m., the “Sew Whats” sewing group at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, the monthly Senior Lunch on Thursday at noon, and weekly Bible Study on Thursday at 5 p.m.

The Church office is open Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact the church as [email protected] or 802-365-4079. Pastor Matthew Deen is available for pastoral care on Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 4 p.m.

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 [email protected] 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.