BELLOWS FALLS
First Baptist Church
This week, the First Baptist Church of Bellows Falls welcomes Pastor Eric Feustel.
Sunrise Service will be held at 6:45 a.m. this Sunday at the gazebo in Oak Hill Cemetery. If the cemetery is inaccessible, parishioners will meet at the church. Following the service, join in for Easter Breakfast. Traditional Easter service will be held at 10 a.m.
In an instant, Mary Magdalene went from bitter weeping to joyful amazement. It only took one word to effect that change. What was that word? You are welcome at First Baptist Church to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and to find out what that one word was and how it can change your life, too.
For more information about the church and bible study, contact the church at 802-463-3220. Offerings and donations can be mailed to 9 Church Street, Bellows Falls.
Immanuel Episcopal
Saturday, March 30, at 6 p.m. there will be an Easter Vigil at Immanuel Episcopal Church, 20 Church St. Weather permitting, participants will light the fire of our new life and move into the Chapel to read the lessons of our beginnings and build to the return of the Risen Lord. Parishioners will also move to a baptismal font and bless the water of the new year and the return of Alleluias to all.
Easter Sunday Service begins at 10 a.m. with music, flowers, and joy back in the church family. As the Rev. D. Rebecca Hansen puts it, “Easter is and will always be about new life. Death has been destroyed, the power of sin no longer enslaves us, and forgiveness is ours. The earth shook and God moved and raised up Jesus, the first fruits, the promise of our own resurrection.”
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. Stay after the service for refreshments and fellowship. For more information, call 802-463-4323 or find the church on Facebook.
BRATTLEBORO
All Souls Church
This Sunday at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, 29 South St., the Rev. Telos Whitfield will lead with a message on “Easter Sunday: A Transformation of Heart.”
The people that we have loved, whose lives have had a powerful impact on how we live, can strengthen our hearts. Jesus was a revolutionary, a man of deep heart. May our hearts be transformed by embracing our relationship to those who continue to live in us. Love is the most powerful force that can move the mountains before us and clear pathways for transformation.
Visit www.ascvt.org shortly before 10 a.m. to join via Zoom.
Centre Congregational
This Sunday, an 8 a.m. sunrise service will be held on the front lawn of Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St., around a Paschal Fire (inspired by St. Patrick of Ireland that celebrates the Passover mystery of salvation through Jesus Christ) accompanied by smoked fish (inspired by the resurrection story found in John 21:9 when Jesus cooked breakfast over coals). The 10 a.m. service will be hybrid, celebrated in the sanctuary and live-streamed on the Friends of Centre Congregational Church Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/89415731855
Following the children’s message, little ones will depart the sanctuary for Sunday school. The scripture from the lectionary calendar will be Mark 16:1-8.
The organist and music director and her choir will offer the following music: Prelude: “Rejoice, the Lord Is King” by G. Young, Prelude on “Victory” by C.S. Lang, Allegro from Cantata 4 (Easter Cantata) by J.S. Bach, “Crown Him with Many Crowns” by G. Young, and Prelude in G Major by J.S. Bach; Anthem: “This Joyful Easter Day” by E. Bulter; Offertory: “Christ Is Risen, Alleluia” by J. Althouse; Postlude: “Thine Is Glory” by G. Young. Matthew Kennedy will provide much pomp and circumstance with his playing of the trombone and trumpet.
The Rev. Dr. Scott Couper will deliver a message entitled “Ending as Beginning.” The reading ends with the most likely original Markan conclusion that was a ‘cliffhanger’ thus inviting the listener to beg for a sequel. The message will encourage a personal and, thus, existential conclusion to be lived out by those sitting in the pews. What is ‘resurrection’ for us here in Brattleboro in 2024? Following the service, a Hospitality Time will offer food, drink, and refreshments in the parlor.
For more information, call the church office at 802-254-4730 on any weekday, or e-mail Centrechurchvt@gmail.com, visit the church website at centrechurchvt.org.
First Baptist/First United Methodist
Join in this Sunday for weekly worship at First Baptist/United Methodist churches, 18 Town Crier Drive. Service begins at 10:30 a.m. A brief outdoor service, led by Lay Minister, Lynda Strange, will capture the beautiful essence of the true meaning of Easter. A Sacred Dance to “Easter Halleluia” will be shared with the congregation and there will be the Blooming of the Cross with cut flowers adorning the Old Rugged Cross, symbolizing the death and resurrection of Jesus. Visit the website at belovedcommunityvt.org.
This Sunday the Rev. Ralph Howe will be sharing a message especially for Easter. Join in for an uplifting and inspiring service as the congregation journeys with Jesus in his moment of glory and resurrection.
For Thought and Prayer: Heavenly Father, our hearts are so full of joy today. You feel so near to us on this most special celebration of Easter. May the love we feel this morning stay with us the rest of the day and always. Amen.
Announcements: The Beloved Community will offer the last workshop centering on the seventh Shakra, the crown, on Saturday morning, from noon to 1 p.m. This course is taught by the Rev. Ingrid Lucas. Feel free to bring your own lunch. Bible Study will resume on the first Thursday after Easter – April 4. Join in for a fellowship dinner from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the study of Luke will follow from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information about events, or if you need a ride, call the church at 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
First Congregational Church at 880 Western Ave. will join churches around the world in celebrating Easter this Sunday by offering two services.
The Rev. Jeremy Kirk will lead a brief Sunrise Service beginning promptly at 6:30 a.m. outdoors at Dalem’s Chalet on South Street in West Brattleboro. Note that there are no amenities or facilities available at this service.
Pastor Jeremy will also lead a full Easter Service at the church starting at 10 a.m. This will be a music-filled celebration with special activities for children. The West B Belles, the church’s handbell choir under the direction of Alice McClellan, will play three songs as the Prelude to the service. A children’s choir will sing “Jesus Is My Morning Sun” accompanied by Jeff Brewer on guitar. The adult choir, led by Steve Rice, will sing his arrangement of “Now the Green Blade Rises.” Anyone interested in singing in the choir is welcome to rehearsal at 8:45 a.m.
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. Sunday services are streamed live on Facebook.
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); 3 Sunday Meditations: 10:00 – 11:45 am (Hybrid*).
Upcoming: April 13 Retreat with Bodhipaksa. New class on Joyful Generosity with Cheryl Wilfong.
For more information, 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 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.
The Easter Vigil service is Saturday, March 30, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Members will gather outside to light the new fire of Easter and move from darkness to light, telling the ancient stories of God’s people. This is the “king of all liturgies” of the Christian year, and this year is extra special because we will also be celebrating an adult baptism. The service is followed by a festive Easter reception of chocolate, cheese and fruit.
The Easter Day services will be at 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. on Sunday. The 10:15 a.m. service will be the Festival Choral Eucharist for Easter Day. After the 10:15 a.m. service, there will be an Easter egg hunt for kids of all ages.
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.
The Church office hours are from 8 a.m. to noon, Tuesday through Friday. Contact the Church office by emailing jeanie@stmichaelsvermont.org or by calling 802-254-6048, ext. 104. The church office will be closed from April 1 through 5.
St. Michael Roman Catholic
Saint Michael Roman Catholic Church, 47 Walnut St., is offering special services for Easter weekend. On Holy Saturday, there will be morning prayer at 11 a.m., rosary at 11:15 a.m., confessions from 11 a.m. to noon, evening prayer at 5 p.m., Easter Vigil Mass at 8 p.m. and a reception following the Mass. On Easter Sunday St. Michael will offer Holy Masses at 8 and 10:30 a.m., morning prayer at 9 a.m., a 10:30 a.m. reception, and evening prayer at 5 p.m.
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. This Sunday will feature the message “Get out of your own way.”
Calendar: Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Book Group on “The Scarcity Brain” by Michael Easter; Wednesday, 7 p.m. N.A. and A.A. (women); Thursday, 9 a.m. Tai Chi, 10:15 a.m. choir; Saturday, 9 a.m. meditation and discussion
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 on Sunday at 10 a.m. in the church sanctuary at 1535 Middle Road.
On Easter Sunday, the church will first gather for a sunrise service on the front steps of the church at 1535 Middle Road at 6:30 a.m. with an Easter breakfast to follow. All are invited. Festival worship for Easter Sunday will take place in the sanctuary at 10 a.m. with choir singing and special music.
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 the Guilford Community Church, 38 Church Drive, at 10 a.m. for in-person worship, or via the live stream link on the church website. This Sunday, worship will be led by the Rev. Allyson Platt. Rachel Johnson is the accompanist and Andy Davis leads the Choir this Sunday. Children are invited to join their families for the entire family friendly worship service.
Holy Week Information: Easter treasure hunt at the church at 3 p.m. on March 30; Easter Sunday on March 31, Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m. followed by pancake breakfast, then Easter worship at 10 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 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
Marlboro Meeting House will have an Easter sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. led by Rob Szpila with Amy Cann on the organ. Around 7 a.m., there will be a hot breakfast provided on the first floor with coffee, fruit, bread and more. A donation jar will be on the table.
NEWFANE
First Congregational
Sunrise Service at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, out in back of the church. Following the early service, a Free Easter Breakfast will be served in Fellowship Hall. At 9:30 a.m. an Easter Egg Hunt will be held for local children. At 10 a.m. Easter worship will be held in the sanctuary. The service will be recorded and audio links will be available online as soon as possible after the service concludes.
Service will be led by Pastor Matt Deen. The scripture readings are from Mark: 16-1-8. Hymns for the Service include “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” and “Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven”. The prelude “He Shall Feed His Flock” by G.F. Handel will be sung by Miriam Allbee. The offertory anthem “Easter Bells with Joy are Ringing” by Douglas E. Wagner will feature the Handbell Ensemble and the Chancel Choir, led by Music Director Jennifer Yocom. The Postlude “All Hail the Risen King” will be played by the Handbell Ensemble.
The mission for the month of April are Afghan Refuge Support and Journey Away at Leland and Gray.
Calendar: Monday at 7 p.m., Al-Anon meets in Fellowship Hall. Tuesday, at 4 p.m. Sew What’s will be stitching in Fellowship Hall. Thursday at 10 a.m. Men’s Coffee meets in Fellowship Hall. Later Thursday evening, Bible Study begins at 5 p.m., followed by bell rehearsal at 6:15 p.m. and choir rehearsal at 7:15 p.m.
For more information or to leave messages, call the church office at 802-365-4079. Office hours for this week: Monday from noon to 3 p.m., Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check out our Facebook page or visit the church website at newfanechurch.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.
WARDSBORO
Yoked Parish
Worship services of the Wardsboro Yoked Parish have moved to the historic Baptist Church on Cross Road in West Wardsboro and will continue there through May 26. Service each Sunday starts at 9 a.m. Communion is served on the first Sunday of each month and a coffee hour is provided on the last Sunday of each month. All are welcome.
WESTMINSTER
First Congregational Church
The Rev. Rich O’Donnell invites everyone to join in for Easter Sunday services at First Congregational Church of Westminster on Route 5. There will be a Sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. at the Mayo Building at Kurn Hattin Homes. There will be a breakfast in the church hall from 7:15 to 9:45 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. service in Church.
WHITINGHAM
Jacksonville Community Church
Everyone is invited to special Easter services offered by Jacksonville Community Church, 246 Head of the Pond Road. There will be an Easter Sunrise Service on Town Hill in Whitingham at 7 a.m. on Sunday. Coffee will be available. At 9:15 a.m. there will be a special Easter Service celebrating our Risen Lord at the church. All are invited to attend. And at 11:30 a.m., everyone is invited to an Easter Egg hunt on Town Hill.
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.
