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HORIZONS
April 2019
Hingham Congregational Church, UCC
366 Main Street, Hingham, MA 02043
781-749-1276
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Message from the Senior Pastor
April Vibes
Grey melted slush
Where plows pushed piles
Now dry and sandy earth
Stained paper birch
Across the way
Reflects sun's bright rebirth
Swollen buds
Singing birds
Peepers' evening tune
April landed
Soft and sweet
From death to life we turn
Lent's dark brooding
Fading now
We're ready for surprises
Creation born
Spirit free
Christ again arises!
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Christian Education April 2019
HCC family and friends,
The pollen may be causing a little stress, but goodness does that sunshine and lengthening day give us some hope for the summer time! As many of us go deep into the season of Lent, we might be catching a crocus here and there. Each and every day coming up we might notice our earth waking back up to the warmer air. As this happens, perhaps we can imagine God's breath being breathed directly into our bodies!
Thanks to everyone who participated in the community-wide survey. This is going to help the church leadership move forward in nominating community members for boards and other exciting opportunities. Furthermore, these surveys will help us with programming for the upcoming seasons and year.
Happy reading to those of you who took a Lenten devotional - we are glad you are engaging your spirituality in that way.
Our 3rd/4th/5th grade class is still in transition and we are actively looking for a teacher for that group. Please contact Jen in the office or me at the email address listed above if you are interested or have any leads.
We are always looking for people to help with shepherding (this just means assisting teachers):
http://signup.com/go/qrcPPfQ
If you feel unprepared or not ready to shepherd and would like to chat more about what it entails, please email me for more information.
Thanks to all the women who attended the retreat and created a wonderful community at Miramar at the end of March!
GIANT THANKS to all of the HCCers (that's all of you) who have supported me get to my Ecclesiastical Council. This meeting with representatives from throughout the Pilgrim Association will be at 7:30 pm on April 23rd. I will present myself, my call to ordained ministry and my ordination paper that evening. I hope to see you if you can make the time! The more of you that are there supporting the more the association will get the idea that there is a strong number of people supporting my call to ordained ministry. You may come for some or all of the meeting.
There are two New England retreat centers which are also rolling out their summer programming: Silver Lake Conference Center (
https://www.silverlakect.org/
) and Ferry Beach Retreat Center (
https://www.ferrybeach.org/
). Both these places have great opportunities for entire families!
We have begun preparing for our annual lobster roll sale. We do hope you will participate in this fun event. If you really do not like lobster or you are not able to get others to purchase a roll or two or three or one hundred, please ask me about ways to volunteer. We will be in particular need of volunteers on May 20th, 21st and 22nd. Order your rolls here:
https://hccucc.com/lobster-roll-sale/
Finally, a reminder that Vacation Bible School at our church (9 am - 12 pm church camp with crafts, play, and learning) will be July 29th - August 2nd. Save the date!
Hingham Congregational Church and Hingham House of Prayer presents:
Theme - Faith Exploration with Polar Pals
Who - children and youth ages 3 - 5th grade, young kids must be potty-trained
When - July 29-Aug 2, 9 am - 12 pm
Where - Hingham Congregational Church, 378 Main Street
Why - To learn about and grow into God's love in Jesus!
Cost - $30 / child, $55 / family; scholarships available.
Please let us know of any questions you may have!
___________________________________________________________
Coming up:
April 3rd, Weds, 11 am - Sara 'open office' hours at Brewed Awakenings
April 4th, Thurs, 7:15 pm - Christian Education meeting
April 7th, Sun, 10 am - Children's Church & Breakfast Club
(faith reflection for High School youth)
April 7th, Sun, 11:15 am - Egg Hunt with faith component!
April 7th, Sun, 2:30 pm - Middle and High School youth invited to head to Starland in Hanover for Laser tag
April 7th, Sun, 5 - 6 pm - Confirmation (light dinner included)
April 8th, Mon, 7:30 - 8:00 pm - Meditation Monday -
great for all levels!
April 11th, Thurs, 11 am - Sara 'open office' hours at Brewed Awakenings
April 12th, Fri, 6:00 pm - Community game night - please email Sara if interested
April 17th, Weds, 12 pm - children and youth invited to volunteer at Cradles to Crayons in Boston.
Children as young as 5 may join! Attendees should come with full tummies and/or bring a lunch or snack for the road.
April 21st, Easter Sunday - bunnies between 9 am & 11 am worship services!
In front of the church at 10 am there will be bunnies thanks to our beloved community member Lenore Rasmussen; let the children come and celebrate all of creation.
April 25th, Thurs, 11 am - Sara 'open office' hours at Brewed Awakenings
April 28th, Sun, 5 - 6 pm - Confirmation (light dinner included)
April 28th, Sun, 6 - 7:30 pm - Service Trip meeting
Ongoing unless otherwise noted:
Tuesdays, 7:00 pm - bible study
Thursdays, 9:00 am - GIFT (Growing in Faith Together)
Young men's group - ask Pete or Sara for details
Men's group - ask Pete or Sara for details
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Peace of Christ,
Sara
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Vacation Bible School
Hingham Congregational Church and Hingham House of Prayer presents:
Faith Exploration with Polar Pals!
Who: children and youth ages 3 - 5th grade, young kids must be potty trained
When: July 29-Aug 2, 9 am - 12 pm
Where: Hingham Congregational Church, 378 Main Street
Why: To learn about and grow into God's love in Jesus!
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A Note from Our Moderator
An Opportunity to Participate
As Rev. Pete and the Board of Stewardship have often said, there are many ways to give to our church in addition to a monetary contribution. Contributing time to wonderful causes like our Pine St. Inn monthly meal ministry or the Taste of Hingham are also wonderfully valuable ways of giving to HCC.
This is the time of year when a variety of other time- and talent-giving opportunities are available to members of the Hingham Congregational Church community. Specifically, I am referring to opportunities to serve on the Boards and Committees of the church, groups of folks who gather each month to do such things as help bring order to worship, programs to youth, support for local charities, and a church building that operates effectively - among other examples.
One of these groups - the Nominating Committee - has begun to gather to identify and begin to reach out to individuals who may have an interest in serving on one of these Boards or Committees, with terms of service typically lasting for three years. The objective of the Nominating Committee is to prepare a slate of nominees to serve for the coming year that is then approved by the congregation at the Annual Congregational Meeting. This year's Annual Meeting will take place after worship on Sunday, May 19th. Members of this year's Nominating Committee include our ministers, Pete and Sara, Penelope Pint, Priscilla Anderson, Paul Jeffrey, Lynn Mayo, Meredith Hollander, and me.
Most of the opportunities to participate are with one of the six Boards. If you're not familiar with the Boards' functions, here is a brief description of each:
Christian Education: Oversees the church's education ministry across all age levels, including church school from nursery through high school ages, the high school service trip, and adult programs;
Deacons: Responsible for the spiritual life of the congregation, with a focus on planning and participating in Sunday worship and other church events (e.g., weddings, funerals, and other special events);
Fellowship: Provides coordination for social and fellowship activities for the church community;
Outreach: Responsible for helping to determine the church's charitable giving of time, talent and treasure to worthwhile outside organizations;
Stewardship: Responsible for encouraging the commitment of church members and friends in the use of their time, talent and treasure in the service of God and the church;
Trustees: Maintains and cares for the physical property of the church, including each of its buildings (sanctuary, church office and parsonage).
So, there truly is a diverse set of opportunities to participate more deeply in the life of the church. From my personal perspective, I've found each of my Board and other church leadership experiences to be a great way both to get to know a group of great folks better and feel like I'm making a personal investment in a really fine organization - doing God's work! If this is of interest, if you have any questions, or if you would like to serve, please let me (
toddkanderson78@gmail.com or by phone at 617-512-1449) or one of the members of the Nominating Committee know!
Thank you!
Blessings to you and yours,
Todd
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 Prayer requests...
- BJ Gorczyca, whose father died recently
- Richard Hollander, whose mother died recently
- Mary Lynd Dolphin
- Lynn Wellings, Erin Childs' mother
- Don Giessow, David's brother
- Chris Rankin, brother-in-law of Priscilla Anderson
- Suzy Burba, Sara M. Holland, Bill Ketchum, and Winston Janusz, Members in Discernment
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All those affected by violence in the world; our prayer is for love, justice, and peace.
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JR. CHOIR
JR. CHOIR NOTES - APRIL
The Jr. Choir heard "Music in the Air" during worship on March 31 and echoed it throughout the sanctuary. Next up is Palm Sunday when we share our "Hosannas" with the church family. To prepare for that Sunday we will rehearse this coming Sunday, April 7, during our usual post-church rehearsal time - 11:20-noon. Grade school children who love to sing are welcome. If interested and have not sung with the choir up to now, please conact Ed B. at jeeko@comcast.net.
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CLIMATE CAFE, SUNDAY APRIL 14
HINGHAM PLASTIC BAG BAN DISCUSSION
The proposed bi-law that would ban single-use plastic grocery/shopping bags in Hingham will be the topic of our "Climate Cafe" to be held after church on Sunday, April 14. A member of the "Cleaner, Greener Hingham" town committee will be here to present and to answer questions about this proposal which will be brought before the Town Meeting on April 22. Come. Ask your questions. Be an informed voter!
REDUCE -- REFUSE -- REUSE -- RECYCLE -- REPAIR
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GUILD Consignment Center Prepares for Spring
Spring has Sprung at the Consignment Center!
Last month's clearance removed any remaining suggestion of winter in the lower level of HCC. The shop was flooded with customers eager to glean bargains, and all remaining merchandise was sorted and distributed to other charities according to need.
This year, we were glad to make a direct contact with International Institute of New England, and donated a carload of coats for use by newcomers to America arriving from
warm climates and unaccustomed to New England winters (or springs?). Clothing and household goods were also given to the Friends of the Homeless to assist individuals and families in temporary and initial independent residences. Resources for training, education, and resale were gladly received by Cardinal Cushing Training Center in Hanover. Thanks to the Salvation Army for making a stop in order to pick up merchandise for their agency's programs.
The first green shoots to appear have blossomed, and the Consignment Center now offers
a broad selection of spring apparel, jewelry, tableware, garden accessories. We are ready for Easter, so don't miss a chance to find baskets, and eggs or trinkets to fill them. Fortunately, there is currently a supply of boys' shirts, slacks, and jackets along with those Sunday dresses for your most special girls.
Summer clothing will begin to arrive on Tuesday, April 2, when we will be accepting shorts, sleeveless dresses and jerseys, and sandals. If you're planning to travel over spring break, visit our collection of carry-ons, tote bags, resort wear, and sunglasses. For those
making a Staycation, come in to find hiking sneakers, plant pots, yard boots, yard games, or ..... a butterfly net.
While you're considering, view our website (
www.guildconsignment.org) , visit us on Facebook, or be ready for Instagram updates! Better yet, stop in for a personal taste of spring!
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Spotlight on the Outreach organizations we support:
PINE STREET INN
Pine Street Inn is a not-for-profit organization committed to men, women, and children in need of shelter, sustenance, and the basic moral and material supports necessary to lead a dignified and stable life. It is the mission of the Inn, in all its programs, to be a community of respect and hope for each guest it serves; to be a resource through which neighbors and friends can help to meet the basic needs of others; and to serve as a national leader in the fight to end homelessness.
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Easter Food Boxes
Be sure to return the Easter food boxes for Wellspring to the church on or before April 7. The Board of Outreach thanks everyone who is able to help in profiding the meals and extras to those less fortunate.
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Please Save the Date!
On Sunday, April 28, Hingham Congregational Church and the Board of Outreach will again be hosting a food packaging event, in conjunction with The Outreach Program, Marshfield. The activity is suitable for all ages. We will be packaging and boxing prepared meals for those in need in our area. We will start at 11:30 and should be done by 1:00. Please join us, many hands make light work! Check This Week and the Sunday bulletin for more information.
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Every Day is a Gift: After Worship Program on
Sunday, April 7
Yesterday is history; tomorrow is a mystery; today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present. This quote, attributed to Bill Keane, opens the preface to the book, Every Day is a Gift: A Couple's Cancer Journey, written by John and Margaret McEwan. Through Margaret's recollections, her email updates to families and friends, and John's letters, the book chronicles the McEwan family's five year faith-filled cancer journey and their experiences of living life fully with a metastatic cancer diagnosis.
Since John's passing in 2013, Margaret has been telling their story, one that captures the essence of living well with cancer, the power of compassionate care, and the many facets of the bereavement experience.
Following the worship service on
April 7, Margaret McEwan will talk about the book she co-wrote with her husband, and lead us in a conversation about living every day with strength and purpose, even when life may seem unfair and overwhelming.
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GOOD FRIDAY WALK for SHARING - APRIL 19
Hingham's annual Good Friday Walk for SHARING is coming soon on APRIL 19. This is a tradition of more than 40 years which has raised several million dollars since the early 1970's. There are three ways to participate:
1) WALK
2) SPONSOR
3) SUPPORT/WORK
- Please consider WALKING - The distance isn't the important thing - participating is. You will get a lot personally out of it as you take time out from your usual activities. You will also bring HOPE to children and families living in poverty right here in our own country as you raise money for important services in the deep South. Sign up and get your Walking Papers this coming Sunday.
- Consider SPONSORING - Your gift will go to SHARING, INC. which supports agencies addressing the needs of families living in poverty in the southern US. Their numbers remain at record high levels! You may sponsor individual walkers - or our GROUP of HCC walkers.
- Consider WORKING - HCC will be used as a major rest stop this year. ALSO HELP IS NEEDED AT PLYMOUTH RIVER SCHOOL throughout the day. If you have a couple hours to give, please contact Ed B.
Please stop by our WALK TABLE in Hale Hall one of the next 2 Sundays for more information. You will find Walking, Sponsor, and Worker-volunteer sign-up sheets. You may indicate your support and find out more by e-mailing Ed B. at jeeko@comcast.com.
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P
hoto Directory Now Online!
Our church directory is online, requiring an access code to view. If you did not make it in to the hardcopy directory, we can add you online!
Jen at the Church Office can help you with all your directory inquiries. To be added, obtain an access code, or for any other questions, please contact her at churchoffice@hccucc.com or 781-749-1276
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Want to raise awareness for an important issue, get some exercise and make new friends of the south shore?! Register for Interfaith Social Service's Stop the Stigma 5k! Pastor Sara and at least a few other HCCers have already said they will be there! Use the team name: Stigma Stoppers of Hingham and Hull! This race is super affordable; details here:
https://interfaithsocialservices.org/stopthestigma5k/
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How many HCCers can you find in the photo?
Save the Date! Saturday, June 8 at around 1:00 pm to walk with 100+ friends from UCC churches in Boston's Pride Parade! It's an unforgettable experience for young and old as people from all over the Boston region come to cheer the walkers on. It's also an incredible way to show your support and love for others, and to live out your faith in an open, welcoming and affirming church. Our presence makes a real difference.
We are looking for a minimum of 2 adults or an HCC family to walk with some of our young people who would like to be in this year's parade. The parade starts at Copley Square and ends at City Hall Plaza; line-up times are now staggered to reduce wait times to step-off. If you wish, you can picnic and watch the parade beginning at noon and then line up! We will provide information on where to park and what to bring. To ask questions or sign up, please send me a note: Anne Fanton at abfanton@comcast.org.
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High School Youth Service Trip Meeting Fun
 
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HCC CALENDAR
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April 2
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7:00 pm
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Tuesday Night Bible Study
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April 3
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11:00 am
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Sara 'open office' hours @ Brewed Awakenings
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7:30 pm
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Evening Lenten Service
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8:10 pm
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Deacons Meeting
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April 4
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9:00 am
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Growing In Faith Together
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7:15 pm
7:30 pm
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Christian Education Meeting
Senior Choir Rehearsal
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April 6
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Progressive Dinner
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April 7
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10:00 am
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Worship & Communion Sunday - Rev. Dr. Peter Allen
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10:00 am
11:20 am
11:20 am
2:30 pm
5:00 pm
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Breakfast Club
Every Day Is a Gift after-worship program
Easter Egg Hunt (during coffee hour)
Middle & High school youth to Starland
Confirmation (light dinner included)
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April 8
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6:30-8pm
7:30-8pm
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Men's Group
Meditation Monday
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April 9
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7:00 pm
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Tuesday Night Bible Study
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April 10
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7:30 pm
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Evening Lenten Service
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April 11
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9:00 am
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Growing In Faith Together
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April 12
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11:00 am
7:30 pm
6:00 pm
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Sara 'open office' hours @ Brewed Awakenings
Senior Choir Rehearsal
Community game night
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April 13
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7:00 pm
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Outreach Meeting
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April 14
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10:00 am
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Palm Sunday Worship & Green Sunday - Pastor Sara M. Holland
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April 15
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8:00 am
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Pine Street Inn Meal Prep
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April 16
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7:00 pm
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Tuesday Night Bible Study
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April 17
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7:30 pm
12:00 pm
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Executive Council
Cradles To Crayons service in Boston (ages 5+)
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April 18
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9:00 am
11:30 am
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Growing In Faith Together
Linden Ponds Group
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7:30 pm
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Maundy Thursday Service
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April 19
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Good Friday Walk
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April 21
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6:00 am
9:00 am
11:00 am
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Easter Sunrise Service- Rev. Dr. Peter Allen
Easter Services - Rev. Dr. Peter Allen
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April 23
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7:00 pm
7:30 pm
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Tuesday Night Bible Study
Ecclesiastical Council for
Sara M. Holland
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April 25
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9:00 am
11:00 am
7:30 pm
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Growing In Faith Together
Sara 'open office' hours @ Brewed Awakenings
Senior Choir Rehearsal
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April 28
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10:00 am
11:30 am
5:00 pm
6-7:30pm
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Worship - Rev. Dr. Peter Allen
Food Packaging Event
Confirmation (light dinner included)
Service Trip Meeting
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April 30
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7:00 pm
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Tuesday Night Bible Study
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Looking ahead...
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May 3/4
May 5
May 8
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2:00 pm
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Middle & High school youth Lock-In
Fighting Antisemitism Forum
HCC Women's Dinner
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May 15
May 18
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Lobster Roll orders Due
Taste of Hingham
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May 22
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Lobster Roll Pick Up
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June 8
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Pride Parade Boston
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July 29-Aug 2
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Vacation Bible School
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