The Church Vitality Committee is hosting an after church coffee hour luncheon tobrainstorm around the elements of the recently developed purpose statement (Draft Purpose Statement- Meeting in faith, honoring diversity, transformed by love and kindness, serving the community with joy) for use in developing the church vision statement. The Committee will take the work of this brainstorm session and develop the vision statement during November/December and then present it to the whole congregation for approval at a retreat or similar setting. A summary will be presented by the Committee to give people context on who the committee has identified in the community that the church can reach out to and help meet their needs (1-2 priorities). Join us for this important work!

Join us as we read and discuss, Fierce Love, by Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis. For more info on the book, https://jacquilewis.com/fierce-love/ "...a big-hearted, healing antidote to our rancorous society." We will meet in Howe’s Hall and enjoy a simple potluck supper as we discuss. At this first meeting will cover the Introduction and first 2 chapters of the book, and decide on our future dates to meet on.

Members of the Bethany church are invited to join us for Sunday Services and Fellowship Hour. This is a great time to Meet and Greet our neighbors from Montpelier. Pastor Gary O’Gorman will be leading the service.

Playgroup is back at the United Church of Northfield!!

• Children birth - five years old

• Each accompanied by their adult (18 years and older) care-taker

Playgroup will meet every Thursday from 10 am -11 am at the United Church of Northfield beginning on Thursday, September 12th. Run by the Family Center of Washington County and hosted the the United Church of Northfield.

All are welcome for a free meal including desserts provided by the UCN bakers. Hosted by the United Methodist Church every 4th Thursday of the month.Supported by the UCN Delicious home cooked food, and great opportunity to reconnect with friends.

The Mission Committee will present an authentic Ethiopian Dinner to benefit the reconstruction of the Debre Genet Kedus Giorgis church in Gembe, Ethiopia, which was destroyed in a tragic fire accident. Karen Taylor will give a brief presentation on this region and the church rebuilding efforts. All proceeds will be sent to the church project. The menu will included ijera, doro wat, tabouli, atakilte wat, Gomon wat, misir wat, key sir alicha. Translation: bread, chicken stew, salad, cabbage dish, collard greens, spiced red lentils, potatoes and beets. Beverages, Queen of Sheba cake and ice cream included. Suggested donation of $20. Come enjoy some Ethiopian culture for a good cause.

Fresh local strawberries, home made biscuits (GF option) and Ben and Jerry’s vanilla ice cream. Choice of Strawberry Shortcake or Strawberry Ice Cream Sundae. Eat in or take out! More details to follow…

7 AM - Easter Sunrise Service in church parking lot followed by a free light breakfast.

9 AM- Choir practice

10 AM- Easter Sunday Service in the sanctuary, no coffee hour.

We welcome back to lead our service and Communion- Rev. Ann Larson.

Join us for our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. This is a special service of story telling and song, and music to welcome the birth of the baby Jesus. Come one, come all!

UCN will lead a group of singers caroling for the residents of Mayo Residential Care, Four Seasons Care Home, and The Veteran’s Place. We will car pool between facilities. Dress warmly. No singing experience needed. Directly after we will have some refreshments at Howe’s Hall. All are welcome. Contact Peter Evans, 802 485-8347, for more info.

Large, beautiful red, white or pink poinsettas are available for preorder. They are $14.50 each. Order forms are available in the church or you can send a request to Laura Ranker with a check made to “UCN”, 54 Onion River Road, Northfield, VT 05663. You can purchase in memory of a loved one or donate to the church and they will be delivered to area nursing and residential homes right after 12/24/23. Poinsetta Order Form