Community Events

The church hosts a number of events over the course of a year. The Monday Bazaar craft group, Friendship Circle, Choir and Youth Group plan other events throughout the year including a delightful Christmas Bazaar, Variety Show and musical performances.

Christmas Pageant - telling the story of the birth of Jesus

Cantata

Winter Concert

Join us for these fun-filled events!  Lots of antiques, books, decorations, jewelry, bargains and always a bake sale.  Lunch served 11-2. 

The Health Committee hosts several programs throughout the year.  Please check the calendar for upcoming events.

The Annual Holiday Bazaar in which nearly every member of the parish participates is a much anticipated and festive one day event in held on the second Saturday in November. The preparations begin early in the year with weekly meetings and workshops of the women’ s group, and with individual undertakings in knitting, sewing or craft projects. Items created, both useful and decorative are of every imaginable type, from cozy afghans to potholders and cat-nip toys. The final month rush includes the making of hundreds of jars of jam and jelly in October and ends with the making of lots of yummy pies and other goodies on the eve of the Bazaar.

 

In addition to homemade jams, jellies, candies and pies, we have a variety of handcrafted decorations, knits, jewelry, and more!  A children's shopping area is available for our young shoppers.  A grocery basket raffle and quilt raffle as well as a Chinese auction for beautiful and diverse gift baskets complete the experience.  This year we are also selling house plants.  Come and have some fun!  Lunch (Iris' famous chicken n" dumplings, sandwiches and the like) served from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M.  [see pictures]  [see poster]

Typically, the Sunday after Labor Day is Homecoming Sunday.  This is when we celebrate the start of the Sunday School year and prepare for our fall activities.  Summer vacations are done and the kids are back to school; we all sort of settle down and get back into a routine again.  The warmth of friendship is felt when our church family comes home and begins yet another year of worshiping our great Creator together.

 

We kicked off the 2008 year with a picnic and pig roast, and had planned to worship under the big tent.  Due to a bit of rain, the big tent was canceled, but we had a great turnout for picnic and pig roast.  Additionally, information tables about the ministries, various groups and events we have (Sunday School, VBS, Music, etc.) were available for perusal. 

 

We hope you can come this year!

One highlight is the well-attended monthly suppers that focus on “Connecting Community”.  The congregation welcomes all to this delicious ‘free-will’ offering event. Come and join in the fun and fellowship of table talk, stories, laughter and great food.  Click here to find out about our next supper!

A community service event unique to the Florence Congregational Church is the Sewing Exchange held early each September. For more than 17 years all types of fabrics and notions related to sewing, quilting, home decorating and crafts are offered for sale to the public. Donations from persons, down-sizing or emptying closets of no longer needed but useful supplies makes this a “one of a kind” re-cycling event -  a can’t miss occasion. At the same time vendors may rent tables to sell their excess supplies. 

Held the last Saturday in April, this event is open to area vendors.  There is always a large selection of unique, handcrafted items including jewelry, handbags, clothing, decorations, wood carvings, and more!  Along with a bake sale, lunch is served from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M.   We also have a perennial plant sale and almost always, the Scissors Man is here to sharpen your knives and scissors.   If you are interested in renting a table, please click here for an application and instructions. 

Typically held the 3rd week in July, this week-long event is geared toward the youth.  Children ages 4 through Grade 5 are invited to participate in various activities over the course of the three-hour day.  Each activity, whether it be the Science Lab, Craft Table, Dress-up Play or Sports, centers on a theme, and teaches the children about God. The Vacation Bible School (VBS) ministry is a cooperative effort of several local churches in the Northampton area teaming together to teach, nurture, and care for young people.

 

VBS in 2010 will be July 19-23.  Headed by Sunday School teachers from several participating churches, it is a lot of fun and a great learning experience!  Cost is minimal and student volunteers are welcome.  To see a letter to parents, click here.  You can also see a poster, student registration form, and staff registration form.  We look forward to seeing you!

Held on two Saturdays during the course of the year, this is a time of fun, fellowship and great food!  On the first Saturday, the Youth Group prepares and serves a pasta meal complete with fixin's followed by a scrumptious dessert (one year it was brownie sundaes!).  Click here for info on this year's supper.  On the other Saturday, a variety show with various skits and talents is presented.  Not only do our youth participate in this, but other parishioners as well (there's even talk of the Pastor doing a skit!).  Click here for info on this year's show.  All proceeds benefit the church and the Youth Group.