“Welcome Home Sunday” is September 8!

The Federated Church of Sturbridge & Fiskdale has announced that it will hold a “Welcome Home Sunday” service on September 8 at 9:30 a.m. Families who may be interested in learning more what the church has to offer in terms of community and religious education are warmly invited to attend. The church is located at 8 Maple Street, Sturbridge.

According to Reverend David W. Cote, pastor, “an early portion of the ‘Welcome Home Sunday’ service will include a special children’s message after which they and their parents will be guided to Fellowship Hall to join the church’s Sunday School staff.” When the service has ended, the congregation will move to Fellowship Hall for refreshments and a social hour.

“Going forward, our CORI-certified staff will be available during all future Sunday services to supervise up to 25 children, aged 6 months to 10 years of age while their parents attend church,” Pastor Dave said. “The Sunday School program will encourage Christian morals and ethics, within their understanding and age level, through story time, videos, crafts, and other activities aligned with that week’s teachings and sermons.”

The Federated Church of Sturbridge & Fiskdale joyfully celebrates Christ’s presence and God’s grace in our lives. Community members are welcome and invited to join in worship on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Services are also live streamed on the church’s Facebook page. For more information, call 774-304-1021 or visit sturfed.org.

Open House and Family Day on August 10 – All Welcome!

The Federated Church of Sturbridge & Fiskdale invites the local community to attend an Open House and Family Activity Day from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2024, on the church grounds at 8 Maple Street, Sturbridge. The event is open to the general public free of charge and no advance registration is required.

According to Reverend David W. Cote, pastor, the event will include a cookout prepared by the church men’s and women’s groups, Crossroads and Koinonia. “All are welcome to attend the cookout with church members for conversation and fellowship,” he said.

Sturbridge Scout Troop 161, which meets at the church on Sunday evenings, will organize a variety of children’s games on the church lawn. Kathy Krikorian will offer face painting, and Judy LaVergne will be holding story time in Fellowship Hall. Federated’s music director, Andrew Kosiba will provide musical entertainment throughout the event.

“We’re also throwing the Meeting House doors wide open for tours to showcase the partial renovations we’ve accomplished over the past six months,” says Pastor Dave. “We’re eager to share our additional plans for this historic building with the community, and reintroduce our Sunday School, adult study groups, and other faith-based programs.”

“Parents and children in attendance will have an opportunity to attend a meet-and-greet in Fellowship Hall with a few of our CORI-certified Sunday School teachers,” said Pastor Dave. “Starting this fall, our staff will be available during the Sunday service to supervise up to 25 children, aged 6 months to 10 years of age while their parents attend church. The Sunday School will encourage Christian morals and ethics, within their understanding and age level, through story time, videos, crafts, and other activities aligned with that Sunday’s teachings and sermons.”

Ecumencial Prayer Service to Mark the 73rd Annual National Day of Prayer on May 2

Please join us and the local Ecumenical Fellowship Community as we celebrate the 73rd annual National Day of Prayer with an ecumenical prayer service on the Southbridge Common.

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the Nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.

The Ecumenical Fellowship Community is an organization that includes churches of all denominations in Southbridge, Sturbridge, Charlton, and Brimfield. The organization also hosts the annual Easter Sunrise service at Old Sturbridge Village.