Family potluck supper at First Parish on Nov. 9
You are invited to a family potluck supper this Sunday, Nov. 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the Parish House of the First Parish Church. All are welcome. We will have pizza and cartoons for the kids. Bring a dish to share (no need to cook—purchased food is fine) and wine or beer if you would like. We provide the soft drinks. Come and spend some relaxing time with great First Parish folk.
Children’s book author to appear
The Lincoln Public Library presents children’s author/illustrator and Lincoln native Sarah Brannen on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 4 p.m. Brannen will read and discuss her new picture book Madame Martine about a little old lady in Paris, a lost dog and the Eiffel Tower. All ages are welcome, especially ages 4-7, and copies of the book will be available for purchase. Brannen has illustrated over a dozen books for children including Feathers: Not Just for Flying and Uncle Bobby’s Wedding.
Nicholas Porter
Jerusalem Peacebuilders minister to speak
Hear about peace-building in the Middle East on Sunday, Nov. 16 when St. Anne’s in-the-Fields welcomes the Rev. Canon Nicholas Porter, executive director of Jerusalem Peacebuilders, an organization which brings together Jewish, Christian and Muslim teens to discuss peacemaking. In the midst of war this summer, Jerusalem Peacebuilders hosted 65 Middle Eastern and American teens. Come learn about these courageous teens and how peace-building in Jerusalem is truly possible. Fr. Porter has more than 25 years of experience working in the Middle East and has served parishes in Southport, Connecticut; Geneva, Switzerland; and in the Middle East. Come and hear his passion for the Gospel and its message of peacemaking. Fr. Porter will be preaching at the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services and teaching about Jerusalem Peacebuilders at the 9 a.m. forum.
Celtic Mass at St. Anne’s
Also on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 5 p.m., St. Anne’s in-the-Fields continues its worship series called “Come and Grow: St. Anne’s @ 5” with a Celtic Mass led by the Rev. Kim Hardy. The worship will focus broadly on Celtic spirituality, which includes attention to such themes as awareness of the natural world, environmental sustainability, social justice, sensitivity and openness to gender issues, hospitality to the stranger, and inclusivity of all God’s people regardless of station in life. All are welcome to St. Anne’s for the service and afterwards for food and conversation. St. Anne’s is located at 147 Concord Road, Lincoln. For more information, visit www.stanneslincoln.org or call (781) 259-8834.
Daughter of World War I veteran speaks
In honor of the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I, the Lincoln Public Library presents “World War I Through My Father’s Eyes and Mine, 100 Years Later” with Lincoln resident Jenifer Burckett-Picker on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Tarbell Room. Using her father’s diary and photographs, Burckett-Picker traveled to the Verdun area of France retracing his footsteps. View the battlefields as past and present merge together. Burckett-Picker is also showing her posters of World War I in the library’s art gallery throughout the month of November.
Fuel assistance and other financial help available
If you need help paying your winter fuel bill, the Commonwealth’s Fuel Assistance Program may be able to help. The Fuel Assistance Program provides a cash benefit, payable to an authorized fuel provider, for both home owners and renters whose incomes are eligible ($32,618 for a one-person household, $42,654 for a two-person household). How much you receive depends on your household income, how many people you have in your household, and your heating costs. Those who receive Fuel Assistance may also be eligible for other benefits, such as weatherization services, heating system repairs, discount utility rates, and Citizens Energy heat assistance programs. To apply for fuel assistance, residents of all ages should call Pam Alberts of the Lincoln Council on Aging at 781-259-8811 to set up an appointment. The Southern Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) will review the application to determine whether you are eligible or not.
When Lincoln residents have an unforeseen and extreme financial emergency that threatens their well being, the Lincoln Emergency Assistance Fund and the Small Necessities Project may be able to help. The Lincoln Emergency Assistance Fund provides assistance of up to $700 per year or $1,000 per lifetime in those situations where that amount will allow someone to stay in our community. The fund is supported entirely by the Ogden Codman Trust, the First Parish Church and donations. The Small Necessities Project can provide immediate help if a resident has no food in the house, needs emergency medication, needs a night or two of lodging due to a fire or flood, or has a similar need. This project is funded by the Ogden Codman Trust and donations. For more information or to seek assistance from either of these programs, call Pam Alberts at the COA at 781-259-8811.
Shake off the calories at the annual Thanksgiving contra dance
Cap off Thanksgiving Day with family and friends at the annual Thanksgiving Night Contra Dance on Thursday, Nov. 27 from 7-10 p.m. at the Smith School featuring musicians Larry Unger and Julie Metcalf and caller Chris Ricciotti. Sponsored by the First Parish Church in Lincoln. All ages and abilities are welcome. Tickets are $6 for adults and students, $4 for children 10 and under. For more information, contact Kati Winchell at 781-259-0692 or kwinchell@comcast.net.