RELIGION NOTES for the week of 11/23

The following places of worship are offering special opportunities for the community. Please contact the place of worship for more information.

There will be an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. at the First Parish Church of Stow and Acton Unitarian Universalist. Clergy and members of many different faith traditions in the community including Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist, Baptist, United Church of Christ and Unitarian Universalist, will participate. The church is located on the Common in Stow at the intersection of routes 117 and 62 and the building is handicapped accessible. This candlelight service will include beautiful music from several musicians and a combined children’s choir. Hymns, chants, readings and prayers of thanksgiving from the many different traditions will lift our spirits. There will be a special message for children followed by a children’s activity. A reception for all will follow the service. Please join as we embrace our differences and together express our oneness in gratitude for the many blessings we all share. Bring your family and friends! For more information, call the Rev. Tom Rosiello at 978-897-8721.

The Franklin Interfaith Council invites everyone to join in a service of Thanksgiving on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Franklin Federated Church , 171 Main St., Franklin. There will be musical selections by the Interfaith Choir and individuals from the Council’s houses of worship together with reflections, readings and prayers to help us focus on this season of Thanksgiving. The Franklin Interfaith Council, made up of faith communities in Franklin, has as its primary purpose the betterment of the community it serves. For more information, call 508-528-3803.

On Sunday, Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. at Congregation B’nai Torah in Sudbury, Carolyn Gold, one of the Kerem Shalom travelers, presents "Sharing Kerem Shalom’s Cuban Experience; a multimedia presentation." Although there is no admission charge for this program, donations of items for the Kerem Shalom group to bring on a return trip to Cuba in January 2009 are requested. They will accept: cash, over-the-counter drugs, new/unopened toiletries and hygiene products (especially toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.). All donations can be turned in on the day of the program and will be greatly appreciated. Congregation B’nai Torah is a Reform Congregation located at 225 Boston Post Road (Rte. 20 East) in Sudbury. For more information, please visit the Temple’s Web site at www.bnaitorah.com.

The Framingham Interfaith Clergy Association will sponsor its annual Community Service of Thanksgiving at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church , Concord Street, Framingham on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m. All are invited to attend.

The Lutheran Church of Framingham will celebrate its Thanksgiving Eve Service on Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Heritage of Framingham. Heritage is an assisted living facility located at 747 Water St., Framingham and they love visitors, especially children! The Rev. Richard Hurst Sr. from the Lutheran Church of Framingham will lead the worship and deliver the Thanksgiving message. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information please call the church at 508-877-2550.

All are welcome to join members of St. Bridget’s Parish, Framingham on Thanksgiving morning at 8 a.m. (Upper Church) for a Mass of Thanksgiving. Their Procession will include school children dressed as Pilgrims and Indians. A small collation will follow in the School Hall.

Mark your calendars for a double holiday weekend at Grace Church, Framingham. On Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Grace will host its annual Christmas fair - featuring baked goods, crafts, decorations, country pantry, tools, gift baskets - plus a special gift table exclusively for youngsters to shop. There will be a chowder and sandwich luncheon. The next day - Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. - Grace will host a Living Nativity on its lawn. It’s free and open to the public. Stop by, listen to carols and enjoy some cocoa and cookies. Grace Church is located at 76 Salem End Road, Framingham (near the State College). Questions may be referred to the church office at 508-872-3342 or check their Web site at www.gracechurchucc.org.

To list events please e-mail bonniegouveia@yahoo.com or call 508-877-7243. The deadline for submitting information is Monday for the Thursday edition.