Franklin Federated Church Yard/Rummage Sale - Oct 14

The Franklin Federated Church Rummage Sale will be held on Saturday, October 14th from 9 AM to 2 PM, rain or shine.

The church has been holding this fundraiser for over 25 years. Home décor, dishes, glassware, books, toys, a large selection of clothing, small electronics, Stampin Up Stamps, holiday and vintage items, jewelry and accessories. 

The prices and quality are amazing; 90% of the merchandise for sale is priced $10 and under.

Come visit us at the Town Common at 9, then stroll down to the Franklin Harvest Festival @ 11. You won’t be disappointed.

Franklin Federated Church Yard/Rummage Sale - Oct 14

Bluegrass Worship Service at Franklin Federated - Sep 17 - 10:00 AM

Franklin Federated Church is having a special Bluegrass Worship Service Sunday, Sept. 17, at 10 AM at the church at 171 Main Street.

Worship will feature Blackstone Valley Bluegrass, with Dave Dick on banjo, his brother Bob Dick on guitar, Dan Nowlan on mandolin and Ken Taylor on upright bass. 

This same lineup has been together since 1998. Find out more at: www.blackstonevalleybluegrass.com/. 

All are welcome at Franklin Federated Church! A staffed nursery is available for babies and toddlers, and Sunday school is offered for children in preschool through middle school. 

Activity kits are on hand in the church for children to use during worship. Large print bulletins and hearing assistance devices are also available, and there is an access ramp at the left side of the church. 

Find out more at franklinfederated.org or facebook.com/franklinfederated.

Bluegrass Worship Service at Franklin Federated - Sep 17 - 10:00 AM

In the News: Spamalot auditions; Rally Day; Cannabis Control Commission appointed

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Franklin Performing Arts Company will hold open auditions for “Monty Python’s Spamalot” on Sept. 7 at The Black Box, 15 W. Central St. 

Auditions will begin at 6:30 p.m. for ages 14-17 and continue at 7 p.m. for adults. Participants should prepare 16-32 bars of a musical theater song in the style of the show. 

FPAC will present Spamalot on Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 27-29 at The Black Box as part of the company’s 27th season. A retelling of the legendary tale of “King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table,” the musical parody was inspired by the 1975 classic comedy film, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” and likewise diverts from more traditional versions of the legend."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170902/strongfranklin-performing-arts-company-to-host-auditionsstrong

(FPAC) will hold open auditions for Monty Python’s Spamalot

"Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St., will kick off the program year with Rally Day, beginning at 8:45 a.m. Sept. 10. 

The event will feature a blessing of the backpacks during worship, followed by a catered barbecue cookout. "Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St., will kick off the program year with Rally Day, beginning at 8:45 a.m. Sept. 10. 

The day’s activities will begin with Adult Discovery Group, a Bible exploration. Sunday School registration for children preschool through eighth grade will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the church parlor, just inside the front entrance"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170902/strongfranklin-federated-church-announces-rally-daystrong

Franklin Federated Church

"Marijuana legalization opponents will outnumber supporters four to one on the new commission that will spearhead the state’s efforts to get a legal marijuana industry up and running by next summer and then regulate the newly legal market. 

Attorney General Maura Healey on Friday appointed Britte McBride, an attorney with experience working for the attorney general’s office, the state Senate and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, to the newly-minted Cannabis Control Commission, and joined Gov. Charlie Baker and Treasurer Deborah Goldberg in agreeing on two picks to round out the five-person panel. 

McBride, a Lynnfield resident, will join former state Sen. Jennifer Flanagan and former Bain and Company partner Steve Hoffman, who were previously announced this week, on the CCC. Like Hoffman and Flanagan, McBride voted against Question 4, the successful ballot initiative that legalized adult use of marijuana last year, according to Healey’s office. 

The three constitutional officers on Friday also agreed to appoint Kay Doyle, a former deputy general counsel to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and Shaleen Title, co-founder of cannabis recruiting firm THC Staffing Group, to the commission.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170902/pot-commission-stacked-with-opponents

Additional info on the Cannabis Control Commission can be found on the Attorney General's page
http://www.mass.gov/ago/news-and-updates/press-releases/2017/2017-09-01-cannabis-control-commission.html

Franklin Federated Church: Rally Day - Sept. 10

Franklin Federated Church will kick off the program year with Rally Day on Sunday, Sept. 10 featuring a blessing of the backpacks during worship followed by a a catered barbecue cookout.

The day's activities begin at 8:45 AM with Adult Discovery Group, a Bible exploration. Sunday School registration for children preschool - grade 8 begins at 9:30 AM in the church parlor, just inside the front entrance.

Worship is at 10:00 AM. Children and adults are invited to bring backpacks and work bags to be blessed. The catered barbecue lunch will be held immediately after worship.

The day will wrap up with a Family Game Night at the church at 7:00 PM - kids and adults invited to join in the fun.

Franklin Federated Church is a Welcoming and Affirming Church affiliated with the United Church of Christ and American Baptist Churches, USA. ALL are welcome. Learn more at: franklinfederated.org or facebook.com/franklinfederated.

Franklin Federated Church

Franklin Federated Church Mystery Dinner Theater - June 10

Franklin Federated Church presents a Mystery Dinner Theater performance, New York Dreams, on Saturday, June 10, at 6:30 PM at the church at 171 Main Street.

The church's dining hall will be transformed into the luxurious Diamond Café of the Hotel Gem in the heart of New York City. When the power suddenly goes out, the restaurant's customers are trapped on the 35th floor. As anxious patrons await their rescue, they experience the amazing revelations of one guest's new invention. Just as freedom arrives, thievery is discovered. Now they're trapped again because everyone is a suspect.

Come help solve this mystery and join the NYC themed fun!

Tickets are $35 each ($20 for children), and include a dinner of Chicken Cordon Bleu, rice pilaf, green beans, Caesar salad, and desert.

The play is being directed by Pastor Charley Eastman and Produced by Deborah Bergstrom. The cast includes: Michelle Doucette, Lyn Pickhover, Moe Goulet, Margo Ball, Steve Kinson, Karen and Doug Leenhouts, Carrie Flynn and Larry Childs.

Purchase tickets by calling the church at 508-528-3803. Proceeds will benefit the mission and ministry of the church.

Franklin Federated Church Mystery Dinner Theater - June 10

Reporting by Walking Around - Saturday, May 13

After spending most of the week out of Franklin on business, my Saturday morning walk got me caught up on some of what was happening or had happened while I was away. 

Join me as I walk downtown and then out Pleasant St to DelCarte. Starting with some close up photos of the new Horace Mann statue. 

Horace Mann 1

Horace Mann 2

Horace Mann 3

Horace Mann 4

I am impressed by the level of detail shown in the statue. The coat has texture and folds just like a real coat. Amazing work!

the exterior stonework is being applied to the Library addition

mystery dinner theater event coming to Franklin Federated June 10

volunteers from the Franklin Garden Club were hard at work on the grounds
at the Town Common with help from some of the Newcomers Club

new pavement on a section of Pleasant St was completed during the week

the reinstalled playground at DelCarte is open as of Saturday,
so when the rain decides to end it can be used again

while we have been getting a lot of rain, the water level at DelCarte is still way below normal

All are welcome for Holy Week Activities at Franklin Federated Church

Franklin Federated Church at 171 Main Street invites everyone in the community to join them for Holy Week services.

Palm/Passion Sunday worship is Sunday, April 9, at 10 AM.  The day will be marked by the singing of hosannas to mark Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As the service unfolds, it will transition toward the somberness of what is to occur in the week ahead - Jesus' betrayal, trial, and crucifixion.

A Maundy Thursday service and meal will be held Thursday, April 13 at 6:30 PM. The evening begins with a Tenebrae Service and a simple meal of soup and bread in the dining room. All are welcome and no reservations are needed for supper. The meal will be followed by a worship service in the sanctuary and the serving of Communion to commemorate Jesus' last meal with his Disciples.

An Easter Sunrise Service will be held on Sunday, April 16, at 6:30 AM at Camp Haiastan, 722 Summer Street, Franklin. This ecumenical service is being hosted by Franklin Federated and First United Methodist Church of Franklin.

A traditional Easter Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Sunday, April 16 at Franklin Federated, where we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with flowers, hymns and praise! This beautiful tradition harkens our spirits to the promise of new life.

ALL are welcome at Franklin Federated Church, a Welcoming and Affirming Congregation affiliated with The United Church of Christ and American Baptist Churches USA.  Activity kits are available for children during worship, and nursery care is available for children up to 3 years old. Large print bulletins and hearing assistance devices are available, and an access ramp on the left side of the church enables wheelchair access to the sanctuary. 

For more information about Franklin Federated, please visit  or http://www.franklinfederated.org

Franklin Federated Church in our recent winter snow cover

.

Reminder: Annual Christmas Concert Saturday, Nov. 26 featuring New England Ringers

The New England Ringers, the region's premier community handbell ensemble, is returning to Franklin after a two-year hiatus to perform at the Franklin Federated Church Annual Christmas Concert on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 7:30 PM.

The concert will feature an arrangement of winter and Christmas melodies. including the familiar and beloved Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite, a rousing version of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, and a haunting rendition of God With Us for All Time, arranged by Betty Garee and featuring the gorgeous sound of Cathedral Bells.

New England Ringers is a 15-member community handbell ensemble of highly energetic musicians playing the most advanced level of handbell literature. NER performances are a blend of lively and diverse musical moods and styles. Repertoire includes classical transcriptions, familiar favorites, and original compositions.

New England Ringers is a 15-member community handbell ensemble

Proceeds from the concert will benefit the mission and ministry of Franklin Federated Church. Franklin Federated engages in a wide variety of mission activities, with a particular focus on feeding the hungry.

Admission is $15 per person. Tickets will be available at the door or in advance by calling the church office at 508-528-3803.

Annual Christmas Concert on Saturday, Nov. 26 featuring New England Ringers

The New England Ringers, the region's premier community handbell ensemble, is returning to Franklin after a two-year hiatus to perform at the Franklin Federated Church Annual Christmas Concert on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 7:30 PM.

The concert will feature an arrangement of winter and Christmas melodies. including the familiar and beloved Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite, a rousing version of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, and a haunting rendition of God With Us for All Time, arranged by Betty Garee and featuring the gorgeous sound of Cathedral Bells.

New England Ringers is a 15-member community handbell ensemble of highly energetic musicians playing the most advanced level of handbell literature. NER performances are a blend of lively and diverse musical moods and styles. Repertoire includes classical transcriptions, familiar favorites, and original compositions.

New England Ringers is a 15-member community handbell ensemble

Proceeds from the concert will benefit the mission and ministry of Franklin Federated Church. Franklin Federated engages in a wide variety of mission activities, with a particular focus on feeding the hungry.

Admission is $15 per person. Tickets will be available at the door or in advance by calling the church office at 508-528-3803.

Post Election Prayer Service - Nov 9 - 7:30 PM

A Time for Communion, Meditation and Reconciliation

- Open to all -

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Franklin Federated Church

171 Main Street

7:30 p.m.

Post Election  Prayer Service - Nov 9 - 7:30 PM

Franklin Federated - Giant Yard Sale - Saturday, Oct 15

"The Giant Yard Sale will include books, toys, clothes, household items, jewelry, electronics, sporting goods, antiques, small furniture items, and holiday décor. Items are priced to sell. 

• Sale starts at the Church at 9:00 AM
• Half price sale starts at 1 PM. Much of the sale is held indoors.

This fundraiser helps support the works of the church and a portion of the proceeds will go towards specific local charitable organizations. A collection will be held for toiletry items (soap, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo) that will be donated to the Franklin Food Pantry."

Franklin Federated - Giant Yard Sale - Saturday, Oct 15

This is just a fraction of "stuff" that we've gotten in. You have no idea! Car after car dropping off bags and boxes, etc. ...anyhow, here is a partial list: 

Books, 
purses, 

collectibles such as games, 
figurines, 
vintage dishes and sets, 

old woven back rocking chair, 

old pottery, 
lamps,

frames and framed pictures, 

linens, 
rugs, 
cloth napkins, 
table cloths

a very large collection of Stamp It Up stamps, 
children's toys and games, 
children's bikes,
large selection of puzzles

glassware

and that's just the tip of the iceberg ...an unbelievable amount of stuff at truly unheard of prices

• For more about this Giant Yard Sale visit the Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/events/175887846187836/

Blessing of the Backpacks Sept. 11

The Franklin Federated Church will help kick off the school year with a Blessing of the Backpacks during worship Sunday, Sept. 11 at 10 AM at the church at 171 Main Street. Children and youth of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks to worship for a special blessing.

Sept. 11th is Rally Sunday at FFC, meaning it is the kickoff to the program year. Prior to worship, beginning at 9:30 AM, parents can register their children, ages preschool through grade 8, for Sunday School. Adults will receive information and signup cards for this fall's Connect Groups - weekly, small group gatherings where participants do everything from attending movies to playing party games to sampling beer together. All are welcome to sign up for a group.

Following worship will be a potluck luncheon - all are welcome to come and partake. Sunday School registration will continue during the luncheon.

So come and kick off the school year with Franklin Federated! No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. Get more information at www.franklinfederated.org or www.facebook.com/franklinfederated.

Franklin Federated Church on Main St

In the News: Pokemon Go, golf tournament, MetroWest jobs a reverse commute

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Aspiring Pokémon masters were out in force in the town common Saturday afternoon. 

The Franklin Federated Church, which sits just opposite that grassy expanse, set up some amenities for Pokémon Go players on its front lawn. Volunteers underneath a small tent offered water, some frozen treats and a recharging station to the trainers. 

Pokémon Go, a smartphone app in which players seek the eponymous creatures in the area that surrounds them, has been downloaded millions of times and has become a bona fide cultural phenomenon."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160723/franklin-stop-for-those-on-pokemon-go

"A golf tournament to benefit the S.A.F.E. Coalition will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Franklin Country Club, 672 E. Central St. 

The tournament will support the outreach programs of the S.A.F.E. Coalition in Franklin, Medway, Milford and surrounding communities in Norfolk and Worcester Counties. It will include a barbecue lunch and awards."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160723/safe-coalition-to-hold-golf-tournament-benefit

"While many commuters rely on the train to go from homes in MetroWest to jobs in Boston, Chris Walsh and Cathal Dodd take it the other way. 

Lured by the availability of a website-related job, Walsh, 29, said he’s happy to commute out from Boston to the suburbs. 

“I actually don’t mind the commute,” he said, as he waited on a recent afternoon at the Framingham commuter rail station for a train home to Boston. 

He said he has found a higher-paying job in MetroWest than closer to the city."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160724/transportation-issues-help-determine-economic-health-of-region

PokéStop Meetup Saturday, 1 - 4 PM at Franklin Federated!

PokéStop Meetup Saturday, 1 - 4 PM!

The Franklin Federated Church is hosting a "Pokéstop Meetup" on the front lawn of the church Saturday, July 23, from 1 to 4 PM. The Meetup is for anyone in the community interested in coming together to play Pokémon Go. 

The church, located at 171 Main Street across from the Franklin Town Common, is one of several Pokéstops in the neighborhood - places where players can download items to help them in the game. The Meetup will feature:

• Lures to attract rare Pokémon for the entire 3 hours
• Charging stations for players to charge their phones
• Cold drinks and other refreshments
• Access to restrooms

From the church lawn, players can compete at the  gym on the corner of Crescent St., and they will be right across the street from the Town Common, where there are lots of PokéSpots, Pokémon and another gym.

Everyone is invited - come and bring a friend!

Find out who else is going via our Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1061345627282139/

PokéStop Meetup Saturday, 1 - 4 PM at Franklin Federated!

The Bible Doesn't Say That! - Acclaimed author to speak April 11 in Franklin

Spend an evening with Dr. Joel M. Hoffman as he presents a talk titled The Bible Doesn't Say That! on Monday, April 11, 2016 at 7:00 PM at Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street.

What does the Bible really say about violence? About marriage? About men and women? The Bible has been reinterpreted and misinterpreted almost from the day it was written, so most people reading the Bible now have very little sense of the original text. Come listen and learn as Dr. Hoffman peels back 2,000 years of revisionism to take a look at the Bible as it was originally composed.

A popular and engaging speaker, Dr. Hoffman focuses on bringing the Bible to life and is known for his "fresh insights and interpretations about religious life in the 21st century." An internationally acclaimed teacher, author and translator, he presents to churches, synagogues, community groups, and university audiences across the world. He holds a Ph.D. in linguistics and has served on the faculties of Brandeis University and Hebrew Union College.

The Bible Doesn't Say That: 40 Biblical Mistranslations, Misconceptions, and Other Misunderstandings

Hoffman is the author of the popular books "And God Said: How Translations Conceal the Bible's Original Meaning" and "The Bible's Cutting Room Floor: The Holy Scriptures Missing From Your Bible." Writing under the pen-name "J.M. Hoffman," he has also authored the thriller series "The Warwick Files." His latest book, "The Bible Doesn't Say That: 40 Biblical Mistranslations, Misconceptions, and Other Misunderstandings" hit the bookshelves on February 16, 2016.

The event is sponsored jointly by Temple Etz Chaim, Franklin Federated Church, The Parish of St. Mary (Roman Catholic), St. John's Episcopal Church, Franklin United Methodist Church and The First Universalist Society of Franklin.

Admission is free, although donations are welcome.

Franklin Federated Church reaches $500,000 Restoration Campaign Goal

Franklin Federated Church is pleased to announce that it has successfully met its goal of raising $500,000 in donations and pledges to fund substantial repairs and updates to its historic buildings, and to support an area nonprofit dedicated to healing domestic violence.

A total of 95 families and individuals pledged $500,815 to the campaign. Nearly $172,000 has been received, and the rest is pledged to be donated over the next three years.

"The success of the Restoration Campaign will ensure that Franklin Federated will be able to continue to support not only the Town of Franklin, but the community at large for many years to come," said campaign co-chair Allen Sawyer. "The members of the congregation and surrounding community never cease to amaze me with their hard work, dedication and generosity."

The funds are already being put to use to address issues with the structural integrity, safety and heating systems of the buildings. New gutters, downspouts and ice melt cables have been installed on the historic 1895 church building, and grading work is being done at the foundation level to stop the incursion of water which was damaging ceiling and walls inside. Electrical panels have been upgraded in the church, new heaters have been installed in the nursery and classrooms, and the concrete front walkways have been replaced. Work is about to begin to eliminate mold and drainage issues in the basement of the parsonage, which is next door to the church and houses the pastor and his family.

Future work that is in the planning stages will include replacement of the church and parsonage boilers, improvements to the church's fire safety system and accessibility, and restoration of the stained glass windows.

In keeping with the Franklin Federated Church's mission to give back to the community, $17,000 of the funds being raised will be donated to the New Hope RESPECT programs. The RESPECT program reaches out to, and helps restore, families in Franklin and neighboring communities that are broken down by violence.

Franklin Federated Church is a Welcoming and Affirming congregation, meaning that all people are invited to be a part of the mission and ministry of the church. The congregation supports organizations locally and around the world, such as Meals on Wheels, local Boy and Girl Scout troops, the Franklin Food Pantry, the Santa Foundation, New Hope, the Boston Grow Clinic and Church World Service.

Franklin Federated Church

The church's history is entwined with the town's founding. The First Congregational Church was formed in 1738, when it broke off from the Congregational Church of Wrentham. This effectively marked the beginning of the Town of Franklin, which had previously been considered the West Precinct of Wrentham. The First Congregational Church joined with the First Baptist Church in 1941, forming the Federated Church. The two congregations had begun worshiping together after the hurricane of 1938 destroyed the First Baptist Church's building on School Street.

For more information or to contribute to the restoration project, visit ffcrestoration.weebly.com.

Franklin Federated Church is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the American Baptist Churches, USA.

Teens of Franklin Federated to lead service on dating violence

The teenagers of Franklin Federated Church will be leading a special Valentine's Day worship service that looks at building healthy relationships and preventing teen dating violence.

The service will be held Sunday, Feb. 14, at 10 AM at the church at 171 Main Street.

All are welcome.  A nursery for babies is available, and activity kits are on hand in the church for children to use during the first part of the worship service. During the second part, children in preschool through grade 4 go to church school. Large print bulletins and hearing assistance devices are available, and there is an access ramp at the left side of the church.

Find out more at franklinfederated.org or facebook.com/franklinfederated.

Franklin Federated Church

Franklin Federated Church: special services for Lent

Franklin Federated Church is offering two very different opportunities for people to prepare for Lent: A Jazz Worship service on Sunday, Feb. 7 at 10 AM, and an Ash Wednesday service on Feb. 10 at 7:00 PM.

Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, is the six-week period before Easter, what is traditionally a time of self-examination and reflection for Christians.

The Jazz Worship service is a chance to worship in a celebratory and joyful way before Lent begins. The service will feature the Willie Sordillo Quartet, with musicians Willie Sordillo on alto saxophone, David Harris on tuba and trombone, David Dubinsky on trumpet and fluegelhorn and Mark Shilansky on piano.

The Ash Wednesday service will be a more contemplative service that includes the imposition of ashes for those who wish to receive them.

All are welcome at Franklin Federated Church, located at 171 Main Street. No prior experience with church is needed! A nursery for babies is available, and activity kits are on hand in the church for children to use during worship. Large print bulletins and hearing assistance devices are also available, and there is an access ramp at the left side of the church. Find out more at franklinfederated.org or facebook.com/franklinfederated.

Franklin Federated Church

Residents invited to help Franklin Federated reach fundraising goal

Franklin Federated Church nears $500,000 Restoration Campaign Goal

Church is asking the community to help close the fundraising gap

Just over a month after launching a capital campaign dedicated to funding substantial repairs and updates to its historic buildings, the Franklin Federated Church is closing in on its $500,000 goal.

As of December 28, $485,515 had been pledged to the campaign by church members and friends, to be paid over the next three years. More than $113,500 in contributions have been received and work has begun on several much-needed projects.

We are excited to be so close to achieving our goal," said campaign co-chair Allan Sawyer. "At this point, we are asking the community to help us get there." Campaign co-Chair Tom Pfeifle added that "the Franklin Federated Church is a tangible symbol of Franklin's history, providing a continuous link to the town's origins."

Situated on the southwest corner of the town common at 171 Main Street, the church has long been an important center of activity in the town. Meals on Wheels uses the kitchen, Temple Etz Chaim uses the sanctuary for high holidays, and Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and various support groups also meet there. The church hosts a popular annual yard sale and a Christmas concert, and has opened its doors in times of need, such as following the vigil for Lexi and Sean Munroe on Franklin Common.

Franklin Federated Church

The congregation is a Welcoming and Affirming congregation, meaning that all people are invited to be a part of the mission and ministry of the church. The congregation supports organizations locally and around the world, such as the Franklin Food Pantry, the Santa Foundation, New Hope, the Boston Grow Clinic and Church World Service.

In keeping with the Franklin Federated Church's mission to give back to the community, a portion of the funds raised will be donated to the New Hope RESPECT programs. The RESPECT programs reach out to, and help restore, families in our community that are broken down by violence.

Franklin residents who have benefited from using the building over the years are invited to consider helping with the restoration effort. Contributions can be made via the website: ffcrestoration.weebly.com or checks made out to Franklin Federated Church can be mailed to Franklin Federated Restoration Campaign, 171 Main St., Franklin, MA 02038.

The church's history is entwined with the town's founding. The First Congregational Church was formed in 1738, when it broke off from the Congregational Church of Wrentham. This effectively marked the beginning of the Town of Franklin, which had previously been considered the West Precinct of Wrentham. The First Congregational Church joined with the First Baptist Church in 1941, forming the Federated Church. The two congregations had begun worshiping together after the hurricane of 1938 destroyed the First Baptist Church's building on School Street.

The current church building, constructed in 1895, features a sanctuary with a high vaulted ceiling, exposed wooden beams and large stained glass windows. The church building needs substantial work to repair damage from age and the elements, and to improve the accessibility and functionality of the space. Some necessary improvements include replacement of the heating system, work to both roof and foundation to stop the incursion of water, and the installation of upgraded fire safety and electrical systems. The parsonage, which sits next to the church and which was built in 1868, is also in need of new heating and drainage systems. The parsonage houses the pastor, Rev. Charley Eastman, and his family.

Franklin Federated Church is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the American Baptist Churches, USA.

For more information, contact the campaign co-chairs: Allen Sawyer, allen.sawyer@comcast.net or 508-346-3120; and Tom Pfeifle, nashpfeifle@gmail.com or 508 361-1954.

Franklin Federated Church: Christmas Concert - Dec. 12

Franklin Federated Church will present this year's Annual Christmas Concert, Peace on Earth, on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7:00 PM at the church at 171 Main Street.

The concert will feature an arrangement of classical music and Christmas melodies performed by "Quartet Duviteux," a string quartet of young, talented musicians who met as students at the New England Conservatory of Music.The quartet has been described as "proficient, passionate, gifted, international, irreverent, flexible, experimental, and joyful."

Quartet Duviteux

The group hails from all points on the compass. Maria van der Sloot, violin, is from Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada; Luther Warren also plays violin, and comes from Minneapolis, Minnesota; Linda Numagami plays viola, and comes from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Cellist Marza Merophi Wilks was born in Peru and spent her high school years in Ithaca, New York.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling the church office at 508-528-3803.