Franklin Federated Church - Yard Sale - Oct 13

Franklin Federated Church 
Yard Sale

Saturday, October 13

9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

We are looking for new and gently used CLEAN donations of books, toys, clothes, household items, small furniture, jewelry, unique items, and antiques.

Last day to donate is October 6  (Please do not wait to DONATE)

Regretfully, we cannot sell computers or monitors, televisions, large exercise equipment, car seats, cribs, mattresses, upholstered furniture, skis, encyclopedias, and stuffed animals.

Donations can be left outside behind the church on the right side or inside the youth room as indicated.

Please Do Not Block the Doors!

Franklin Federated Church - Yard Sale - Oct 13

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z1LpZ1dBqbKvQFypyhb1FG52ljAsWtGH/view?usp=sharing

Reminder: Franklin Federated Church - Birthday Celebration - Oct 14

On Sunday, October 14, Franklin Federated Church will host a birthday celebration commemorating the formation of the First Congregational Church of Franklin (1738), the First Baptist Church of Franklin (1868) and the subsequent federation of the two churches (1938).

Original church council ledgers dating from 1846, artifacts from the church’s historical room, a pictorial roster of ministers since 1738, and photo albums depicting church members and activities from 1938 to present will be available for perusal during the event. 

A short humorous skit, “The Music Wars”, written by Church Historian Lyn Pickhover, will be performed as part of the regular service. The skit is based on an actual event in church records from 1738, the records of which are now on permanent loan to the Congregational Library in Boston.

The Franklin Federated Church is located at 171 Main Street, Franklin, directly opposite the Common. Services are held on Sundays at 10 a.m. All are welcome.

Franklin Federated Church - Birthday Celebration - Oct 14

Franklin Federated Church - Birthday Celebration - Oct 14

On Sunday, October 14, Franklin Federated Church will host a birthday celebration commemorating the formation of the First Congregational Church of Franklin (1738), the First Baptist Church of Franklin (1868) and the subsequent federation of the two churches (1938).

Original church council ledgers dating from 1846, artifacts from the church’s historical room, a pictorial roster of ministers since 1738, and photo albums depicting church members and activities from 1938 to present will be available for perusal during the event. 

A short humorous skit, “The Music Wars”, written by Church Historian Lyn Pickhover, will be performed as part of the regular service. The skit is based on an actual event in church records from 1738, the records of which are now on permanent loan to the Congregational Library in Boston.

The Franklin Federated Church is located at 171 Main Street, Franklin, directly opposite the Common. Services are held on Sundays at 10 a.m. All are welcome.

Franklin Federated Church - Birthday Celebration - Oct 14

In the News: stained glass being restored; student walkouts planned

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

"Accompanied by the shrill of an electric saw, and a clinking rainfall of decades-old glazing, an entire wall of stained glass windows was extracted over the course of three days from the historic Franklin Federated Church -- bound for a Minnesota workshop to be restored to their original glory. 

Under the guidance of project manager Kit Sherwood, of Willet-Hauser Stained Glass, each delicate panel was meticulously freed from the glazing and tiny nails that held them in place. Panels were carefully tipped out, set down and lowered to the ground on a mechanical elevated work platform. There, each panel was handed over to two other team members - Sherwood’s nephew, Tyson, and brother in-law, Jimmy Cope - to be taped and cautiously packed between layers of padding into a shipping container. 

“It’s a little nerve-wracking,” admitted Sherwood, seeming relieved to have the panel he just removed safely secured with an “x” of blue tape and nestled into place among the other panels in the packing container."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180311/stained-glass-from-franklin-church-to-undergo-restoration

Related posting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/03/franklin-federated-church-stained-glass.html

The large center window was removed first

Then the smaller surrounding windows were removed

"As schools around the country brace for student walkouts following the deadly shooting in Parkland, Florida, principals and superintendents are scrambling to perform a delicate balancing act: How to let thousands of students exercise their First Amendment rights while not disrupting school and not pulling administrators into the raging debate over gun control. 

Some have taken a hard line, promising to suspend students who walk out, while others are using a softer approach, working with students to set up places on campus where they can remember the victims of the Florida shooting and express their views about school safety and gun control. 

Since the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, demonstrations have sprung up on school campuses around the country. But the first large-scale, coordinated national demonstration is planned for March 14, when organizers of the Women’s March have called for a 17-minute walkout, one minute for each of the 17 students and staff members killed in Florida."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/ZZ/20180311/NEWS/180319987

The Pantherbook article on the FHS student walkout was posted here earlier
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/03/pantherbook-walkout-planned-at-franklin.html

Pantherbook: "A Walkout Planned at Franklin High"

Franklin Federated Church: stained glass window repair underway

One of the two large stained glass windows at Franklin Federated Church, along with 16 smaller windows that surround it, will be removed this week to undergo restoration.

The window restoration is part of a $500,000 ongoing Restoration Campaign at the historic church. The window repair will cost $43,000 and is expected to take 6 months to complete.

Kit Sherwood of Willet-Hauser Stained Glass in Minnesota will remove the windows, box them, and ship them to Willet-Hauser’s studio for restoration and repair. The window area, which faces the parking lot next to the church at 171 Main Street, will be temporarily covered with a layer of white plywood. Work will begin on the morning of Monday, March 5 and continue through Wednesday, March 7.

Franklin Federated Church: stained glass window repair underway

The leading that holds the stained glass in place will be replaced, and the individual panes of glass cleaned and repaired as necessary. The window will then be reassembled, and restored to its original location, and a clear acrylic will be installed to protect the window.

The church launched its Restoration Campaign in 2015, securing $500,000 in pledges from members and friends of the church. Other work that has been completed as part of the campaign has included a partial replacement of the church roof, a new heating system, foundation work to address water intrusion, replacement of the windows in the kitchen and dining room, electrical upgrades, and replacement of the exterior walkways, staircases and handicapped ramp.

Franklin Federated Church: Christmas with All the Bells and Whistles! - Nov 25

Franklin Federated Church presents "Christmas with All the Bells and Whistles!," a concert featuring the New England Ringers and organist Richard Bunbury, on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 7:30 PM at the church at 171 Main Street.

This concert is a great opportunity to get in the mood for the season! The church will be decorated with lights and greens, and the concert will feature such favorites as Joy to the World, Greensleeves, Angels from the Realms of Glory, Silent Night, The First Noel, and Go Tell It on the Mountain.

This concert will mark the first time that the New England Ringers - the region's premier handbell ensemble - will perform accompanied by an organ (which, after all, is a big whistle.) The 14 ringers perform with a 6 octave set of Schulmerich Handbells.

Tickets for the concert are $15 each. They can be purchased at the door, or in advance by calling the church office at 508-528-3803. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the mission and ministry of Franklin Federated Church, a welcoming and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ and American Baptist Churches.

Franklin Federated Church is accessible to the disabled via a ramp off the left driveway next to the church. 

Christmas with All the Bells and Whistles! - Nov 25

For more about the New England Bell Ringers, visit their web page  http://newenglandringers.org

For more about the Franklin Federated Church, visit their web page http://www.franklinfederated.org/

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

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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!