Franklin Interfaith Council makes a Call to Generosity for Heating Help Fund

Franklin Interfaith Council makes a Call
to Generosity for Heating Help Fund

With a historic winter season in the books, the requests for heating assistance have been greater than usual and we need your help! 

Will you donate to help Franklin neighbors in need with their heating bills?

Donation link - https://franklinmainterfaith.org/donate

Since its inception in 1991, the Franklin Interfaith Council has raised funds to help Franklin residents in need of wintertime heating help. Historically used for only oil and propane distributions, the Council voted recently to also include winter electric and gas bills. 

Our Heating Help Fund (previously Fuel Assistance Fund) has been nearly depleted and the heating season isn’t over yet! Distributions in a given year vary depending on need (*see below). We have already helped 12 neighbors and expect to help a few more this season.

*Heating Help Fund Distributions:

Oct 2023 – May 2024           $5600 (9 neighbors)

Oct 2024 – May 2025           $2100 (6 neighbors)

Oct 2025 – March 2026       $5780 (12 neighbors)

For context, we typically raise about $2100 every year for heating help at our annual Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. Thank you to all who have donated in years past! With carryover from previous years, we usually start the season with $3.5 – 5k each October. 

This coming Fall 2026 we anticipate starting with next to nothing. And so we call on the generosity of residents of the great town of Franklin to donate so that we can continue to help our neighbors in need! All donations are tax-deductible. No amount is too small. 

Thank you in advance for your generosity and continued support!

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1CHbNanzmw/

Fuel Assistance Fund reminder via Franklin Interfaith Council & St Vincent de Paul

Baby, it's cold outside!

If you are struggling to keep your home warm, the Interfaith Council and St Vincent de Paul can help.

We have a Fuel Assistance Fund that can be accessed by contacting St Vincent de Paul at 508-918-2291 or svdp02038@gmail.com.

Many Blessings!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/179YPRHNdn/

The Franklin Interfaith Council is developing a new site at FranklinMAinterfaith.org

The Franklin Interfaith Council has lost the domain name for its long-held website, and is in the process of developing a new site at FranklinMAinterfaith.org.

Until that is completed, please follow us on Facebook: Franklin Interfaith Council.

The Franklin Interfaith Council is an organization whose membership is composed of faith communities in the town of Franklin, Massachusetts. It addresses the various needs of its community by recognizing the power of faith as defined by the individual spiritual traditions.  However, it is these same traditions that unite us in the common goal to initiate and sponsor activities that enrich and challenge the citizens of Franklin. 

The Franklin Interfaith Council is developing
a new site at FranklinMAinterfaith.org

The intent of the council is to sensitize the Franklin community to issues of deprivation and social injustice, and to promote tolerance and understanding through shared worship, programs, performances, and publications, and to bring the understanding of our faith traditions to bear on these issues. 

Additionally, through these same devices, the council seeks to acknowledge and celebrate both the diversity and the common values existing within the community. 

The council is a nonprofit organization that has as its primary purpose the betterment of the community it serves.

Participating Houses of Worship :

● Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

● First Universalist Society in Franklin

● Franklin Federated Church

● Franklin United Methodist Church

● New England Chapel

● St. John’s Episcopal Church

● St. Mary’s Catholic Parish

● Temple Etz Chaim

Franklin Interfaith Council Thanksgiving 11-16-2025 (video)

The Franklin Interfaith Council held their annual Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, Nov 16 at 7 PM at the Franklin United Methodist Church.

Franklin Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service

Well attended, Franklin TV (Chris Flynn) live streamed the event and the video is available for replay here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7FF34vdmrE

A copy of the program can be viewed and/or downloaded here (PDF) ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vZJBrkYkwvqaIO8qhORimyZlJOWmroi4/view?usp=drive_link

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, November 16, 2025 ???

Sunday, November 16

7:30am All You Can Eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free) 

1:00pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

2:00pm Cabaret (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

3:00pm The LiveARTS String Quartet in concert (Franklin Historical Museum

7:00pm Franklin Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service (Franklin United Methodist)

**   NO  Town Meetings today   **

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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Reminder: Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service - Nov 16 at 7 PM

Reminder: Interfaith Council
Thanksgiving Service - Nov 16 at 7 PM

Join the Franklin Interfaith Council for its annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. 

The preacher is Rabbi Rachel Putterman of Temple Etz Chaim. The theme is "Gratitude as a Means of Connection." Donations made at this service will support the Franklin Interfaith Council's Fuel Assistance Fund.

All are invited to attend in-person and join in the thanksgiving as we prepare for the holiday season.

Unable to make it in-person? This service will be live streamed by Franklin Public Television

Shared from -> https://fb.me/e/3Nnv4SmEw

Franklin Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service - Sunday, Nov 16

Franklin Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service - Sunday, Nov 16 

Voices of Faith - A Concert of Hope

The Franklin Interfaith Council hosted a concert on Sunday evening, featuring the Interfaith Choir and other performers from different congregations within Franklin.

The Program cover

program cover

Additional photos in album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/XMU1bs2xFJEr81Z66

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, May 18, 2025 ???

Sunday, May 18

7:30am All You Can Eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm 3rd Sunday Music (Franklin Historical Museum)

7:00pm Voice of Faith: Concert of "Hope" (Interfaith Council at Church of Latter-day Saints)

7:00pm Rehearsal for Distinguished Young Women (Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center)

8:00pm Sunday at Sunset (St John's Episcopal Church)

** NO  Town Meetings today   **

 

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Voice of Faith: Concert of "Hope" conducted by the Franklin Interfaith Council - Sunday, 7 PM

Voice of Faith: Concert of "Hope" conducted by the Franklin Interfaith Council - Sunday, 7 PM

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1FgNkLUCPZ/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, April 6, 2025 ???

Sunday, April 6

** Franklin Art Association Art Show and Sale Exhibit (Norfolk Public Library)

10:00am Climate: What will you do? (First Universalist Society Franklin)

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

11:00am POSTPONED due to weather Franklin Fest (Longley Athletic Complex)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free) 

2:00pm We stand with our Jewish neighbors (Franklin Town Common)

2:00pm Freaky Friday (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

3:00pm LiveARTS: Kingsley Chen (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:00pm Rehearsal for Distinguished Young Women (Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

We stand with our Jewish neighbors - Sunday, April 6 at 2 PM

Following an incident of vandalism at Temple Etz Chaim on Tuesday night
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/franklin-police-report-investigations.html the Franklin Interfaith Council and Franklin Freedom Team invite you to stand in solidarity and support of our Jewish neighbors. 

 

We stand with our Jewish neighbors

Antisemitism is on the rise all over our country, and it’s not OK. We don’t accept it and won’t allow it to spread in Franklin. Franklin stands for love.

Let’s show the Jewish community and the Temple Etz Chaim congregation that they’re not alone; that we people of all faiths stand with them.

THIS Sunday, April 6, 2025
2 PM on Franklin Town Common

For more information contact:

The Rev Kathy McAdams
Vice President, Franklin Interfaith Council
857-237-9428
Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.or

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, November 24, 2024 ???

Sunday, November 24

• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
• Winter Coat Drive (4 drop off locations)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:15pm 3rd Sunday: Music - "Sounds of the Season" (Franklin Historical Museum)

2:00pm New Thespian Showcase (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:00pm Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service (First Universalist Society in Franklin; FUSF)

** NO  Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

---------------

Why are there multiple calendars?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Interfaith Council Annual Thanksgiving Service - Nov 24, 7:00 PM

The Interfaith Council Annual Thanksgiving Service is scheduled for Sunday, Nov 24 at 7 PM. This is a 1-hour service representing the participating faith organizations will be held at the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF).

if you can't make it in person, the service will be live streamed by Franklin TV to YouTube. You can find it ->  https://bit.ly/FTV-AllAccess

Interfaith Council Annual Thanksgiving Service - Nov 24, 7:00 PM

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service - Nov 24, at 7 PM

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service  - Nov 24, at 7 PM

The annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be on Sunday, November 24, beginning at 7 PM at First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF) (262 Chestnut Street, Franklin). 

All are welcome.

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, October 27, 2024 ???

Sunday, October 27

7 – 7:30am Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library) 

9am – 1pm Early Voting (Town Clerk's Office, 355 E Central St) 

12 – 4pm 5th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church) 

1 – 4pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2 – 4:30pm FPAC: The School of Rock (THE BLACK BOX) 

3 – 5pm LiveARTS: Michael Lewin (First Universalist Society Franklin) 

4 – 5pm Franklin Celebration of Love and Diversity (Franklin Town Common)

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

---------------

Why are there multiple calendars?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Event in support of St. Mary’s, Sunday, Oct 27 at 4 PM

Franklin Celebration of Love and Diversity:  Responding to violence with compassion and unity

In the wake of suspected arson at St Mary's, this is a time to be together, to support each other, to pray and to sing. Sunday, October 27 at 4 PM on the Franklin Town Common

Sponsored by the Franklin Interfaith Council and the Franklin Freedom Team

Franklin Town Common

Franklin Celebration of Love and Diversity: Responding to violence with compassion and unity - Oct 27 at 4 PM

Franklin Town Common

Franklin Celebration of Love and Diversity:

Responding to violence with compassion and unity

Sunday, October 27 at 4 PM

Franklin Town Common

 

Sponsored by the Franklin Interfaith Council and the Franklin Freedom Team

In the wake of suspected arson at St Mary's, this is a time to be together, to support each other, to pray and to sing.

Discussion on the intersection of Patriotism and Christianity - Oct 2

Patriotism and Christianity - Oct 2

"Join Pastor Jacob, Rev. Kathy McAdams from St John's Episcopal Church, and Rev. Doreen Oughton from the Franklin Federated Church on Wednesday, October 2 from 7-8:30p, as we discuss the intersection of Patriotism and Christianity, define Christian Nationalism, and discuss ways of responding to it. 

To learn more, go to 

https://franklinumc.org/2024/09/09/christianity-patriotism-a-discussion/

 

Shared from ->  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Px9D4TGYCGVrVpD1

Can you be a Christian AND a Patriot? 3 Franklin pastors schedule a discussion for Weds, Oct 2

Can you be a Christian AND a Patriot?

What is the place of patriotism in Christianity?

Three local pastors: Jacob Juncker, Kathy McAdams, and Doreen Oughton help to define “Christian” Nationalism, discuss why it’s not actually Christian or patriotic, and explore ways that we can all resist it.

Christian Nationalism involves the melding of the worship of cross and flag, confusion of Christian with American values, and the amassing of wealth and power over, and fear of, others. 

“Christian nationalism is the belief that the American nation is defined by Christianity, and that the government should take active steps to keep it that way. Popularly, Christian nationalists assert that America is and must remain a ‘Christian nation’—not merely as an observation about American history, but as a prescriptive program for what America must continue to be in the future. “ – Paul D. Miller, “What Is Christian Nationalism?”; Christianity Today, February 3, 2021

Wednesday, October 2, from 7-8:30 PM

At Franklin United Methodist Church and on Zoom

For more information or for Zoom link: Email jacob@franklinumc.org

Can you be a Christian AND a Patriot?  3 Franklin pastors schedule a discussion for Weds, Oct 2