The Acton Exchange team is working towards a new calendar function that allows more flexible and powerful access to Acton-relevant calendar information. In the meantime, short notices of upcoming events are published in the Bulletin Board. For now, email your Acton-relevant calendar notice (<150 words) to calendar@actonexchange.org. Next deadline is Tuesday, January 7 at noon.
Your notice can include links to a website or email address, but no flyers or other graphics. Calendar editor needed!
All Ages Christmas Service with Holy Eucharist
Tues. Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve), 4 p.m.
The Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal)
164 Newtown Road, Acton
Join us for our interactive nativity service at 4pm on Christmas Eve. Using “life-size” cut outs of the Nativity, this service of Holy Communion with Lessons and Carols will tell the Christmas story in a fresh and festive way. We’ll have readers of all ages and children will place the nativity figures around the church so that we all become part of the scene. We’ll enjoy familiar carols, share Eucharist together, and sing Silent Night by candlelight. We cannot wait for you to celebrate Christmas Eve at Good Shepherd!
Outdoor Bonfire Christmas Eve Service
Tues. Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve), 6:30 p.m.
The Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal)
164 Newtown Road, Acton
Begun during the pandemic when we couldn’t gather indoors, and now a beloved Good Shepherd tradition, this short simple service invites us to gather around the fire to sing, pray and hear the Christmas Gospel under the open sky.
Christmas Eve Carol Sing & Christmas Eve Candlelight Eucharist with Special Music
Tues. Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve), 8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
The Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal)
164 Newtown Road, Acton
Christmas Eve Carol Sing: Join us at 8:30 pm on Christmas Eve for a Carol Sing leading into the 9:00 pm Candlelight Christmas Service.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Eucharist with Special Music: We will share Holy Eucharist and gather by candlelight to celebrate the birth of Christ and the Light coming into our world. We hope that you will join us for this Christmas service filled with light and peace.
Christmas Day Holy Eucharist with carols
Wed. Dec 25, 9 a.m.
The Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal)
164 Newtown Road, Acton
Come join us as we celebrate Christmas!
Mt. Calvary Community Supper, January 2025 menu
(from Mt. Calvary Community Supper)
Where: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church of Acton 472 Massachusetts Ave. Acton MA 01720
Time: Every Wednesday (except holidays).
Dinner is served 4:30pm – 5:45pm. Doors open at 4:15pm. Please, do not enter prior, so our volunteers can prepare your supper.
Parking: Park your car in the back parking lot and enter from the walkway to the church door.
January 2025 Menu
- 1/1 Closed – Stay warm and join us next week to celebrate 2025.
- 1/8 Turkey Tetrazzini, Sponsored by United Congregational Church of Boxborough.
- 1/15 Chili and Cornbread, Sponsored by Friends of Community Supper.
- 1/22 Roast Pork Loin, Sponsored by Faith Evangelical Free Church of Acton.
- 1/29 Meatloaf Dinner, Sponsored by Friends of Mike Tobia.
** Please note that the meals we serve may contain gluten, nuts, seeds, or dairy.
As 2025 begins, we wish to express how grateful we are for the support and dedication of so many individuals, community organizations, church members and the team of our Supper volunteers. Together we hope that each meal we share will bring us closer together.
http://www.mtcalvaryacton.org/Community-Supper
http://www.facebook.com/CommunitySupperofActonMA
Santa at the Concord Market
(From the Concord Market)
Santa will be at the Concord Market.
Sunday, Dec. 22
10:30am-2:30pm
The Concord Market Mezzanine
77 Lowell Road, Concord, MA
The Concord Market will have Santa visiting to take photos and hear what your kids want for Christmas on Sunday, December 22.
There will also be a chance to write Santa a letter for him to read after getting toys to kids all over the world. A hot cocoa bar with toppings will also be available for all ($6 per person).
Come by and see him before he starts his long Christmas journey!
All are welcome!
Volunteer opportunities
Science Fair Judges wanted
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School is looking for judges for its fourth annual science fair on January 17th from 6:30-8:30 pm at ABRHS. All areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are welcome. Please complete this brief form –https://forms.gle/5rQ2Zh1yK6n7yRcJA if you want to volunteer as a judge. Contact ABRHS science teacher, Brian Dempsey (bdempsey@abschools.org) if you have any questions
Help plan the Acton Food Pantry’s Annual Chef Challenge Fundraiser
Volunteers Needed!
Are you well organized? Do you love to plan events or parties? Are you a foodie?
If you answered yes to any, then the Pantry’s Chef Challenge Committee needs you! This is an amazing event that brings the community together for a night of good food, great friendship, and philanthropy. Chef Challenge Volunteer Leaders are needed in the following areas:
- CC Event Planner- Oversee all aspects of the planning for the Chef Challenge. Hands-on coordinator for the Chef Challenge event
- Chef Coordinator- Meet with local chefs to encourage them to participate in the event. Ensure all food permits are in place prior to the event. Collect chefs’ menus. Be on hand to answer any questions from the chefs at the event
- Marketing Chair – Coordinate event marketing including yard signs, towncenter banner, flyers, and print advertising.
To learn more, please contact Loretta Crumlish, Chair of the AFP Board at loretta@actonfoodpantry.org.
The Acton Food Pantry volunteering
Ongoing – Volunteers Needed! Current needs include:
- Adults who have flexibility to volunteer for day time shifts, particularly on Wednesday.
- People who might be interested in helping with the Saturday morning pickups at Stop & Shop or Trader Joe’s.
- Fluent Portuguese speakers to help us better serve our large Brazilian client population.
Although these are specific needs, we welcome any interested potential volunteer as we always need a large roster of potential subs and have a variety of opportunities. If you know of anyone who might be interested in volunteering, please have them complete a preliminary application (link on the Pantry website here or email Cathy at Cathy@actonfoodpantry.org.
The Acton Food Pantry has been providing food for residents in need in Acton, Boxborough, and surrounding towns since 1984. They typically serve 350 families per week and rely heavily on volunteers.
Note also: The Acton Food Pantry is seeking donations heading into the holiday season. Please check out the Amazon Wish List for the Pantry.