Holy Trinity United Methodist Church, 16 Sylvan St., Danvers, will offer an alternative for Christmas giving. In an attempt to benefit international artisans and communities in need, there will be selections available for purchase from Equal Exchange, A Greater Gift and A Bead for Life. Catalogs from Heifer International will also be available. The Alternative Christmas Market will be open after church on Sundays through Dec. 23. For more information, contact the church office at 978-777-7408.
Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church’s 31st annual Christmas Dinner with Friends is set for Tuesday, Dec. 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 323 Locust St., Danvers. Dinner is free and includes roast turkey with all the trimmings, an assortment of desserts, carol singing and live musical entertainment. The dinner is co-sponsored by the Danvers Clergy Association and Temple Beth Shalom. Anyone living in Danvers or in neighboring towns who needs a ride to and from the dinner can call the church, 978-774-7582, and leave a message with the church administrator. Individuals requesting transportation will be contacted to finalize transportation arrangements.
On Tuesday, Dec. 25, Temple Beth Shalom will participate in the annual volunteer program called Project Ezra. Participants can fulfill a mitzvah by giving a few hours of their time and energy to help those in need. One of the volunteer opportunities is a meal delivery from 10 a.m. to noon; meals will be delivered to Peabody and Salem senior residents. Meal pickup will be at the Peabody Council on Aging, 79 Central St. Another volunteer opportunity is driving seniors to and from Christmas dinner from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Danvers. Volunteers are welcome to stay for dinner. Volunteers are especially needed for afternoon assistance. For more information or to volunteer, contact Roza Budilovsky at rbudilo@hotmail.com or 978-887-1106.
Throughout December, St. Adelaide Church, 708 Lowell St., Peabody, will collect unwanted books in support of the North Shore Moving Market. Proceeds from the sale of donated books help provide free monthly grocery deliveries to the North Shore’s housebound elderly and handicapped residents. Books should be in new or good readable condition; no children’s books will be accepted. Books may be dropped off before Masses or in the church hall on Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon or Mondays and Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m., through the end of December. For more information, call North Shore Moving Market at 978-744-2532.
“Moving on After Moving In,” a small group study for women, is based on the book “After the Boxes are Unpacked: Moving on After Moving In” by Susan Miller. The Bible-based discussion group will address emotional struggles and opportunities for spiritual growth as participants start fresh in their new communities. Eight sessions will meet on Sunday evenings, beginning Jan. 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, second floor, CLC building, 179 County Road, Ipswich. To sign up or for more information, contact the church office at fpcnsoffice@gmail.com or call 978-356-7690.
