Programs and Groups

We offer a diverse and growing number of ways to connect with others here; ways to grow in spirit and in service and have fun too! Here’s an overview of some offerings and groups here; you will find more time-specific information on our church calendar.

Regular Church Gatherings & Groups

Play Church, Tuesdays from 3:30-5 pm

This fun gathering offers the chance for children to run and play together while parents, grandparents and caregivers enjoy some adult time over a cup of tea.

mindful Meditation practice, Tuesdays at 7 Pm

This Buddhist-inspired approach offers both meditation practice and teaching in a friendly and supportive group setting. Led by Bets Robertson.

UUCH Circle, Second Saturdays at 1 pm

This group of active, creative, and fun loving people meet monthly for connection, learning, and service. The meeting may include a speaker, a craftsperson, a road trip or perhaps a discussion on current events. The UUCH Circle supports the church in a variety of ways; each spring they raise money to fund special church projects by hosting a lovely high tea. They invite you to come join them and learn more about this lively group, or contact President Trudy Blyth.

Community Meals, Saturdays From 1-3 pm

Community Meals offers curbside lunches and food delivery to friends and neighbors on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month. Any contributions are gratefully received and may be delivered to 16 Ashland Street, Haverhill MA on Saturdays between 11am-12 noon at contact free drop off tables. A sign up link for donations is posted each week on the homepage of this site under ‘Other Resources’. Food ministry is an act of love and care, and a great way to make connections here. Contact Abbe Wertz for more information and thank you for supporting the CommUnity on Ashland Street.

Chalice Circles

Chalice Circles, also known as Small Group Ministry, offers the opportunity to connect with others and consider significant questions and ideas in a deeper way. Each small group (7 to 10 people) commits to meeting twice a month for a minimum of three months. These groups, led by a facilitator who’s also a member of the group, engage in a practice of deep listening and engaged participation that can be powerful and helpful.

Vespers, Wednesdays In Advent & Lent, At 6 pm

Vespers is a quiet and contemplative service in our candlelit sanctuary; thirty minutes of silence, simple readings, music and prayer in the middle of the week during the seasons of Advent and Lent.

Groups We Host

New Moon Coffeehouse, Third Saturday, 8 pm

For over thirty years the New Moon Coffeehouse has offered great live folk and acoustic music here on most months from September through May (no show in December). For more information, and for the current season’s schedule, visit the New Moon website.

Support and Recovery Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous, Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday At 7 PM

We are pleased to host three AA meetings each week in our basement (enter from Ashland Street). We’re grateful for the healing and life-saving work AA brings to our community.

Liz Murphy Open Hand Pantry, Tuesdays From 4-7 pm

Run by the people of St. James Parish, the pantry offers food to those in need. Find more information, click here.