Upcoming events
Easter Service and Egg Hunt
Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, which occurred on the third day after his crucifixion at Calvary c. 30 AD. Please stay for coffee and snacks in the sanctuary afterwards. This service will be on Zoom as well using the regular link.
Following worship, we will have an Easter egg hunt for all church and community children, 11 years old and younger. The hunt will start at 10:45am. All are welcome!
Easter Sunrise Service
An in-person, outdoor sunrise service on the church lawn on Easter morning at 7:00 am. Please dress for the weather and help celebrate this holy day!
The deacons will provide coffee and a simple breakfast for those hardy souls who plan to attend both the sunrise and the 9:30 am service.
Good Friday
The Church will be open for reflection and prayer. Please feel free to come at any time between 2 and 6 pm.
Maundy Thursday Service
A special and solemn service commemorating the Washing of the Feet and Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles. This is an evening service with communion and Tenebrae (Gospel readings from the last hours of the life of Jesus). This service will be in-person only. The service will last about 30-minutes and end in silence with lights dimmed.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week and commemorates Jesus Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Easter season and the beginning of Lent. We invite you to join us this Wednesday, February 14th at 7 pm, as we embrace the Lenten season. During Lent, we will engage in introspect, prayer, and fasting as a way to prepare for the celebration of Easter. Fasting can take various forms, such as abstaining from certain foods, habits, or luxuries, with the goal of fostering spiritual discipline and drawing closer to God. Lent also serves as a reminder of the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the significance of demonstrating grace, selflessness, and service to others. We welcome this meaningful opportunity for personal growth, and drawing closer to our faith as a community. Come be a part of this journey with us as we reflect, pray, and prepare for the joyous celebration of Easter. We look forward to having you at our service!
Souper Saturday Lunch - Free!
Yes, there is such a thing as a free lunch! The community is invited to stop by for a bowl of warm homemade soup, bread, and Valentine’s cookies on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meal will be served in the fellowship hall of the Nelson Congregational Church. (Use the side entrance.) We will be serving several kinds of soup, including vegetarian/vegan, and welcome all for food and conversation.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Anyone and everyone in the community is invited to attend the family-friendly service. The service won't be long, so of course please bring your bring children or grandchildren!
First Tuesday Tea
All are welcome each month to the First Tuesday Tea. This casual social event moves from house to house. The host provides tea and coffee, and everyone brings a little something to share.
Stay tuned for December’s host.
Questions? Email Hope.
250 Years of Ministry!
We’re adding a birthday party on to our annual Hanging of the Greens event this year. 2023 is the year we celebrate 250 years of ministry in Nelson! At the first town meeting in 1772, the early settlers voted to build a meetinghouse to serve both town and church, and to secure a minister. Both things were accomplished in 1773 when the Rev. James Treadway held services in a small log meetinghouse.
Following the sanctuary decorating which starts at 4 pm, we will recognize this auspicious occasion with birthday cake and cider, then tromp outside to sing some carols and light the Christmas Tree. We hope to see you there.
Hanging of the Greens and Tree Lighting
Join in decorating the sanctuary in preparation for the season of Advent. The Nelson Town Band will be playing carols while we decorate and there will be cake and cider available following the decorating and also to celebrate our 250th year of ministry. After refreshments we will gather around the Christmas tree and sing a few carols and light the Christmas Tree. Please feel free to drop in at any time.
Open House Pie and Coffee
Join us for a special event honoring and thanking the veterans and volunteers in the Nelson community. We will serve a variety of pies along with coffee and other beverages. There will be a moment of silence at 11:00 am to commemorate the WWI armistice. Please join us in the spirit of cummunity. All are welcome!
First Tuesday Tea
All are welcome each month to the First Tuesday Tea. This casual social event moves from house to house. The host provides tea and coffee, and everyone brings a little something to share.
November will be hosted by Jan Perry.
Questions? Email Hope.
Ice Cream Social with Nelson Town Band
Gather on the lawn of the Nelson Congregational Church for an Ice Cream Social with the Nelson Town Band from 3:00 - 4:30 pm. There will be ice cream sundaes for $5 including ice cream, homemade chocolate and butterscotch sauces, fresh fruit, an assortment of toppings, and whipped cream. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to enjoy the music. Free admission.
Ice Cream Social with Nelson Town Band
Gather on the lawn of the Nelson Congregational Church for an Ice Cream Social with the Nelson Town Band from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. There will be ice cream sundaes for $5 including ice cream, homemade chocolate and butterscotch sauces, fresh fruit, an assortment of toppings, and whipped cream. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to enjoy the music. Free admission.
8th Annual Artisan’s Craft Fair
This is such a fun day! Happy customers and happy vendors. Plenty of time and space to chat with neighbors and friends. Don’t miss the strawberry shortcake at the food booth!
Want to get involved? Sign up to donate food items or try one of several volunteer jobs.
Maypole Dance and Cake Walk
Join us for a dance around the Maypole and a cake walk. The festivities will begin at 11ish. The Morris Dancers will perform, you can join in the Maypole Dance and could even win a cake! With this frosty spring, spring flowers are hard to find. We need flowers to place on and around the Maypole, especially forsythia. If you have some to spare, please bring them!
Easter Service and Egg Hunt
Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, which occurred on the third day after his crucifixion at Calvary c. 30 AD. Please stay for coffee and snacks in the sanctuary afterwards. This service will be on Zoom as well using the regular link.
Following worship, we will have an Easter egg hunt for all church and community children, 11 years old and younger. The hunt will start at 10:45am. All are welcome!
Easter Sunrise Service
An in-person, outdoor sunrise service on the church lawn on Easter morning at 6:30am. Please dress for the weather and help celebrate this holy day!
The deacons will provide coffee and a simple breakfast for those hardy souls who plan to attend both the sunrise and the 9:30 am service.
Maundy Thursday Service
A special and solemn service commemorating the Washing of the Feet and Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles. This is an evening service with communion and Tenebrae (Gospel readings from the last hours of the life of Jesus). This service will be in-person only. The service will last about 30-minutes and end in silence with lights dimmed.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week and commemorates Jesus Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Easter season and the beginning of Lent. We are partnering with the Chapel by the Lake to hold an ecumenical Ash Wednesday service. The service will be held at the Nelson Church. Hope you will join us!
Christmas Day Service
Christmas this year falls on Sunday and so our Christmas Sunday service will be an all-virtual, lessons and carols service. Take a break from unwrapping gifts and join us in your pajamas while enjoying your coffee. The service will include carols and a few readings and will be brief. Check back here or contact the church office for the Zoom link.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Anyone and everyone in the community is invited to attend! The service will be in-person and indoors this year, though we will also live-stream the service virtually. Check back here or contact the church office for the link. The service won't be long and will be family friendly, so of course bring kids or grandchildren!
Movie Night - It's a Wonderful LIfe
Come watch It's a Wonderful Life to help get in the Holiday spirit. We will project the movie on a screen in the sanctuary. And of course, popcorn will be served!
Hanging of the Greens and Tree Lighting
Join in decorating the church in preparation for the season of Advent. While you decorate, enjoy Christmas music, cookies, and hot chocolate! At 4:30, we will conclude the festivities by gathering on the church lawn to sing carols and light the Christmas Tree. Come and go at any point during the afternoon!