Events
Throughout the COVID pandemic in 2020, the church remained committed to our mission and outreach. Through an opportunity presented to the Although we have not been able to host our usual events this year, 2020, we are happy to note that our Lobster/Fish Dinner was held as a take-out only event in October and a Thanksgiving pie sale was offered in November.
We are excited to bring back treasured events such as the Lobster/Fish Dinner and our Annual Church Fair for the Fall of 2021. Although this events will look differently, the spirit of the events are alive and well! We hope to see you all there!
We are excited to bring back treasured events such as the Lobster/Fish Dinner and our Annual Church Fair for the Fall of 2021. Although this events will look differently, the spirit of the events are alive and well! We hope to see you all there!
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The Houghs Neck Congregational Church plans events each year to serve the community and to welcome all people into the church. Located on a peninsula, the Houghs Neck community is a unique population of multi-generational families and newer residents. An active Community Council hosts several community events, including free events for children, throughout the year. Our church participates in some of these events as well as sponsoring other community programs.
Children and Youth Program: A church program called Kids Night is held monthly on a Friday evening. The children, along with some of their friends, share a meal together, participate in faith based activities and watch a faith based film. The evening typically goes from 5:30–7:30 PM. All children are welcome.
Christmas Pageant and Church Dinner: These annual events are sponsored by the Sunday School Program. This is a highlight on our church calendar as many family members, church members and friends attend and enjoy this afternoon performance by the children followed by dinner and fellowship.
Green Tree Party: The second Saturday in December, we gather to enjoy an evening or Christmas carols, crafts and fellowship with our church family. As a Christmas gift to the church, a tree is decorated with money.
Strawberry Festival: The first Saturday in June, we host A family fun day to celebrate the beginning of the summer. We have over 20 vendors line the street, along with a bouncy house for the kids and live entertainment to celebrate the summer with our community.
Annual Valentine Princess Tea: Cinderella, Snow White, Jasmine, Mulan, Tiana, Belle and Merida are some of the guests at the Annual Valentine Princess Tea. Typically held on the Saturday before Valentine’s Day, the Princess Tea party is almost always a sold out event. Two sessions are held, one in the morning and one in the afternoon for little princesses, usually ages 3 through 9. The girls arrive in the costumes of their favorite princesses. They receive their itinerary and make two or three crafts, have their nails painted, and dance. Adult princesses are the hit of the event and give each girl their magic wand. Sometimes we also have a handsome prince, too. Goodie bags are earned by completing the crafts. The session ends with a princess story. There is an admission charge for this event and reservations are required.
PirateFest: Ahoy Mateys – Not to be left out of the fun, we have sponsored a PirateFest for wee pirates, ages 3 to 9 several times. The event is open to boys or girls. Guests arrive, usually costumed like their favorite swashbuckler, minus the swords, daggers, or other weapons. They receive their treasure map pointing the way to the various tasks. Crafts take place in spaces called Tiki Island or Blue Lagoon and our pirates must even walk the plank and get a tattoo at Rat Island. After completing all tasks and gathering their gold doubloons, they can collect their treasure from the Pirate Captain. In Pirate School, they learn to talk like a pirate (only the good words) and sing an action song. The event ends with a pirate story. This party has an admission charge and requires reservations.
Vacation Bible School: Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a fun filled week of learning about God's great love for each and everyone one of us. It is a time for crafts, games, music, and contests. It is something that children look forward to each summer.
Bake Sale at the Chowdafest: Around mid-September, the Community Council hosts a Chowdafest that draws up to a thousand visitors each year. The Mission Committee has hosted a bake sale at the Chowdafest for the past several years and the money raised is donated to an organization which is instrumental in assisting children or providing food to those in need. Proceeds have benefited: The Great American Bakesale which supports childhood hunger initiatives; Interfaith Social Services and Quincy Community Action Programs. For the past several years, the money raised has been given to Quincy Public School's McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Program. This program supports homeless children in the Quincy Public Schools by providing school supplies, sport fees, field trip costs and in some cases food and clothing. Our donation has been able to help with costs for yearbooks and prom and college application fees.
Annual Church Fair: Mark your calendars for our annual church fair on Friday evening, November 6, 2020, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. and on Saturday, November 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Check out our new tables featuring Gift Baskets and Pet Items - along with many of your favorites such as the Take-a-Chance table, Crafts, and the Resale Shop. We will have homemade pickles and jams, baked goods, Christmas items, bling and much more. And don’t forget our Raffles with many awesome prizes!! Something for everyone! Come on Friday night for dinner and on Saturday for breakfast and/or lunch. Admission is free.
Annual Tree Lighting: The Houghs Neck Community Council hosts a Christmas Tree lighting on the first Sunday of December each year. The lighting takes place at 5:00. The church choir often leads the carol singing. After Santa arrives, everyone is invited to the church for refreshments.
Christmas Post Office: At Christmas time, parishioners exchange Christmas Cards via the Church’s “Post Office” making a voluntary donation which helps to offset the cost of church mailings. What an easy way for congregants to share Christmas greetings with one another!
CarePacks of Weymouth: In appreciation of the men and women who serve our Country, we assemble kits and letters of thanks which are included in the care packs that are sent to them.
Prayer Shawl Ministry: Our Church family joined this nation-wide program to provide “healing shawls” for those who are suffering physically, mentally or emotionally and would benefit from the love and healing of a shawl. Please contact the church if you wish to participate in creating these shawls or know someone who would benefit from receiving a shawl.
The Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk: As part of our commitment to the wider community, a Jimmy Fund Walk Team called “The Tree of Life” was formed to raise money for cancer research and patient care at the Dana-Farber Cancer Research Center. Since its formation in 2000, the team has raised more than half a million dollars. The team consists of members of the congregation, friends and even a couple of doctors. Every September, several of the members walk the entire 26.2 miles while others walk the half-marathon or 5 miles. Every step, we think of why we are walking – remembering loved ones who have passed on, helping those who have cancer and helping to ensure a future where cancer becomes a disease of the past. If you would like to become a part of our Walk Team, please contact Laurel Wainwright at wainwright.laurel@yahoo.com.
Chili Cook Off - Usually the last week of January, entries from individuals as well as restaurants come together to compete for the title of Best Chili in Quincy.
March Madness Calendar Fundraiser - Start collecting calendar tickets in February with drawings each day in March, excluding Sundays.