Events

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The Houghs Neck Congregational Church (HNCC) plans events each year which serve the community welcoming all into the church. Located on a peninsula, the Houghs Neck community is a unique population of multi-generational families and newer residents. HNCC has sponsored many community programs over the years:

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.
Strawberry Festival: 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.
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 which supports homeless children in the Quincy Public Schools by providing school supplies, sport fees, field trip costs and in some cases food and clothing.
Church Fair: our tables feature 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. After Santa arrives, everyone is invited to the church for refreshments.
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 Jimmy Fund Walk: As part of our commitment to the wider community, a Jimmy Fund Walk Team called “The Tree of Life” raises 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 a million dollars. If you would like to become part of our Walk Team, please contact Laurel Wainwright at wainwright.laurel@yahoo.com.
Children/Youth Program: A church program called Kids Night was 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. All children are welcome.
Christmas Pageant/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.
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.
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 assembled kits and letters of thanks which are included in the care packs that are sent to them.