ATTLEBORO - The Attleboro Area Council of Churches elected the following people to its board of directors at its annual meeting at the Centenary United Methodist Church in Attleboro:

Members-at-large - The Rev. Douglas Bixby, the Covenant Church, Attleboro; the Rev. Vern Wright, Second Congregational Church, Attleboro; Susan Bourget, First Baptist Church, Attleboro; Kathy Wade, Central Congregational Church, the Attleboro Falls section of North Attleboro; the Rev. Nancy Collins, Centenary United Methodist Church, Attleboro; and James Turnage. Patti Sparrow from the Federated Church in Norfolk was elected as chairwoman of the stewardship committee.

Community members - Joanne Johnson, Johnson's Business Services, North Attleboro, who who was elected to a second term, and Laurie Gignac, Rockland Trust, Attleboro, elected to her first term.

Good News Church to give out clothes

ATTLEBORO - Free pre-owned clothes for adults, teens, children and infants will be given away today (Saturday, Feb. 28) from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Good News Bible Chapel, 235 West St., Attleboro. The Second Chance Clothes ministry gives away hundreds of pounds of free clothes for individuals and families year round on the last Saturday of each month.

Academy to hold open houses

SWANSEA - New England Christian Academy, 271 Sharps Lot Road in Swansea, will host two open house programs during the next month. The open houses will be held today (Saturday, Feb. 28), and Saturday, March 21. Both programs will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and are open to the public; advance registration is not required.

School representatives will be on hand to conduct tours of NECA's facilities on its 40-acre campus and to answer questions about the school. Informational packages will be distributed to all in attendance and refreshments will be available at the conclusions of both programs.

St. Joseph's sets pro-life meeting

ATTLEBORO - A pro-life meeting will be held today (Saturday, Feb. 28) after 9 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph's Church on the corner of Route 152 and Maple Streets in Attleboro.

The public is invited.

NA's First Baptist plans yard and bake sale

NORTH ATTLEBORO - The First Baptist Church, 75 Park St., will hold a yard and bake sale indoors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 13 and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14. The bake sale of homemade treats and a light luncheon will be available both days. A $5 bag sale on selected items will take place Saturday.

Donations are needed and may be dropped off at the church before and on Thursday, March 12, when the church is open. Good, clean household items are needed. Electrical items must be in working order. Computers and televisions are not accepted unless given permission by the chairmen. Paper grocery bags are needed, also. Spring and summer clothing will be accepted for a Rummage Sale at a later date. For questions and assistance, please call the church office at 508-699-2434. The church is located on the Baptist Common between North Washington and Park Streets in North Attleboro.

Grace Baptist raises funds through Chelo's

ATTLEBORO - Grace Baptist Christian Academy will host its annual dinner fundraiser from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 3 at Chelo's Hometown Bar & Grille, located on Route 44 in Smithfield, R.I.

Principal Jeffrey Bailey said a percentage of dining expenses incurred by people patronizing the restaurant between those hours and identifying themselves as school supporters will be donated by Chelo's to the school. The event is open to the public with no age restrictions. Take-out orders, as well as sit-down meals, qualify for this promotion.

GBCA will receive credit only for purchases completed with a special coupon available at no cost through the school. Contact the school at 508-222-8675 to obtain coupons.

North church starts

Bible study group

NORTH ATTLEBORO - First Baptist Church of North Attleboro is holding a special small group Bible study, "John 3:16 - The Numbers of Hope" that started Feb. 23 and will continue for six weeks. Small groups will gather one night a week in various locations to engage in an in-depth study of this verse of scripture.

The study is based on Max Lucado's program of the same name. Using DVDs and group discussion, each group will explore this foundational text. Groups are now forming so call the church office for more information and to register at 508-699-2434. The program is open to anyone desiring to discover the hope that lies within this verse. If you know nothing of the Bible, start here. If you know everything about the Bible, return here.

Chowder, clam cakes

to be on tap

NORTH ATTLEBORO - Chowder and clamcakes will be served at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 8 as the USJB, Chapter 42, is sponsoring its annual all-you-can-eat Lenten supper of chowder (Manhattan/red) and clam cakes following the 5 p.m. Mass.

All proceeds will go to the Sacred Heart Church Renovation Fund. The all-you-can-eat meal will be prepared by Mickey G's Clamshack of Cumberland. Tickets are $8, which can be purchased in advance after Mass or by calling Sheila Pinsonnault 508-699-2764, Catherine Landry 508-699-8202, Pat LeBlanc 508-695-7259 or John Desrochers 508-695-0356. There will also be a 50/50 raffle.

Walpole church sets

book discussion

WALPOLE - The Christian Book Club will meet at the South Walpole United Methodist Church from 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 3 to discuss "90 Minutes in Heaven" by Don Piper. The group is open to anyone who wishes to come. E-mail Dianne Langer at ladydilanger@verizon.net, or call the church at 508-668-2530 to reserve a space. The church is at 1886 Washington St., South Walpole.

Pawtucket church

plans flea market

PAWTUCKET - St. Leo's Parish will be having an indoor flea market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14 at St. Leo's School Auditorium, 697 Central Ave. Tables are available.

For information on rates, drop off or arranging pick-up of items in good condition, call Judy 722-7994 or Bruce 722-0624. Food will be available throughout the day.

RI church plans

spaghetti supper

CUMBERLAND - The Missions Committee of the Arnold Mills United Methodist Church will serve a spaghetti supper from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 14 in the church hall, 690 Nate Whipple Highway.

Tickets are $7 per person or $20 for a family of three or more. Tickets will be available at the door or can be purchased in advance from the church office. Proceeds will be donated to the Because He Lives soup kitchen in Woonsocket and the Blackstone Valley Emergency Food Center in Central Falls, R.I. For further information call 401-692-9462.

Celebrate Purim

at RI synagogue

WOONSOCKET, R.I. - The Jewish holiday of Purim will be marked with a carnival from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, March 8 at Congregation B'nai Israel, 224 Prospect St. The cost for games and treats for each child will be $7 for children 8 and older and $5 for children under 8.

In addition, hot dogs, soy dogs, chips and drinks will be for sale.

For more information, call 401-762-3651.

Norwood church offers

help with divorce

NORWOOD - The Divorce Recovery Series, an eight-week program covering the emotional stages of divorce and offering healing and support to those who are divorced or separated, will be offered at the First Congregational Church of Norwood beginning on Wednesday, March 18.

The group is led by a professional counselor specializing in divorce issues, and participants are welcome regardless of religious affiliation.

The First Congregational Church is located on the corner of Route 1A and Winter Street in Norwood. The series will meet 7 to 8:30 Thursday evenings, nd the cost is $90. Preregistration is requested. To register or for more information on the series, call 781-762-3320.

Norfolk church plans

special conference

NORFOLK - The Love and Respect Video Conference featuring Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs will take place Friday and Saturday, March 6 and 7 at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Friday's session will be 6:30 to 10 p.m. and Saturday's will be 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the church, which is located at 63 Rockwood Road (Route 115).

Eggerich and his wife Sarah's presentations will guide those in attendance through a number of sessions that promise both fresh and practical insight. Based on three decades of counseling as well as scientific and biblical research, the church will share laughter and challenges in our time together.

The cost is $10 per person. To register, call the church office at 508-528-5862 or send an e-mail to ebcoffice@comcast.net or visit emmanuelbaptistchurch.org.

Meatloaf up next

for Plainville church

PLAINVILLE - Meatloaf will be on the menu when the Plainville United Methodist Church will hold its next Saturday evening supper at 5:30 p.m., March 14 at 16 East Bacon St. in Plainville.

The cost is $9 for adults and $3.50 for children. For tickets or reservations, call 508-695-5141 or 508-699-8646. Suppers for the remainder of the season will be held on the second Saturday of each month at 5:30. The current schedule of main dishes (subject to change) as follows:

April 11 - TBA.

May 9 - Oven-roasted chicken and salads.

Dayspring to create

scholarship fund

ATTLEBORO - Dayspring Christian Academy, 1052 Newport Ave. (Route 1A) in South Attleboro, has announced creation of the "Families Helping Families" Scholarship Fund to benefit the families of students attending the school. Headmaster Frank Rydwansky said the new scholarship fund will enable the school to continue extending financial assistance to students and their families, while also keeping the school's finances on solid footing.

The school presently distributes substantial financial aid to students and is seeking to expand its base of support by creating "Families Helping Families." Questions? Call 508-761-5552 or go to dayspringag.org.

Learn yoga, belly

dancing in Foxboro

FOXBORO - Weekly yoga and belly dancing classes are offered at Foxborough Universalist Church, 6 Bird St., with longtime belly dancer and certified Kundalini Yoga instructor Sumora/Devta Kaur. Classes for beginner and advanced beginner/intermediate belly dancers are offered Monday nights. Kundalini yoga and meditation class is offered Tuesday nights. E-mail ShimmyYogini@comcast.net or call 508-561-4229 for more information and to register.

Corned beef, cabbage

at Seekonk church

SEEKONK - A corned beef and cabbage dinner will be held on Saturday, March 14 between 5 and 7 p.m. in Woodworth Hall at the Seekonk Congregational Church, 600 Fall River Ave.

The public is invited and reservations are suggested, tickets available on Sunday's during coffee hour or you may call the church office at 508-336-9355 or Donna Euell at 508-336-5283.

Walk-ins are welcome and take-out is available. The Irish atmosphere will enhance the flavor of corned beef, cabbage, onions, potatoes, carrots, chourico, rolls and butter and beverages. Dessert will be ice cream and homemade cookies. Tickets are $10 for adults, $4 for children 5-12 and free for children under 4.

Church reaches out

to unemployed residents

NORTON - Trinitarian Congregational Church has formed a new group to provide a place to meet for persons recently unemployed or people seeking a better job.

The group is open to all including employers seeking employees. This is an open environment to share and exchange employment info, learn and practice interview techniques, resume reviews, networking and general support for people seeking employment in these difficult times. The group meets each week from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesdays. For information, call Bill Lippincott at 508-285-5418.

Brockton temple

to hold bingo

BROCKTON - Temple Beth Emunah, 479 Torrey St, at the corner of Pearl Street in Brockton, will hold bingo on every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. This is a $100-plus bingo with no prize less then $100. Free snacks and drinks are available along with soda and fresh hot and cold food for sale.

For more information call 508-583-5810. Information and coupons on the web at tbebingo.com.

Easton temple

seeking crafters

EASTON - Temple Israel South Shore is seeking crafters for its indoor craft fair to be held at The Knights of Columbus Hall, 375 Foundry St., South Easton, on Sunday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The vendor charge for 6-foot tables is $35 and is $40 for an 8-foot table. Save $5 if booked by by March 1. Call Marcia at 508-238-4987 or Harriet at 508-586-5689 for more information.

Celebrate Purim

in Easton in March

EASTON - Purim will be celebrated at Temple Israel South Shore in North Easton the weekend of March 6-8. There will be a family Sabbath evening service at 7 p.m. Friday March 6 when people are encouraged to wear silly hats.

Then, at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 8, Purim will be marked with an event at which costumes are encouraged. The Reform synagogue holds services in the Unity Church (Unitarian), 9 Main St. North Easton.

Canton temple plans

party for Purim

CANTON - The Brotherhood of Temple Beth David of the South Shore will host its annual Purim Carnival on from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Mach 8. Admission is $7 per child from kindergarten through grade 7, $5 per child under kindergarten age and no charge for adult or babies, if accompanied by an older child.

Refreshments will be sold. The temple is at 1060 Randolph St. in Canton.

Brockton temple

sets flea market

BROCKTON - Temple Beth Emunah, 479 Torrey St., at the corner of Pearl Street, will hold its Spring Flea Market and Craft Show Sunday, March 15 and 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be more than 75 dealer tables and refreshments and admission is 50 cents. For information and directions call 583-5810 or go to templebethemunah.org.