The Mattapoisett Congregational Church’s Coming Home Community Series will take place while Rev. Amy Lignitz-Harken is on sabbatical through the beginning of November. This is a special time of renewal for the minister and her family and a time for the congregation as to explore the community: the history, the land and the church’s role as the heartbeat of the town with a focus on the interests of current and future generations.

Mattapoisett Congregational Church’s purpose: “We invite the entire community to join us in a variety of free activities intended to re-discover our shared heritage.”

The church will hold a sabbatical send-off service for Lignitz-Harken and her family on July 24 at 9 a.m. for the sabbatical send-off service at the church, 27 Church St. A light brunch will be served in Reynard Hall immediately following the service. All are welcomed to attend.

Other events on the Coming Home theme are planned throughout the sabbatical:

July and August

Home Scoop Series

All ages are invited to these free, family-friendly events on the church lawn, Wednesdays, 5 to 7 p.m. There will be ice cream, entertainment and fellowship. Bring a picnic.

July 27 - Old-fashioned games and stories with the Mattapoisett Historical Society.

Aug. 3 - Storytelling and song: An engaging and artful way to hear Bible stories by the Rev. Bert Marshall, a lifelong storyteller, musician and songwriter.

Aug. 10 - Storytelling: Sharing God’s word through creative parable skits by H.O.P.E. Youth Puppet Ministry from Norwell Congregational Church.

Nature walk

Aug 20 - Nature Walk, Grace Pond and Preserve (located at the end of Bowman Road), co-hosted by the Mattapoisett Land Trust. Walk a mile on easy trails. Bring water, bug spray, camera, shoes or boots and wear long pants. Meet at the Barstow Street church parking lot at 2:15 p.m. Walk from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. This is a free event.

September

Sept. 11 - Homecoming annual celebration by the sea. All are invited to 10 a.m. worship at Ned’s Point with a special homecoming message from Rev. Don Remick, associate conference minister of the United Church of Christ, Massachusetts Conference. Music will be by the Bob Williamson Brass Ensemble. A cookout will follow. This event is free.

Afternoon community lecture at 5 p.m Reynard Hall. Rev. Remick will discuss the historic role of churches today and in the future at this free lecture.

Sept. 22 - Opiate abuse and prevention community outreach presentation. All community members are invited to learn about opiate addiction and how to fight this growing problem. Physicians and Nurses to Prevent Opiate Abuse will present at 7 p.m. in Reynard Hall. This is a free event, but registration is required requested.

Sept. 24 - Nature walk at Munn Preserve (adjacent to Antassawamock). This event is co-hosted by the Mattapoisett Land Trust. This is a moderately difficult  2 to 3 mile walk on gravel or dirt trails, ending at Brandt Island Cove. Wear long pants, bring water, bug spray, a camera, sturdy shoes or boots. Meet at the Barstow Street church parking lot at 2 p.m. The walk will be from 2:15 to 4:30 p.m. and is free.

October Events

Oct. 1 - “Coming Home to Self” community workshop. Everyone wants to ”follow their bliss” or “discover their life purpose.” Even for those without a faith tradition, this is a spiritual journey and an exploration inward. This free workshop will help participants re-discover what “makes your heart sing and your spirit soar.”Rev. Cynthia Good, a spiritual director, retreat leader, mother, kayaker and Mattapoisett resident, will lead this workshop at Reynard Hall. The time is to be determined. Registration is required.

Oct. 9 - Missions Sunday worship will pulpit guest the Rev. June Cooper, executive director of the City Mission Boston. Rev. Cooper will speak in the sanctuary at 10 a.m., followed by a reception and missions fair, with representatives from church-supported organizations.

Oct. 25 - “Going Home to God” - “What if” community workshop will be led by Gwen W. Morgan from 6 to 7 p.m. in Reynard Hall. Morgan has been involved with the elderly and hospice for many years, thus seeing the importance of being organized about personal affairs. The free presentation focuses on the issue of accountability and how to put one’s personal affairs and final wishes for those who may be affected by life changes. Registration is requested.

November

Nov. 13 -Rev. Amy and her husband Bruce return for the 10 a.m. worship service followed by a light brunch.

Nov. 19 - All church post-sabbatical workshop. The workshop is the time to explore what the congregation learned during the three months of “Coming Home to Church.” Topics to be discussed include: Lessons that can be carried into the future, ways to keep the momentum and ways to be more responsive to the community and what that would take. The time, location and facilitator is still to be determined.

To register for community workshops email mattcong@verizon.net or call 508-758-2671.