ORANGE — A newly formed group, called Interfaith Neighbors Connecting, or I.N.C., for short, began meeting in November 2015. This group was established to meet the void once filled by the Clergy Association. This group is comprised of one lay leader and/or one member of the congregation from each participating church. Churches currently participating include Bethany Lutheran, Central Congregational, Community Church of No. Orange and Tully, Mission Covenant, Orange United Methodist and the Universalist Church.

I.N.C.’s mission statement is as follows: Work collaboratively as a faith community in Orange, welcoming all faiths to participate, as we love and support our neighbors and serve the community.

In keeping with our mission statement, we invite you to come and meet your neighbors and enjoy all the natural resources and beauty we have in this community.

Meetings are held on the first Saturday of the month, 9 a.m., at Workers Credit Union in Orange.

Other churches that would be interested in participating in I.N.C. are very welcome to attend. If you have questions you may contact Mercedes Clingerman at mclinghunt@gmail.com or 978-544-5713 or Luanne Lyman at otlulu5@hotmail.com or 978-544-2338.

Next event: Spring cleanup, April 23

As a faith community, we understand that we are called to be good stewards of all that we have. During the month of April, Earth Day is celebrated. I.N.C. has chosen to partner with the Orange DPW and Josh Knechtel, Interim Superintendent of Public Works, to work on spring clean up. What better way to be good stewards?

Here are the tentative details of our first planned community-based activity. All residents are welcome to participate and bring the whole family! Watch for updates.

8:30 a.m. North Orange Church — breakfast

9 to 11:30 a.m. — Work project at Moore-Leland Library, 172 Athol Rd. N. Orange

Noon to 1 p.m. — Lunch at Methodist Church (food and drink provided by churches)

1 to 3 p.m. — Work projects partnering w/DPW at Memorial Park, Butterfield Park in downtown Orange

3 p.m. — Closing program

Contact Mercedes or Luanne at the above information or Josh Knechtel at 978-544-1111, if you or your group would like to participate.