FAITH
Jewish Holy Days to be celebrated

The Jewish New Year is approaching. Congregation Agudat Achim, located at 268 Washington St., Leominster, invites Jews to reconnect and renew during the High Holy Day season. The contemporary, friendly, family-oriented Conservative Synagogue serves Leominster, Fitchburg and the surrounding communities.

Preparation for the High Holy Days begins with the Selichot service and movie on Saturday, Sept. 8, at 8 p.m. Kever Avot will be held at the Fitchburg Jewish Cemetery on Sunday, Sept. 9, at 11 a.m.

Rosh HaShanah services will be held Sept. 12, 13 and 14; Shabbat Shuva services Sept. 14 and 15; Kol Nidre services Sept. 21; and Yom Kippur Services on Sept. 22.

Please call the Synagogue office at (978) 534-6121, or e-mail rachelchana@verizon. net for a complete schedule of High Holy Days services.

Wishing all L'Shana Tova.

New minister at Gardner church

The Unitarian Universalist Society of Gardner welcomes the Rev. John G. Pastor, Jr. as their new minister.

Pastor arrives at the UUSG after serving Unitarian Universalist Congregations in Athol, Weymouth, and Petersham. He graduated with academic honors from Andover Newton Theological School where he was actively involved in the Center for Faith, Health, and Spirituality and the Reiki Ministry.

During his tenure at seminary he completed a one-year, full-time, chaplain residency at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston. He is currently serving on the Board of Directors of the UU Mass. Action Network. Formerly he served on the Board of the Clara Barton District of UU Congregations. He lives in Petersham with his spouse, Robert C. W. Hall, Jr.

Pastor's ministry commenced on Aug. 1 and he will officiate at his first worship service on Sunday, Sept. 9.

The church is located at 66

Elm Street. Services are held

Sundays at 10 a.m. Religious education programs are offered; childcare is available. All are welcome. For more information call (978) 632-0222 or visit the church Web site at http://www.uusg.net.