9:30 a.m.: Adult Education (childcare provided)

-Adult Bible Study: We have begun a new study of the Wisdom Literature in the Bible. All are welcome to come and learn about these intriguing books of the Bible. For the last two weeks of class, we will be looking at Ecclesiastes. Led by Beth Loughhead, the class meets in the Mary Kuell Room (downstairs).

-Faith Journey: Led by Kent Harrop and Gloria Stoneham. We will explore what Jesus teaches about

developing a meaningful, balanced life of prayer and reflect on our own experience with prayer...what works, what doesn't. New participants welcome! We meet in the staff conference room (main floor).

-Mae Patten: Led by Andrea Stackpole, this class studies the Scripture and other books, and discusses how it applies to our lives. We meet in the lounge.

11:00 a.m.: Worship (childcare provided)

Now More Than Ever: Hallelujah!

Psalm 113-118

Rev. Beth Loughhead, preaching

Communion will be celebrated and the fellowship offering,

which allows the church to support those most in need, will be taken. The Fellowship Fund needs your contributions! 

We will recognize and appreciate the long-term members of our voice and bell choirs during this Sunday service, as well as the children and youth choir members!

12:00 p.m.: Choir Recognition Reception

2:00 p.m.: SH Fellowship to Beverly Graduation

4:00 p.m.: Allagash Work Time

4:00 p.m. Welcome Class

Welcome class offers an opportunity for those new to FBC to learn more about the values that guide this congregation and meet some wonderful people. This class is also for those who may be considering becoming a member. Hosted by Kent Harrop . Child care provided. RSVP [email protected] .

in the family...

Andrea Stackpole shares news of the birth of a grandchild: Kiera Lane Stackpole, 7 lbs 1 oz. Andrea says Kiera loves to cuddle. Best wishes to her parents Gia and Christopher and siblings Clay and Anima.

Blood Drive

Friday, June 1 from 1:30-6:30 p.m.

We are partnering with the Beverly Rotary Club and the Red Cross to host this community blood drive. Please consider donating blood--it is much-needed! Save time at your appointment by signing up at  redcross.org/rapidpass  or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. You can also simply stop in . Thank you in advance for your support! Donating blood saves lives!

New Church Directory

The church has decided to return to a more traditional church directory this year, with photo sessions for members and friends to be scheduled around the time of Rally Day in mid-September. More details will follow over the summer. In the meantime, Karen Popadic has graciously agreed to head up a small committee of 3-5 people to make this happen. Anyone interested in serving on this committee should please contact Karen directly at  [email protected]  or 978-468-4126.

First Contemplative Paddle of the Season 

June 2 from 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Join Kent Harrop for a beautiful paddle on Chebacco Lake in Essex. We’ll gather at the lakeside cottage of Bob and Deb Blanchard . A limited number of kayaks, canoes, and flotation devices are available, or bring your own equipment. After a boat safety orientation, we’ll launch onto the water for a leisurely paddle. Great for novice or experienced paddlers. We’ll use the paddle as a meditative practice. We’re inspired by a line from the poet Wendell Berry, "For a time I rest on the quiet of the water and am free." RSVP to  [email protected].  Limited to the first nine who sign up. Watch the bulletin for additional paddles throughout the summer: ocean, Ipswich River and Chebacco Lake.  No fee. Invite a friend.

Our Summer worship schedule of a 10:00 a.m. service launches on Father's Day Sunday, June 17. This earlier slot is intended to encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the rest of the day to its fullest! Childcare will always be provided.

Pick-up choir will be offered periodically throughout the summer months, beginning in July. Stay tuned for updates regarding that schedule. We will also often have the pleasure of our music being led by the very talented John Denardo on the guitar.

Our summer office schedule will go into effect on Monday, June 18. The new hours will be Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

All-Church Baseball Outing

Tues. June 19 at 6:35 p.m.

Come watch the Lowell Spinners vs. The Staten Island Yankees with the FBC Men’s Fellowship in an all church baseball outing at LeLacheur Park in Lowell, MA. Each ticket order earns you an entry toward a raffle for two tickets to the Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on Mon. Sept. 24th! Tickets will be sold in the narthex before/after services. See  Brian Gregory,  Kent Harrop, or  John Thomson for further details.

Allagash Trip: June 22-July 7

Best of luck to our youth who will embark on a canoe trip down the historic Allagash River Waterway this month. As they join the legacy of sportsmen and women who have undergone this adventure, we pray they will find camaraderie with one another and that the immersion in nature will stir in them awe for God’s splendorous creation. (And, of course, we hope they have fun!) Julie Flowers is still seeking some volunteers to help with logistics of the trip to ensure it runs successfully and well - please email her if you are able to help!

A Walk With God Around The Common

Ellen Powers has written and donated a guide book offering a practical and inspiring way to looking for God in downtown Beverly. Ellen writes, "Bringing God to mind and heart in order to connect with our Creator takes practice. Take a short walk with God to get started." The guide book is found at a handy kiosk outside the church entrance on Cabot Street (beginning June 17), inviting you on a walk with seven stops. The total distance is 0.6 miles, beginning at the First Baptist steeple. Grab a guide book and take a walk with God! 

North American Baptist Peacemaker Summer Conference

July 2-7 2018 in Keuka Park, NY

This annual conference is for everyone who longs for the spirituality, inspiration, skills, knowledge, and community to support a life of peace rooted in justice. Peacemakers from throughout the world will come together for a week of inspiration and training that will empower our personal and corporate work for justice. Our time together will require that we be BRAVE! Financial incentive for first time attendees from FBC. If you are interested in creating a change, registration is now  open.