Chime Notes - November 2023

Chime Notes news & updates

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November 2023 | Issue 108

Upcoming Events

Sunday Worship

November 5-12-19-26

Next Communion Sunday

December 3, 10 AM

Upcoming - Advent Dates

more info to come!

Christmas Eve

Sunday, December 24

Christmas

Monday, December 25

In person Worship - we are now MASK OPTIONAL!

In addition to our in person worship, we will continue to use ZOOM to broadcast the 10 AM Sunday Worship Service, which is also streamed to Facebook Live.

Coffee hour is back in Clarke Hall with fans moving the air, with great thanks to our team of ushers and coffee hour hosts.

Thank You,

First Church 11/20

Blood DONORS!

Thank-you to everyone who turned out to donate or support our first Red Cross Blood Drive! From Tony Borelli (Account Manager - Donor Recruitment American Red Cross Blood Services) on Monday, November 20.

“Just a quick note of appreciation for all the effort you put forth in helping make Monday's drive a success. Feedback from both our donors and staff was all positive.They enjoyed the location, coffee and tasty sweets you provided. 🙂

The drive had 23 presenting donors with 0 deferrals and 25 units collected. Just as impressive was the number of first-time donors of 7! Congrats as you beat our goal set of 23 units!!!!

Your work and the work of your church community will go a long way at helping replenish our blood supply. I look forward to partnering with in the near future on another lifesaving blood event.”

Shows of Support for Israel

coordinated by Siobhan McDonald

Members of First Church got to enjoy two Shabbat Services at Temple Emanuel in Marblehead recently. We reached out as a show of support and the interim Rabbi, Darryl Crystal, graciously invited us to services. Many thanks to those who attended!

Rabbi Crystal is also an expert in and restorer of Torah scrolls. After the Nov. 10th service he took out two of those precious scrolls and spent 45 minutes with us, looking at them, talking about them, and sharing his knowledge with us. See photo below with Rabbi Crystal, Pastor Ian and Dario Puerto.

The service itself was so powerful and sweet and musical and then to have that experience...as Pastor Ian said, "...was a very beautiful and meaningful experience for me. Very moving.... and I very much appreciate Rabbi Darryl and his congregation.It was personal and connectional, and a joy to be with the Rabbi as he shared his profound passion for the Torah scrolls. A precious and unique experience."

Peace,

Siobhan

Sarah receives her socks.

Ready for the blood drive!

Siobhan and Dale - YAY!

^ scenes from 11/20 blood drive ^

and from the 2023 Snow Fair below

Our 175th church fair on Saturday, November 18th was a rousing success, with old friends greeted and new friends made.

The hall was abuzz with the sounds and excitement of busy workers and shoppers.

Thanks to all who worked so hard for many months to bring us to the finish line on a soggy (but snow-less) Saturday, especially Donna, Karen, and Susan!

All the usual tables were in place, from White Elephant to Jewelry to Christmas Tree to Le Bistro, with old friends from NH showing up to work at the bake table, and our youth serving breakfast and hot drinks to workers and shoppers alike.

The Silent Auction was a good time as always.

If you want to hear more about the "true meaning" of the Fair, please listen to Pastor Ian's sermon on Sunday, November 19. It really does capture it all.

Another service to watch (on FB or YouTube) is the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, also on 11/19. The community turned out to express thanks, and to consider the themes of Thanksgiving, with great participation from local clergy, scouts, and a huge interfaith choir, led by Patty.

Sunday morning Coffee and Conversation

This group has resumed meeting in the Library on non-Communion Sundays. Each week, a member of the group will lead a discussion of spiritual topics, and how the words and stories of the Bible can inform and influence modern day issues. We begin at 9:10 am. During November, we will meet on 11/12, 11/19, and 11/26.

We are back doing the work of the church, from weekly worship to meetings to activities! Come join us!

The First Church in Swampscott (MA) | [Website]