Chime Notes news & updates

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September 2025 | Issue 129


Upcoming Events


Sunday Worship this month

September 7 - 14 - 21 - 28



Homecoming and Communion Sunday

September 7

with the Blessing of Backpacks during our youth-led service

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 and YouTube.


Coffee hour is after worship, in Clarke Hall, with fans moving the air.


Many thanks to our team of ushers and coffee hour hosts.


Please let Janet Fischer know if you would like to be an usher or coffee host on an upcoming Sunday.

Coffee and Conversations

is run by lay leaders and is a time of discussion and reflection about the day's scripture.


During fall, winter and spring, we meet at 9:10 on non-Communion Sundays, and finish by 9:55.


Please join us for our first gathering on

Sunday, September 14th!


Origins of September


September's name comes from septem, the Latin word for seven. Although it’s the ninth month of the Gregorian calendar, it was originally the seventh month under the Roman calendar, which began with March.


Seasonal Oddities and Astronomical Facts


Because September is harvest season, it’s no stretch that its full moon, called the corn moon, was named by Native Americans after the late-summer reaping of the crop, notes the Old Farmer’s Almanac. When September’s full moon falls closest to the fall equinox, it is also called the harvest moon.

The fall equinox, which marks the start of autumn, occurs around September 22, when day and night hours are equal worldwide. It’s one of two days (the spring equinox being the other) when the sun is directly above the equator. 

credit: History of September



Youth Happenings!!


Middle and High School: 

In September, youth will be studying the Gospels of the New Testament, the radical presence of God among us, and the examples that Jesus sets for how we are meant to live in community.

Important upcoming dates: 

9/7- 3-5 pm MS and HS Youth Group at Clifton

9/12- 6-9 pm Friday Night Hangout at First Church!

9/14- Youth Group at Old North: 3-5 pm MS, 5:30-7:30 pm HS Youth Group


September Sunday School News:

September 7: Family Service with Blessing of Backpacks

September 14: Peace Sunday: Special story and Peace Postcards activity

September 21: we officially start our back to Sunday School year with Godly Play story of 'The Great Family' (Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac).

We welcome children with a prayer and song and settle in for our story by 10:10am. Around 10:25 we have our 'feast' (snack) and then move into 'response time,' using craft and other materials.

September 28: Godly Play story of 'Exodus.'


Childcare News:

A joyful welcome to Nate Johnson who is assisting Kelley with Childcare (and sometimes Sunday School)! Nate is starting his Junior year of high school and is smart, gentle, and kind-such a great combo for working with children!


Holiday Fair

November 22, 2025


Co-Chairs: Susan Buchanan and Sharon Thomas


We are meeting to get the ball rolling

on Sunday, September 21

in the library at 11:30 AM

Our Ministry Team


Senior Pastor: Rev. Ian Holland

Music Ministry: Patricia Clark

Community Ministers: Rev. Holly Brauner and Amanda Grant-Rose

Church Council



Chair: Clarke Orzalli

Clerk: Melissa Foye

Treasurer: David Foye

Members: Janet Fischer, Susan Hamilton,

Betty McNeil, Stephen Rose, Heidi Whear, Julia Wistran


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

Come join us!

This issue of Chime Notes has been prepared by Sharon Thomas.

Please reach out to me via email if you have suggestions for future editions!

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

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