Farm Fresh Faith
begins June 30th
|
As in the past, First Church will offer a Summer Sunday School*, for 7 Sundays from June 30 to August 25. This summer we will explore the stories of Joseph, while enjoying a Farm Theme....will be a lot of FUN! Geared to youth from ages 5-12 years, though all are welcome (held in Clarke Hall after the passing of the peace). The Summer Sunday School is not held on Communion Sundays, which are the first Sunday of the month (7/7 & 8/4).
|
|
Saturday, 6/1, Build a Bed
Sunday, 6/2, Rise and Shine Breakfast, Communion Sunday
Saturday, 6/8 Wing Masters bird show
Sunday, 6/9, ANNUAL MEETING
Saturday 6/15, $1 Yard Sale
Sunday 6/23, Young's 40th anniversary
Sunday, 6/30, Farm Fresh Faith KICKOFF *
* Sessions include a bible story, games, crafts, and a snack. This year, Julia Serino will lead the Sunday School, assisted by parents and older youth.
|
|
|
|
$1 Dollar Yard Sale on Saturday
|
This is your annual opportunity to look around your house, and purge items that will be sold for one dollar (at our dollar yard sale). The sale will take place from 8 am to noon on Saturday, June 15th. We will be setting up on Friday, June 14th at 4 PM in Clarke Hall, so anyone who wants to help is welcome then. Donations of clothes, housewares, sporting goods, books, etc. are all welcomed. THANK YOU!
|
|
|
|
HOLLY Graduates from BU with Masters of Divinity
|
Such a joyous celebration took place on May 19th, following Holly's graduation from BU School of Theology the previous day. The newly minted "master" preached an excellent sermon, diving right into the deep end (Revelations 21)!
Following the service, and after the heavy rains had pushed off, there was a party at the home of Holly's sister Heidi (and Bruce), to cap off this huge accomplishment. Holly's previous career was in social work.
|
|
Holly's immediate future plans include another year of interning at Tabernacle in Salem, including participation in the November 2019 mission trip to Guatemala, and a Summer 2019 internship at Beverly Hospital. See the bottom of the page for a note from Holly, and directly below for more 2019 graduates!
|
|
MORE GRADUATES, Class of 2019
|
We salute the accomplishments of these outstanding young people:
HIGH SCHOOL
Anna Kahler, Melrose High School,
will attend University of the Arts (PA)
Jennifer Kahler, Melrose High School,
will attend Drew University (NJ)
Elizabeth Leggett, Marblehead High School, plans TBD
Kenny Moore, Lynn Tech, will attend Worcester State University
COLLEGE
Mileah Duntley, University of New Hampshire
|
|
|
|
|
Celebrate with Roy and Eileen
|
Roy and Eileen Young wish to invite all our church family to a special celebration on Sunday June 23rd at the 10 am service. This is to commemorate their 40th wedding anniversary. The service will be followed by a luncheon in Clarke Hall by Dario; to which all are invited. NO gifts or cards requested, please!
|
|
Dario is biking for MS on June 29-30
|
Dario Puerto is riding in Bike MS: Cape Cod Getaway at the end of June, as part of Team Gourmet Garden. This is his 4th MS ride, to raise funds for research on multiple sclerosis. Dario's ride is approximately 150 miles, taking place over two days! If you wish to contribute to his goal of $2500, you will find a link below.
|
|
|
|
|
Orzallis run to Home Base at Fenway Park on 7/27
|
Clarke, Dale (aka Joanne), Sarah and Ian Orzalli will be participating in the Run to Home Base event at Fenway Park in late July. this event raises funds for clinical care for veterans, service members. and their families.
At the link below, you will find the team page, should you wish to support your favorite Orzalli in this endeavor!
|
|
|
|
A NOTE FROM HOLLY BRAUNER
|
|
Dear First Church family, Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, for all that you have done to support me over the last few years while I was deep in theological studies, deep in discernment of what God is calling me to be. Special thanks to my Discernment Team: Ann, Bill, Jack, Rebecca, Michelle, Karen, and of course, Pastor Ian. I have missed worshiping with you this past year, so it was extra special to be able to be with you this past Sunday. Thank you for your enthusiasm, your hugs, your warm welcome that continues through the years. And for your encouragement and curiosity about my next steps now that I have my degree.
While I have missed worshiping at First Church, I have so enjoyed this past year serving as student minister Tabernacle Church in Salem. I had so much fun that I am going back there for second year! I still have much to learn and Rev Joe is a great teacher. And, Tabernacle is full of good folks all working, like you, in Jesus' name, to make the world a little brighter.
The United Church of Christ, with which we are in covenant, works hard to ensure that all its pastors are well informed and well formed for the work of ministry. So, I still have work to do. I will be at Beverly Hospital this summer for a UCC required chaplaincy internship. I also need to write a theology paper - about God, Trinity, Baptism, the Lord's Supper . . . putting down into words my beliefs about these Humongous pivotal faith considerations. Finally, as my home church, you will get a chance to have a say about my abilities to take on the role of authorized, ordained minister - in a meeting with a funny name: the
Ecclesiastical Council
, which will happen some time in the next 18 months, if all goes according to (my) plan. As good followers of plans . . . we know of God's sense of timing and humor. I remain open to surprises and things I did not plan. In the Spirit of that openness, your continued prayers would be most appreciated.
Thanks again and May God bless all of you at First Church,
Holly B.
|
|
The First Church in Swampscott, United Church of Christ
Established in 1846
Rev. Ian Holland, Senior Pastor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
