Our Latest News and Activities


Sunday, January 1, 2023

First Sunday After Christmas


Please join us for worship at 10 am in our Sanctuary.

There will be ONE service this week.

Rev. Don Remick will be preaching.


Scripture Lesson:

Isaiah 63:7-9

Rev. Don Remick's sermon: ".....Reflection"

Please click here to view the 10am bulletin.

Pastor's Ponderings

Rev. Don Remick


IN BETWEEN


This moment we are in is In Between. 

We are past Advent and into Christmas season (though many might consider this past Christmas). New Year’s and Epiphany lay ahead. This time is claimed as an In Between time.  We look back to the events of the past year and perhaps beyond. We look ahead to the coming year and perhaps beyond. We tend to be reflective: to ponder on what has been and what might be. Yet, spiritual wisdom from every tradition calls to something else. 


I’ve loved the music and insights of Carrie Newcomer. Coming from the Quaker tradition there is so much mystical and grounded wisdom in her lyrics and poetry.  In particular I invite you to view this one:

Click here.

     

There are lessons that can be learned, claimed and integrated from the past. There is some value in trying to map alternatives strategies for the road ahead. But the depth of spiritual wisdom in the In Between time is learning to sit with not knowing. 


We’re not very good at that. 

We could be. 

Listen to the song again. 

Sit with the words and insights. 

Let God’s spirit speak to you.

See how it shapes In Between time.

In truth In Between is the only real time.  

Children's Faith Formation

Karen Kilty, Director of Children's Ministries


We will not have Children’s Church or Child Care this Sunday January 1st, we look forward to being together in the New Year!

Nativity Display Sunday January 8th


Wait!


Before you put away your nativity scene, consider bringing yours to place in the Nativity display on Sunday Jan 8th in the Parish Hall during coffee hour. This is a wonderful opportunity to share some of the unique treasures which reflect the sacredness of the Christmas story in our homes.

 

Tables will be set up in the Parish Hall for you to place your nativity set. if you would like additional information please contact Karen kwkilty@gmail.com or 978-335-6244

Tour of Fisk Organ Factory, Gloucester, MA

Thursday, January 19 3pm


Learn all there is to know about building organs from a master's legacy, close to home.


Charles Brenton Fisk (1925-1983) was the first American organ builder to build significant tracker organs in the 20th century. His study of early American and European instruments led him to return to mechanical action, and to set a new course for American organ building. He modeled his shop on collaborative enterprise, launching the careers of four other North American organ builders and providing the foundation for those who carry on the company he founded.


Michael Kraft, President of the company, and the organist/pianist for our Festival Chorus concerts will lead us on this tour. He is a Salem resident and the Music Director and Organist at First Church in Salem, UU.


Please rsvp to Judy Conner, jbc2274@yahoo.com or 617-797-2762, so that we know how many people will be attending. If it is necessary to limit the group, the first to rsvp will be honored. Supervised children are welcome. The tour is free, but we are requesting a small donation as a thank you to Michael. The address is 21 Kondelin Rd. Gloucester.


Help Us Help Our Environment


We have heard this quote for decades: “The Earth does not belong to us: we belong to the Earth.” Chief Seattle.  And what happens to the earth happens to us as well as by us.  We are hoping to be part of the change.  

 

In January we will be holding a gathering of those folks who are interested in working to care for God’s Creation; starting right here in our community and homes. Specifically we will be exploring becoming a Green Congregation (for more info go to our Conference’s website: 

https://www.sneucc.org/environmental-ministries )    

 

Given the steep rise in fuel and electric costs this year we are interested in finding ways to help our congregation and community reduce their use.  

 

Additionally, we are interested in exploring collaboration and partnership with other green team groups among our interfaith siblings and within our town.  

 

Keep an eye on future church emails for specifics on date in time. In the meantime, if you are interested please let our office know so we can be sure to get word out to you. 

Winter Parking at Old North


We have a limited number of spaces available for winter season overnight parking (Dec 1-Apr 30) or for declared Snow Emergencies only parking in the church parking lot. Overnight and snow emergency parking without a valid permit may result in your car being towed from our lot. This year, we are offering a winter season permit, which allows for overnight parking (including snow emergencies) for $650. Alternatively, we are offering a Snow Emergency Only pass for $200 for the season. We are not able to offer passes for individual storms or short-term overnight stays.  If you or anyone that you know may be interested in either option, please email Lisa in the church office at office@onchurch.org.

Give to Old North While Shopping

Use smile.amazon.com when shopping at Amazon and 0.5% of your spending amount will be donated to our church (subscription and digital purchases are excluded). Instead of going directly to www.amazon.com, go to smile.amazon.com and login with your normal User Name and Password. Make sure that you confirm First Church of Christ in Marblehead as your selected charity. If not, enter “First Church of Christ in Marblehead” in the text box and click “search” then confirm your selection. You will only have to do this once – your selection will be saved with your account. Easy! To use Amazon Smile on your iOS or Android Amazon app, open the app and then open the Main Menu. Scroll down to Settings and tap on Amazon Smile. Follow the onscreen instructions to turn on donations from orders placed on your phone.

Holiday Hours

The church office is closed from Thursday, December 28 until Wednesday, January 4. If you have an emergency outside of office hours, please send an email to office@onchurch.org.

Contact Us: 781-631-1244
Email: office@onchurch.org

Church Address: 35 Washington St., Marblehead, MA 01945
Mailing Address: 8 Stacey St. Marblehead, MA 01945