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Week of August 31, 2026

 

Inspired, encouraging, serving and seeking… Together in life’s joys and challenges… Making a difference! 

If you would like to include any special announcements in this Weekly Email, please reach out to me in the Church Office via email at:

office@thefirstchurch.org


Thank You & God Bless,


Spencer Aguiar

Church Administrator

Blessing of the Backpacks


Sunday, September 6th

during the worship service


As the vibrant hues of summer begin to fade into the golden tones of autumn, September ushers in a time of renewal and opportunity for students returning to school. This season is not just a transition; it’s a celebration of fresh starts, filled with the sweet scent of new textbooks and the anticipation of friendships rekindled. The air buzzes with excitement as classrooms come alive with laughter and learning, and the promise of knowledge beckons like an open door. It's a time to embrace challenges, cultivate curiosity, and ignite passions that will shape futures. So, let’s rejoice in this season of blessings, where every new pencil sharpened and every page turned is a step toward dreams waiting to be realized!


Please join us on Sunday,

and bring a backpack or bag or briefcase

(in the event you are a Provost or something)!



A special blessing will be offered for the school year

for students of all levels,

their parents, teachers, coaches, and administrators.


Welcome Rev. Katie Cole


On Sunday, August 9, 2026,

First Church welcomed

Rev. Katie Cole

as our Interim Minister.

Rev. Katie will journey with us for the next year or more, until a new Settled Pastor is named. We are excited to have this NC native, and Boston resident, as our Interim Minister.

On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Sharon Thomas, Julia Wistran, Anna Wistran-Wolfe and Janet Fischer participated in Tedesco Country Club's

15th Annual Swing Fore Pink Golf Tournament.

The event raised money for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through Jimmy Fund Golf to the tune of $110,000!

Good luck and best wishes to all of our college students who are going to or returning to

school this fall.


The photo above shows Glinda, surrounded by pink luggage, as she arrives to Shiz University in the movie Wicked.

IMAGES above from Porchfest 2026 - held on Saturday, August 29

left - ONE, featuring Brittany Betts, Patty Clark, and Melissa Lugo

right - Jim Zartman

Announcing the

Women's Retreat


We will gather at the Nahant Village Church on Saturday, September 26th

from 10 am to 4 pm

for a special program! Details to follow!


This is a great opportunity for new women in the church, and for those who have been around a while.


We can promise interesting discussions, time for relaxation and reflection, great food, fun, and fellowship!


$25 donation to participate.


Email Holly here if you have questions



UPCOMING!


Homecoming 2026

Sunday, September 13th


Choir/Sunday School return

Start of the New Church Year


Special lunch afterwards with

quiches, calzones, and salads

from Periwinkles


Contributions of desserts and cold drinks are welcome!


How Can I support Immigrants with Time or Resources?

Updated 8/3/26

"I was a stranger and you invited me in." Matthew 25

Below are a variety of actions, vigils, protests, organizations, with a common goal of protecting and supporting immigrants.  



ECCO/Essex County Community Organization: https://www.eccoaction.org/  


LUCE Immigrant Justice Network of Massachusetts: https://www.lucemass.org/ 


La Collaborativa: https://la-colaborativa.org/ 



BIJAN/Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network: https://www.beyondbondboston.org/ 


LUCE Immigrant Hotline LUCEMass.org 

Call 617-370-5023 to bring in support if you think you see ICE in your area.




Al-Anon is an organization that offers experience, strength and hope to families who are

struggling with alcoholism and addiction. It is a very safe place to share the challenges of

difficult family situations. We at Al-Anon are very grateful to the First Church of Swampscott which has offered us space to hold our meetings, as below:


Tuesday nights at 7:30

Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in the library

Thursdays at noon in the library


Please join us! For more information, please email Jodie or Laurie. Thanks.

 
The First Church in Swampscott UCC |
SWAMPSCOTT, MASSACHUSETTS
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