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Week of October 19, 2025

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

Dear Church,

An Invitation to a Blessing of the Animals

Recently, at our sister church -The First Church in Nashua, NH, Rev. Nancy Haynes wrote about their service of Blessing:

"A special outdoor service in celebration of all God’s creatures, especially those near and dear to us as our pets. Bring your feathered, fleecy, or furry friends (or photo or stuffed animal!) to a blessing service.

We welcome all well behaved animals that are in their crates and/or on leashes. There will be a brief welcome and liturgy and then blessing will commence. This is a wonderful way to remind children of all ages that all of God’s creatures are blessed and loved. Photos of pets who are either not so portable or no longer living will also be blessed, and any special toy animals are welcomed, too! This custom is held in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and ecology (whose remembrance day is in early October) and his love for all creatures. St. Francis wrote the “Canticle of the Creatures”, an ode to God’s living things: “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.”

Many centuries after St. Francis, our pets provide companionship, share our joys and sorrows, and teach us in many ways about the gift of love."

I could not have said it better!  

We will offer a parallel service on Saturday Oct. 25 at 11am on our front lawn, weather permitting.

or indoors in the Hall.

All Souls' Day

On November 2nd we will observe All Souls' Day in the Sanctuary. All Souls' Day is a day of prayer and remembrance for the faithful departed. Please send Pastor Ian the name and if you'd like, a photo of someone you wish to have remembered and honored on this day during the service.

"Writing Your Own Obituary - a 2-part workshop series, October 19th and 26th, at 11:30, just after worship. Led by Rev. Holly. Get your coffee and a munchie and join us for a lively exploration of this seemingly daunting task. 

How do you want to be remembered? What might you say better than anyone else about your life and all that you did and saw? What if you had the last word?  You can! Put in your own words who you are and while you are at it, examine what this might tell you about your values and goals for the years to come. 

Questions: reach out to Rev. Holly at hsbrauner@gmail.com. 

Sunday School News:

Hi Church Family! So many of you have come to me and expressed your delight at seeing our church children bringing their liveliness to Monument Ave. We feel so blessed to see our program growing as we have three more children who have joined us...YAY!

Many thanks to you all for your continued support and encouragement. And a special thank-you to Kelly Bourgeois, who leads our nursery care room with such gentle fun and caring.

Coffee and Conversations is BACK on all Sunday's, except Communion Sundays. We look forward to seeing NEW and familiar faces. Meeting at 9:10 am in the library. C&C is a time to connect with others in the church, and preview and unpack the scripture reading of the day.

SAVE THE DATE!!!

November 22, 2025

177^th Annual Let It Snow Fair

Susan Buchanan and Sharon Thomas are this year's

Holiday Fair Co-Chairs!

 Many, many Volunteers are needed

There are numerous ways and options (with varying time commitments) to contribute to the success of the Fair

All Ideas are Welcome

There will be a Fair Representative at the "Fair Table"

in Clarke Hall after Sunday services to

answer all of your questions and to sign up volunteers!

Upcoming Fair Meetings are scheduled for

October 12th and November 9th

Proceeds from the fair support the Annual Budget of the Church. This is also a great time of Community Outreach!

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 Swampscott

40 Monument Avenue

Swampscott, MA 01907

Senior Pastor: The Rev. Ian Holland

Director of Music Ministries: Patricia Clark

Church Council 2024-2025

Chair: Clarke Orzalli

Clerk: Melissa Foye

Treasurer: David Foye

Members: Janet Fischer, Melissa Foye, Susan Hamilton, Betty McNeil,

Stephen Rose, Heidi Whear, and Julia Wistran