If You Have Trouble Viewing this Email, Click Here to View in Browser

If You Wish to be Added to Our Email List, please email: office@thefirstchurch.org to become a recipient (averages 2-3 emails per week)

Week of February 22, 2026

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

Dear Church,

Due to the extreme snow and wind conditions, help is requested to shovel the sidewalks and entrances to First Church from any who are able and can safely assist with this project.  We will meet at First Church on Tuesday (Feb. 24) at 1:00 PM.  Dress warm and bring a shovel!  The White family is working heroically to plow the front drive and rear parking lot, but help is needed for the other areas.  

You can reach out to Jim Scofield (781 710-3483) with any questions.

Pastor Ian will be away on Sundays February 15/22 visiting family. We are thankful for our community ministers as well as our church council and Stephen Ministers for their leadership and support while Ian is away.

Lent began this past week, with Ash Wednesday on Wed. February 18. Community Ministers Holly Brauner and Amanda Grant-Rose offered ashes in the driveway of the church at noon that day. There was a service at 7 pm in the sanctuary.

On Sunday, February 22, Rev. June Cooper was our guest preacher.

This year will mark our 38th year of this great event!

Coffee and Conversations takes place 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.

How Can I support Immigrants with Time or Resources?

Updated 2/16/26

"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.