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Week of April 26, 2026

 

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

If you want 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

 

Saying goodbye and God Bless...


Sunday, May 3 is going to be a busy and an emotional day here at the church, as Pastor Ian leads his final worship service. We are expecting a big crowd, and will provide extra ushers and communion servers.


Please note, there is a road race in the monument area that morning, so there will be extra cars parked around the church. Please carpool if you are able, and we will try to restrict the lot behind the church for church attendees.


For the collation afterwards, some quiche and calzones will be provided from Periwinkles, but please bring a dessert to share, if you are able. We will break bread together with Pastor Ian and Pam one final time, and celebrate with and console each other at this tender time.

The Rev. Dr. Ian M. Holland served The First Church in Swampscott from 2012 to 2026.

Forever loved and missed!


There are 2 books on the ‘Opportunities Table’ outside of Clarke Hall. Please take a moment to write a note to Pastor Ian & Pam, if you’d like. The books, and a basket for cards, will be there through the collation/lunch following the worship service on Sunday, May 3rd.

Missions meeting on Monday, April 27 at 7:30 in the Library.  Let Sharon Thomas or Sue Burgess know if you want the Zoom link emailed to you.  On the agenda: we will decide which charities will receive First Church funds for the end of our fiscal year. We will also decide how to support LUCE and immigrants in our communities. All are welcome for this meeting.

 sandwich making canceled for May 6th, rescheduled for May 21st at 9:30 am. Meeting in Clark hall. Thanks, Jim

From Patty Clark, Director of Music Ministries,


For many years now, I've been honored to sing with Cantemus, a chamber chorus, known for its exciting performances of eclectic and thought-provoking repertoire. Our upcoming spring concerts WILL BE DIFFERENT! We will be singing a program of American standards - pop tunes old and new - from the swing era to more contemporary classics, and we'll be sharing the stage with the amazing pop/jazz vocalist, Miranda Russell.  This concert will be light, it will be FUN, and you won't want to miss it! (This would be the perfect concert to invite friends who are on the fence about choral music!) I encourage you to check out the Manchester concert, performed on the beautiful stage of Manchester-Essex High School. (Be sure to order your tickets soon! And tell them Patty Clark sent you!)

Please join St. Andrew's Young Adults for our inaugural Dinner Church! We will come together for a meal, a short prayer service, and fellowship. Please email Jess at jess@standrewsmhd.org if you plan to come so that she can plan for enough food. We hope to see everyone there!


Coffee and Conversations will resume on May 10th.

We welcome NEW and familiar faces. We meet 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.

 
The First Church in Swampscott UCC |
SWAMPSCOTT, MASSACHUSETTS
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