Weekly News - Week of 5-3-2026

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Week of May 3, 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

Farewell and God Bless...

Pastor Dr. Ian Holland's time as Senior Pastor came to a powerful and emotional conclusion on Sunday, May 3rd, with a jubilant worship service with Communion. The church was packed with community members, Ian's family, former interns, church staff, and many friends.

The choir provided some beautiful music for the day, with special guests Brittany Betts and Melissa Lugo. Lunch after the service was a beautiful time of fellowship and lots of hugs for our beloved Pastor Ian.

Thank you Pastor Ian, for 14.5 years of your love and care for the congregation in Swampscott. Our friendship and prayers will always be with you. Godspeed to you!

The Rev. Dr. Ian M. Holland served The First Church in Swampscott from 2011 to 2026.

Month of May preachers!

May 10 - Amanda Grant-Rose

May 17 - Amy Weston Kane

May 24 - Rev. Teri Motley

May 31 - Rev. Teri Motley

Rev. Teri Motley will be our bridge minister this summer, as the Transition Team seeks an Interim Minister. ---->

Rev. Teri brings 20 years of experience as a Settled Pastor, Intentional Interim, and Pastoral Supply. We look forward to welcoming her to the pulpit in Swampscott on Pentecost (May 24).

Sandwich making for Capuchin Mobile Ministries has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 21st at 9:30 am. Meeting in Clark hall. Questions? Please contact Jim Scofield

Coffee and Conversations will resume on May 10-17-24-31.

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