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Week of June 14, 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

At the Annual Meeting on June 14, three Council members ended their service after an extended tenure. We send our thanks and appreciation to Heidi Whear, Clarke Orzalli, and Susan Hamilton. Don't they look happy!

And three new Council members were voted in! Welcome to Katie Day, Rebecca Kinchley, and Andrew Steingiser. They also look happy!! Thanks for saying YES to the Council.

Month of June preachers!

June 7 - Rev. Teri Motley

June 14 - Rev. Holly Brauner

June 21 - Rev. Teri Motley

June 28 - Rev. Teri Motley


Rev. Teri Motley is pictured below with Community Ministers Amanda Grant Rose and Holly Brauner. Rev. Teri will be our bridge minister this summer, as the Transition Team seeks an Interim Minister.

Dear Good People of First Church,


On behalf of the Sawyer Clan, I wanted to thank you, deeply, for all the kind words, thoughts, cards and condolences that we have received regarding the passing of our (favorite) matriarch, Joan B Sawyer.


It has been so clear for such a long time that you have all loved Joan, as much as she loved this Church. What a partnership it was for so many years! From a young mom raising our family in a house of faith, to a woman on a tireless mission to make the world a better place with the help of so many of you, Mom was a force. 


Sometimes quiet, sometimes a bit frustrated in seeing others suffer, sometimes a bit sassy with the slow pace of "church world", Mom was so dedicated to causes that helped her "neighbor" in good church fashion. 


The Celebration of Joan's life was truly a celebration! We had a good crowd gathered for this woman who loved a "crowded table". And as many of you commented at the service, Joan was surely with us, smiling down as she listened to us tell stories of her life and adventures.  


While we will surely miss Mom, we will forever be so thankful for her life with us. And thankful for the love and support of her church family for all this time. 


In appreciation for each of you,


Holly Sawyer Brauner 

(on behalf of the Sawyer clan)


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 Organizationhttps://www.eccoaction.org/  

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

La Collaborativahttps://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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