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Week of August 24, 2026

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

GRATITUDE: Negro Spirituals

A discussion and planning session: Sunday, August 30, 11:30 AM



● How might we might address the injustices, inequities, and violence

surrounding the origins of Negro spirituals in slavery?

● Is it possible to repair the harms that have been perpetrated in the past

against the creators of this music?

● Do we respond to this difficult history out of a sense of responsibility or out of guilt?

These are questions a small group of us wrestled with this past Sunday after church. Although we reached no concrete solutions, we all expressed a deep sense of gratitude for this incredible treasure trove of American sacred music, and we felt the need to express our ongoing gratitude in some tangible manner.

Would you like to join the conversation and help First Church

chart a course of action regarding this challenging topic?

Please join us on Sunday, August 30, 11:30 AM (after church). 

UPCOMING!

 Sandwich making for Capuchin Mobile Ministries

is this week on Thursday August 27th, 9-10am,

in Clark Hall

If you have question, contact Jim Scofield

Jim's email

Blessing of the Backpacks

for students of all ages, teachers and administrators

Sunday, September 6th

Homecoming 2026

Choir/Sunday School return

Start of the New Church Year

Sunday, September 13th

How Can I support Immigrants with Time or Resources?

Updated 8/3/26

"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.