Chime Notes news & updates | | | September 2026 | Issue 141 | | |
Summer Music Thank-you’s
I would like to extend a hearty thank-you to all those who contributed to the music at First Church this summer: Singers: Bill Brauner, Dale Orzalli, Clarke Orzalli, Nina Clark, Brittany Betts, Melissa Lugo, Dan Ryan, Emerson Rose, Marie Dariotis, David Silva, Julia Mohler, and Rita Mooney. Although I really missed playing and being with you all on Sunday mornings, it was comforting to be away, while knowing that the music was in good hands!
I was also very pleased to hear that my music colleagues/friends (Georgia Bills and Trombones 4 Revolution, Susan Parker Adams, and Sanae Kanda) capably led from the “keys” and trombones, and fully enjoyed their time at First Church! “I truly understand why you continue to trek to Swampscott on Sundays. The people are wonderful.” (Georgia Bills)
CHOIR IS BACK, HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you considered joining Choir?
CHOIR POTLUCK: Thursday, September 10, 6pm, in the Library
ALL ARE WELCOME (no RSVP required, just bring a main dish, a salad, or a dessert, or something else!) We’ll sing….a little, but this evening is mostly about eating and reconnecting!
PICKUP CHOIR/HOMECOMING: Sunday, September 13, 8:45am
ALL ARE WELCOME - simply show up ready to sing. Dress: Black and white (any combination)
CHOIR REHEARSALS RESUME: Thursday, September 17, 7:30-9pm
SUNDAY MORNING CHOIR RESUMES: Sunday, September 20
8:45 AM Warm-up Rehearsal/10am Worship
From Director of Music Ministries, Patty Clark
| |
Gratitude: Negro Spirituals
A small group met after church on Sunday, August 30,
and planned an exciting year of raising awareness
about the music and history of Negro spirituals.
You can expect to see Chime Notes articles, bulletin inserts,
brief informances during the service,
informational sessions after church, and plenty of singing!
As we increase our familiarity with and understanding of this powerful music, our ultimate intention is to determine concrete actions to take as a community to express our gratitude for this incredible musical treasure.
Keep your eyes, ears, and hearts open as we embark
on this musical journey together!
This sermon at First Church from April 26, 2026,
can be a great introduction for delving into the topic:
The Power of a Song: Negro Spirituals
| |
Support Lila, June and Michelle Steingiser
on their Rock Climbing fundraiser
to support people with disabilities!
| |
Our Church Family has an opportunity to support of
an incredible organization, Waypoint Adventure,
whose mission is to empower people with disabilities to discover their strengths, talents, and purpose through outdoor adventure experiences.
On Saturday, September 26, 2026,
Lila, June and Michelle Steingiser will be participating
in Waypoint’s Climb-A-Thon at Central Rock Gym in Stoneham,
taking on multiple climbs to raise funds for this life-changing organization.
Their team has committed to raising $1,000
to support Waypoint’s mission.
Would you consider making a donation to them reach their goal?
If you’d like to help, please visit Lila's page and make a donation here: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/climbwaypoint/account/2425134/donate/.
Thank you so much for your support of both their climb
and Waypoint Adventure.
Every contribution helps create transformative opportunities
for people with disabilities.
Sincerely,
❤️ Lila, June, and Michelle Steingiser ❤️
| | |
Friday Morning Prayer Team
All are welcome and invited to join the
Friday Morning Prayer Team via Zoom!
The Prayer Team gathers at 7:30 AM every Friday
to share prayer concerns for people in their lives.
If you would like to participate,
click on this Zoom link!
There will be a special Prayer Group Meeting on the morning of Friday, September 11th.
The 9/11 Prayer Group Meeting will focus
on the 25th Anniversary of this national tragedy.
Same Zoom link at 7:30 AM
If you have questions about Prayer Team,
please reach out to
Janet Fischer, Lorraine Follis, Sue Burgess,
Susan Buchanan or Sharon Thomas
| | |
Game Night August 14th!
So much Fun!!!
| |
|
What is the
Beacon Fund
and how can I support it?
| |
The Beacon Fund was created to provide the lead minister
access to immediate and flexible financial support
for urgent or special needs of First Church congregants.
Contributions can come from designated donations of church members, special fundraising events or collections.
If you would like to earmark a donation
to support the Beacon Fund, you can:
-
Submit a donation to the Beacon Fund through the Vanco App on the First Church website, or
- Put your donation (check or cash) in an offering envelope (noting Beacon Fund on the check/envelope) and drop it in the offering plate.
Thank you for considering a donation
to this vital First Church Ministry!
| |
Massachusetts State Primary
September 1, 2026
Your vote matters!
| |
North Shore Youth Ministry
Led by Jess Easter
Check out all there is to know about NSYM HERE!
NSYM needs adult chaperones for their youth activities!
If you are interested in being an adult chaperone, please talk to Amanda Grant-Rose, Melissa Foye or Sharon Thomas.
A CORI and Safe Church Training is provided
for every chaperone.
Your support of this youth ministry program is
vital to its success!
| | |
Church Council
Chair: Janet Fischer
Clerk: Melissa Foye
Treasurer: David Foye
Members: Katie Day, Rebecca Kinchley, Betty McNeil,
Stephen Rose, Andrew Steingeiser, Julia Wistran
| |
Our Ministry Team
Interim Minister: Rev. Katie Cole
(pastor@thefirstchurch.org)
Music Ministry: Patricia Clark
Community Ministers: Rev. Holly Brauner and Amanda Grant-Rose
Christian Education: Siobhan McDonald
Youth Pastor: Jess Easter - North Shore Youth Ministry
| | | | |
We are back doing the work of the church, from weekly worship to meetings to activities!
Come join us!
| | | |
This issue of Chime Notes has been prepared by Sharon Thomas.
Please reach out to me via email if you have suggestions for future editions!
| | The First Church in Swampscott (MA) | [Website] | | | | | |
