Chime Notes news & updates
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Spring is SPRINGING.
Susan and Karen decorate on the Terrace.
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The Back Pew Crew (a COVID era Deacon's Group convened by Heidi Whear) visits with distinguished member, Becky Robinson, at Bertram House for a fun dinner of pizza and salad! | |
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Sights of Easter Sunday....
WE ARE BLESSED!
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^ March 2024 happenings ^ | |
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Priscilla and Don in Florida
The congregation sends our sympathies to their children - David, Glenn, and Beth, and all of the Fullerton family.
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Remembering Donald and Priscilla Fullerton
A memorial service was held on March 27, which would have been the 95th birthday of Don Fullerton, who gave so much to First Church. With Priscilla, his wife of 60+ years, Don participated in every aspect of church life, notably the retired mens group, Fairs (furniture and electrical + jewelry), and weekly worship. Since Priscilla's passing in 2020, Don continued to join in worship through Zoom, and inspired all with his perseverance. and loyalty. Don and Priscilla are missed and warmly remembered.
Read more about Don here
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2024 Grand-baby BOOM!
Several new grandchildren have come along this Winter/Spring.
Congrats to Susan and Richard Buchanan on the arrival of a second grandson, Tate Buchanan on St. Patrick's Day; to Susan and Bruce Hamilton on the birth of a second granddaughter, Addison Emma Craig (at right, with sister Mackenzie - 3.5 y/o) on March 7th; and to Cynthia and Dan McClorey on the arrival of a new grandson Louis Daniel White earlier this year. Good wishes to ALL!
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Sunday morning Coffee and Conversation
This group meets in the Library on non-Communion Sundays. Each week, a member of the group will lead a discussion of spiritual topics, and how the words and stories of the Bible can inform and influence modern day issues.
We begin at 9:10 am. During April, we will meet on April 14-21-28.
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MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT - Retired Persons Group | |
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A dedicated group of retired men have been meeting for decades here at the church to do important custodial work. Once led by the Sexton of the church, the group is now self-directed, working on projects related to the care and maintenance of the church building, grounds, and property.
On a recent Tuesday morning, I (Janet) met up with team members Jim Scofield (retired for a decade from his career as a nurse anesthetist at Salem Hospital), Gordon Angel (who retired 18 years ago from his career in semiconductor research in industry), and Bruce Hamilton (who was a 35 year employee of Tufts University in carpentry and maintenance). These three are often joined by Clarke Orzalli and Jeff Mayer.
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The list of their projects is long, but has recently included some youth room and kitchen renovations, duct work, painting, cleaning chandeliers and bulbs, flooring, dealing with a leak in the choir room, snowblower maintenance, steeple, dealing with the dumpster and sheds, as well as fire and electrical issues.
During Advent, the group assembles the heavy creche on the front lawn, and each week, or as needed, Gordon updates the sign that is in the driveway.
This group has saved the church money, not only through their labor, but also in installing LED bulbs and batteries in the smoke detectors.
An issue that the group is currently grappling with is the accessibility of the sanctuary, and upper level and lower level of the church. Presently, the sanctuary has only one spot for a person sitting in a wheelchair, but there is concern that this is not enough.
Thank you, retired persons group, for all your continuing care for our church. We are certainly grateful for you and your efforts. New members are welcome on Tuesdays at 9 (men or women)!
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We are back doing the work of the church, from weekly worship to meetings to activities! Come join us! | |
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The First Church in Swampscott (MA) | [ Website] | |
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