Dear First Parish Church,

As February arrives, winter certainly has its grip on Manchester-by-the-Sea — but the light is slowly returning, and with it, new energy for connection, reflection, and care for one another. Even in the coldest season, our church remains a place of warmth, welcome, and shared purpose.

Worship in February

We invite you to join us for Sunday worship each week as we gather in community — whether in the pews or from home. February’s services highlight Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount. We will be blessed to receive new members on February 1st. Ash Wednesday will be February 18th (evening service at 6pm) and then we will be into the season of Lent. The theme for Lent will be “Encounters with Jesus” as we will look at the stories of some of Jesus’ most important and transforming encounters (Nicodemus, the Syrophoenician Woman, Lazarus) in the Gospel of John.

Lenten Opportunities

In addition to our Lenten Sermon Series we will engage in a book study this Lent, taking up Richard Rohr’s “Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life” (please note this is the Revised and Updated edition). Everyone is invited to read along. Here is a link to weekly reflection questions to accompany your reading. We will have Soup and Conversation on March 22nd right after worship when we will discuss the book all together. I will also make available a take-home devotional for the season, Life Stories: A 40-Day Devotional on Madeleine L’Engle’s A Circle of Quiet (available online here or pick up a printed copy in the narthex after 2/18). And we will continue our tradition of Lenten Vespers services, on Wednesday evenings at 6pm beginning on 2/25.

Annual Meeting on February 15th

Be sure to join us for Annual Meeting, right after worship on February 15th in the sanctuary. Together we will review the wonderful year past, celebrate the incredible success of our Stewardship drive, vote together on an annual budget and appoint new members to church leadership. This ship of faith has really got some wind in her sails – and that’s thanks to the prayers, engagement, and contributions of all of you. As we look to the future it’s time to set our sights even higher, and to dream together about God’s calling for us as a congregation.

Valentine’s Season: Love in Action February often centers on love, and at First Parish, we understand love as something we live out together. Thank you to all who continue to support our ministries of care, outreach, and fellowship. Your presence, generosity, and compassion truly make a difference. We could still use some volunteers to serve dinner at the Open Door on 2nd Wednesdays, or help sponsor Chepkirwok through Compassion International. The Outreach and Service Committee is also working on an “Inventory of Individual Efforts” as a way to build our network of service out in the community. Keep an eye out for more info about that.

Weather & Winter Safety

Please keep an eye on email and our website for weather-related updates or service changes. Your safety is important to us. As always, know that you are valued and missed whenever you cannot be with us.

With gratitude and blessings,

Rev. Katherine