Dear First Parish Church,

I pray you are all feeling refreshed, renewed and well-summered! It’s been such a joy to spend the summer with you all. There are so many highlights! Volunteering with a wonderful First Parish Church crew at the Red, White and Blue pancake breakfast. Welcoming the community to our church during the 4th of July Parade. The Music at Masconomo event (where 80+ people participated in the Love Thy Neighbor contest, and 50 kids were given

activity kits). And, of course, the Festival by the Sea, which saw over a

hundred people come through our doors at both the Fair and the church! I was able to meet lots and lots of community members through all of these events and First Parish really put our best foot forward to help to “share the love and light of God” with the wider community. Thank you so much to each of you for your contributions and participation.

As we step into September, we find ourselves on the threshold of change. The leaves begin to turn, children return to school, and routines shift. It’s a season that reminds us of God’s ever-present work in our lives, both in times of new beginnings and of letting go. I invite you to join us for Welcome Back Sunday on September 14th, when the Choir and Church School will return for the Fall. Then join us on the evening of September 21st for our annual Thank You Gathering at Tuck’s Point.

In the coming season we’ll begin a new sermon series, “People on a Journey: Moses, Exodus and Becoming a Nation”. As we hear again these stories of the liberation of the Israelites and their years of wilderness wandering, we will explore how they constructed their identity as the People of God; then we will consider how we ourselves do the same in this time and place.

This fall, let us embrace the invitation to grow in faith, deepen our relationships, and shine the light and love of God in our community. I encourage you to participate in upcoming opportunities for service, study, and spiritual nourishment.

 Grace and Peace,
Rev. Katherine