I wanted to give the church family an update concerning all the events and activities at First Parish. Currently, we continue with our two Sunday morning services, the Traditional service at 9:30 followed by our Contemporary service at 11:00. We also have coffee between services and after the 11:30. The Children’s Chapel will resume in September as we are providing “Pew Projects” for the kids who are here each Sunday.

Since the YMCA is using our building, additional work on the third floor is suspended for now. If you haven’t seen the restrooms that have been completely renovated, when you’re at the church, you should take a good look. Our thanks to our Trustees for seeing these projects through.

Don is busy with the Wakefield Summer Band Concerts and some of our volunteers hand out water as an outreach from our church. They also give water to those attending the Movies by the Lake.

On July 24th, at 7:30 p.m., Christ College Church Choir from Cambridge, England will be here. Please come and support our Music Ministry.

Another upcoming opportunity occurs on August 13th at the Farmer Market. The Chamber of Commerce is inviting groups to set up tables to advertise their organizations. First Parish is planning on being there from 9-12. These types of events afford great opportunities for the community to know us better.

On Thursday, August 25th, I will begin a four-to-five-week class on Spiritual Gifts. Then in September you will be hearing about our annual, Back to Church Sunday. This event is an outreach opportunity to invite new people to come to a church service and perhaps a chance to invite some who haven’t yet returned to First Parish since COVID.

One last update concerns the Search Committee’s work on filling the associate pastor position. One candidate has had a Zoom interview and an in-person interview. This person’s references are being checked and if all goes well, the candidate will meet with church leadership soon. The Search Team will continue to offer updates on Sunday mornings. If you would like more information, the Search Committee is co-chaired by Doug Jackson and Angelin Cocorochio and Kellie Roden is the secretary.

I pray you will all have a wonderful summer! As you know it goes by quickly. By the time you receive this edition of the Herald, there will be only six weeks until September. Next week I will be at the CCCC Conference in Rhode Island before going to New York in August for vacation and Study Leave. Pastor Emeritus Rev. Rich Weisenbach and Aaron Wolgamott will be in the pulpit the first two Sunday’s of August.

Pastor John