Coming together for worship is of prime importance in our life as a church. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we celebrate the bounty of God's love and the presence of Jesus Christ in our lives and the life of the world.
Worship
Sunday Worship 10 am
Our usual service involves a full choir, a children's message, contemplative silence and a lively sermon. We share communion on the first Sunday of each month and all are welcome to the table (seriously)!
Join us for worship any Sunday or get a taste of our service through the Videos of Services or on local television on Sundays at noon (previous week's service) and Wednesdays at 10:30 am and 7:00 pm. You can also borrow the DVD of a service by contacting the church office.
Wednesday Evening Communion Services
During Advent and Lent, First Church offers short, meditative communion services on Wednesday nights from 6:30-7pm. These services underscore the belief that we minister to one another, each and all. Each season has a theme: in past seasons we've focused on characters of the season, hymns of the season, and spiritual practices. During each service a congregant offers a brief reflection on the topic and we share communion by intinction.
Special Services
We offer special services throughout the liturgical year:
Maundy Thursday Tenebrae 7:00pm
Easter Sunrise 6:30am on the top of the Wenham Golf Course
Advent Services the Wednesdays in December before Christmas 6:30pm
Christmas Eve: We offer two services on Christmas Eve: one at 4:30pm and a communion service at 9pm. The 4:30 service is built around an unrehearsed Christmas pageant (you can pick up costumes at the door), which is simple and easy to participate in. At the 4:30 service we pray with bells and light candles (or hold glowsticks) and sing Silent Night. At our late service, we offer Lessons and Carols and Communion. We keep the lights low and provide a peaceful, reverent space to celebrate God's presence with and among us.
Music
The Senior Choir is a community of singers that sings together, prays together, and laughs (a whole lot) together. A small group embedded in the larger church community, Senior Choir rehearses on Wednesday nights from 7-8:30pm and before worship on Sunday mornings. The choir tackles pieces of diverse style and difficulty. The group is largely amateur, open to all singers ages 14 and older, and has a large number of proficient sight-readers. The group provides anthems and other liturgical music for most services during the school year. In addition to their weekly offerings, the Choir also offers two "cantatas" each year, one in Advent and one in Lent. We hope to see YOU in the choir loft!
Chamber Choir is drawn from the Senior Choir roster and sings in Sunday worship once or twice a month, performing repertoire that is tailored to the strengths and abilities of a smaller ensemble. Membership is by invitation.
Organ at First Church
The organ at First Church was built by the Schantz Organ Company, opus 2233. It is a two-manual, 34-stop, 25-rank, electro-pneumatic action instrument with pallet and slider wind chests. It was installed in the sanctuary in February 2004 and dedicated with an inaugural recital, played by the church’s organist, Joseph Stroup, on May 16 of that year.
Senior Choir, July 2015
A beloved member of Senior Choir was diagnosed with cancer. While she was in the hospital, the choir gathered and recorded these pieces as a gift and blessing.