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Reason 6. No boxes
God can blow the lid off any box, unfold it and turn it into a dance floor. We tend to be the "out of the box" people. Among our many firsts, we were the first mainline church to take a stand against slavery (1700), the first to ordain an African American person (1785), the first to ordain a woman (1853), the first in foreign missions (1810), and the first to ordain openly gay lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons (1972). We value education for all people. We founded Harvard and Yale, as well as many historically black colleges, six of which remain affiliated with the UCC to this day.

Chanta

Why I belong to First Church: This is a community where people live the gospel in word and deed. I feel nurtured and able to nurture others in this community. I love the fact that each person is so supportive and caring and I feel as if I truly belong! My most memorable moment at the church occurred when I wore a cashmere sweater and dress pants and someone said, "Chanta, I love it when you wear your colorful Pakistani shawls. I recognize you more easily when you do! This told me that the Swampscott church community appreciates and embraces diversity. It is a place where everyone is truly welcome. First Church is a precious jewel . . .I hope that more people can be blessed by this community!

Reason 4. Good News People

Lily

I had just moved here but was laid up with a broken hip and shoulder. It was another year before I could get to church and I missed it. My daughter brought me here, to First Church. The people were so friendly I loved it right away! I have been going ever since.

9. Variety...
UCC churches tend to tailor themselves to fit the people they feel called to serve in their local community. The result: A wide variety of musical traditions, expressions and values that have integrity and purpose. From conservative to liberal, we're not short on variety.

Sharon and Kenny

Membership at the First Church in Swampscott has many significant meanings for me and my son, Kenny. It is a place that we can learn about Jesus Christ and his meaning in our lives in a warm and inviting congregation. The church and its members have been friendly and caring since the first day I visited the church in 1998. The ability to minister to others through Stephen Ministry and domestic and international outreach are also important to us. Music is another facet of church life that has meaning for us. Over the years we have enjoyed fantastic performers who have graced the sanctuary with their talents. We are also fortunate to have an organ that is magnificently played by our music director. Come by and check us out!

Reason number 3. "Party" Church
God is having a party and we are all invited. At God's party our spiritual hungering is fed and our thirsting is satisfied. At God's party we get strength, stamina and community support that helps us through the tough times that come to everyone. Feeding our spiritual hunger helps reduce those, "I can't believe I'm so stupid" moments – but we'll never eliminate them all. That's why we need friends and companions and not judges (no offense to judges) for the journey.

Eric

A friend asked me to come to Sunday Service and a cook out after. I found the people so warm and friendly I continued attending Sunday Service. Then my wife got sick and the people were so nice always asking,” How is your wife?” and saying prayers for her. Then the ladies of the church gave her a prayer shawl that they knitted. She wore it all the time until she passed away. Even on the hot days of August near the end, she would not be parted form it. It brought her so much comfort and peace of mind. The people of First Church have been so wonderful following my loss! I feel I can get through this with their help. I feel I have found a place to continue my faith journey at First Church in Swampscott, Congregational, UCC.

Reason number 10. What if church is like spinach ...?
You know, like something that you hated as a kid but you love as an adult because you eat it in ways that suit you much better. Guess what? A lot of people are having the same sort of experience with church . . . In the UCC, things are often quite different and worth checking out.

Roy

When I was growing up I attended a parochial school for twelve years. At times I really hated being told how everything was black or white period and don't question just believe! In the UCC I have found that it is okay to question and to expand my faith in a deeper more meaningful way. Here at First Church I found more than a faith community, I have found a faith family! People know my name when I come to church. People care about me and what is happening in my life. They laugh with me in the good times and they were there to support me too in times of sorrow. I have also found a place for my creative abilities to grow in ways I had not known. I am a Stephen Minister Leader and church webmaster. I really enjoy being able to use my teaching skills once again having retired from active teaching profession after 38 years by co-facilitating a Sunday morning adult discussion group! Our group is new and it is dynamic and new members are always welcome! Come join us in the church library any Sunday at 9 am. You don't have to sign up and promise to be with us every week! Drop in and out as your time and energy permits!

Reason number 8. No apologies...
You are what you are...and so are we – we like ourselves just fine. Find a church where you will fit in, be nurtured and challenged to grow.

Eileen

Roy and I came to First Church for the 2001 Thanksgiving service. Several months later we attended Sunday worship and have been coming ever since. From that very first visit we sensed a spirit of friendship that excluded no one. We had not be going to church for a while and the church we were in before was a different denomination. Yet we were not looked on as strangers Almost immediately there were people who remembered our names and engaged us in conversation. Those friendships have grown over years.