Summer Worship at the Marblehead Lighthouse begins next Sunday, June 4th at 8am

Again this year we are looking forward to our annual summer tradition of worshiping together at Chandler Hovey Park. There is something unique and spiritual about gathering in worship where ocean waters meet solid rock and the light shines to guide people safely. Our first Lighthouse service will be next Sunday, June 4th, weather permitting, and continue through Labor Day. As in past years, the Lighthouse service will begin at 8 am. Remember to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. As in the past, if it is raining at 8 am, the service will be moved to the Sanctuary. Look for the sandwich board sign at the Devereaux Beach entrance: if green, go to the Lighthouse; if red, the service will be held in the Sanctuary.

 

This first Lighthouse service will include a Blessing Of The Fleet. This is a coastal tradition for centuries across the globe as people ask God’s blessing on sail and motor, wind and water. You’ll be invited to share the name of any boat even as we bless every boat and mooring in the harbor around us. Please share this news with other seafaring folks. 

 

After several years of declining attendance for the summer 10am service in the Sanctuary, this service will be suspended until the Sunday after Labor Day. We are so fortunate to have the privilege of worshiping together in a setting as inspiring as Chandler Hovey Park. Please consider inviting friends and neighbors to join us at the 8am service at the Lighthouse. Looking forward to seeing you!

 

Mark Your Calendars for the Old North Church Annual Meeting – Wednesday, June 7th at 7pm

The 339th Annual Meeting of the Church will be held on Wednesday June 7, at 7:00pm in the church Sanctuary. The Annual Meeting will be preceded by an Ice Cream Social featuring Don Morgan's homemade ice cream, in the Parish Hall at 6:30 pm.

 

Agenda items include: Approval of the Minutes of the of the 338th Annual Meeting on June 15, 2022 as well as approval of the Minutes of the Annual Budget Meeting on January 29, 2023. There will also be an update on the search for a settled pastor, a financial update, a Prudential Board update, a Capital Campaign update, and a vote on Board and committee members for the 2023-2024 program year. Copies of the Annual Reports are available in the Narthex.

 

This is our first in-person Annual Meeting since 2019, prior to the COVID pandemic. We need to have a quorum of 50 members in attendance in order to proceed with this very important meeting, so please make every effort to attend.

 

Keep It Ringing Capital Campaign Update

It's so exciting that after talking about this for several years, we are so close to our million-dollar goal! In only a few weeks, we have 137 pledges for $900,758! 

 

We had a well-deserved celebration last Sunday as we came to the end of the main part of the campaign. Thank you to everyone who has returned their pledge cards and made a donation so far. But it's not too late to join in and there are still pledges coming in from the congregation, the community, and other parts of the country. Pledges and donations range from $18 to $100,000. Any amount is greatly appreciated and will help get us over the top. 

 

We have heard so many wonderful stories from people about ringing the bell on their wedding day, going up to the tower to watch the sunrise after a youth group sleepover, and all the ways this church has been a support in times of joy and in times of sadness in their lives. 

 

We are so grateful we will be able to restore our bell tower and steeple, fix our leaky roof, and replace our elevator so our building remains accessible to all, as well as continue to support mission and youth programs. We look forward to celebrating the 200th birthday of this beautiful meeting house in 2025.

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