First Congregational Church, UCC, Saugus, MA

First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Saugus, MA

Pillars & Foundations documents an exploration of communities, as well as faith through religious institutions. My intent is to share experiences, and spread the positivity that I observe. The hope is to provide a window into these organizations allowing those who might not other wise venture in to appreciate these thoughtful, often intimate groups in our midst. Faith centers embody a drive to make a difference which they deliver upon, regardless if it is with one person looking for hope & community, or a recipient of their expansive charitable work.

Building & History

First Congregational of Saugus sits right in the center of town on a busy rotary. Despite its bustle, Saugus's town center is quintessential New England charm, and this church fits in to the fabric nicely. The modern extension is built onto a recently restored older wooden structure which now serves William Sutton Masonic lodge, however the church still uses the lower floor for community space. The church has a lower profile with earth tones that seem to make it blend in behind the trees shrubs and greenery on its corner lot, and if you blink you may miss it, despite a rather prominent location. Information on the church history was difficult to come by, however the older structure dates back to the 19th century implying it is an older congregation. Recently the church suffered some arson, however luckily both the church and lodge were spared substantial damage due to quick action from the fire department.

The newer sanctuary has an interesting pattern of small stained glass windows behind the chancel area. An organ also resides to the sides of this area, however it was not played during my visit. The picture above is a large pattern of pastel glass above the main entrance to the sanctuary, which along with some large clear panes at the top of the street facing wall, bring in a lot of natural light.

The Congregation

First Congregational of Saugus is an Open and Affirming church composed of a very friendly, welcoming group of congregants. Several individuals including Rev. Martha Leahy, were happy to introduce themselves in the few minutes before the start of the service. Following the service I enjoyed talking to several congregants, some of them long term, some of them have moved around from other Congregational or Methodist churches near by. One congregant fondly remembered finding the church, and the sense of belonging that was found. It seems like a very active organization which I will describe further below. To explore further, both a webpage, and an active facebook page provide more information.

The Service

Beautiful Piano music backed hymns throughout a casually structed service. At one point I was looking through the wrong hymnal to follow along, and someone was kind to come over and gave me a copy of the correct book before I had a chance to piece it together myself. 

The sermon was focused on Mark 7:25-30 which was interpreted as Christ potentially exhibiting a judgement on an outsider, initially refusing to help a woman's tormented daughter, but realizing error in his ways upon her response. Rev. Leahy ties this into the importance of listening to contrary views, not surrounding oneself with similar people. She expressed that falling into that pattern in very human but stressed the idea that every different individual has a purpose and that we can learn from each others differences. This is very much in tune with the church's stated values of acceptance. On the homepage Matthew 22:37-39 states "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself."

Rev. Leahy also took a moment to point out prayer shawls/blankets, knitted by congregants, which were stacked up in the front of the church. She brought up those who contributed them to the front of the church to be recognized and to participate in a prayer of blessing.

Outreach 

The Heifer Project was mentioned in the announcements, and when I attended the coffee hour following the service I captured the informative display above. Heifer International is a charity that fights poverty and hunger across the globe. 

The community outreach page on FCC Saugus's website goes into much more details of the church's extensive mission to give back. This includes assisting area homeless, some of which who may be temporarily housed in motels, fundraising concerts, providing holiday gifts to children in need, assisting the Saugus food pantry, and even training people on how to administer Narcan.

One event I was excited to learn about is the church's annual Pumpkin Patch which I plan to visit both to get some pumpkins and contribute to the cause (pumpkinsusa.com) which provides assistance to Native Americans as well as contributes to some local scholarships. The pumpkins arrive 9/29/18 at 9:00 am, and 10/13/18 where church volunteers will help unload and arrange pumpkins which will be sold until Halloween. It looks like it will be quite beautiful and I plan to get some photographs when I pick up my pumpkins!

Beyond the outreach there are social events and ministries, such as the music ministry which congregants can participate in. FCC Saugus has a book group called "Into The Mystic," which reads classic and contemporary spiritual writers from different backgrounds. And every other week they also hold a healing group where congregants can relax and meditate.

Conclusion

FCC Saugus clearly enriches the immediate community as well as making a difference far beyond its borders. 

Text and photographs by George Parks

Sources are embedded in links