There are many theories as to what an organizational mission statement should look like. One bit of common wisdom is that it should be short and to the point. It should be easily remembered. It should also be clear and easily understood. What good is a mission statement that needs explaining? A good mission statement not only helps to chart a path forward for an organization, but it also sheds light on the key identity of the organization in the present. That is, it identifies both what an organization already is and what the organization intends to accomplish, and become. It identifies your strengths and calls forth your best potential.

​

Here’s the focused version of the Mission Statement:

Seeking God.

Caring for Each Other.

Improving our Community.

​

Three sentences comprise our newly focused First Church Congregational Mission Statement. Only nine words! As the statement evolved, the Board was clear that there is nothing new in this statement. Everything in the refocused statement is found in our existing, more detailed mission statement. And in the same way, it feels like a good description of who we already are. That is, if you want to tell a new visitor, or a neighbor, or a colleague, or anybody else about First Church, these nine words would give them a good idea of what they’ll find if they come and join us for worship, fellowship or service.

 

​

Seeking God

Each Sunday, we have a dynamic worship to engage your mind and spirituality.

​

Worship takes place in our sanctuary at 10:00 AM, which includes hymns, prayers, music and a sermon.  Communion is served on the first Sunday of the month. Occasionally we will have baptisms or welcome new members during the service.  Our choir of dedicated voices, is sometimes augmented by professional singers and guest instrumentalists who join for special events like our Advent and Palm Sunday Cantatas along with other special Sundays. We have a handbell choir and a children's choir that enhances worship occasionally around liturgical seasons. 

 

During the school year, we have classes led by our dedicated Sunday School teachers.  The children attend the beginning of the service with their family and are excused for class after the children's message.

​

 

Caring for Each Other

Fellowship/Coffee hour immediately follows Sunday service in our Parish Hall. Many attend and often stay for thirty minutes to enjoy each other's company or catch up on the events of their week.

 

When a parishioner is need we are there to support them with any need they may have.  For example, providing rides to church or doctor appointments, visitation at home or in the hospital, etc.  In 2019 the REACH ministry was started, which stands for Reliable, Engaging, Able, Caring and Heartfelt.  The REACH ministry was established to assist our parishioners with emergency needs, i.e. a loss of a job, a medical issue, death in the family, etc. 
 

Improving our Community

We have collaborated with other organizations in our community, including Neighbors in Need, Methuen Arlington Neighborhood (MAN) and the Festival of Trees. 
 
In 2017, we learned there was a great need in Methuen to provide supplemental food for working families. Our Outreach Committee took the initiative and proposed we start an evening food pantry in conjunction with Neighbors in Need. The first evening food pantry in this area opened in October of 2017. Over the years, the food pantry has grown from serving 10 families the first night to now serving over 350 families each week. Our food pantry is now one of the largest food pantries in the Merrimack Valley and only evening food pantry.

 

Since 2010, we have partnered with Methuen Arlington Neighborhood (MAN) to provide 75 children with a new outfit for the new school, including a new pair of sneakers, grade appropriate school supplies and a healthy snack.  The children make thank you cards for local first responders.