Helping our hungry neighbors
With SNAP benefits being delayed right now, many of you have brought food to the micropantries, and others have given us grocery certificates. We have several families in the church that live with hunger and we are grateful for your gifts of food.
Make a meal on occasion for individuals or families going through challenging times. Please contact the church office (978-356-2211) to add your name to our list of willing cooks.
Micropantries help local families
Take what you need, leave what you can.
First Church supports three community micropantries: one at Little Wolf Coffee at 129 High St. (pictured), one at the Cable Professional Building at 130 County Road, in the parking lot to the right side under a street lamp; and one outside the church office door, across from Warren St. These micropantries allow families to maintain a sense of privacy and dignity as they stop by any time of day or night to select food items and other supplies for their family.
The micropantry is a small cabinet on supports, protected from the elements with a roof and a door, but not insulated or refrigerated. It provides items that are not usually available through food pantries.
Speak to a member of Missions (Laurie C., Joan M.) or Carmen in the church office about how you can help us restock, organize, and celebrate this de-centralized ministry of food.
Want to donate? Deliver the items directly to the micropantry. Think of items that give families a quick boost to get them through the week—not long standing, nonperishable items. Examples: microwaveable meals, instant pasta, jam and fruit preserves; items for lunch boxes like individual chocolate milks and fruit snacks (not raisins); personal care products like toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, and feminine products; small school supplies, such as crayons, pencils, and markers. Get a printable list of items here.
Annual programs for the community
Veterans’ Breakfast – First Church and the Missions Committee have supported the annual Veterans’ Breakfast for 15 years, partnering with Senator Bruce Tarr, Brad Hill and Rep. Kristin Kassner. The breakfast, held in Fellowship Hall at First Church, serves more than 100 veterans each year. Chef Ron Elkin and the church’s youth play an important role in volunteering to help make the breakfast a success each year.
Thanksgiving – First Church and the Missions Committee partner with Open Door Food Pantry to provide Thanksgiving baskets for families. In addition, Missions, with Youth support, shop for and create baskets of culturally-appropriate food items for newly-arrived families in the community.
Christmas – First Church and the Missions Committee organize First Church Caring, which provides gifts, groceries, and clothing for families that can use an extra helping hand. Church members have an opportunity to choose an “ornament” and purchase the gift requested.
More justice and service programs
Leonard Peltier — Thank you for your advocacy on behalf of the longest US political prisoner, who was granted clemency by President Biden in January 2025. He will be released from Coleman Penitentiary on February 18, 2025.
Ipswich Refugee Program — rides, tutoring, holiday support, and mentoring for people newly arrived in town from out of the country.
Sustainable eating through youth cooking plant-based meals twice-monthly and delivering to families that can use a warm meal.
Guatemala outreach — journeys to visit a remote village on the west coast of Guatemala and bring friendship, labor, medical support.
Prisoner support through Partakers College Education through Tufts University.
First Church in Ipswich, MA 