Micropantries help local families
Take what you need, leave what you can.
First Church supports two community micropantries: 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.
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.
Compassionate release for Leonard Peltier
Our Youth Group’s work to obtain compassionate release for Leonard Peltier was recently recognized by our denomination. Your help is needed. Learn more by watching the video, and visiting freeleonardpeltier.com
Refugees
The Ipswich Refugee Program, an outgrowth of First Church, is a community-based organization that welcomes and supports refugees and other immigrants to our community and stands with them as they integrate into American culture an society. Specifically it assists with housing, schooling, transportation, English language classes, health care and navigating local and government bureaucracy. To get involved or to make a donation, please visit the IRP website.
In 2016 a group of concerned people in Ipswich gathered to respond to the global refugee crisis on a local level. First Church and the First Church Mission Board sponsored and supported the Ipswich Refugee Program for more than a year until the IRP became a non-profit charitable organization in 2017.
Antiracism work
Our Anti-Racism Group meets monthly on Tuesdays at 4pm and welcomes new members. Call the church office for more information.
Homelessness
We work with Family Promise North Shore Boston, which supports local homeless families as they transition out of homelessness. Four times a year, a network of families will come to Ipswich to stay in the Presbyterian Church while we assist their search for jobs and housing. We provide the meals and moral support. Please speak with Rebecca or Kalapi Johnson if you would like to get involved.
Sustainable eating
The Veggie Table Cooking and Dinner Group meets in the First Church kitchen, one Sunday month, 2-4pm. We make whole foods plant-based meals with enough leftovers for you to take home several servings for meals during the week. Veggie Table is open to the whole community. Call the church office to connect with organizers Beth and Josh and find out about the program’s COVID protocols.
Prisoner support
A team of church members regularly write letters to prisoners, pray for their release, and look at the prison system as an institution Christ called us to disrupt. Further, we are helping a prisoner at the Concord Prison to attain his college degree, and we welcome additional volunteers.
First Church in Ipswich, MA, UCC 