First Congregational Church
of Essex, MA
Receiving and extending the hospitality of Jesus
as we connect with God, one another, & our community.
Connecting With God
Sundays
We gather every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. from September through May and summer hours are at 9:30 a.m. from June through August. Our services take place in our sanctuary on the second floor of our building (we have an elevator for anyone with a need). Sunday services are livestreamed at FCCOE’s YouTube channel. You can access past sermons by clicking the button above.
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Youth & Kids' Programs
Youth group consists of middle and high school students. They meet every Wednesday in youth room on the lower level from 6:30-8 p.m. The Youth Director is Jared Vom Steeg.
Children in grades PreK-5 have Sunday school during the 10:30 a.m. service for 3 Sundays. They will be using the Gospel Story curriculum by New Growth. They are lovingly taught by trusted volunteers (most with backgrounds in education).
The first Sunday of the month is Family Communion and there will be NO Sunday School. We encourage you to keep your kids with you, to teach them about communion. If this is not possible we have Kids Pop-Up: an all-ages, once-a-month space for kids to hang-out with trusted volunteers during worship.
We offer children’s church during the summer months. Teachers will guide your children to their appropriate classroom. For more information, please contact us at info@fccoe.org
Adult Sunday Classes
We offer Sunday classes for adults at 9:30 a.m. from September through May, with a variety of guest lecturers teaching on topics relevant to today’s issues. The subject matter changes every 4, 6 or 8 weeks, you may join at any time, we gather in the Fellowship Hall.
For the next 8 weeks we will be learning about "Practicing the Way" with Jesus as our teacher.
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Nursery
Babies and toddlers up to the age 5 are welcome in our safe, inviting and staffed nursery. The nursery is located on the ground floor level, adjacent to the fellowship hall, across from the kitchen. Sign in is on site on Sunday morning. It is available during worship.
Worship Style
Our services are usually an hour in length and offer a balanced mix of thoughtful biblical preaching, liturgy, prayer, choir music, congregational singing of hymns and praise songs and updates and testimonials about church supported ministries and activities.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, peaceful and reverential.
Family Communion
We celebrate family communion the first Sunday of every month. All followers of Jesus are welcome without any restrictions.
Prayer Requests
Our services include a time for congregants to share any prayer requests they may have. Deacons are also available for private prayer meetings after the Sunday service in the Youth Pastor's office.
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Accessibility
Our sanctuary is fully wheelchair accessible via ramp and elevator. There is also a wheelchair available on site.
Coffee and Fellowship After Service
Please join us immediately after the service for free coffee and refreshment in the fellowship hall on the ground floor.
Music
Music is an integral part of our worship experience, as the Apostle Paul wrote: “Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:18-20)
Congregational Music
Congregational singing includes a mix of hymns and contemporary praise songs, with accompaniment either by our grand piano or our pipe organ. Music is also a regular part of special services and events, including an informal Christmas carol sing and pot luck and a Christmas Eve service of lessons and carols.
Choral Music
The FCCOE choir participates in our worship from September-May, accompanied by organ or piano. Rehearsals are held Thursday evenings at 7-8PM and before worship. Musical knowledge is not a requirement, only the desire to praise God and have fun! We love new members! Please join us!
