First Congregational Church
of Essex, MA
Receiving and extending the hospitality of Jesus
as we connect with God, one another, & our community.
Summer & Christmas Programs
VBS
Our mission is to bring the word of God to the children of our congregation along with the community. Vacation Bible School happens one week out of the summer for 2-5 days for 2-3 hours/day and our church is magically transformed into an amazing adventure land for learning. Children ages Pre-K to 8th grade come together to experience God’s word through Bible points, verses, and stories reinforced through fun outdoor games, crafts/science projects, interactive story telling, themed snacks, and fun songs & dances!
The children learn to watch for “God sightings”, make new friends and above all leave here knowing God loves them no matter what. All this is presented & supervised by the talented members of our congregation that make it all come alive! Click on the link below to see the video for this year’s VBS adventure
Rainforest Falls
2026 Summer Program
[Click video on the right]
Here is next summer's program teaser video
to get you ready to EXPLORE GOD's LOVE!
Take a picture of the QR code to bring you to the online site for REGISTRATION or click VBS
Step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees, and colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering birds and howling monkeys, kids plunge into a lifelong adventure of discovering the nature of God. They’ll explore what it means to be rooted in relationship with God, their creator, a safe place in life’s storms.
Each day at Rainforest Falls VBS, kids trek into field-tested rotations that reinforce relevant Bible Points and immerse kids in new adventures. They explore by rotating to: Sing & Play Tune Lagoon, Rooted Bible Adventures, Imagination Station, Wild Games, Tree Top Treats, and finish with Canopy Closing!
"True North"
2025 Summer Program
[Click on the picture to the left]
to watch a slide show of last years FUN!
It was a 4 day 2.5 hour/day outdoor & indoor power packed program for ages Pre-k thru grade 8.
Miracle of Jesus
2025 Christmas Program
[View the pictures to the right]
This 2.5hr event coincided with our townwide
Christmas Fair Event and
followed our Community Breakfast.
It too was made for Pre-K thru grade 8 and the kids (with parents too if they wanted to stay)
rotated to the different market stalls
to learn about the Miracles of Jesus
The miracle stories took place in the marketplace of Bethlehem with interactive stalls; wool ornament maker, toy shop maker & games, fragrance & oil maker, fish market games and bakery snacks!