WELCOME
SERVING ANDOVER AND BEYOND
DID YOU KNOW?
As early as 1788, members of what was to become West Parish petitioned the General Court of Boston looking to separate West Parish from Andover South Parish but the petition was withdrawn. One of the reasons residents of the Western area of Andover wanted this new Parish was that residents in the Western area of Andover no longer wanted to undertake the long travel involved in traveling to South Church. Remember, they were walking or traveling by horse and buggy with no real roads carved out. In 1826, after much discussion and conflict, the Westerly Meeting House Company was formed.
UPCOMING
Did you get a Christmas present that you would like to take a pass on and redistribute to someone else? Fear not, the next Women's Evening Circle meeting is the opportunity for you to have some laughs as you "pass it on" . Please join us for our "Post Christmas Regifting Yankee Swap" on Thursday, January 16 at 7 pm in Fellowship Hall.
Join Katrina and Demetri for worship! Sunday School meets and the Nursery is open. Zoom check-in at 9:45 am, and coffee hour at 11:00 am!
Join Katrina and John to share how Christmas and the "holiday season" was for you as you move through your grief. All are welcome. We'll meet in the Smith Purdon Room at 11:30 am on Sunday, January 19.
The church office will be closed Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
All are invited to a discussion group focused on prayer and reflection every other Wednesday in the parlor, 12:00 - 1:00 pm. Bring your lunch and join for as many meetings as you are able.
Choir rehearsal is Wednesday, January 22 in the sanctuary at 7:00 pm. All are welcome! Contact Mila with any questions.
January 26th
Katrina, Demetri and the choir will lead worship as we reflect on Jesus announcing that he has come to bring good news to the poor and release to the captives. Zoom Check-in, Sunday School and coffee hour.
Rev. Renee Manning et al. are leading an online 2-hour workshop sponsored by the Southern New England Conference of the UCC, taking place Saturday, February 1. The workshop is for clergy and lay leaders who are looking to improve their ability to interact with trans and nonbinary people with compassion and love. We will discuss key concepts related to gender, transgender and transitioning. We will spend time reflecting upon how individuals and churches can be trans-affirming with specific suggestions as well as group discussion. Everyone is encourage to attend if you’re curious and would like to learn more, regardless of your knowledge or experience. You can register through the SNEUCC.
This year's Annual Meeting of West Parish Church will be held on Sunday, February 2 after worship in Fellowship Hall. See you there! We will discuss and vote on the proposed 2025 budget, and elect officers and Ministry members.
Meetings for our 5-9th graders are every first Friday at 6:00 pm in the Youth Room.
Join Katrina every Second Sunday for a discussion of some of the big topics of our faith. The next meeting is Sunday, February 9 at 11:30 am in the parlor and we will share our beliefs about communion!
Join us during and after coffee hour on Sunday, February 16 when we will recognize those of us who have been West Parish members for fifty years!
ONGOING
Kids begin in worship and then may depart for Sunday School with our Sunday School Coordinator, Emelie, and a parent volunteer. Childcare for our littlest ones is available in the nursery. Note that there is no Sunday School on the first Sundays of the month.
Our Care Circles are another way to stay connected and care for one another. Everyone is in a Care Circle! Reach out Cheryl, Katrina or your Care Circle Leader if you have a question or a need.
Gather Saturdays in the Parlor or on zoom at 8:00 am. We serve donuts and coffee. What more is there tosay?
Women's Evening Circle is sponsoring another winter apparel drive for women in need from the Merrimack Valley. Bundle Up is a program offered by Uncommon Threads, an empowerment boutique for local women who may not have warm clothing for the upcoming cold weather. We will be collecting warm sweaters, winter coats, boots, hats, scarves, and gloves. A collection bin is located in the hallway near the office door. WEC will continue to keep the collection box in case there are additional donations for this worthy cause. Please help keep our friends warm this winter.
Immigration Community Sponsorship Program
West Parish is proudly sponsoring an immigrant family that has secured housing in the Haverhill area. Join the team as they embark upon this rewarding opportunity to help a family receive the critical support they need to achieve independence and self-sufficiency in their new community. You determine your role and the amount of time you can commit.
Ballard Vale Community Pantry
A permanent collection bin has been placed in the sanctuary entryway to collect nonperishable food items for the 24 hour pantry.
OUR LOCATION
A PLACE TO CALL HOME
We are a theologically progressive Protestant church, where ALL are welcome to learn, grow, seek, and strive to build a better world.
WE LOVE OUR KIDS
Wonder, create, and learn! All children of all ages - are invited to attend Church Services or Sunday School.
A COMMUNITY FOR YOU
Stay connected with people in the community through worship, volunteer and fundraising activities.
SUNDAY WORSHIP
We invite you to join us in the Sanctuary for Sunday Worship starting at 10 am. Our service is about 45 minutes long.
LIVE STREAM
If you're unable to join us in person, click the link below to watch the service via Live Stream at 10 am on Sunday.
NEED HELP?
If you are struggling with food insecurity, click below for more details on available resources in the Andover Area.
MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
Welcome to West Parish! West Parish Church is such a vibrant and diverse community — I am so grateful to be serving here!
We are small enough that we can really welcome you, and large enough to make things happen! So whether you’re unfamiliar with church and looking to try it out, or you have been away from Christianity for a while, or you’re new to the area and seeking a spiritual home, we will be delighted to have you join us!
-Katrina
THE PASTOR'S BLOG
Our pastor offer words of encouragement, wisdom, support, and understanding in the Pastor's Blog.