See the Mission page for our outreach beyond the local community as well as information about our service trips.
Community Events
Monday Night Suppers
An interfaith project organized and hosted by FBC to feed 40-70 people in need every Monday night. A variety of community organizations plan and cook the meal using the FBC kitchen and gymnasium. During the pandemic, this program provides boxed meals-to-go. If interested in volunteering or donating food, please contact the church office at 978-922-3295.
Saturday Lunch Program
The Lunch Program provides boxed meals-to-go from the FBC gymnasium each Saturday at 12:30pm. If interested in volunteering or donating food, please contact the church office at 978-922-3295.
FBC’s Free Meals Program is supported by a grant from The Essex County Community Foundation’s Hunger and Homelessness Small Capital Grant Program.
Parents’ Night Out
Drop the kids with us on the second Friday of every month, from 6:00-8:30PM! Rev. Julie Flowers and an amazing team of volunteers lead a fun and interactive evening of songs, art projects, and faith stories, all from a progressive Christian perspective—plus we provide dinner! Everybody has a blast. You deserve time to yourself! While this event is currently on hold for in-person gatherings, we are currently experimenting with virtual Parents’ Night Out. Stay tuned for information!
North Shore Shelter Fest
Shelter Fest is an annual music festival at FBC to benefit affordable housing needs. Last year was the inaugural event, which featured nine performances and raised money for Harborlight Community Partners. To learn more about Harborlight Community Partners, visit: https://harborlightcp.org/
The Holiday Fair
The biggest fair in downtown Beverly includes crafters, a bake table and country store, raffles, a silent auction, white elephants at Grandma’s Attic, breakfast and a luncheon, pictures with Santa—and more! This annual event for 30 years is a great way for us to celebrate the season, our church family, and the community.
Satellite Ministries
FBC has established and maintained various ministries in Beverly that has addressed identified needs of various groups of individuals. From pre-school children to our senior citizens, FBC has had a positive impact of the quality of life of thousands of individuals.
Beverly Bootstraps Community Services
Founded by FBC, Beverly Bootstraps is a non-profit community based organization providing a myriad of services to the community including: a food pantry, Serve Food Co-op, literacy program, GED/ESL training, Teen Cyber Café, Thrift Shop, summer park lunch program, heat assistance, and a community garden. Although Bootstraps has moved out of the church and into its own building, the congregation generously supports their work. For information contact Beverly Bootstraps at 978-927-1561 or visit: http://www.beverlybootstraps.org/
Harborlight Community Partners (HCP)
Stemming from FBC Beverly’s commitment to outreach, we founded Harborlight Community Partners to expand our impact in providing housing and services for low to moderate income people living in southern Essex County. HCP currently manages thirteen multi-unit properties providing housing for the elderly, families, and individuals. To learn more about Harborlight Community Partners, visit: https://harborlightcp.org/
Nationally accredited by the NAEYC, Harborlight Nursery School is a non-denominational nursery school housed in bright, sunny rooms in the church building. Each year it serves over a hundred children and their families. For information contact Jennifer Baez, Director, at 978-927-9030 or visit http://www.harborlightnurseryschool.org/
Initially begun as congregate living for well elderly in 1963, Harborlight House is now a fully certified assisted living home for low and moderate income senior citizens. Located in two charming Victorian homes on Monument Square that were renovated in 1999, Harborlight House provides a family-like environment for thirty-five residents of varying faiths. For information contact the Karen Estey, Manager at 978-927-2121 or visit: https://harborlightcp.org/housing/hcp-housing/harborlight-house/
Turtle Creek and Turtle Woods, founded in 1983 & 1996 respectively, form a retirement community for low and moderate income senior citizens. Located in a country setting, this community is connected to neighboring towns by public and private transportation and offers residents a modern, safe and affordable option for comfortable living. For information contact Yvonne Graham at 978-927-1112 or visit: https://harborlightcp.org/properties/elder-housing/turtle-creek-and-turtle-woods/.
Partnerships
FBC Beverly has partnered with First Parish to house homeless families 4x a year. Several families have transitioned to employment and permanent housing. For information on Family Promise, visit: https://www.familypromisensb.org/
FBC has been instrumental in the creation, funding and ongoing support of Beverly’s Homeless Shelter and Single Room Occupancy Transitional Housing Program. FBC continues to support their work through major fundraising events see Calendar. For more information, contact Kevin Nicholson at 978-921-1304 or visit http://riverhousebeverly.org/
The Beverly Multifaith Coalition
The Beverly Multifaith Coalition is a group of faith leaders who meet regularly to engage with the differences and commonalities among our various faith traditions as a tangible way to promote respect, understanding, and peace in our community. For information, visit Beverly MultiFaith Coalition on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Beverly-Multifaith-Coalition-625652340949568/
Essex County Community Organization
https://www.eccoaction.org/FBC is a partner organization with ECCO is a diverse network of congregations and organizations across the North Shore building relationships and power to put human dignity at the center of public life. We work together across race, class, and faith lines to ensure that all people on the North Shore can thrive, grow, and dream. To learn more about ECCO or to sign up for their newsletter go to: https://www.eccoaction.org/
FBC Community Inreach
Prayer Shawl Ministry
This popular ministry is a wonderful way to care for someone who is ill, grieving, or even celebrating a special moment in life. The shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient. The intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way. For more information or to join the ministry, please contact a Minister.
Lay Visitation
Providing a caring and pastoral presence to the members and friends of FBC is a ministry of all the people. The Lay Visitation Ministry Team is comprised of members of the congregation who regularly visit members and prospective members to offer a ministry of presence. The team members meet monthly for an educational experience and visit members in their homes, hospitals and nursing homes on a regular visit. For more information or to ask for a visitation, please contact Kent Harrop