We all know, when summer arrives in Manchester-by-the-Sea, the town comes alive. You’ve just experienced the Fourth of July parade filling the streets. And the Festival by the Sea filled the streets with neighbors and visitors alike. Concerts, community gatherings, and familiar faces seem to appear around every corner.

And chances are, if you've spent time at any of those events, you've already experienced the hospitality of First Parish Church, whether you realized it or not.

Over the past several years, the congregation has made a conscious decision to become more than a place people visit on Sunday mornings. Their goal is simple: be good neighbors. Open their doors. Offer their time. Lend a hand wherever it's needed. 

And if you didn’t know, that exact spirit is woven into many of Manchester's biggest summer traditions.

During Manchester's Fourth of July parade, First Parish opens the doors of its historic church for anyone who needs a break from the excitement. Visitors are welcome to step inside the beautiful historic sanctuary, use the facilities, enjoy a moment of quiet, or simply look around without feeling any pressure.

It’s what the church affectionately has labeled a “pee and peek” break. 

Families especially are invited inside to cool off, use the restrooms, or simply enjoy a quiet moment away from the crowds. For young children who may be overwhelmed by sirens, drums, or cannon fire, the sanctuary becomes a peaceful place to regroup before heading back outside.

Church members don't wait for people to discover the space on their own. You can find them  out on the steps and sidewalk greeting families, letting them know a welcoming place is just steps away if they need it.

The congregation also supports the community celebration behind the scenes by providing volunteers for the Manchester Essex Rotary's Red, White & Blue Pancake Breakfast, helping wherever extra hands are needed.

It's not a grand gesture. It's simply neighbors looking out for neighbors. 

And then there's the Festival by the Sea. Each year, First Parish once again becomes part of the celebration. 

Just across from the Town Green, the Community Hall comes alive with the church's own Fair-by-the-Sea which hopefully you took part in! And if you happened to miss it this year, make sure to put it on your calendar for next year.

Now in its fourth year, the event has become a favorite tradition that feels equal parts neighborhood gathering and community fundraiser. Congregation members spend weeks collecting donations, organizing the sale, and welcoming shoppers throughout the festival.

But the best part comes after the shopping.

Every dollar raised is given away.

Each year, First Parish selects two local nonprofit organizations as beneficiaries, donating all proceeds from the fair. Unsold items are then passed along to Second Glance, ensuring that everything continues serving the community long after Festival by the Sea ends. This year the Fair benefitted Bambino Baskets, a Beverly-based organization that partners with several local organizations (Wellspring, Action Inc., and HAWC) that provide help to families with young children in critical need of basic supplies, and, the second beneficiary is, River House, a woman’s shelter operated by Lifebridge North Shore.

For the congregation, the fair isn't about fundraising for themselves. It's another opportunity to strengthen connections, support local organizations, and celebrate alongside the rest of Manchester.

Summer may bring some of the church's more visible traditions, but the same spirit carries through every season, whether it’s participating in The Wobblin’ Gobblin Festival or hosting Burgers & Bingo on New Year’s Eve.

Whether they're providing volunteers for community projects, opening their spaces for local organizations, supporting artists, hosting gatherings, or simply making people feel welcome, the congregation has become known for saying yes when the community calls.

As one church leader put it, they don't want to be known simply as church people. They want to be known as good people, good neighbors...who just happen to all go to the same church.

Hopefully you’ve experienced the hospitality for yourself. And if you haven’t, next time you need a break or crave a quiet place during the next festival, remember First Parish Church welcomes just the respite.

You can check out First Parish Church’s upcoming events anytime: www.firstparishchurch.org/events