Attendance at the Big Band concert on the Essex Green on Saturday, July 26 broke all previous records. Nearly 700 adults and children filled the Green and environs on Main Street in historic Essex Village to hear the swinging sounds of Bob Hughes' 12-piece Big Band and enjoy their picnic suppers under sunny skies. A free will offering raised more than $400 to support the missions of The First Congregational Church in Essex, which sponsored the free concert.

Among the many community organizations that benefit from the church's support are The Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries, Simply Smiles, Gilead Community Services/Gateway Counseling, Covenant-To-Care "Adopt A Social Worker" (Middlesex Hospital), Elon Homes and Schools, Town of Essex Fuel Assistance, Essex Community Fund, CROP Walk to End Hunger, Backpack Program, GIV2 Youth programs, State and National programs of the United Church of Christ and the church's own Anti-Bullying Scholarship Fund.

In addition, the church hosts AA and CODA meetings, a karate group, Essex Pre-School and recitals by The Community Music School faculty and students.

For more information on the church and its missions, visit www.essexucc.org.