SACO — On Dec. 7, First Parish Congregational Church of Saco, UCC, will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of its move into its current home. Founded in 1762, the first church building was built on the corner of Main and Beach streets in 1805. That building burned down in 1860, and in 1863, a second building was constructed. Tragically, on Aug. 30, 2000, the second 137-year-old church building was lost to fire while being renovated.

Between the end of 2000 and December 2004, the congregation worshiped at Thornton Academy’s auditorium.

On Dec. 4, 2004, worshipers walked from Thornton Academy to the new church building, and worshiped there for the first time. For 10 years now, the congregation of First Parish has worshiped and grown in the new sanctuary. The church provides space for yoga classes, youth dancing, consoling and relief for those in need. There is a home for Spurwink to have a school for autistic children during the week. Most recently, Food for Souls Open Mic evenings began to help provide shoes for the homeless. The open mic also features a potluck supper.

The church offers streaming of weekly worship services, and supports national campaigns such as the UCC’s Reading Changes Lives literacy initiative. Members also serve at local organizations such as the Saco Food Pantry and Bon Appetit in Biddeford. Many have volunteered in short-term missions to New Orleans or in support of Maine Seacoast Mission in Washington County as well.

The First Parish Church welcomes all to attend a celebration on Dec. 7 at 9 a.m. as the congregation gathers at Thornton Academy to re-enact the walk taken 10 years ago. Participants are asked to bring donations for the Saco Food Pantry or for the Shoe Ministry.