Annual Stewardship Message
“Weaving the Fabric of Life” at First Congregational Church has been an ongoing project…weaving our beliefs with our missions of outreach to each other and the community. We continue to volunteer weekly with Special Olympics Young Athletes Program, at UpReach Therapeutic Riding Center making meals, and New Horizons. Our expanded food support for children through Blessing in a Backpack and our Food Closet is growing exponentially, as is the demand for coat, boots, mittens and hats. Dress A Girl Around the World has benefitted from over 50 dresses made by our Quilting Ministry for girls at risk, and continues to sew monthly and enjoy the comraderie and fellowship. Hats, prayer shawls, and bavaclavas have been knit for Seafarers’ Mission, Helping Hands, Greater Manchester Mental Health Center, among many. Snack, soups and cookies are lovingly made by congregants to bring a little lift to our members’ spirits in time of stress. Your continued financial support of First Church ensures that we can still provide for these supportive services to our community in 2020.
“God’s Work, Our Hands” is more appropo than ever in 2019! Our numbers of involved volunteers are increasing to service our expanding Outreach efforts…this year adding the Special Olympics Young Athletes Program on Thursday nights; the 21st Century Church visionary program; UpReach monthly meals; expanded food programs; and more coats, boots, hats and mittens for the elementary schools. Pledge letters were sent to all members and active friends at the end of September and are due back by November 2nd, as we project our budgetary needs for 2019.
The 2018 Campaign… “God’s Love is Generous, Love Back Generously”…kicked off in the fall of 2017. The generosity of our members and friends ensured a year full of expanded Outreach projects, and the completion of some building maintenance with a new floor and bathroom in the youth area of the rec room.
Our 2017 message, our ministries and our membership had all grown in faith. So it seemed appropriate, in seeking your generous contributions of support, that “Growing in Faith Together” should be our theme for 2017’s stewardship campaign. As our Growing in Faith Together campaign moved forward, we thank you all for taking to heart the vital importance of our beloved First Church.
For a copy of the 2020 Annual Stewardship Pledge form, click here.
From the Pastor's Desk
One of the best parts of my work is being able to teach and write about our faith and Church life. I’m pleased to offer my reflections... Learn more...
Our History
In 1839 the eager entrepreneurs of the Amoskeag Mills coaxed a small, struggling English Congregational Church to link arms with a small, struggling... Learn more...
Music
First Church has a dynamic and inclusive music ministry for all ages. Our adult ensembles and children ensembles enrich our worship service... Learn more...
Pastor's Class
Rev. Kevin offers a variety of multi-week book and Bible study classes at different times during the church year. Past classes have included... Learn more...
FCC OFFICES CLOSED
Until further notice, the offices will be closed, as well as the Food Closet, to ensure the health and safety of our staff, members, and friends. Should you need anything relating to the office, please email Linda Bonetti, Rev. Kevin Pleas, or Barbara Papagian. Our prayers are with you,
Upcoming Events
Holy Week Worship
Join us on Facebook/FCCManchester on Maundy Thursday, April 9th at 7pm
Click here for the Maundy Thursday Bulletin
Join us on Facebook/FCCManchester on Easter Sunday at 10am
Click here for the Music Lyrics. Click here for the Easter Bulletin
Click here to send a Prayer Request to Barbara Papagian by 9am.
Rev. Pleas will be sending out periodic inspirational messages via In The Spirit. To sign up, send your email to Rev. Pleas by clicking here. We pray that everyone stays safe, obeys the rules, and keeps in phone or email contact with all those in need of kindness and an encouraging word.
Worship This Sunday April 12th
Join us on Facebook/FCCManchester on Easter Sunday at 10am.
Click here for the Music Lyrics. Click here for the Easter Bulletin
Click here to send a Prayer Request to Barbara Papagian by 9am.
Rev. Pleas will be sending out periodic inspirational messages via In The Spirit. To sign up, send your email to Rev. Pleas by clicking here. We pray that everyone stays safe, obeys the rules, and keeps in phone or email contact with all those in need of kindness and an encouraging word.
Join us on Facebook/FCCManchester on Sunday at 10am.
To keep your children occupied, Kelda has offered a couple activities while you enjoy the Prayer Service.
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Sunday, April 25th at 2pm - tentative
The Bodyguard at The Palace Theater
Tickets $30-$35...see Pam LeBlanc
Sunday, April 19, 2020 CANCELLED
Songweavers "BRAVE" Concert has been CANCELLED
We hope to bring Songweavers back to FCC in the future.
Service of Prayer and Healing
Inspired by the Celtic Tradition, the roughly half-hour service will include music, readings, prayers and an opportunity to receive a “Laying on of Hands” blessing. Service will be held in the Chapel following the 10:00am worship service and fellowship, on the 2nd Sunday each month.
2019 Women's Connection Cookbook
only $12.50 each
See a member of Women's Connection to order
Highlights
Hymns with Adam & Lauren Sunday at 10am followed by a Prayer Service by Rev. Kevin Pleas
Thanks to all who tuned into the First Congregational Church Facebook page for a live Hymn Sing with Adam and Lauren Peithmann and the Prayer Service by Rev. Kevin. To get ready for the next event please click on the link below to access Facebook. Both events will remain on Facebook for your inspiration.
Click here to view Music Lyrics. Click here to view the Webcast Bulletin.
I will let you know here on the website when there is a newly scheduled event.
We hope everyone is well! Blessings!
2020 Scholarships
As this chaos continues, please keep in mind that education goes on...and members may have need for scholarships for the coming year.
Please click here for the guidelines...the deadline to apply is May 15th.
Meet the Pastor
Until this pandemic is contained, please reach out to Rev. Kevin via email by clicking here.
Men's Breakfast
Join Rev. Kevin and Peter Perich as the men of FCC make breakfast on the third Saturday of each month, and then enjoy a prayer discussion. We will post when the next date is!
Sign up on the office window, or talk to Rev. Pleas for details.
Dress A Girl
We hope the next Dress A Girl Sew will be in April but watch for updates. Everyone is welcome to sew on their own or join us as we make some dresses for girls at risk around the world. Contact Linda Bonetti for patterns or kits.
Thanks to everyone who continues to support and sew for Dress A Girl!
One of Pam LeBlanc's dresses on Portia, grade 1, in Zimbabwe. She is one of 7 whose father had a stroke and her mother is trying to raise the children with the help of A Light from Zimbabwe.
To make masks for healthcare workers, here is a YouTube video I found very useful. Call the facility first before dropping them off, please. Pattern for medical masks
Young Athletes Volunteers
Unfortunately the Young Athletes program for April-May has been cancelled. We hope to resume in September, and that YOU will join our team of volunteers. Please reach out to Bill Jones for more information.
Latest News
Current Videos
Click here to enjoy our current videos on Vimeo including Rev. Kevin's recorded services. Also check out "I Believe", Jeffrey Frye's original "We are Unbroken (After All)"; "Weave" sung by our choir during the Dress A Girl Around the World Blessing and Stewardship Sunday service; and other unique and enjoyable FCC musical moments!!
From the Pastor's Desk
Get connected to Rev. Kevin's insights! Learn more...
Sunday Bulletin
See the order of worship at First Church for the Sunday Service, including the Scripture Reading. Learn more...
The Sunday News
What’s happening this week in the life of First Church? Learn more...
Church Window
What’s happening this month at First Church? Learn more...
Read the 2019 Written Committee Reports by clicking here!
The 2019 Financial & Statistical Reports were sent by 1st class mail. Members wishing to receive a digital copy, can request one by email to Linda Bonetti at LBonetti@FCCManchesterNH.org.
First Congregational Church
508 Union Street, Manchester, NH 03104
603-625-5093