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...
Upcoming Events
Sunday, January 19, 2020, at 10:00am
Worship This Sunday
Join us this Sunday for worship on the Second Sunday after Epiphany! Our Senior Pastor, Rev. Kevin Pleas, will lead the worship at 10:00am in the Sanctuary. This week's sermon is titled "Risky Business". The scripture reading is from Isaiah 49:1-7. Learn more...
Sunday, February 2, 2020, at 11:30am
Mind, Body, Spirit...with Jason Sokol
All Eyes Are Upon Us: Racial Struggles in the Northeast from Jackie Robinson to Deval Patrick
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
Men's Group on Saturday, January 18th at 8am
Join Rev. Pleas at the next monthly Men's Breakfast!
Sign up on the office window, or talk to Rev. Pleas for details.
Meet the Pastor Wednesdays 1pm-3pm
Drop in to see Rev. Pleas! Or anytime by appointment.
Come in Wednesdays 1pm-3pm for some very inspirational one-on-one time with Rev. Kevin Pleas.
Dress A Girl
The next Dress A Girl Sew will be Thursday, January 30th, at 9am; and Thursday, February 20th. Everyone is welcome to join us as we make some dresses for girls at risk around the world.
Thanks to everyone who continues to support and sew for Dress A Girl!
Sokhom has brought our dresses to Cambodia! This grandmother is raising the grandchildren so the parents can find work in Thailand.
Young Athletes Volunteers
Join the Young Athletes 5:30-6:30pm at Manchester Community Music School. Sign up on the office window, or see Bill Jones.
Latest News
Read the 2019 Written Committee Reports by clicking here!
The 2019 Financial & Statistical Reports can be picked up on Sunday, January 26th. Those not picked up will be mailed 1st Class on Monday, January 27th. Members wishing to receive a digital copy, can request one by email to Linda Bonetti at LBonetti@FCCManchesterNH.org.
Current Videos
Click here to enjoy our current videos on Vimeo including "Weave" sung by our choir during the Dress A Girl Around the World Blessing and Stewardship Sunday service. Also check out "I Believe", Jeffrey Frye's original "We are Unbroken (After All)", 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...
First Congregational Church
508 Union Street, Manchester, NH 03104
603-625-5093