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...
VISITORS TO THE FCC OFFICES
Until further notice, visitors should call ahead to ensure the health and safety of our staff, members, and friends. The Food Closet is available Monday-Friday 9-12noon by prearrangement. 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
Sunday Worship with Barbara Papagian
Sunday, July 12th at 10am following the 9:30am Hymn & Sing
To connect to the Lyrics and Bulletin, please [CLICK HERE].
[CLICK HERE] to send a Prayer Request to Barbara Papagian by 8:30am.
You do not need a Facebook account to view the services live or watch the videos on your own time.
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.
Sunday Worship
Worship On Sunday
To connect to the Lyrics and Bulletin, please [CLICK HERE].
[CLICK HERE] to send a Prayer Request to Barbara Papagian by 8:30am.
You do not need a Facebook account to view the services live or watch the videos on your own time.
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.
Children's Program
Virtual Camp at Horton Center
The Horton Center is offering a FREE virtual summer camp for children grades 3-12. There are 4 virtual camps being offered starting Monday, June 29th through Monday July 20th. Check out this great opportunity to experience The Horton Center from your home this summer! Click this link for more information!
Virtual VBS
Join us for free VBS July 27th-31st
The CYM committee is SO excited to announce that FCC will host a Virtual VBS this summer! July 27 – 31 we will be having a virtual VBS with videos and some Facebook Lives (depending on family availability). We will be doing the Orange: Focus: Take a Closer Look.
This may be a different VBS than what you are used to but we will make it happen, nevertheless. Your kids will get to dive deeper into their faith by putting the FOCUS on God and his amazing plan for us! This VBS is available for pre-k through pre-teens.
The memory verse and FOCUS for this VBS is “Let us keep looking to Jesus. He is the one who started this journey of faith. And he is the one who completes the journey of faith.” Hebrews 12:2A
Families who are interested in participating will be given a VBS packet with activities and instructions on how to have their very own VBS virtual experience. We will be supplementing this with videos, Facebook Lives and maybe some Google Meet Ups.
If you are interested in participating in the FCC Virtual VBS this summer, please contact Kelda York at kyork@fccmanchesternh.org
Happy Summer!
2020 Holly Berry Fair
Planned for Saturday, November 21st
Pam LeBlanc and Peggy Neveu are still coordinating our Holly Berry Fair - if we can't have a traditional fair, you can count of them to come up with a version we can all enjoy!
Anyone interested in making items for the Fair during this hiatus should contact Pam or Peggy. Send them a photo of what you would like to donate or how you would like to help!
Highlights
Sunday Hymn Sing and Worship
Thanks to all who tune into the First Congregational Church Facebook page for a live Hymn Sing with Adam and Lauren Peithmann followed by the Prayer Service by Rev. Kevin. Please [CLICK HERE] or on the link below to access Facebook. Both events will remain on Facebook for your inspiration, and you don't need a Facebook account.
To connect to the Lyrics and the Bulletins, [CLICK HERE].
On June 7th, the time moved up to 9:30am to start, and is followed by a separate Facebook Worship Service.
We hope everyone is well! Blessings!
Friday Nights at FCC at 6pm
Looking to end the week on a high note? On Fridays at 6pm Adam Peithmann will perform 20-30 minute mini recitals from the Chapel at FCC on Facebook Live. Come and hear your favorite hymns arranged in a variety of styles plus classical standards. We hope to see you there!
Please [CLICK HERE] to access Facebook. Events remain on Facebook for your inspiration, and you don't need a Facebook account.
Friday Book/Bible Study
Zoom Book/Bible Study
Barbara Papagian continues to hold a book/Bible study class based on Rabbi Kushnar’s book, “The Lord is My Shepherd” at 9:15am on Friday, July 10th.
Watch for the next series. To join, please contact Barbara at BPapagian@FCCManchesterNH.org.
Coming Back Soon
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, once we are reunited.
Coming Back Soon
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!.
Dress A Girl
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!
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
Latest News
Videos on Vimeo
[CLICK HERE] to enjoy our current videos on Vimeo. Recently Adam has been recording some select pieces for your enjoyment. 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...
What's happening with committees!
Read the 2019 Written Committee Reports by clicking here!
The 2019 Financial & Statistical Reports. Members wishing to receive a digital copy, can request one by email to Linda Bonetti at LBonetti@FCCManchesterNH.org.
2019 Cookbook
2019 Women's Connection Cookbook
only $12.50 each
See a member of Women's Connection to order
First Congregational Church
508 Union Street, Manchester, NH 03104
603-625-5093