Children
Sunday Mornings for Children
We warmly invite you and your children to join us on Sunday mornings for a time of spiritual enrichment and fun.
Visiting for the first time?
Please feel free to contact Betsy Green, the Church School Coordinator, at BGreen@FCCManchesterNH.org if you have any questions or if you would like to arrange a time to familiarize yourself with our building before coming to worship for the first time. On Sunday morning, feel free to ask an Usher or Greeter to introduce you to Betsy prior to the start of the worship service.
Betsy Green, Church School Coordinator
603-625-5093
Pre-K through Seventh Grade
We offer Sunday School during out 10:00 a. m. service during the school year and our 9:30 a. m. service in the summer.
Children begin worship in the Sanctuary with their families. Following the “Talk with God’s Children” they exit the Sanctuary and gather in the recreation room for the scripture of the month, video over view of the scripture lesson, along with learning new songs. Children then go to their age level Sunday School class rooms. Grades 5 -7 have a more in-depth scripture lesson with a young teen focus on mission and how does the Bible apply in this time of their life.
First Church uses the Deep Blue curriculum, which excites children to connect with the Bible and the world around them through Bible stories easily read in the CEB language. The Deep Blue Crew will be traveling all over the world in 2017-2018. Grades 5 -7 submerge into mission and spark discussions about applying scripture to everyday experiences. Each week closes with thought and prayer using a contemporary video. Technology is available with this curriculum along with a weekly devotional for the entire family.
Click here to view the 2017-18 Church School Registration Form
Communion
We encourage our children to participate in Communion with their families on Communion Sunday’s. Children are escorted to the sanctuary to join with their family for Communion.
“Peace Ringers” Children’s Hand Bell Choir
New this year is our Peace Ringers Children’s Hand Bell Choir which will practice in the Sanctuary (if no other congregational meeting is taking place in the Sanctuary that day) at 11:30am. Children in grades 2-8 are invited to speak with our Director of Music, Adam Peithmann, about openings. The schedule to see the Peace Ringers is pending, but watch the Sunday News!
“Me Too” January-May 2018
Children in grades 2-5 have a bonding program of their own called Me Too. The program meets once a month in the recreation room from at 12noon-1:30pm – following Peace Ringers’ practice. It is a time for food, fun and fellowship. As our world moves faster, children need time to connect with each other, and learn what they can do to share the love of God with friends. We gather for a lunch with the family, followed by Bible Blast games, while the adults have a topic of their own to discuss. We conclude by gathering the families together for a craft activity, mission project discussion, or a surprise guest.
First Church Choirs
Our choirs enrich your worship experience, which includes children’s story, music, sermon, and prayer.
Communion
Communion is celebrated during worship on “Threshold Sundays” – the first Sunday of Advent, the first Sunday of the New Year, the first Sunday... Learn more...
Bible Study
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...
Families and Children
Families and children are prominent in our church life. Children participate in worship and events throughout the year. Children... Learn more...
Children's Education Coordinator sought...
Some people brought children to Jesus so that he would place his hands on them and pray. But the disciples scolded them. “Allow the children to come to me,” Jesus said. “Don’t forbid them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like these children.” Then he blessed the children and went away from there. —Matthew 19:13–15 (CEB)
In all that we do at our church, few things are as important as our children and youth. Ensuring that they know they are loved and safe when they are in our care, and providing classes and activities that bring them up in the faith — these are priorities for us that are as important as anything else we do together.
Our CE Coodinator will be moving this summer, so we are seeking an enthusiastic Children and Youth Education Coordinator for 12-15 hours a week. The CE Coordinator is responsible for the leadership and guidance of our Sunday School program for pre-school through eighth grade students. The person must be strong in building relationships among parents, teachers, volunteers, and the larger congregation to bring vitality and growth to the program. Strong candidates will possess excellent communication skills, including social media, and organizational skills; and be computer proficient. Teaching and working in children’s ministry experience are a plus. References and a successful criminal background check are required. If you are interested in learning more about this position, please click here.
Upcoming Events
Worship Sunday
Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 10:00am.
This is the Fourth Sunday of Easter. We welcome our member, Pip Adams, to lead traditional worship at 10am in the Sanctuary.
Prior to the 10am service, please enjoy the new Time of Greeting ... meet new friends and share fond memories before worship begins.
Tuesdays at 1pm and Wednesday at 6pm
Bible Study Class is a weekly gathering led by Reverend Kevin. This week’s session, Tuesday 4/17 & Wednesday 4/18, will be about Joseph's Story.
Read: Genesis 37-40 & Kenneth Davis: “Don’t Know Much About the Bible” pg.87-92
Every week will we update the next reading for discussion. Watch the Sunday News.
Great Bay Choral Festival
The First Congregational Church Chancel Choir will join 100 voices at the Choral Festival at the Christ Episcopal Church in Exeter.
"Canoeing the Mountains" Workshop 9am-12noon
Come to this important discussion about the future of Christian Leadership in our ever-changing world.
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 10:00 am worship service and fellowship, on the 2nd Sunday each month.
Latest News
Current Videos
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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...
ONA Celebration Service on Sunday, November 18th at 3pm
Join us as we celebrate our Open & Affirming status with a special worship service and Celebration on Sunday, November 18th at 3pm. All are welcome to attend.
The faith community of First Congregational Church, Manchester NH reaffirms our shared covenant and beliefs that the Gospel of Jesus Christ calls us to love one another and to extend welcome to all people. We affirm that each individual is a child of God and that all are worthy of God’s love and grace.
As witness to these beliefs and as covenant members of Christ’s church, we proclaim and celebrate God’s love for people of all ages, all races and ethnic backgrounds, all mental and physical abilities, all socioeconomic backgrounds, all sexual orientations, all gender identities and gender expressions, and all other diverse attributes that are woven into the fabric of humankind.
We are called to be as one body, seeking to walk together in the complete life and ministry of our church. With God’s grace, we resolve to be an open, inclusive, affirming, and accessible community of faith. We invite all to participate and share in the life and leadership, ministry and fellowship, worship and sacraments, responsibilities and blessings of our Christian community.
Approved by the Congregation on Sunday, November 19, 2017
First Congregational Church
508 Union Street, Manchester, NH 03104
603-625-5093