Meet Our Staff

The church has been a beloved part of my life as far back as I can remember. Beginning with the First Methodist Church of Riverside in California, where I grew up, I’ve been actively involved in one church community or another everywhere I’ve lived. I was blessed to feel a strong call to ministry early in my life, and after more than 30 years as a pastor, I am still deeply grateful for the privilege of serving.

After High School, I joined the Coast Guard for four years of active duty, then attended college at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, where I received a degree in Psychology. Then came three years at Andover Newton Theological School, a Master of Divinity Degree, and, in 1987, a formal Ordination to Christian ministry in the United Church of Christ. I have served churches in Massachusetts, Illinois, Connecticut, and Maine, and, in November of 2015, I was thrilled to be called as the Senior minister of the First Congregational Church of Manchester.

My ministry rises from knowing that God is gracious and extravagantly welcoming, that Jesus Christ provides a wonderful blueprint for faithful living, that life is abundant, that our hearts are best served by living close to a spirit of compassion, and that we are all invited into what Martin Luther King, Jr. liked to call the “Beloved Community.”

Personally, I was happily, no joyfully, married to my late wife, Pamela, for nearly 36 years. We have two beautiful daughters living in Maine: Sarah and Corinne. Sarah is married to Mary, and the two of them gifted us with our first grandson: Caleb, who is perfect. And then there’s Coco, our lovely poodle-mix rescue dog.

Church office phone 603-625-5093

Contact Kevin Pleas at RevKPleas508@gmail.com

As a newly Ordained Minister, I was Installed as the Associate Pastor at First Congregational Church on May 16, 2021. I am dedicated to keeping in contact with the congregation, paying special attention to shut-ins, the hospitalized, anyone going through difficult life changes. My ministry is one of caring, listening, and connecting.

Since I have been an active member of First Congregational Church for twenty-three years, I have worked on many committees, and was Deacon of Discipleship before joining the staff in my capacity of visiting ministry, and now as a Pastor.

I grew up in Wellesley, Massachusetts and attended The University of New Hampshire. I now live in Manchester, New Hampshire and have two adult sons.

When I am not working, I enjoy reading, swimming, golfing, playing my oboe, and spending time with family and friends.

A Bible verse that really speaks to me is Romans 12:10. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” That is the essence of my ministry.

Contact Reverend Barbara Papagian at BPapagian@FCCManchesterNH.org

Adam has been the Director of Music Ministry for the First Congregational Church since the Fall of 2014. Originally from Nebraska, he has worked in a variety of churches in the northeast.

Adam completed an undergraduate degree in Organ Performance from the Eastman School of Music and a Master’s Degree with a church music certificate from the Institute of Sacred Music at Yale. He also completed additional studies as a Fulbright scholar in Bremen, Germany.

Adam and his wife, Lauren, and daughters, Audrey and Annie live in Chester, New Hampshire. Lauren, also a graduate of the Institute of Sacred Music, is a music teacher at Salem High School in Salem, New Hampshire. Adam and his family are delighted to be a part of the First Congregational Church of Manchester, NH.

Contact Adam Peithmann at APeithmann@FCCManchesterNH.org

  Kelda York and her family have been members since 2008.  Her three children, Sylvie, Esme, and Lincoln, have grown up at First Congregational Church, where Kelda has been a teacher in our Church School and VBS Program.  Kelda is the former Coordinator of the Ministry of Mission and Outreach, and currently sings in the choir in addtion to her other volunteer roles.

Kelda can be reached at 603-625-5093, or by email at KYork@FCCManchesterNH.org.

  Peter has been a member of FCC since 1979, and on April 1, 2021, took on the position of Building Manager.  Peter has been involved in every aspect of FCC, serving as the Moderator of the Representative Council among his many achievements. Peter retired in 2018 as Assistant Principal at Memorial High School in Manchester, having spent nearly 50 years there starting as a student…he has been termed a “Granite State Great!”  Peter brings his skills of communication and organization to ensure our building is sound and secure.

Contact Peter through the church office at 603-625-5093 or pperich@FCCManchesterNH.org.

In the fall of 2014 I had come home late and pulled up Craigslist to update some job listings I was running, and up popped the listing from First Church for a Church Administrator…and at the very same moment I heard a horrendous crash! Long story short, a tree had fallen on my car, totaling it! I took this as a sign that I needed to make some changes from the very long days and stressful work environment I was in…and the rest is history.

 

I have been blessed to work at First Church since 2014 with a talented, compassionate staff and a host of members and friends who have embellished my life in unbelievable ways! My husband, Michael, two children and four grandchildren will attest to this! I now have time to enjoy puzzles, reading, sewing, cooking…and every weekend at our camp swimming, boating, and enjoying friends and family.

Contact Linda through the Church Office at 603-625-5093 or LBonetti@FCCManchesterNH.org

Sokhom fled Cambodia via Thailand in 1983. First Church welcomed him and his family, sponsoring his entrance into the United States and hiring him as our Sexton. A highlight was when Sokhom and his wife, Yean became American Citizens! Sokhom faithfully dedicates his days to the cleanliness and organization of First Church.

On his off days, he cares for his 14 grandchildren, his 25’x50’ garden, his model train collection, and he escapes to go fishing as often as he can.

Contact Sokhom through the First Church office at 603-625-5093.

 Lauren is a delightful new presence on our First Congregational Staff, and brings many new gifts to our membership. She has learned the ropes rapidly, and is settling in very well.

Lauren lives here in Manchester. She is married to Mitchell and together they have a ten-year-old daughter named Violet. Lauren’s professional experience includes library work in Manchester and Bedford. She has worked at the Currier and Shaker Village Museums, and teaches Meditation and Yoga as well. We hope you’ll drop by to welcome the most recent member of our staff!

Contact Lauren at LHendersonFCC@Yahoo.com .