Meet Our Staff
Rev. Kevin Pleas
Senior Pastor
Contact Rev. Kevin at 603-625-5093 or RevKPleas508@gmail.com
Read more about Rev. Kevin...
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 have been happily, no joyfully, married to my wife, Pamela, for nearly 36 years. We have two beautiful daughters living in Maine: Sarah and Corinne. Sarah is married to a great guy named Sean, and the two of them recently 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
Adam Peithmann
Director of Music Ministry
Contact Adam at 603-625-5093 or APeithmann@FCCManchesterNH.org
Read more about Adam...
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
Barbara Papagian
Director of Parish Care
Contact Barbara at 603-625-5093 or BPapagian@FCCManchesterNH.org
Read more about Barbara...
I have a Certificate in Spiritual and Pastoral Care from Andover Newton Theological School and am working toward Commissioned Ministry in Parish Care.
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.
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 Barbara Papagian at BPapagian@FCCManchesterNH.org
Kelda York
Children's Ministry Coordinator
Contact Kelda at 603-625-5093 or KYork@FCCManchesterNH.org
Read more about Kelda...
Kelda can be reached at 603-625-5093, or by email at KYork@FCCManchesterNH.org.
Larry Dearborn
Building Manager
Contact Larry at 603-625-5093 or LDearborn@FCCManchesterNH.org
Read more about Larry...
In his spare time, Larry belongs to a bowling league and volunteers his time at the Elliot Hospital.
Contact Larry through the church office at 603-625-5093 or LDearborn@FCCManchesterNH.org.
Linda Bonetti
Church Administrator
Contact Linda at 603-625-5093 or LBonetti@FCCManchesterNH.org
Read more about Linda...
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 Sar
Sexton
Contact Sokhom at 603-625-5093
Read more about Sokhom...
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 Henderson
Front Office Assistant
Contact Lauren at 603-625-5093 or LHendersonFCC@Yahoo.com
Read more about Lauren...
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 .
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...
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