Meet Our Staff

Rev. Carolyn Keilig
Interim Senior Pastor
Contact Rev. Carolyn at 603-625-5093 or CKeilig@FCCManchesterNH.org
Read more about Rev. Carolyn...
Rev. Carolyn Keilig is no stranger to First Congregational Church, having served here previously as the Interim Senior Pastor, 2013-2015. She is excited to return to Manchester in the same position, recognizing that we all have changed during the ensuing years.
Rev. Carolyn grew up in Trumbull, Connecticut and it was when she was active in her local church’s youth group that she felt her call to ministry. From there she went to Defiance College where she double majored in Religious Education and Sociology. She received her M.Div. from Andover Newton Theological School.
While she began her ordained ministry over 40 years ago as a settled pastor at the First Congregational Church in Kittery Point, Maine, she always felt a call to serve churches going through transitions. She eventually received the training to become an Intentional Interim, and has served numerous UCC churches throughout New Hampshire in that capacity. Rev. Carolyn says that one of the greatest joys of ministry, especially interim ministry, is meeting and getting to know a wonderful and diverse number of people with the opportunity to learn from the variety of perspectives that make up any particular community of faith.
She brings a wealth of experience to each church she serves, having served on many local, state and national boards. Currently, she is the President of the New Hampshire Conference, United Church of Christ until her term ends in October 2021.
When not making the commute to Manchester from her home in Hopkinton, Rev. Carolyn enjoys reading, cooking, fabric arts, bird watching, hosting high school exchange students and keeping up to date with her three adult children.
Contact Reverend Carolyn Keilig at CKeilig@FCCManchesterNH.org

Rev. Barbara Papagian
Associate Pastor
Contact Rev. Barbara at 603-625-5093 or BPapagian@FCCManchesterNH.org
Read more about Barbara...
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 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

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.

Peter Perich
Building Manager
Contact Peter at 603-625-5093 or PPerich@FCCManchesterNH.org
Read more about Peter...
Contact Peter through the church office at 603-625-5093 or pperich@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. Carolyn and Rev. Barbara will offer a variety of multi-week book and Bible study classes at different times during the church year.
Upcoming Events
Sunday Worship
We are back! The in-person/live streamed worship service is on Sundays at 10am.
[CLICK HERE] to send a Prayer Request to Rev. Barbara Papagian by 8:30am Thursday to include in the service.
Rev. Barbara will be sending out periodic inspirational messages via The FCC Friday Link on the 1st and 3nd Fridays of the month; and special editions to keep you updated with FCC Covid protocols. To sign up, send your email to Rev. Barbara 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.
9am Morning Watch
Join 9am Morning Watch Monday-Thursday.
[CLICK HERE] to connect to Facebook
[CLICK HERE] to access the Morning Watch Bulletin on the FCC Bulletins page.
Sneakers & Sweats for Bakersville
Outreach is asking for donations of new sneakers and sweatpants and shirts to aid students in need at Bakersville School. Sign up on the office window.
Holly Berry Fair
Saturday, October 22nd!
Crafting Thursdays 9-12noon!
Click here for Holly Berry Fair info
Contact Pam or Peggy to get involved! The more the merrier!
Highlights
Open & Affirming
Queen City Pride Festival on Saturday, June 18th
Thanks to all who volunteered to make this another endearing event!
See the latest Open and Affirming News by [clicking here]!
Women's Connection
WC 10th Annual Mystery Ride...Saturday, June 11th
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
For more information about upcoming WC events, contact Denise (beau.de@comcast.net) or Pam (blanclp@comcast.net).
Memory Garden gets a facelift!
Our tranquil space for personal reflection and healing is available to you outside the Chapel doors. Donations to the Memory Garden can be sent directly to FCC with "Memory Garden" in the memo. The new dwarf Japanese Maple is a stunning addition, thanks to the many donations and our team of volunteers led by Liz Verity!
Join us in the Sanctuary on Sundays at 10am!
April 12, 2022 update from the Church Council on Worship Services and Fellowship regarding Covid 19 mitigation protocols at First Congregational Church-
It has been over two years since the pandemic first impacted our state and our beloved First Congregational Church, and Covid 19 continues to affect our lives in its various mutations. While staff and church leadership will continue paying attention to the current infection rates and Covid-related hospitalizations, we (cautiously) are pleased to lift the last remaining Covid 19 mitigation protocols in our building. For more information [Click Here]...
-Rev. Carolyn Keilig & The FCC ReOpening Task Force
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!!
Sunday Bulletin
See the order of worship at First Church for the Sunday Service, including the Scripture Reading. Learn more...
The Sunday News & FCC Friday Link
What’s happening this week in the life of First Church? Click on the FCC Friday Link to see what happening around First Congregational Church!
Bulletins and Sunday News will be available at all in-person services.
Church Window
What’s happening this month at First Church? Learn more...
Women's Connection Cookbook
Buy one at $12.50 each and get one of the sample cookbooks from the printer for FREE!
!See a member of Women's Connection or call the office for your copy of our favorite recipes
VISITORS TO THE FCC OFFICES
Visitors are always welcome at First Church.
The Food Closet is available Monday-Friday 9-12noon.
Should you need anything relating to the office, please call, or email Linda Bonetti, Lauren Henderson, Rev. Carolyn Keilig, or Rev. Barbara Papagian.
Photo Directory
Thanks to everyone who submitted a photo! We have published the "online instant picture directory" with personal passwords! Refer to directions in the Friday Link for how to connect and edit your own information.
First Congregational Church
508 Union Street, Manchester, NH 03104
603-625-5093