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
[CLICK HERE] to join Rev. Kevin Pleas, our Senior Pastor, as he delivers this week's message on Facebook.com/FCCManchester on Sunday at 10am for weekly Worship.
To connect to the Web Bulletin, which includes music lyrics, please [CLICK HERE].
[CLICK HERE] to send a Prayer Request to Barbara Papagian by 8:30am Friday.
You do not need a Facebook account to view the services live or watch the videos on your own time.
Barbara Papagian will be sending out periodic inspirational messages via The FCC Friday Link. To sign up, send your email to 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.
9:10 Morning Watch
Join 9:10 Morning Watch Monday-Thursday.
[CLICK HERE] to connect to Facebook
[CLICK HERE] to access the Morning Watch Bulletin on the FCC Bulletins page.
Barbara Papagian Ecclesiastical Council
She made it!
The Hillsborough Association of the NH Conference-UCC approved Barbara to become an Ordained Minister! Watch for more details of her Ordinationn Ceremony as they unfold in early 2021. Congratulations to Barbara from FCC! You make us so proud!
Highlights
Bible Study with Barbara
Bible Study with Barbara is Fridays at 9:30am until February 26th.
[Click Here] for more information. All are welcome!
Women's Connection
Join the Zoom socials...next one is Wednesday, January 20th at 6:30pm. [Click Here] for more information about BINGO!
email Pam ( blanclp@comcast.net) or Denise ( beau.de@comcast.net) to get an invite via email.
Friday Nights at FCC
Keep tuned for Friday Nights at FCC to resume on Friday, January 29th...and on the last Friday of the month at 6pm going forward. Events will be posted in the FCC Friday Link. Tune in to hear your favorite hymns arranged in a variety of styles plus classical standards. We hope to see you there!
Please [CLICK HERE] to access Vimeo. Events remain on Vimeo for your inspiration. Or go live on Facebook.
The Light in the Heart of the City
FCC has been a beacon of hope since 1878 on the corner of Union and Hanover Street. On December 20-27th we left the lights on overnight as a reminder of our mission to bring faith, hope and peace throughout the year to our neighbors, friends, and congregants.
Learn more about the Samuel West stained glass windows by clicking Light in the Heart of the City.
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!!
Open & Affirming
See the latest Open and Affirming News by [clicking here]!
Join the Open & Affirming Zoom Conference on Saturday, January 30th 9am-12:30pm. Register by [Clicking Here].
Quick Links to Content
From the Pastor's Desk
Link to Pastor Kevin Pleas' In the Spirit columns by [clicking here].
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!
For the rest of the "Covid season" we will stop producing the Sunday News, and resume it with the Bulletins at "in person" services.
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.
Cookbook
Women's Connection Cookbook
only $12.50 each
!See a member of Women's Connection or call the office for your copy of our favorite recipes
First Congregational Church
508 Union Street, Manchester, NH 03104
603-625-5093