
Ministry of Spirituality
This Ministry works to ensure that First Church is a place of spiritual sustenance and growth for all who are on a faith journey, seeking meaning and purpose in life. It focuses on worship and faith formation (Christian Education) for all ages. This Ministry supports worship and spiritual formation opportunities accessible to the congregation of First Church in an intellectual, spiritual, physical and emotional manner.
This Ministry includes the Board and the committees listed below which are involved in worship planning, prayer, and spiritual formation.

Board of Deacons
The Board of Deacons works with the Senior Pastor in ministering to the spiritual interests of the Church and community. They assist in preparing for and serving Communion and also assist in ceremonies of Baptism, Confirmation, the joining of new members, and providing Ushers and Greeters.

ONA: Open and Affirming
On Sunday, November 19th, 2017 the Congregation voted by Special Meeting to approve the Open and Affirming (ONA) Covenant, which was entered into our Bylaws in February 2018:
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.

Music and Arts Committee
The Music and Arts Committee plan, organize, and coordinate concerts and other special musical events at First Church. Some of these events include the Christmas and Messiah concerts, organ recitals, and visiting artists.

Parish Visitors Committee
The Parish Visitors team is a small, dedicated group who visit shut-ins and the hospitalized. They meet monthly and update the list of people to be visited. They participate in the annual Blue Christmas service, knowing that the holidays are particularly hard for people who have lost loved ones, especially during the past year. During this service we are reminded that we are not alone in our grieving.
The Team is grateful to many people in our congregation who tell the Team if there are members who need and want visits, and they encourage the congregation to visit and help members of our church family. In addition, Pastor Kevin also makes pastoral visits.
First Congregational Church is blessed to be a church filled with compassionate and loving people who genuinely care for one another.

Hospitality Committee
The Hospitality Committee is responsible for combining the efforts of many boards, groups, committees and individuals in order to provide refreshments for the Fellowship Hour, which is held in the Dining Room after worship each Sunday.

Communion Committee
The Communion Committee coordinates the efforts of the Deacons in providing and preparing the elements and assisting the Pastor during sanctuary Communion and First Sunday Communion observances held in the Chapel.

Members in Discernment
The Members in Discernment team provide support to individuals who are a “Member In Discernment”, which is a covenantal relationship between a person on a journey toward authorized ministry, the Hillsborough Association of the United Church of Christ, and the person’s local church.

Pastor/Parish Relations Committee
This small group of individuals meets with the Senior Pastor to provide a trusted channel for communications and feedback between the Senior Pastor and the congregation. The group responds to issues that may emerge, requiring coordination and discussion in a professional manner. While the congregation is always encouraged to provide feedback directly to the Senior Pastor, members may also speak to committee members on a confidential basis in order to facilitate this process.

Knitters and Quilters
A dedicated group of individuals gather to make hats and mittens for Holiday Baskets, the Angel Tree, and New England Seafarers Mission. They also make baptismal quilts for newly baptized infants and children. In 2017, the Quilters made small quilts for our shut-ins.

Children and Youth Ministry Committee
This committee is responsible for staffing of Sunday School teachers and planning and implementing events throughout the year such as the worship service for Children’s Sunday, the annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast, the Fellowship Hour ice cream social, and the annual Advent Workshop.

Ushers and Greeters
Ushers and greeters serve an important role of providing the congregation with a friendly welcome to members and guests each Sunday. They also serve on other special occasions of worship such as Maundy Thursday and Christmas Eve. Please contact one of the Usher Captains if you are interested in extending hospitality by serving as an usher or a greeter in this important aspect of our ministry to God and to each other.

Audio Committee
This small team provides the setup of microphones and related services needed to enable the congregation to properly hear the worship service. They record the worship service onto CD’s that are provided to shut-ins. They also maintain wireless hearing devices for those who may wish to use them.

Altar Design Committee
During the course of the liturgical year, this team is responsible for the changes of the altar paraments to correspond with the colors representing the various seasons of the church. Additionally, they arrange the lilies at Easter, design a special arrangement of fruits and vegetables for Thanksgiving Sunday, and arrange the nativity and poinsettias during Advent and at Christmas time.

From the Pastor's Desk
One of the best parts of my work is being able to teach and write about our faith and Church life. I’m pleased to offer my reflections... Learn more...

Our History
In 1839 the eager entrepreneurs of the Amoskeag Mills coaxed a small, struggling English Congregational Church to link arms with a small, struggling... Learn more...

Music
First Church has a dynamic and inclusive music ministry for all ages. Our adult ensembles and children ensembles enrich our worship service... Learn more...

Pastor's Class
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