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 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