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.

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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.

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

We hope to resume the Pastor's Class and Bible Study as we wade through the Covid pandemic. Watch for announcements!

“It is my time at First Church that helps me "recharge" my spirit with faith and hope for the coming week!”

Sue Hannigen

“A path which leads me forward in a journey of grace and love with my family, friends, and community."

Bruce Attridge

“Cherished elements of core traditions live on at First Church…”

Grant Dugan

“I hope others will find such joy when they come here.”

Eleanor Flint Campbell

“We treasure our many friends and colleagues in this wonderful congregation.”

Susan and Bruce Felmly

“I love First Church because of my involvement with Women's Connection.”

Pamela LeBlanc

"We visited several churches after moving to Manchester. In our worship at First Church we were overwhelmed by the great preaching, the magnificent music and the very welcoming congregation. We feel truly blessed to have been led to membership at First Church."

Ross and Marion Palmes

Upcoming Events

Sunday Worship

Please watch our pre-recorded Worship service every Sunday at 10am on Facebook. Our next in person/live streamed worship service will be on Sunday, February 27th 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.

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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.

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SAVE THE DATE

Sunday, March 6, 2022

Click here for access to the 2021 Written Reports.

VISITORS TO THE FCC OFFICES

Visitors are always welcome at First Church, but appointments must be made. Masks must be worn in the offices.

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.

Highlights

Join us on Facebook Sundays at 10am!

Due to the rapidly rising numbers of Covid cases in New Hampshire and the contagiousness of this latest variant, First Church is temporarily moving to pre-recorded Sunday worship at 10am on Facebook with the expectation of returning to in-person, livestreaming worship on February 27th and continuing throughout Lent.

-Rev. Carolyn Keilig & The FCC Church Council

Photo Directory

Thanks to everyone who submitted a photo! We have published the "online instant directory" with personal passwords! Refer to directions in the Friday Link for how to connect and edit your own information.

Women's Connection

Valentine's Day Celebration on Thursday, February 10th at 6:30pm on Zoom

For more information about upcoming WC events, contact Denise Beaurivage (beau.de@comcast.net) or Pam LeBlanc (blanclp@comcast.net).

Memory Garden gets a facelift!

Thanks to everyone who pitched in to work on the Memory Garden! 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.

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!!