First Church’s Commitment to Give Back
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21
The financial support we all provide to First Church is an act of faith and an expression of both thanks for the blessings in our individual lives and commitment to our faith journey together. If you are able to give, please do. We are grateful for any and all contributions. Regardless of the amount of your pledge though, please know that you are a beloved member of our faith community, and we’re glad you are a part of First Church. Your pledge allows First Church to give back so that the support of the outreach ministries we value will continue.
We also support the special mission offerings of the United Church of Christ (UCC) and Our Church’s Wider Mission Basic Support.
Neighbors In Need
Received in October, this offering is taken in many UCC churches like First Church. Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the UCC that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. For more information visit http://www.ucc.org/nin/
One Great Hour of Sharing
Received in March, this Lenten offering is taken in many UCC churches and in churches of dozens of other denominations. Offerings received are used to channel resources for international programs in health, education and agricultural development, emergency relief, refugee ministries, and both international and domestic disaster response. For more information visit http://www.ucc.org/oghs/
for international programs in health, education and ministered by Wider Church Ministries, Global Sharing of Resources.
Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM)
Gifts to support of Our Church’s Wider Mission benefit the full range of the United Church of Christ mission across the country and around the globe. For more information visit http://www.ucc.org/ocwm/basic-support.html.
Meet Our Staff
The staff at First Congregational Church are here to help you with your questions and concerns. You may also contact a staff member for events. Learn more...
Ways To Get Involved
There are many ways to become involved at First Church. As you become more familiar with our church, some of the opportunities to choose... 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... Learn more...
Children
Sunday Mornings for Children - We warmly invite you and your children to join us on Sunday mornings for a time of spiritual enrichment... Learn more...
VISITORS TO THE FCC OFFICES
Visitors are always welcome at First Church! Masks are recommended in the offices if you are not fully vaccinated, following CDC Guidelines.
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.
Upcoming Events
Sunday Worship
We are back and live!
Join us on Sundays at 10am to worship with Rev. Carolyn Keilig!
[CLICK HERE] to send a Prayer Request to Rev. Barbara Papagian by 8:30am Friday.
We will no longer offer a virtual service.
Rev. Barbara will be sending out periodic inspirational messages via The FCC Friday Link on the 1st and 3nd Fridays of the month. 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.
Church School
With Covid restrictions, we are reevaluating in person Church School to ensure the safety of our children.
On Sundays, the Cradle Room is open but not staffed.
You are also welcome to email Kelda York at kyork@fccmanchesternh.org.
2022 Stewardship Campaign has begun!
The Stewardship Committee has mailed the 2022 Pledge Forms. Our goal this year is to hear from everyone. Please pledge if you are able, but we understand that some have limited resources. We strive to get a reply from 100% of the 200 letters mailed, knowing that we reached you.
Holly Berry Fair Mini-Sale!
Update: We met with Reopening Committee on 9/23. We’re now going to sell our crafts after Worship on 12/5! More details coming! There will be a “preview” set up on 11/14!!!
Thanks to everyone who has helped us thus far...keep enjoying your crafting as we look forward to this new date to sell crafts. Contact Pam LeBlanc (blanclp@comcast.net) or Peggy Neveu (frannys1@aol.com) to talk about how you can get involved!
Highlights
Join us in person every Sunday at 10am!
*PLEASE READ OUR REOPENING INFORMATION*
ReOpening Protocol 9/20/21
Being able to worship together again on Sunday mornings is not only spiritually fulfilling but paramount in being able to reconnect with one another and with God.
In light of this, the Re-Opening committee will continue to meet and adjust our Covid protocols.
In concurrence with the Church Council and the Deacons,
we believe that our established protocols will help ensure all our members and visitors will stay safe while worshipping with us and will allow us to continue to worship in-person each Sunday!
At the same time, we are aware that our church family includes children who are unable to be vaccinated,
as well as those whose vaccination status is compromised because of health issues.
Recognizing the increasing number of Covid cases in the Manchester area, including breakthrough cases of those who are vaccinated, we urge you to follow the protocols that have been established.
Let's continue to gather safely every Sunday and find the strength and guidance from God that we all need during these uncertain times.
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Masks are strongly urged to protect everyone, following CDC recommendations.
Social distancing indoors should be practiced. (Feel free to greet one another outdoors)
If ramp access is needed, please ring the bell.
Offerings may be left in the box located in the narthex and plates by the exit doors.
Hand sanitizer and wipes will be available.
People may seat themselves in open pews.
The Cradle Room is available but not staffed.
We look forward to seeing everyone but urge you not to congregate inside the building at this time.
Thank you, The ReOpening Task Force, 9/16/21
Women's Connection
Congratulations to Terri Pattee...Queen of Bingo this month!
Donate with Women's Connection to the Memory Garden in memory of Barbara Hebert.
The ladies had a blast at Mack's Orchard apple picking 10/3 after worship.
The NHUCC Women’s Fellowship Fall Gathering is Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at the Congregational church of Laconia, UCC.
The deadline for Holiday Cards for Soldiers is October 17th.
For more information, contact Denise Beaurivage (beau.de@comcast.net) or Pam LeBlanc (blanclp@comcast.net).
2021 Photo Directory
All members and friends are asked to submit a photo for our internal "Photo Directory" to be published this fall. Email them to Lauren at LHenderson@FCCManchesterNH.org, or call the office to arrange to come in to take a photo. On Sundays, talk with Bill Jones or Pam LeBlanc about getting a photo taken.
Boots & Sneakers for Bakersville!
The Outreach Committee is collecting boots and sneakers (unisex style, youth 12-13 and 1-4) for Bakersville School. Please drop them off in the church office with your name. There's a sign up sheet on the office window.
It's Angel Tree Time!
It’s Angel Tree time, and this year the Outreach Committee has an exciting twist. Instead of gift cards or gifts we would like to distribute filled Christmas Stockings! Please pick up your stocking to fill with $30 of gifts, wrapped or unwrapped (no food or candy, please).
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]!
The Open & Affirming Committee generally meets via zoom on the 4th Sunday at 1pm. Contact Carol Soucy for more information and summer meeting times.
Queen City Pride Festival
Saturday, June 19th
Thanks to all who volunteered at this marvelous event!
See more about First Church Open & Affirming activities 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!
Bulletins and Sunday News will be available at all in-person services.
Church Window
What’s happening this month at First Church? Learn more...
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
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.
First Congregational Church
508 Union Street, Manchester, NH 03104
603-625-5093