Weddings and Memorials
Whether or not you are a member of First Church, we are honored to offer these special services as part of our ministry.
Weddings
In the words of one popular wedding service, “It is one of life’s richest surprises when the accidental meeting of two lives leads them to proceed together along the common path of marriage.” First Church delights in helping couples prepare for marriage by providing our sanctuary and our chapel as sacred and beautiful spaces for weddings and vow renewals. If you would like to schedule a service, please call our church office for information about available dates, fees and requirements. Our pastor will be in touch. Church office phone: 603.625.5093
Memorial Services
When someone we love dies, gathering to remember and celebrate their life, and to place their life in the context of faith, is an important part of the healing process. First Church is available for Funeral and Memorial Services. Please call the church office for information and help with scheduling. Our pastor will be in touch to help you with planning and conducting a service. Church office phone: 603.625.5093
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...
Children's Education Coordinator sought...
Some people brought children to Jesus so that he would place his hands on them and pray. But the disciples scolded them. “Allow the children to come to me,” Jesus said. “Don’t forbid them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like these children.” Then he blessed the children and went away from there. —Matthew 19:13–15 (CEB)
In all that we do at our church, few things are as important as our children and youth. Ensuring that they know they are loved and safe when they are in our care, and providing classes and activities that bring them up in the faith — these are priorities for us that are as important as anything else we do together.
Our CE Coodinator will be moving this summer, so we are seeking an enthusiastic Children and Youth Education Coordinator for 12-15 hours a week. The CE Coordinator is responsible for the leadership and guidance of our Sunday School program for pre-school through eighth grade students. The person must be strong in building relationships among parents, teachers, volunteers, and the larger congregation to bring vitality and growth to the program. Strong candidates will possess excellent communication skills, including social media, and organizational skills; and be computer proficient. Teaching and working in children’s ministry experience are a plus. References and a successful criminal background check are required. If you are interested in learning more about this position, please click here.
Upcoming Events
Worship Sunday
Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 10:00am.
This is the Fourth Sunday of Easter. We welcome our member, Pip Adams, to lead traditional worship at 10am in the Sanctuary.
Prior to the 10am service, please enjoy the new Time of Greeting ... meet new friends and share fond memories before worship begins.
Tuesdays at 1pm and Wednesday at 6pm
Bible Study Class is a weekly gathering led by Reverend Kevin. This week’s session, Tuesday 4/17 & Wednesday 4/18, will be about Joseph's Story.
Read: Genesis 37-40 & Kenneth Davis: “Don’t Know Much About the Bible” pg.87-92
Every week will we update the next reading for discussion. Watch the Sunday News.
Great Bay Choral Festival
The First Congregational Church Chancel Choir will join 100 voices at the Choral Festival at the Christ Episcopal Church in Exeter.
"Canoeing the Mountains" Workshop 9am-12noon
Come to this important discussion about the future of Christian Leadership in our ever-changing world.
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 10:00 am worship service and fellowship, on the 2nd Sunday each month.
Latest News
Current Videos
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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...
ONA Celebration Service on Sunday, November 18th at 3pm
Join us as we celebrate our Open & Affirming status with a special worship service and Celebration on Sunday, November 18th at 3pm. All are welcome to attend.
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.
Approved by the Congregation on Sunday, November 19, 2017
First Congregational Church
508 Union Street, Manchester, NH 03104
603-625-5093