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Congregational – United Church Of Christ † Gathered December 16, 1685 “No matter who you are, whom you love, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”
Congregational – United Church Of Christ
†
Gathered December 16, 1685
“No matter who you are, whom you love, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”
Morning Worship Third Sunday after Epiphany
January 26, 2020 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM
*If it is comfortable for you to do so, please stand
APPROACH TO GOD Let us keep silence as we prepare for worship.
TOWER CHIMES (10:00) Jim Stone
CANDLE LIGHTER (10:00) Nathan F.
MEDITATION “On the other side of fear lies freedom.” Anonymous
PRELUDE Prelude to Act Three R. Wagner
from “Mastersingers of Nuremburg” (1813 – 1883) trans. A. Willis
CALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 27) Leader: The Lord is my light and salvation, who shall I fear. People: The Lord is the fortress of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? Leader: One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may
dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; People: And to behold the beauty of the Lord and to worship in His temple. Leader: Who is it that you seek? People: We seek the Lord our God.
*HYMN #322 Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult GALILEE
*OPENING PRAYER Gracious God, you are the source of light and life. Come into the shadows of our lives and speak your word of hope. By the gravity of your touch in Christ, mend the broken places of our lives and heal the wounded places of the earth. Inspire our worship as you grant us pardon and peace in Jesus’ name, Amen.
*PRAISE #8/4 Mortals Join the Mighty Chorus ODE TO JOY
Mortals, join the happy chorus Which the morning stars began, Father love is reigning o’er us, Brother love binds man to man. Ever singing, march we onward, Victors in the midst of strife, Joyful music leads us sunward In the triumph song of life.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE (10:00)
GREETINGS
PROCLAMATION OF GOD'S WORD SCRIPTURE READINGS Isaiah 9:1-4 But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
Matthew 4:12-23 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.
SOLO Ave Maria P. Mascagni JANET POISSON, soprano (1863 – 1945)
Ave Maria Hail Mary Madre Santa Sorreggi il pié Holy mother, support the foot Del miser ché timplora Of the miser that impores (thee) In sul cammin Del rio dolor On the walk of the way of sorrows E fede, e speme gl’infondi incor And faith, and hope infuse them with O pietosa, tu che soffristi tanto O pitiful, you who suffered a lot Vedi, ah! Vedi il mio penar’ See, ah! See the pain Nelle crude liambascie In my crude legs D’un infinto pianto deh’! Of an infinite cry, she… Non m’abbandonar don’t abandon me!
Ave Maria Hail Mary In predaal’ duol’ In prey to the pain Non mi lasciar O madre mia pièta Don’t leave me mother of pity
O madre mia pièta O mother of pity In predaal’ duol’ In prey to the pain Non mi lasciar Don’t leave me Non mi lasciar Don’t leave me
SERMON “The Things We Leave Behind” Rev. Dr. Andrew Armstrong
*HYMN #373 God Is My Strong Salvation MEIN LEBEN (10:00)
RESPONSE TO GOD'S WORD *LITANY We are God’s Handiwork (+) Leader: We are God's work of art - each one of us a precious gem, a
marvelous melody, a potter's delight. People: We are God's handiwork - woven together in love, shaped with infinite compassion, painted with incredible beauty. Leader: We are the church of Jesus Christ - diverse in human qualities, but united in our call to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. People: We are the Body of Christ - living in his truth, sharing his peace, carrying his hope, embodying his love, throughout the world he
loved so much. Leader: We are here to be reminded once more who we are, whose we are and what our lives are about. People: We are here to be uplifted, renewed and empowered to live out the
miracle of who we are, by the power of God working in and among us.
All: We open ourselves to God, who makes all things new.
PRAYER CONCERNS
SILENT PRAYERS and PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD'S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
OFFERTORY Alleluia W. A. Mozart from “Exsultate Jubilate” - K 165 (1756 – 1791)
*DOXOLOGY #515 OLD HUNDRETH Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION (Unison) Great God of Heaven and Earth, you call us to leave behind our preoccupations and to follow you into the future. Sometimes we find your call challenging. We are comfortable, maybe even complacent, in our present. May this act of giving be a gesture of our willingness to follow where you lead. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
*HYMN #414 In Christ There Is No East or West ST. PETER
*BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Postlude P. C. Lutkin
(1858 – 1931)
We kindly ask those who are able to remain seated to listen to the Postlude.
OUR WORSHIP HAS ENDED; OUR SERVICE BEGINS
Extend the right hand of Christian fellowship and greet those near you after the service. Members, see that visitors meet the Ministers.
DEACONS OF THE DAY: 8:30: Sean Condon 10:00: Gary Lambert USHER IN CHARGE: Karen Bianchi
(+) adapted from “God’s Work of Art,” written by the Rev. David Inglis, pastor of Henrietta (NY) United Church of Christ. Posted in Worship Resources for Human Relations Day, 2011, on the Sharing God’s Gifts website of the United Methodist Church. http://www.umcgiving.org/
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The flowers in the pulpit are given in loving memory of their parents and Jean’s sister, Nancy, by Bill and Jean Jaquith.
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PLEASE USE THE VARIOUS CARDS IN THE PEW RACKS TO HELP KEEP THE STAFF INFORMED OF YOUR PASTORAL NEEDS.
************************************************************************* HEARING AIDS AND LARGE PRINT OF HYMNS AND PRAYERS
ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
************************************************************************* DVD RECORDINGS ARE MADE OF THE SERVICE AND
ARE AVAILABLE IN THE CHURCH OFFICE FOR BORROWING.
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Have you remembered First Church in your will?
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Cover image is by Duccio di Buoninsegna
Seina, Italy – created 1308 – 1311
“The Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew”
Annual Meeting Sunday, February 9, 2020
11:30 AM
One Worship Service at 10:00 AM
Notes from the Chancel
This morning in Worship, we welcome our own Chancel Choir Staff Singer, Janet Poisson as featured soprano soloist in worship. Her two offerings are staples of the classical vocal repertory, and both with wonderful stories in music history.
Transcribed from the Pietro Mascagni one act opera “Cavalleria rusticana”, the now-famous instrumental “intermezzo” between the opera’s two scenes, has also become a staple “chestnut” of sacred repertory. In the period the opera was written it became extremely popular to emulate the melodic prowess of the opera repertory into the sacred music realm. – There is even a significant movement in organ building in that period (in Italy) which favored bold Solo stops (similar to what our new Solo division has on our 1926 Austin organ) to be able to play these more popular melodies in church services.
Personally, I learned of this particular work as a vocal piece through working with the Bel Canto soprano Lucia Aliberti, as her concert accompanist for a few programs, back in Berlin, Germany, now 20 years ago. And I recall this particular work with the “traditional” Ave Maria text as known in the well-known Schubert and Bach-Gounod versions. Today’s version takes us back to the original 19th century transcription in Italian language, as it implores to Mary, while the person in prayer is walking a pilgrimage. It somehow perhaps recalls the many sermons Rev. Andy has mentioned of his own walks of the Camino de Santiago in Spain. It is reverent prayer more aligned with our Catholic brothers and sisters, but the fine piece of music that it is, still offers us a time of reflection and personal prayer, offered by Janet this morning.
Exsultate Jubilate (Rejoice, resound with joy) is religious solo motet was composed when Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was staying in Milan during the production of his opera Lucio Silla which was being performed there in the Teatro Regio Ducal. It was written for the castrato Venanzio Rauzzini, who had sung the part of the primo uomo (leading male) Cecilio in Lucio Silla the previous year. While waiting for the end of the run (from 26 December 1772 to 25 January 1773), Mozart composed the motet for his singer, whose technical excellence he admired. Its first performance took place at the Theatine Church on 17 January 1773, while Rauzzini was still singing in Mozart's opera at night. Mozart made some revisions around 1780. In modern times, the motet is usually sung by a female soprano. (Source: Wikipedia)
Below is the translated (Latin) text of the entire fifteen-minute work, for reflection. The “Alleluia” portion the congregation hears this morning, is the closing portion of this masterful work.
1. Rejoice, resound with joy, 2. The friendly day shines forth, o you blessed souls, both clouds and storms have fled now; singing sweet songs, for the righteous there has arisen In response to your singing an unexpected calm. let the heavens sing forth with me.
3. Dark night reigned everywhere [before]; 4. You, o crown of virgins, you who feared till now, grant us peace, and joyful for this lucky dawn, Console our feelings,
give garlands and lilies with full right hand. from which our hearts sigh. – Alleluia!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Christian Education Corner Today in the Sunday School January 19, 2020
Today is the Third Sunday after Epiphany. The liturgical color is green.
Nursery Care - The church nursery opens at 9:45 AM to care for children under the age of 3 during the 10:00 AM worship service. Nursery coordinators are on hand to greet parents and explain the procedure for checking in and picking up your child.
What Students Will be Learning Today
Preschool-2nd grade learn about baptism.
Grades 3-5 will continue their unit on Faith in Action, learning about No Place Like Home. Matt.5:1-12; Isaiah 58:6-7
Grade 6 and MAD will be making notes for the Valentine college packages that will be sent out
New Chapel Worship for Students - Starting February 2, students 3 years old-6th grade (MAD students will remain in the sanctuary for communion) will go to Shaw Chapel for a Worship service on the FIRST Sunday of each month. Rev. Ken will lead worship and classes will assist with readings, offering and ushering. Students will then go to class for their lessons. Students will continue to go to the sanctuary on the other Sundays for the Children’s Message. Please speak with Rev. Ken or Diane Matthes if you have any questions.
Heifer Collection – Today, the Heifer collection cans, calendars and booklets will again be distributed to the Sunday School students. This year’s Heifer project will run from January 20-April 5. Cans will be collected on Palm Sunday during the Heifer Procession. Any adults who would like to participate are encouraged to pick up a can at the CE Corner table in Fellowship Hall.
Heifer International’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. For more than 70 years, Heifer has helped more than 32 million families (161 million people) lift themselves out of hunger and poverty. In fiscal year 2017, Heifer assisted 2.1 million families directly and indirectly through its work.
Heifer International helps connect farmers to local and global markets so they can sell their goods for increased income.
Beneficiaries become donors by Passing on the Gift® of one of their animal’s offspring to another family in their community. At minimum, this practice doubles the impact of the original gift, transforming a once-impoverished family into full participants who improve and strengthen the bonds within their communities. It’s proof that small actions can lead to big results.
Heifer International’s Future: Heifer focuses on helping farming families achieve living incomes. This income will allow families to send their children to school, feed themselves adequately across every month of the year; and have proper housing, water, hygiene and other essential resources.
Church Happenings and Outreach - New/Current
Nominations are being sought for recipients of the Kathryn Brigham Service Award. Please fill out the form in today’s bulletin and place it in the box in Fellowship Hall or return it to the church office. The award will be given out at Annual Meeting on February 9.
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On February 9, there will be one service at 10:00 AM. Annual Meeting will follow the service. Please make note of the time change.
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Bible, Friends, and Coffee Bible Study resumes on Monday, January 27, 9:30-11:00 AM in room 15, in the Walker Building. Rev. Andy and Rev. Ken facilitate the discussion group. No sign-up is required. If you have a Bible, bring it; if not, one will be supplied for you.
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Chapel Vespers meets every Tuesday, 7:30-8:00 PM through February 18 in Shaw Chapel on the first floor of the Walker Building. Rev. Andy, Rev. Ken and Rev. Jami share this ministry. Services include scripture, meditation, a simple message, prayer, silence, music, and an invitation to healing. No need to sign up. Come as you are and feel free to bring friend.
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Men’s Midweek Group meets every Wednesday at 8:00 AM in the parlor (adjacent to Fellowship Hall). Led by Rev. Andy, the group meets for coffee, fellowship and topical discussions.
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14th Annual First Church Chili Contest is coming Sunday February 2 - Start working on your recipes! All types of chili are welcome - spicy, mild, sweet, exotic, vegetarian, etc. This year there will be awards for Hottest, Best Overall and most sold. All proceeds will benefit the Mission Trip Fund. Participants should register at the CE Corner and pick up details of the contest. Contact Diane Matthes in the church office if you have any questions. Register with Diane by today.
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Join the Usher Team! Are you new to the church and looking to meet people or are you looking for a way to rekindle friendships from the past? Come join the ushering team and we’ll guarantee that this is what will happen. If you have ushered in the past, we’d love to have you back with us. There are training sessions and great usher support so you are not left wondering what you are supposed to do. Schedules are posted 2-3 months in advance. There is a list of people who are willing to sub for you should you not be able to make one of your scheduled Sundays. Visit us just inside Fellowship Hall following the services on February 2 to find out more, ask questions and meet some of the present ushers who will be more than willing to give you answers.
Annual Mitten Tree Drive – Last call! The collection ends this week. Thank you for your donations! Stop by the tree near the In-Reach table and see how many pairs have been collected through the drive. The mittens will benefit the children at three of our neighborhood schools: Mt. Pleasant Elementary, Broad St. Elementary and Adult Learning Center Day Care. For further information, contact Susan Testa or the church office.
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Last Call for Christmas decorations - Leave your unwanted Christmas treasures (ornaments, table linens, and decorations) near the elevator, and we will take care of storing them. Items are being collected through the end of this week.
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Offering Envelopes - If you requested offering envelopes, they can be found on the windowsill in the coatroom area. If you didn’t request them, but would like some, contact Dianne Smigliani in the church office.
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Please return your pledge card as soon as possible. Cards are available in the pew racks, at the back of the sanctuary, and in Fellowship Hall. ACH-Direct Deposit Pledgers, please be sure to submit your 2020 pledge cards to let us know if your transactions remain the same or if there are any changes or updates you wish to make. Contact Dianne Smigliani in the church office if you have any questions.
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Outreach Focus of the Month Family Promise at Anne-Marie House
Family Promise is a transitional housing program for families with children who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness. The program provides shelter and meals for families while they are working on their goal to move to their own homes.
Transitional housing programs require that staff be present every day, all day. This makes it an expensive program to staff. The Family Promise Program relies on teams of volunteers from different faith communities to provide most of the weekly coverage. Beth Raymond is the volunteer coordinator for First Church. First Church’s volunteer week: February 16-22.
We always need more volunteers! During the month of January, we are having a volunteer recruitment campaign. There is a volunteer sign-up sheet at Sign-Up Central and Beth will be available during coffee hour to answer your questions. Look for her at the Family Promise table.
Supplies are needed. The Family Promise Program is in need of gently used baby and/or children’s clothing items and supplies for the children: wipes, diapers, pull-ups, baby soap and lotions, sippy cups and bottles.
Your donations are greatly appreciated. Please leave items in the collection box at the Family Promise table.
Church Cancellation Policy - In the event of inclement weather, a power outage, or severe weather advisory, First Church may cancel the First Service, Sunday School, or All Services. Please visit the church webpage (www.tfcucc.org), or Facebook Page (First Church Nashua UCC) for any cancellation notices. You can also check media outlets WMUR Channel 9, or WZID 95.7 under the heading First Church Nashua. The notifications will read as follows: First Service Cancelled or Sunday School Cancelled or All Services Cancelled and will be announced by 6am on the Sunday in question.
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Winter parking reminder - Use caution when parking along the north side of the church building. Heed the posted signs. Falling snow and ice can cause damage to your cars!
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Music in Worship Next Week Sunday, February 2, 2020 8:30 & 10:00 Chancel Choir; Leslie Woodard, flute
Church Happenings and Outreach - Ongoing
Bereavement Calendar - The church office has created a bereavement calendar to help us better remember and celebrate the lives of church members, friends, and loved ones who have recently passed away. If your family experiences a loss, please contact the church office so that we can be sure to include you in our prayers and our records.
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The Caregiver’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month at 3:00 PM in the library in the Walker Building. Please contact Rev. Jami for more information.
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Coffee with Ken meets every Wednesday, 1:30-3:00 at Riverwalk Café. Join him for a cup of coffee and casual conversation.
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Empty Nest Fellowship - The next gathering will be on February 27 at the Nashua Country Club at 7:00 PM. Discussion will be about the holiday season. Sign up at Sign-up Central.
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End 68 Hours of Hunger provides bags of food weekly to local elementary school children who would otherwise not have food over the weekend. The following items are needed: Individually packaged snacks such as granola bars, cookies/crackers, microwave popcorn, Canned Soup, Peanut Butter 18 oz. plastic, Jelly 20 oz. plastic squeeze bottles, Boxes of Instant Oatmeal, Cans of fruit (not applesauce), Crackers (Ritz or Graham), Hot Chocolate or Carnation Instant Breakfast packets
First Church serves dinner at the Nashua Soup Kitchen on the third Tuesday and fourth Friday of the month from 4:00-6:00 PM. New volunteers are always welcome to participate in this simple, but important outreach ministry. To serve on a Tuesday please contact Patricia Cooper or the church office. If you are interested in helping on a Friday, please contact Cindy Staradub or the church office.
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The Giving Card offers an option for those folks who give electronically or monthly to symbolically participate in the offering. Cards can be found in the basket at the back of the sanctuary. Simply place it in the offering plate.
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Helping Hands Volunteers – If you can spare a couple of hours once a month to help our sexton, Bruce Lund, with various projects around the church, please sign up at Sign-up Central. This fellowship group will meet every third Wednesday of the month from 9:00 AM-Noon. This group is open to men and women! For more information, call the church office or Bill Thompson.
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In-Reach Meals Team - Home cooked meals bring much healing to people as they recuperate. For when I was sick, you looked after me. Mt. 25:36. If you would like to help provide meals to parishioners who are temporarily in need, please register at Sign-Up Central and offer meals as you are able.
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The Men’s Breakfast Group meets every Thursday morning at 7:30 AM at the Pine Street Eatery, 136 Pine St., Nashua. Contact Ken Chapman or the church office for more information.
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The Men’s Monthly Fellowship Group meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM. Speak with Rev. Ken for more information.
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The Men’s Munchers meets on the first Tuesday of the month at noon for lunch and fellowship. On February 4, the group will dine at Pine Street Eatery, 136 Pine St., Nashua. All men of the church and their guests are welcome. Contact Ken Chapman or the church office for more information.
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The Prayer Shawl Ministry – Knitters and crocheters are invited to work on prayer shawls at home. Contact Karen Bianchi, Laurel Lang, or the church office to see how you can be involved in this simple, but meaningful ministry.
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Pulpit Flowers – If you would like to provide flowers for the pulpit, please sign up on the chart in Fellowship Hall. Flower arrangements can be purchased from your favorite florist or can be created from flowers you’ve purchased or grown. Register on the sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall or call the church office.
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The Visitation Ministry meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 1:30 PM in room 10 in the Walker Building. Please contact Rev. Jami for more information.
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Women’s Wisdom and Spirituality, led by Rev. Jami, meets on the 2nd and 4th Sundays (generally) following the 10:00 service in the dining room. Upcoming dates: February 16 & 23; March 8 (room 10) & 22; April 5 & 19; May 10 & 24; June 14
Community Events
What’s Happening at NHCUCC - The New Hampshire Conference of the UCC has seven mission groups who meet monthly to address issues of social justice in our churches and communities. Visit https://www.nhcucc.org/ to see the calendar. Meetings are held at the New Hampshire Conference, UCC, 140 Sheep Davis Rd, Pembroke, NH 03275.
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Granite State Organizing Project (GSOP) – February 17 - 6:00 PM - Adult Learning Center, 4 Lake Street Nashua -We are a faith-based group that addresses immigrant issues affecting our brothers and sisters, hunger, and poverty. All are welcome.
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THIS WEEK AT FIRST CHURCH
SUN JAN 26 8:30am Worship 10:00am Worship, Sunday School & Childcare 11:30am College Seminar, room 10 4:00pm Drama rehearsal, Nauss Hall
MON JAN 27 9:30am Bible, Friends & Coffee, room 15 7:00pm Drama rehearsal, Nauss Hall
TUE JAN 28 10:00am Staff meeting, room 10 2:00pm Huntington Service 5:00pm Joyful Noise 7:00pm First Folk; Drama, Nauss Hall 7:30pm Vespers, Shaw Chapel
WED JAN 29 8:00am Men’s Group, parlor 9:30am Newsletter, room 15 1:30pm Coffee with Ken, Riverwalk Café 6:45pm Chancel Choir
THU JAN 30 10:00am Thrift Shop 7:00pm Decibells; Property Management, room 10
FRI JAN 31 9:00am Organ rehearsal, sanctuary 9:30am Title 1, kitchen
SAT FEB 01 10:00am Organ rehearsal, sanctuary 11:00am Sisters in Sobriety, Nauss Hall
KATHRYN BRIGHAM SERVICE AWARD 2020 NOMINATION FORM
Nominations are being sought for recipients of the Kathryn Brigham Service Award. Kathryn Brigham served First Church for over half a century. It is in her memory that we wish to acknowledge the unselfish, loving, and committed Christian service of people in First Church. Please enter your suggestions on this form and put it in the offering plate or return it to the church office. The award will be presented at the Annual Meeting on February 9, 2020.
Former recipients include: George Borski, Gene Kusekoski, Kathie McIntyre, Bert Whitney, Diane Matthes, Carol Butler, Kathe Simons, Howard Richards, Hazel Richards, Ray Cannon, Alma Cannon, Dee Raby, Fred Matthes, Betty Lou Shirley, Gale Cummings, Cliff Strand, Bruce MacDonald, Chris Guild, Pauline Clark, Jane Murray, Craig Neth, Tom Richmond, Arlene Richmond, Barbara Pembroke, Dick Palmer, Leslie Van Wagner, John Englander, Jane Salgals, Beth Bartlett, Peter Chaloner, Jean Hollis, Dennis Webster, Darrell Spencer, Bev Spencer, Jay Darrin, Lori Lambert, Jessica Price, Carolyn Mulrooney, Joe Glajch, Jocelyn Henning, Deb Hoyt, Charlie Morris, and Nancy Rottman, Bob Cousens, Beth Raymond, Erin Almeda, Kay Potfora, Curt Potter, Brenda Smith-Weiss, Bernice Barnes, Alan Brown, Wendy Brown, Caryl Sullivan, Mary Dopp, Gary Lambert, Jim Stone, Dave Almeda, Fred Daniels, Kate Steer, Maribeth Stone, Doug Brenner and Norma MacKinley-Smith.
THE FIRST CHURCH STAFF
Senior Minister, Rev. Dr. Andrew W. Armstrong, [email protected]
Associate Minister for Youth and Families, Rev. Ken McGarry, [email protected]
Associate Minister for Congregational Care, Rev. Jami D. Boyle, [email protected]
Minister of Music, Joseph R. Olefirowicz, CAGO, [email protected]
Coordinator of Christian Education, Diane E. Matthes, [email protected]
Church Business and Marketing Manager, Dianne Smigliani, [email protected]
Secretary/Receptionist, Susan T. Englander, [email protected]
Sexton, Bruce Lund
Pastors Emeriti, Rev. James S. Chaloner and Rev. Dr. Jeffrey C. Evans
WELCOME A warm welcome is extended to all who are attending this worship service. A special greeting to those who
are visiting or worshiping for the first time. Please sign the guest book in the back of the sanctuary or fill
out the visitor card found in the pew racks. Fill out the back of the card, and put it in the offering plate or
hand it to a minister, Usher or Deacon so we may acknowledge your visit. Join in the time of fellowship, in
Fellowship Hall, following worship. If you have any questions about the life and ministry of First Church
please seek out the individuals wearing colored name tags; they are members of the various boards and
committees.
INFORMATION First Church was gathered on December 16, 1685 as The Church of Christ in Dunstable. On the same day
Thomas Weld was ordained and settled as minister of the church. The current building, built in 1894, is the
tenth building to house the First Church community. In 1961, the church entered fellowship with the United
Church of Christ. We welcome into our membership any who will own the covenant of First Church and
seek to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ in the community and world. Those interested in joining the
church should contact the church office for information. The Sacrament of Communion is celebrated on the
first Sunday of the month and the Sacrament of Baptism on the last. First Church is supported almost entirely
by pledges. Every member is expected to make a financial pledge according to their ability.
PASTORAL CARE Pastoral Care is available to all in need. Please keep the ministers informed of occasions of sickness, sorrow,
and joy. Let the church office know if you or family member or friend is hospitalized.
COMMUNICATIONS
If you have a change of address, phone number, or email address, please let the church office know so that
we may keep our records current.
All information for the weekly bulletin must be in the office by noon on Wednesday. All information for
the monthly newsletter must be in the office by 4:30 PM on the second Monday of the month.
All use of the building must be scheduled by the Secretary.
The First Church * One Concord Street * Nashua, New Hampshire 03064 * 882-4861
Office Hours: 9:00 AM-Noon and 1:00-4:00 PM, Mon – Fri
Sunday: 8:00 AM-Noon (closed during the 10:00 service)
Visit our web site at www.tfcucc.org
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