april 2018 - first congregational church, manchester, nh · back to lead worship on sunday, april...

12
April 2018 By Senior Pastor Rev. Kevin Pleas Explorers Lewis and Clark had to adapt. While they had prepared to find a waterway to the Pacific Ocean, in- stead they found themselves in the Rocky Mountains. You too may feel that you are leading in a cultural con- text you were not expecng. You may even feel that your training holds you back more oſten than it carries you along. If you are going to scale the mountains of ministry, you need to leave behind canoes and find new navigaonal tools. Reading this book will set you on the right course to lead with confidence and courage. —From the Amazon Webpage for ––Canoeing the Mountains, by Tod Bolsinger Dear Friends, By now, no doubt, those of you who have taken me up on my invitaon to read the book Canoeing the Mountains have discovered for yourselves something that I ve been hearing a lot lately. Its not an easy read. Neither is it a page-turner. However, I hope you will persevere. It truly is one of the best books currently available on whats happening in churches like ours. How to have a faithful and vital congregaon in our fast-changing mes is very much a church-wide conversaon we need to be having. Bolsingers book provides a very good jumping off place for that conversaon. Let me offer you a couple of thoughts based on comments Ive been hearing. First, please dont get stuck in the reading. Bolsinger is an ordained minister and, at mes, falls into the trap of talking like one. But his book has good insights for all church leaders and members. Im hoping we can all get the broad outlines of his thinking, without geng bogged down in the details. In case you were wondering, I am planning to hand out chapter notes when we get down to the actual con- versaons, but youll have a beer understanding if you read it for yourself. Second, no one is trying to take your church away. I am a strong believer in our Congregaonal way of being. I believe there is great collecve wisdom in how we pracce our faith. But that collecve wisdom depends on our members being well informed about the real nature of the challenges we are facing. Learning together what those challenges are and talk- ing together about how to address them is the whole point of all this. Where we go from there is meant to be something we will be deciding together. Finally, Im grateful to those who have stepped forward to offer their homes for conversaons. I will be geng these gatherings organized soon. The plan is to hold several of them in April and/or May. There will be sign-up sheets ap- pearing shortly aſter Easter, and we will hold at least one or two of the gatherings here at church to accommodate those who might have trouble geng out at night. I welcome your feedback and suggesons, and I m grateful for your willingness to parcipate with me in this journey of faith. Yours in grace, Rev. Kevin Ripples & Rev. Kevin will be on vacaon from April 20th through April 28th. He will back to lead worship on Sunday, April 29th! Easter Service at First Congregaonal Church Sunday, April 1st at 10AM

Upload: others

Post on 03-Jul-2020

2 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: April 2018 - First Congregational Church, Manchester, NH · back to lead worship on Sunday, April 29th! Easter Service at First ongregational hurch Sunday, April 1st at 10AM ... I

April 2018

By Senior Pastor

Rev. Kevin Pleas

Explorers Lewis and Clark had to adapt. While they had prepared to find a waterway to the Pacific Ocean, in-stead they found themselves in the Rocky Mountains. You too may feel that you are leading in a cultural con-text you were not expecting. You may even feel that your training holds you back more often than it carries you along.

If you are going to scale the mountains of ministry, you need to leave behind canoes and find new navigational tools. Reading this book will set you on the right course to lead with confidence and courage.

—From the Amazon Webpage for ––Canoeing the Mountains, by Tod Bolsinger

Dear Friends,

By now, no doubt, those of you who have taken me up on my invitation to read the book Canoeing the Mountains have discovered for yourselves something that I’ve been hearing a lot lately. It’s not an easy read. Neither is it a page-turner. However, I hope you will persevere. It truly is one of the best books currently available on what’s happening in churches like ours. How to have a faithful and vital congregation in our fast-changing times is very much a church-wide conversation we need to be having. Bolsinger’s book provides a very good jumping off place for that conversation.

Let me offer you a couple of thoughts based on comments I’ve been hearing. First, please don’t get stuck in the reading. Bolsinger is an ordained minister and, at times, falls into the trap of talking like one. But his book has good insights for all church leaders and members. I’m hoping we can all get the broad outlines of his thinking, without getting bogged down in the details. In case you were wondering, I am planning to hand out chapter notes when we get down to the actual con-versations, but you’ll have a better understanding if you read it for yourself.

Second, no one is trying to take your church away. I am a strong believer in our Congregational way of being. I believe there is great collective wisdom in how we practice our faith. But that collective wisdom depends on our members being well informed about the real nature of the challenges we are facing. Learning together what those challenges are and talk-ing together about how to address them is the whole point of all this. Where we go from there is meant to be something we will be deciding together.

Finally, I’m grateful to those who have stepped forward to offer their homes for conversations. I will be getting these gatherings organized soon. The plan is to hold several of them in April and/or May. There will be sign-up sheets ap-pearing shortly after Easter, and we will hold at least one or two of the gatherings here at church to accommodate those who might have trouble getting out at night.

I welcome your feedback and suggestions, and I’m grateful for your willingness to participate with me in this journey of faith.

Yours in grace, Rev. Kevin

Ripples &

Rev. Kevin will be on vacation from April 20th through April 28th. He will

back to lead worship on Sunday, April 29th!

Easter Service at First Congregational Church Sunday, April 1st at 10AM

Page 2: April 2018 - First Congregational Church, Manchester, NH · back to lead worship on Sunday, April 29th! Easter Service at First ongregational hurch Sunday, April 1st at 10AM ... I

Spring is almost here and soon the leaves will be coming out on the trees and the crocuses will be popping up and grass will be turning green, giving some color to yards that have been color-less and drab. The sun will be brighter and warmer and days will be longer. We can always count on these things happening and we look forward to Spring every year. But there will also be some newness to the Spring. Many peo-ple will plant new flowers and new vegetable gardens. I am going to have my landscapers plant some new flowers in my backyard garden. The same ones have been coming up for many years now and I want to see something new…some new colors and types of flowers. When the flowers were first plant-ed, I told the landscaper that I am an excellent plant killer, so please plant things that will fight back. He did and the same plants have defied my every attempt at murder for a long time. Now I want to challenge some new plants. With Spring comes my closet cleaning spree. I actually like cleaning out the closets in Spring. I put away the winter clothes that I have worn for months and am sick of wearing by now. Some will be put away for next year, some will be given away and some will be thrown away (why do I keep that old brown sweater with a hole in it?) Then out come the Spring clothes and probably out I will go to do a little shopping for some new clothes. I think in our lives it is good to keep a balance between the old and familiar and the new and changes. Even though my sons are adults now and have their own homes, we still get together on Christmas morning and open stocking gifts, and I still give them those little life saver books and a silly little toy. But now there is another family in my life so my Christmas afternoon is spent with them having a yankee swap and Christmas dinner in the evening, which is new to me since we always had our Christmas dinner at noon when I was growing up with my own family. The old and familiar are good and com-forting. The new and changes are good and exciting and I, for one, enjoy both.

Barbara Papagian, Director of Parish Care

Senior Moments Worship In April

Sunday, April 1st 10:00 AM Easter Sunday

Children’s Easter Egg Hunt ****************************

Sunday, April 8th 10:00 AM Second Sunday of Easter Sanctuary Communion

Service of Prayer and Healing ****************************

Sunday, April 15th 10:00 AM Third Sunday of Easter

*****************************

Sunday, April 22nd 10:00 AM Fourth Sunday of Easter

Pip Adams Leads Worship *****************************

Sunday, April 29th 10:00 AM Fifth Sunday of Easter

April Committee Meetings Announced

Monday, April 2nd 10AM—Senior Fellowship Board Monday, April 2nd 6:30PM—Deacons’ Meeting Tuesday, April 3rd 6:30PM—Membership Meeting Sunday, April 8th 8:30AM—Outreach Committee Sunday, April 8th 11:30AM—ONA Committee Sunday, April 8th 11:30AM—Teachers’ Meeting Monday, April 9th 6PM—Stewardship Meeting Tuesday, April 10th 6PM—Church Council Meeting Sunday, April 15th 11:30AM—CYM Meeting Monday, April 16th 6:30PM—Church Trustees Tuesday, April 17th 4PM—Parish Visitors Meeting

Prayer Requests If you have a prayer request for

Sunday mornings, there are boxes in the narthex and hallway for you

to put your requests in. Please submit them by 9:55. If you do

come in after that you can hand your request to an usher who will get it to me. During the week

you are welcome to email your request to me at [email protected]. I can take email requests up

until 9:00 on Sunday morning. I am honored to have the privilege of raising your prayers during the service.

- Barbara Papagian

Book Club Meeting Sunday, April 29th at 11:30AM

The next book club meeting we will be discussing “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” by Maria Semple. All are welcome to join! See sign-up on the Church Office Window.

Bonus book this month!.... Read “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” by Richard Atwater. Get the new version of this very funny

book and be ready to discuss!

Page 3: April 2018 - First Congregational Church, Manchester, NH · back to lead worship on Sunday, April 29th! Easter Service at First ongregational hurch Sunday, April 1st at 10AM ... I

Gratitude for Helping Hands

From our Talents and Treasures event last November, the con-gregation witnessed the creative handiwork of gifted individu-

als within our church family. It was an inspiring exhibition. Yet it is the talents from a multitude of individuals offering

their time to church work that are our hidden treasures. For each pair of helping hands we give thanks.

Each month throughout the church year the Deacons will be honoring a specific group for the ministry they offer.

March: Altar Design, Audio and Ground Committees Our March Gratitude go to the Altar Design, Audio, and

Ground Committees. Sunday after Sunday, the Altar Design and Audio committees bring our sanctuary alive with beauty and sound. The seasonal beauty of the altar is brought to life with the guiding hands of Pam LeBlanc, Terri Pattee and their helpers. From microphones to creating CDs, Larry Dearborn and Bob Koehler make sure both the congregation and the

shut-ins can enjoy hearing the worship service each Sunday. From mowing and fertilizing to maintaining the bushes and

Memory Gardens, Dick Jarvis along with his many volunteers of the Grounds Committee keep the outside of the church in tip

top shape. April: Scholarship Committee

May: Interfaith Representatives September: Parish Visitors

October: Hands On Mission for Everyone and Meal Train November: Senior Board, Women’s Connection and

Men’s Group

Prayer & Healing Service Sunday, April 8th

following fellowship

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. The

service will be held in the Chapel following the 10:00 am wor-ship service and fellowship, on the 2nd Sunday each month. We hope you’ll come experience this very meaningful and

meditative form of worship.

Save the Date! Spring Senior Luncheon Tuesday, May 15th!

Manchester Country Club

Noontime Lenten Reflection The Board of Deacons opened our Chapel doors to the

community to offer a place for prayer and serenity during five Fridays of the Lenten Season.

Save the date! NHGMC Dress Rehearsal Tuesday, May 1st at 7PM

The New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus invites First Church Members to a dress

rehearsal for their Spring Concert Series! Celebrating 20 Years: A Generation of Music...This free concert

is held right at FCC in the Sanctuary. Come to celebrate 20 years of music and community service and be impressed by

their beautiful voices!

Page 4: April 2018 - First Congregational Church, Manchester, NH · back to lead worship on Sunday, April 29th! Easter Service at First ongregational hurch Sunday, April 1st at 10AM ... I

Make A Difference In Someone’s Life!

Volunteer with the HOME Team

New Horizons: Clients often describe New Horizons as a place for second chances. Hope begins there for everyone who walks in the door. All are welcomed with encourage-ment, support, and it is with hope that possibilities of a brighter future exist.

Three opportunities to volunteer in April: Tuesday, April 17th 9 AM—11 AM. We would help with prep for the evening meals, and provide extra help in the food pantry .

Thursday, April 19th & Monday, April 23rd 4 PM—6 PM. We would help serve the evening meals. Next month, the dates will be May 17th & 28th to join the team to serve and May 15th for kitchen prep and food pantry help.

All are encouraged to volunteer (men, women and teens). If you are interested in helping please sign up on the church office window. We will need a total of 5 people to help serve. The soup kitchen serves much more than soup, they typically serve over 250 meals daily. Dinner always includes a robust salad, entree, sides, dessert and choice of milk, coffee and soft drinks. Contact Liz Verity for details at 623-7461 or by email at [email protected]

Habitat for Humanity: The Habitat Restore ( 33 Canal Street ) is open Wednesday and Saturday from 9-4 Thursday from 12 -5. Volunteers and do-nations are always welcome. Construction work also happens at the latest build at 262 Lowell Street on Saturdays either 1/2 or full days . Go to www.habitatmanchester.org for more information.

Upreach Riding Center: We are partnering to provide dinner for a program they are running for kids and families “considered at risk”. The children spend time with the horses and then work with counselors, on topics such as building confidence and self esteem. Parents also have the opportunity to participate and work with Counselors on coping and par-enting skills. The programs run for 7 weeks and we are now providing two meals dur-ing that time.

Meal Train: Helping as a meal train volunteer, can mean cooking a meal, soup, or a treat such as cookies, brownies or other homemade sweets, or being willing to deliver. We hope the meal train helps give extra TLC to our friends and members show we care.

If you would like to bring to our attention someone in need of an extra boost with a delivery from the meal train, please con-tact Liz Verity or Peggy Neveu who work with Barbara Papagian, our Director of Parish Care. Liz or Peggy contact volunteers and you can always feel free to pass for another time if it’s not convenient for you at that time.

H.O.M.E. Team Hands on Mission for

Everyone!

First Church Meal Train Volunteers at The Upreach Riding Center

Wednesday, March 14th Peggy Neveu, Janie Shaklee, Liz Verity, Ross

and Marion Palmes, and Bill Jones

Page 5: April 2018 - First Congregational Church, Manchester, NH · back to lead worship on Sunday, April 29th! Easter Service at First ongregational hurch Sunday, April 1st at 10AM ... I

Manchester Adult Learner Services Volunteer Opportunities!

The Manchester Adult Learner Services Program (housed at

FCC) pairs volunteer tutors with adult learners who can benefit from one-to-one help. Volunteer tutors need no previous

teaching experience! It is a chance to help another person work towards one of life’s greatest treasures—an EDUCATION!

Training, materials, and support are provided.

Please contact the Tutoring Coordinator, Ginette, at [email protected] or call 603-486-5204

Join us on a tour of three local houses of worship to learn about their architecture, history, culture and traditions.

Tuesday, May 8th, 2018 ▪ 9:30AM-1:15PM 9:30-9:45 Meet at the Salvation Army 121 Cedar Street, Manchester 9:45-10:30 Church Tour 10:30-10:45 Travel to First Congregational Church 508 Union Street, Manchester 10:45-11:30 Church Tour 11:30-11:45 Travel to the Grace Episcopal Church 106 Lowell Street, Manchester 11:45-12:30 Bring your own brown bag lunch in their Great Hall 12:30-1:15 Church Tour

Pre-register for this FREE event by calling: 603-663-8004

Non-perishable food donations for our Food Pantry are greatly appreciated.

Parish Nurse Program

Where heart meets health.

Dinner for 4 at the Adams’ House! Craig and Jeanine Finefrock & Bob and Kate Parker enjoyed an

evening of food, fun and friendship at the home of their gracious hosts, Pip and Cecile Adams.

This dinner was one of the items auctioned at First Church’s Fall Fun Auction in November!

The Girl Scouts greeted, helped serve at Fellowship Hour and were recognized during Worship on

Scout Sunday, March 4th!

Page 6: April 2018 - First Congregational Church, Manchester, NH · back to lead worship on Sunday, April 29th! Easter Service at First ongregational hurch Sunday, April 1st at 10AM ... I

News from Outreach

PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP US FILL THE FCC FOOD CLOSET

THANKS TO ALL FOR THE FOOD CLOSET DONATIONS!

With the cold winter days here to stay for a while, our food closet be-comes even more important to the hungry in our community. Recent donations have helped, however there are particular

items we currently need:

Thanks! - John and Kathy Rowe

boxed milk canned meats cereal peanut butter pasta and sauce canned pasta trail mix/cereal bars canned fruit Hormel “compleat- tuna soup meals” toiletries: toilet paper, soap, toothbrushes, shampoo

Church World Service Blanket Program Our congregation is actively involved with the Church World

Service Blanket Program. For many years, our church has been helping to keep our neighbors warm by providing blankets to

families here in the United States and around the world. Please see the insert below which shows where our blanket

donations have helped this past year. The Outreach Committee invites you to share the warmth this Mother’s Day. We are sponsoring Church World Service Blan-kets Sunday on Mother’s Day, May 13th, and Tools of Hope Sunday on Father's Day, June 17th. CWS is now suggesting a $10 donation or more per blanket. I am asking you to honor

your mother or special friend with a donation in her name and receive a gift card to send her on Mother’s Day. The cards are available in the hall behind the Chancel after the service April

29 and May 6 or by calling JoAnn Ward at 668-3485. Donations in honor of and in memory of mothers will be printed in the

Mother’s Day Sunday News. Offering envelopes are in the pews through Mother’s Day for donations of any amount if no card is desired. Please write whom you wish to honor or remember on

the envelope as well. Take Note! Although the Father’s Day cards will be available the two Sundays before Father’s Day, they are also available

now, for those who want to “shop” once!

FCC BYLAWS MEETING Sunday, April 15th after Worship

There will be a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, April 15th following Worship Service in the

Sanctuary to vote on a proposed bylaw change. The purpose of this vote is to approve a new Mission Statement

in the official church bylaws. This statement was approved by the Church Council on March 28th, 2017. Letters with this

change have been mailed to members. Please plan to be a part of this Congregational wide decision!

New Member Recognition—Sunday, March 18th Rev. Kevin and Bill Jones Welcome New Members:

Linda Noble, Janie Shaklee, Laura Parker and Marjorie Luis Chuck Noble (not pictured)

Page 7: April 2018 - First Congregational Church, Manchester, NH · back to lead worship on Sunday, April 29th! Easter Service at First ongregational hurch Sunday, April 1st at 10AM ... I

Aging Well with Qigong Class

Thursdays at 12:30 pm in the Dining Room *Monday Evening Classes Begin Soon*

Qigong is related to both Tai Chi and yoga, but is easier to learn, is often more adaptable to individual needs, and can be

comfortably practiced in short or long sessions. Qigong is all about healing from the inside out, releasing stress (or worry or anxiety), and cultivating positive energy throughout our bodies

and minds. Joyce Palmer, a former FCC member, is now a certified Qigong teacher. Classes are 30 minutes long, and will be organized to allow for either seated or standing practice. All fitness levels can be accommodated. No props or mats are needed. Just wear comfortable clothes and footwear; some people will practice barefoot, others in socks, and others in sneakers – whatever works best for you. Classes are not sequential in

nature, so feel free to come when you can. First class is always free; after that the cost is $5.

WC is assigned Coffee Hour! Sundays in April 15th, 22nd & 29th.

Please help by serving and bringing in some goodies. The sign up sheet is on the Church

Office Window. Thank you!

Upcoming WC Events:

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Mamma Mia at the Palace We are going to see Mamma Mia Sunday, April 15 in the afternoon at 2:00 pm at the

Palace Theatre. The cost is $30.00 with $5.00 going back into our WC account. There are 15 seats reserved for us. If you are interested in

going, the sign up sheet is on the office window and your payment can be given to Linda Bonetti or Pam LeBlanc in cash or a check made out to

FCC with Palace Theatre in the memo. Please have payment in by April 1st to ensure your spot! UPDATE: This event is full!

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ The WC You’re Fired Paint Night was Cancelled! …

due to the THIRD Nor’easter in two and a half weeks. Everyone is disappointed that we didn’t get

to paint our own pottery, but we can try and schedule it again in the fall.

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

SAVE THIS DATE! May 19th! Mark your calendar today for the 6th Annual MYSTERY RIDE! The sign up sheet will

be on the church office window after Easter.

Women’s Connection

Online Giving We have created online giving on the front page of our website,

www.fccmanchesternh.org, Any Questions? Call Linda at 625-5093

The Women’s Connection Book Exchange!

Leave a book… Take a book! Have you seen the growing selection located on the book shelf

in the Dining Room? All are welcome to share!

United Church of Christ New England Women’s Celebration X

“A Seat At The Table” Come for all things are now ready.- Luke 14:17b

April 6-8, 2018 in Portland, Maine This Celebration happens every four years. The women put a lot of time and effort into planning this and it is a wonderful event. It is expensive to attend for the weekend but it Is well

worth the money. The Holiday Inn by the Bay has rooms blocked for this event. However, if you don’t mind driving to

Portland and back in the same day, Saturday would be the day to attend. Registration is online. The web site is http://

www.uccwomenscelebration.org/ There is a sign up sheet on the church office window for car pooling.

Cookbook Update! We now have 188 recipes. The vegetarian, gluten free section is coming along but more recipes are always welcome. If you

have a good one please send it in to share. Also we are forming a small group of 4 ladies who would be will-ing to help Deana Dubois design, organize

and proof read the book. If this is something that interests you, the sign up is

on the church office window.

Page 8: April 2018 - First Congregational Church, Manchester, NH · back to lead worship on Sunday, April 29th! Easter Service at First ongregational hurch Sunday, April 1st at 10AM ... I

Children & Youth Ministries

Teen Youth in April Teen/High School Youth will be meeting in the

youth room with Matt Lyons at 10:00AM on Sunday, April 15th.

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Time with God’s Children Sunday, March 4th

CAMP BEREA 2018! February 16th, 17th & 18th

Teachers’ Meeting! Sunday, April 8th in the Parlor

at 11:20AM We will be working out the Children’s

Sunday (June 3rd) details if you can all make it! Thank you!

The 3C’s Meet in April Sunday, April 15th at 11:30 in the Rec. Room

The theme of this month’s special 3C’s Program meeting is a secret surprise… shhhhh.

High School Volunteers Needed! Sunday, April 8th at 9AM

We need help to paint the Youth Room. Any high school aged volunteers that are interested in

helping paint should contact Betsy at [email protected] or you can just show up to help

that day! Thank you!

Berea’s Mission:

To change lives for

Jesus Christ.

Page 9: April 2018 - First Congregational Church, Manchester, NH · back to lead worship on Sunday, April 29th! Easter Service at First ongregational hurch Sunday, April 1st at 10AM ... I

Quilt Ministry Gathering ▪ Saturday, March 10th On the morning of Saturday, March 10th, the quilt ministry convened to answer the call for additional quilts for adults.

The group stitched tops for shut-ins and those adults who will be baptized. The total number of finished quilts will be fifteen.

This ministry would not be possible if were not for those individuals or groups who offer encouragement and support, secure the day to work, advertise the event, open the facility, set up tables and extension cords, haul out the stored

sewing machines and fabric, donate beautiful fabrics, generously give monetary gifts, do the stitching, ironing and hand sewing, provide refreshments and warm, friendly fellowship and arrange for an opportunity to bless the final prod-

ucts. As you can see, there are many who participate in this ministry. Thank you so very much! I appreciate and love you all. - Carolyn Wilson

Since the First Church Manchester tee shirts were first introduced in 2015, many people have asked for a warmer tee

shirt or hoodie sweatshirt that could be worn for volunteer opportunities that take place in colder weather. We are pleased

to tell you that you can now order a long sleeve tee shirt or hoodie sweatshirt at a very reasonable price. The long sleeve

tees are $17.00 each and the hoodies are $25.00 each. We must order a minimum of 10 of each item to achieve this price.

Please look for the order form on the church office window during April. You will be contacted when the order arrives and

you can pay Linda at the church office – with checks made payable to FCC.

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Page 10: April 2018 - First Congregational Church, Manchester, NH · back to lead worship on Sunday, April 29th! Easter Service at First ongregational hurch Sunday, April 1st at 10AM ... I

As we celebrate our 2018 high school graduates and recognize all members of our church community who are continuing their higher education, the Scholarship Committee announces the request for applications. Over the years, many of our church members have given funds to provide scholarships for our seniors as they graduate from high school to help them with their upcoming higher education expenses. In recent years, First Congregational Church’s Scholarship Fund has been blessed by substantial bequests from long time members, including Virginia Smith and, recently, Gordon P. Wool-ner in late 2016. Such bequests have enabled the Committee to not only increase the amount of scholarships awarded but to increase the outreach of its awards. This year, we will honor every graduating senior, and offer the opportunity to apply for scholarships to our seniors and others to reward individual excellence and encourage further education to others at whatever stage they are in. So, if you are a 2018 high school graduate, a church member starting out on a new career that requires further education, or in the process of attaining a postgraduate degree or certificate, we encourage you to apply. The First Congregational Scholarships are: The Senior Scholarship This award may be given to deserving students and will depend upon the student’s potential for new education, activity in the church, academic record, and future plans. Official school transcripts are required. The Beth Jenkins Ernest Scholarship Award The Award may be given to a graduating high school senior young woman who shows high potential for new education, activity in the church, academic record, and future plans. Official school transcripts are required. An essay of 300 words is also required in response to the following question: How do I intend to express the values of First Congregational Church in my future career? The recipient will present her essay to the congregation on Scholarship Sunday. The William P McGuiness Scholarship Award The Award may be given to a graduating high school senior young man who shows high potential for new education, activity in the church, academic record, and future plans. Official school transcripts are required. An essay of 300 words is also required in re-sponse to the following question: How do I intend to express the values of First Congregational Church in my future career? The recipient will present his essay to the congregation on Scholarship Sunday. A New Chapter Award This award is reserved for active church members who may decide to take a new road in life, to enter a “new chapter.” Perhaps this new pathway may be to pursue new schooling or enter a new career that requires further education. The Higher Education Award This award may be given to students who have graduated from high school who are continuing their education, whether or not they have received a Church Scholarship in the past. The intent of this award is to support our church members as they continue to pursue their education either at college undergraduate or postgraduate level or in pursuit of certificate jobs training programs. If you are interested in applying for any of the scholarships please let us know, and we will provide you with the appropriate Schol-arship Application. Please be aware that First Congregational Church's Scholarship program is a merit-based program for members of the church as of the application deadline. All Scholarship Applications should be submitted by May 15, 2018. For further questions please feel welcome to ask a committee member. Written applications are to be delivered to the church office addressed to the attention of the Scholarship Committee chair no latter than May 15, 2018. We will celebrate all of our 2018 high school graduates and recognize members of our Church community who are continuing their higher education on June 3, 2018. Scholarships and Awards will be given on that Sunday.

Ellie Stetson, Chair Peter Perich Lucia Carlisle Dawn Gagnon

Annual Meeting of the Hillsborough Association Sunday, April 15th at 2PM Congregational Church of

Amherst 11 Church Street, Amherst

Bible Study is a weekly gathering led by Reverend

Kevin. A new Bible Study Session will be announced soon so stay tuned for the details!..

All are welcome to join in the discussion!

Page 11: April 2018 - First Congregational Church, Manchester, NH · back to lead worship on Sunday, April 29th! Easter Service at First ongregational hurch Sunday, April 1st at 10AM ... I

Are your Committee Meetings on the Calendar? Our goal is to publish the Calendar online at least 3 months out! Get your updates to Linda and or Lauren ASAP!

Email Linda at [email protected] and Lauren at [email protected]

Check the bulletin board and the website regularly!

April

Sunday, April 1st—Easter Sunday 10:00 AM Worship Service & Church School 11:30 AM Easter Egg Hunt Monday, April 2nd 10:00 AM Senior Fellowship Board Meeting 11:00 AM Staff Meeting 6:30 PM Deacons’ Meeting Tuesday, April 3rd 2:30 PM Knitting & Crocheting 6:30 PM Membership Meeting Wednesday, April 4th 6:30 PM Sabbath Bells 7:30 PM Chancel Choir Thursday, April 5th 12:30 PM Qigong Class Friday, April 6th No Church Activities Scheduled Saturday, April 7th No Church Activities Scheduled Sunday, April 8th 8:30 AM Outreach Committee 9:00 AM High School Youth Painting Youth Room 10:00 AM Worship Service, Communion & Church School 11:30 AM Service of Prayer and Healing 11:30 AM ONA Committee Meeting 11:30 AM Teachers’ Meeting 11:30 AM Peace Ringers Hand Bell Choir Monday, April 9th 10:00 AM Staff Meeting 6:00 PM Stewardship Meeting Tuesday, April 10th 2:30 PM Knitting & Crocheting 6:00 PM Church Council Wednesday, April 11th 6:30 PM Sabbath Bells 7:30 PM Chancel Choir Thursday, April 12th 12:30 PM Qigong Class Friday, April 13th No Church Activities Scheduled Saturday, April 14th No Church Activities Scheduled Sunday, April 15th 10:00 AM Worship Service, Teens meet with Matt Lyons & Church School 11:30 AM Congregational Bylaws Vote 11:30 AM Peace Ringers Hand Bell Choir 11:30 AM CYM Meeting 2:00 PM Women’s Connection—Mamma Mia at the Palace 2:00 PM Annual Meeting of the Hillsborough Association at the Congregational Church of Amherst Monday, April 16th 10:00 AM Staff Meeting 6:30 PM Church Trustees’ Meeting

Tuesday, April 17th 9:00 AM New Horizon’s Food Prep 2:30 PM Knitting & Crocheting 4:00 PM Parish Visitors’ Meeting Wednesday, April 18th 6:30 PM Sabbath Bells 7:30 PM Chancel Choir Thursday, April 19th 12:30 PM Qigong Class 4:00 PM New Horizons Food Serve Friday, April 20th No Church Activities Scheduled Saturday, April 21st No Church Activities Scheduled Sunday, April 22nd 10:00 AM Worship Service & Church School 11:30 AM Peace Ringers Hand Bell Choir Monday, April 23rd 10:00 AM Staff Meeting 4:00 PM New Horizon’s Food Serve Tuesday, April 24th 2:30 PM Knitting & Crocheting Group Wednesday, April 25th 9:00 AM FOOS to Prepare the Church Window 6:30 PM Sabbath Bells 7:30 PM Chancel Choir Thursday, April 26th 12:30 PM Qigong Class Friday, April 27th No Church Activities Scheduled Saturday, April 28th No Church Activities Scheduled Sunday, April 29th 10:00 AM Worship Service & Church School 11:30 AM Peace Ringers Hand Bell Choir 11:30 AM Book Club Meeting Monday, April 30th 10:00 AM Staff Meeting

This Month at FCC Activities, dates and times are subject to change

Please refer to the printed calendars by the office, or go to www.fccmanchesternh.org

*MAY CHURCH WINDOW DEADLINE* All articles are due on Monday, April 16th!

Email Linda at [email protected] Lauren at [email protected]

Page 12: April 2018 - First Congregational Church, Manchester, NH · back to lead worship on Sunday, April 29th! Easter Service at First ongregational hurch Sunday, April 1st at 10AM ... I

First Congregational Church

508 Union Street Manchester, NH 03104-4890

Non-Profit Organ. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Manchester, NH Permit No. 6230

Time Dated Mater ia l -

Please Del iver Immediate ly!

Rev. Kevin Pleas Senior Pastor

The April 2018 Church Window

Our monthly newsletter

(603) 625-5093 (with voice mail) (603) 622-1511

FAX: (603) 625-9107

www.fccmanchesternh.org

www.facebook.com/FCCManchester Also stay current by visiting FCC online at www.fccmanchesternh.org

DON’T FORGET…

The spring time weather and outside events encourage more

walking around downtown. Don’t forget to lock your car and roll up your windows!

Sunday Worship Service 10:00 AM

Church School at 10:15AM after

Time with God’s Children