First Church Messenger

Transcription

1 First Church Messenger First Church was gathered in 1685 September 2011 Rally Day Barbecue on September 18 Everyone is invited to join in the fun at the annual Rally Day cook-out in the courtyard after the 10 AM service on Sunday, September 18. Bring a large side dish or salad to share. Hot dogs, burgers, desserts and beverages will be provided by the Christian Education Board. Rally Day is a great homecoming when Sunday school, youth groups, choirs, church boards, Bible studies and other church programs kick off the new year. The barbecue is a chance to greet friends old and new and enjoy lunch together. Don t miss this! And again, please bring a big salad or side dish to share so there will be plenty to go around. See page 6 for more Rally Sunday information. In Reflection What Makes Us Different Welcome back! September is here and we are once again gathering as a church family. Rally Sunday is on September 18 th and that is the day that our youth groups, our Sunday school and our church programs begin. September is a time of renewal, of returning and of remembering. I want to focus on the remembering piece as I talk about what makes First Church different. One thing that makes us different is that our church welcomes anyone I mean anyone. No matter who you are, or where you are in life s journey, you are welcome here. That statement appears on our church letterhead, it appears in the Nashua Telegraph every Saturday in our church ad, it is preached from our pulpit and it is lived out in the context of our life together here at First Church. In a very exclusionary world the fact that everyone is welcome here makes us different. What makes us a church family is our belief in Jesus his life, teachings, examples, death, and his resurrection. It is because of these beliefs that we find the answers to the world s most profound questions. Where is God? What gives my life meaning and purpose? What matters the most in life? Why is there suffering? Am I accepted and am I loved? And where do I find hope? Having answers to these profound questions of the world makes us different. What makes us different is also what we don t believe. (Continued on page 3- In Reflection) Faith Alive Faith in Action Stewardship Reflection By Kathleen McIntyre If You Love Him, Why Not Serve Him? On a beautiful July Sunday morning, the second hymn of worship at The First Church was We Are Climbing Jacob s Ladder. While I enjoyed hearing the congregation sing this old favorite of my youth, the words of the fourth verse are the words that repeated in my head for days to follow: If you love him, why not serve him? In recent weeks, I have used the internet to listen to a variety of performers (Pete Seeger, George Beverly Shea, Anne Murray and even Bruce Springsteen) give their rendition of this powerful song, and I have learned more about this spiritual from posted sermons, Biblical searches, and historical connections to the underground railroad, the Civil War, and more. Still, I continue to think about how these words relate to me and hopefully others of The First Church. As the Faith Alive banner continues to hang in Fellowship Hall, the Stewardship Committee moves into its third year of the Faith Alive Journey. The first year, we introduced Faith Alive by inviting Tony Robinson to visit our pulpit for a special evening service. Last year, our theme grew to be Faith Alive The Journey Continues. Jim Antal, (Faith Alive from page 1) (Continued on page 3 - Faith Alive) Page 1

2 First Church of Nashua United Church of Christ 1 Concord St., Nashua, NH Sunday Worship: 8:30 & 10:00a.m. Sunday School & Child Care: 10:00a.m. Fellowship: 11:00a.m. The Rev. James S. Chaloner, Sr. Minister The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey C. Evans, Assoc. Minister Patricia C. Harris, M.Ed., Min. Christian Ed. Joseph R. Olefirowicz, CAGO, Minister of Music Diane Matthes, Sunday School Superintendent Pamela Hickey, Admin. Asst./Financial Secretary Sue Englander, Secretary/Receptionist Paul Bonenfant & David Winn, Sextons Office Hours: 9:00a.m.-Noon and 1:00p.m.- 4:30p.m. Monday thru Friday 8:00 10:00a.m. & 11:00a.m. Noon Sunday Telephone: On the web: All Boards meet on Monday, September 12 for Homecoming. The evening begins with dinner at 6:00 PM in the dining room. The Ladies Lunch Bunch will dine at Aprile s European Kitchen (formerly Bainbridge s), 75 Prince St. i n North Chel ms ford, on Wednesday, September 14. We will car pool from the church parking lot at 11:40 AM for lunch at 12:30 PM. Arlene Richmond, , abrich204@yahoo.com is the contact person. If leaving a message, please note whether you will meet at Church or go directly to the restaurant. All women of the church are invited to attend The Men s Munchers will dine at Estabrook Grill, 57 Palm St, Nashua on Tuesday, September 6 at 12:00 noon. Contact Dick Zoerb, All men of the church, and their guests, are welcome to attend. The Women s Association Book Group will meet on Sunday, September 18, 6:30-8:30 PM, Room 15, Walker Building for discussion of Song Yet Sung by James McBride (One City One Book). Contact Suzanne Regan, sdregan@comcast.net, or , with questions. The Social Justice Subcommittee will meet on Tuesday, September 20, at 7:00 PM in room 15, of the Walker Building. The In-Reach Committee will meet on Tuesday, September 20, at 7:00 PM in room 10, of the Walker Building. The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 7:00 PM in the Raby Family Room next to the Shaw Chapel. All knitters and/or crocheters interested in the Prayer Shawl Ministry are welcome to attend. Help is available for those who don t know how to knit or crochet. Contact Cheryl Cerato, PSM Coordin a t o r, , o r c h e z - bah@msn.com for more information. Baptism Any adult desiring to be baptized or to have their child baptized is asked to call the church office to schedule an appointment with one of the pastors. Orientation Class All those considering becoming members of our faith community are invited to attend an orientation class and luncheon on Sunday, October 2, 2011, at 11:30 AM in the dining room. Childcare will be provided. All who attend and decide to join the church will do so on Sunday, October 16, 2011 at the 10:00 AM worship service. For more information or to register for the class, please call the church office. Hospitalizations If you or a family member is hospitalized please contact the church office. Help Keep our Records Current. If you have a change of name, address, phone number or address please let the church office know. If you wish to be removed from the mailing list let us know that as well. Thank you. The monthly newsletter is available via online notification. If you would like to receive the newsletter this way, and not by snail mail, please do the following: Go to the First Church website, then go to Resources, drop down to News and then Newsletter. There you will see a place to sign up to have the newsletter ed to you. Please contact Sue for more information and to let her know to remove you from the newsletter mailing list. The weekly sermon information and bulletins are also available online. the staff at: jchaloner@firstchurchnashua.org jevans@firstchurchnashua.org pharris@firstchurchnashua.org jolefirowicz@firstchurchnashua.org phickey@firstchurchnashua.org senglander@firstchurchnashua.org dmatthes@firstchurchnashua.org Congratulations to parents Josh and Katie Evans and grandparents Jeff and Jan Evans on the birth of Colin Cameron, on June 4, 2011; to Pat and Tom Harris on the birth of grandson Nathaniel David Rainier, on July 19. Parents are Todd and Heather Rainier. Heartfelt Sympathy is extended to our church family members who recently lost a loved one: to Deb Hoyt on the death of her aunt, Phyllis Hoyt, who was a First Church member years ago; to Al Simons on the death of his step-mother on June 3; to Don and Bea Dillably on the death of their son, John on June 12; to Alise Hall on the death of her mother on July 4; to the friends and family of Bridget Kizik who died on August 7; to Penny Germano on the death of her father on August 14; to Leslie Van Wagner on the death of her mother on August 22. 2

3 (In Reflection from page 1) We don t believe that God s last revelation took place centuries ago when the Bible was canonized. We believe that God is still speaking in the 21 st century as God has spoken in all the centuries that preceded this one. We don t believe that God plays favorites but we do believe that everyone is equal in the eyes of God. We don t believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible. We believe that the message of the Bible is much broader and much more exciting than the limited understanding that comes from a literal belief. We don t believe that our salvation depends upon our good works. We believe that we are all saved by God s grace. We don t believe that church is about serving our needs, but church is about serving the needs of others. In a world of what s in it for me? serving rather than being served makes us different. So welcome back to The First Church community that prides itself in its generosity of giving its time and talent and financial resources to make God s world a better place for all. Welcome back to this very special place where we are different and because we are different we are able to make a difference. Grace and Peace: Rev. Jim Chaloner 09/02 Roger Stone 09/05 Virginia Smith 09/11 Lydia Reed 09/17 David Dopp 09/21 Helen Smith 09/25 Sheila Latham 09/26 Dan Zeigler Women s Association Plans Fall Trip The Women s Association is offering a fall foliage ride to the Vermont Country Store in Weston, VT with Curmudgeon and Friends on Saturday, October 1st. A sign up sheet will be available in Fellowship Hall starting on September 4th. There is a maximum of 25 people so don t delay in signing up. Contact Trish Stone, , for more information. (Faith Alive from page 1) Massachusetts Conference Minister, was guest preacher in the pulpit in November to celebrate our stewardship journey. This is now Year Three and our focus is Faith Alive Faith in Action. It is the hope of the Stewardship Committee that each and every one of us will pause and think more deeply about how we individually and collectively as a congregation put our Faith into Action. Mission moments this fall will highlight some of the local programs (Pastoral Care Center, Anne Marie House, and more) that church members support with their time and their finances. In addition, the Rev. E. Angela Emerson, Minister for Stewardship Development of the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont, will be in the pulpit in October to enhance our awareness of stewardship in action. As The First Church embarks upon Year Three of its Faith Alive Stewardship Journey, to personally summarize Faith Alive Faith in Action, I would reflect back to those words of We Are Climbing Jacob s Ladder, If you love him, why not serve him? Faith is based on love, a deep and abiding love. Our daily living, giving, and doing are a reflection of who we are as Christians in our personal Faith Alive Journey. Visit the Holy Land If you are among the many Christians who has always dreamed of visiting the Holy Land, now is the time to act. There are a few spaces remaining in the 2012 First Church tour of Israel planned for Monday, January 23 through Tuesday, January 31. Travel will never be safer or more affordable and you will never be any younger. The itinerary includes such famous Biblical sites as Caesarea, Nazareth, Cana, Tiberius, Capernaum, Bethlehem and Jerusalem, including the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane, as well as archeological digs at Megiddo, Beit Saida and Beit Shean, the site of Jesus Sermon on the Mount, his baptism in the Jordan River and Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. You will walk the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, tracing Jesus path to the cross, and will spend time at the Dead Sea and Masada. Cost for this trip is $3, per person based on double occupancy. This price includes all transportation (round trip from Boston to New York to Israel, as well as within Israel), hotel accommodations, breakfast and dinner each day, all taxes, tips and admissions, and a guided tour. Hotels and food are first-rate. This truly is the trip of a lifetime. To learn more about the trip contact Pat Harris at the church office: or pharris@firstchurchnashua.org. A deposit of $300 per person is due in September, with the remainder due in November. You need to act quickly to take advantage of this lifechanging opportunity. THE DEADLINE FOR THE OCTOBER NEWSLETTER ITEMS IS MONDAY SEPTEMBER 12, AT 4:30 PM. PLEASE SEND ITEMS TO SUE ENGLANDER. 3

4 2012 Mission Trip Kick-Off Barbecue Lunch Sunday, September 25 th 11:30 AM dining room Come join the Mission Trip Task Force for a South Dakota style barbecue lunch and learn more about First Church s mission trip ministry. You ll hear all about the 2011 trips from those who participated and learn about our plans for This year we will be adding a new mission trip opportunity for middle school aged youth, grades 6-8, so join us to learn more! Sign-ups for brunch will take place after worship on Sundays, September 4, 11, and 18 at the Outreach booth. Mission Trip applications will be available in the church office beginning in September and will also be available at the Kick-Off. Hope to see you there! Changes In Coffee Hour Rotation The Sunday morning fellowship is being broadened this year with greater participation and a new twist. To encourage wider participation in our after service fellowship a new coffee hour rotation has been created and will begin on September 11, There will be a total of 12 boards, subcommittees, and groups participating which makes each one responsible for roughly one coffee hour per season. This will be an opportunity for the different groups to explain who they are and what they do through displays, handouts, pictures, and more. Stop by the coffee table to see the fall schedule. For more information contact the church office. Holiday Fair Preparations Underway Many church members are busy preparing for the Holiday Fair. This year it will be held on Friday, November 4th, 4-8 PM, and Saturday, November 5th, 9 AM-2 PM. Crafters are having fun on Wednesday nights creating holiday pins, snowmen in several different media, cinnamon stick ornaments, floral basketry, angels, unique wreaths, new glass plates, decorative trees, painted candlesticks, etc. To see a preview of some of the items, visit the church website, If you would like to donate a specialty handmade item for either the auction or craft tables, please contact Jocelyn Henning, or jocelynsh@comcast.net, or Carolyn Mulrooney, to let us know. Already we have received many knit and crocheted wearable items, craft supplies and several auction items. Share your talents with us! One hundred percent of the money raised goes to the Pastoral Aid Fund whose funds are given to individuals in emergency situations throughout the year in the greater Nashua community by Reverend Jim and Reverend Jeff. Remember that the New to You room will expand for you to re-gift those Christmas items you thought you would use but never did. Please wait until October 1st to bring those 2011 CROP Walk Sunday, October 23rd Watch for more details in the bulletins, October newsletter, and the First Church website. 4 items into the church. Re-gift to the Fair (items no bigger than a bread box, please)! If you would like to come to our craft meetings, call Carolyn at for the next date and time. Plans are well underway. See you there in November. In-Reach to offer Sharing Dinners In-Reach has a very exciting opportunity that will be available to everyone in September. Our opportunity is called SHAR- ING DINNERS. It is an awesome idea that several churches, especially in the Midwest, have adopted and is a wonderful way to BUILD COM- MUNITY with small groups. These groups may be with friends or with people we might not ordinarily see. These sharing dinners are potluck meals that take place in members homes (that have volunteered). Here are a few of the details: 1. There will be sign-ups for: hosting a dinner (which is only once a year), those who would like to simply participate, and those who would like to be on an alternate list. 2. These dinners will be held once a month in October, March, April and May. They would be held on a Saturday night. 3. There will be 7-8 people at a dinner. 4. Example: You may choose to host one dinner and then attend other dinners as a guest. If your schedule is wicked hectic you may sign-up to be an alternate if someone has to cancel. Stop by the In-Reach table beginning after Labor Day for more detailed information.

5 Sweater Weather program to begin This program, sponsored by the Davis Funeral Home, 1 Lock St, Nashua, provides warm sweaters and jackets to those in need. New or clean, used sweaters and jackets may be left at the funeral home between 8:30 AM-4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, September 1 through October 1. Bins are located in both foyers. For more information call Thrift Shop Looking for Fall & Winter Clothing The Thrift Shop will open for the season on Saturday, October 1. The shop will be open on Thursdays, October through May from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and the first Saturday of the month 9:00 AM to Noon. As always, we need your support to keep the shop going. Here is a list of the items we need: PLEASE, FALL AND WINTER CLOTHING ONLY!!! Boy s and girl s clothing up to size 14, baby clothes, women s clothing, all sizes (jeans, pants, sweaters, shirts, suits, dresses, fall and winter jackets and coats, scarves) costume jewelry, pocket books and accessories and small knick knacks. Clothing that is clean and neatly folded in boxes or hung on hangers is greatly appreciated by the volunteers who sort and price the clothing. Beginning September 6, donations may be brought to the church between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, or on Sunday. Please leave your donations in the marked box in the courtyard lobby. Spring and summer clothing, men s clothing, and shoes may be taken to the Salvation Army or the Upper Room Compassionate Ministries. If you would like to volunteer to sort clothes once a week or work in the shop once or twice a month, call Gale Cummings at All the money collected is given to outreach in the Nashua community. Thank you! Knitters to Make Caps for Troops This fall we are looking for volunteers to make KNITTED CAPS FOR THE TROOPS. Contrary to what you may think, it can get very cold in the desert type regions where our men and women are serving. The pattern uses regular straight needles (not double pointed!) and is very specific about the color and type of yarn to be used. For safety reasons, the yarn must be 100% wool and only dark colors are allowed. The pattern will be available at the Inreach table beginning in September. You may use your own yarn but you will also find a basket of acceptable skeins next to the patterns. These are provided by your Inreach Committee for use on this project. Completed caps will be collected on Sunday, October 23. For more information, contact Susan Testa ( ) or stop by the Inreach table after church. A Message from the Health Ministry Team Recapture a Zest for Life Fall, like the spring, can be a time for new beginnings. How do we fit ourselves into our own schedules so that we are sure to pay attention to what is good for our well-being? Do we give time to reflect on what we want to do/be? Do we feel our lives are dictated by the economy, work hours, family responsibilities? Can we begin to imagine our lives being filled with good things, fun times? We need to recapture a ZEST for life!! Learn to dream about how you'd like 5 your life to be. The author Robert Greenleaf writes, "Nothing much happens without a dream. For something really great to happen, it takes a really great dream." Some of the most passionate, famous people had great dreams: Thomas Edison, Winston Churchill, Liz Claiborne. They all achieved great things during their middle years. It's never too late to relight your fire. Ann McGee-Cooper outlines in her book, You Don't Have to Come Home From Work Exhausted, some strategies to help you find your lost passion, to think more like a child. Try to: Seek things you think are fun to do -- and do them! Be curious -- try anything once. Smile a lot and laugh often. Experience and express emotions freely. Be creative -- even about solving everyday problems. Exercise and be physically active. Challenge yourself to learn about new things. Take a literature class, become a gourmet cook, change the oil in your car, learn to speak French. Be enthusiastic. Look for the positive in a situation. Every day, list three things you are happy about. Dream. Imagine your life the way you'd like it to be -- no matter how outrageous. Believe in the impossible. You never know what power your thoughts will have. Let go of worry. Don't dwell on (Continued on page 9 - Health Ministry)

6 Christian Education Corner Sunday School Schedule for Rally Day Sunday school begins again on Rally Sunday, September 18. Children age 3 through Grade 8 are invited to attend worship at 10 AM in the sanctuary with their parents. The nursery is open for infants, toddlers and twoyear-olds throughout the worship service. Following the re-covenanting ceremony, children and teachers will leave for their classes. All parents are asked to meet their children at their class rooms at 11:15. See related articles for information on specific classes. Nursery News The nursery resumes its regular schedule on Sunday, September 4 with Debra Canova, Kirsten Szceszcynski, and Matt Hoffman at the helm. These Nursery Coordinators, along with a team of dedicated caregivers, are ready to lavish attention on the youngest members of the First Church family. If you are new to First Church, you will find the nursery directly under the sanctuary. Parents are asked to stop at the sign-in counter where you will be greeted by one of the coordinators and asked to sign your name. You and your child will receive bracelets with matching numbers which will be matched up when you return for your child at the end of worship. You also are encouraged to take a silent pager, or leave a cell phone number, so that you may be notified immediately if your child needs you. You are welcome to stay with your child as long as you like. Be sure to tell the adult volunteer anything they should know about your child (allergies, special words, toys, etc.) and mark all possessions (and your child!) with the child s name. You may choose to register your child so that he/she becomes part of the Christian Education program, progressing from the nursery to Sunday school, confirmation and youth activities as he/she grows. You also may choose simply to fill in a visitor s form so the Christian Education office can record your child s attendance. Sunday School for Age 3 through Grade 2 The younger Sunday school classes work with an innovative curriculum called Worship Center. Worship Center is a Montessori-derived program of worship and Bible stories that encourages children to explore religion and God at their own pace. Each room is a worship center that children learn to cherish and recognize as sacred. Over time they not only learn the stories of the Bible, but also the rhythm and meaning of worship. The children worship in their rooms. They have singing, stories, offering, prayer and snack (called feast ) in their worship center. On the first and third Sundays of each month, they spend some of their class time in the Shaw Chapel singing with Steve Blunt. Parents are encouraged to be involved by signing up to be the Parent of the Day who provides a simple snack and drink and helps in the class that one day. Each child has a turn to be the Special Child when her/his parents are there. Look for sign up sheets outside of each room. By taking your turn three or four times throughout the year, you will learn more about this program. Grandparents, aunts or uncles can 6 also be the Parent of the Day. Sunday School for Grades 3-5 Students and teachers in grades 3-5 use the Chronicle Curriculum, written by Pat Harris, with crafts designed by Diane Matthes. Chronicle follows a 3-year cycle through the Bible, with an emphasis on learning to read, interpret and understand the Bible. Bible lessons for the cycle include Discovering Your Bible, the Birth of Jesus, the Ten Commandments, the events of Holy Week, and the Missions of Saint Paul. Pre-Confirmation for Grades 6, 7 and 8 Sunday school for grades 6, 7 and 8 is planned as a pre-confirmation experience, providing a format to discuss and act upon lessons learned in Sunday school as well as a time to prepare for the intensive ninth-grade confirmation class. Grades 6, 7 and 8 meet during the regular Sunday school time each Sunday, 10-11:15 AM. Meeting places and programs are as follows: Grade 6 meets in room 10 for an active program focused on learning about and experiencing the Old Testament, as well as participating in service projects. Sixth graders also plan and lead the Christmas Pageant and Children s Day. 7th and 8th grade students focus on mission and service to others, with intentional reflection on Christian service. Activities include the popular apple picking and apple pie baking, as well as drama and numerous projects for the Nashua Pastoral Care Center and the Norwell. Students gather in Nauss Hall at 10 AM be-

7 fore splitting into groups for the morning s activities. Students in grades 7 and 8 should have received a letter with details about the programs for their age group. If you have not received yours, contact Pat Harris at or pharris@firstchurchnashua.org. On Rally Day, students in all classes worship in the sanctuary with their families, leaving after the Covenanting Service. 6th graders will go to room 10 at that time; 7th and 8th graders will go to Shaw Chapel. Sunday School Schedule Sunday school classes for children age 3 through grade 8 meet each Sunday, September 18 through June 10, with the exception of the last two Sundays of December, the first Sunday of January, Easter Sunday and the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. In general the schedule is as follows (note exception marked *): 9:45-10:00 AM Students age 3-grade 2 go directly to their classrooms. Parents, please do not bring children to their classrooms before 9:45. Be sure to stay with your child until the teacher arrives and is ready to supervise your child. Students in grades 3-6 attend Worship Warm Up in the Shaw Chapel. Worship Warm Up in the chapel is an opportunity to greet and talk quietly with friends while beginning to center yourself for worship. Grade 7 and 8 students meet their advisors in Nauss Hall before going to their various class rooms. 10:00 AM Grades 3-6 worship in Shaw Chapel, followed by class. Age 3 - Grade 2 and grades 7-8 attend class. 11:15 AM All classes end. Children in Grade 2 and under are dismissed when a parent picks them up at their classrooms. Children in Grades 3-8 should know exactly where to meet their parents after class. If worship ends before 11:15, please enjoy coffee and fellowship before coming to the Walker Building so that classes are not disturbed. 3 year olds are the exception to the 11:15 rule and may be dismissed as soon as worship ends and parents arrive at the classroom. After 11:15 AM If parents are unavoidably delayed after worship, teachers may bring children to the Sunday school office. If your children are not in the classroom, come to the office on the second floor of the Walker Building. If you know you will be late, please arrange for another responsible adult to meet your child and let the teacher know who that person is. *Family Sunday The last Sunday of each month is Family Sunday and the schedule changes slightly. All children (age 3 through grade 8) are invited to attend worship in the sanctuary with their parents at 10:00 AM. Teachers and students leave for their classes after the second hymn and are dismissed at 11:15 AM. A diagram of the classrooms is included in the worship bulletin on Rally Day. 7 Any questions or comments may be directed to Pat Harris, Minister of Christian Education, or Diane Matthes, Sunday School Superintendent. Sunday School Registration If you are new to First Church, you will find Sunday school registration forms at the Christian Education Corner in Fellowship Hall, in the Sunday school office, or by calling the church office, If you registered your child for Sunday school anytime since 2002, there is no need to register again this year unless there has been a change in any information that the CE office should have. Sunday School Staff Orientation Orientation for all Sunday school lead and assistant teachers takes place on Thursday, September 8, 6:30-8:15 PM, in the Shaw Chapel. The session includes planning with teammates who will be teaching a particular grade level. It is vital that all Sunday school teaching staff attend this meeting. If you absolutely cannot attend, be sure to contact Pat Harris ahead of time. The schedule for the evening includes: 6:30: Orientation for Teaching Assistants 7:00: Orientation for All Staff 7:30: Team Meetings Get in the SPIRIT! SPIRIT ( Serving, PrayIng RejoicIng Together) is fun and fellowship for everyone in grades 7 and 8. The name pretty much sums up what happens each Sunday night in the dining room of First Church when students in grades 7 and 8 gather for fun, food and frolic. The new year begins on Rally Day, September 18, 6:30-8:00 PM, with an

8 evening of fun, getting-acquainted and ice cream sundaes. The advisory team looks forward to seeing all veteran and new SPIRIT members for another exciting year. If you are in grade 7 or 8 and have not yet received your personal invitation to SPIRIT, contact Pat Harris at or pharris@firstchurchnashua.org. Let the CHAOS Begin! CHAOS (Christ Honored And Others Served) returns on Rally Sunday, September 18, 6:30-8:00 PM, and all youth in grades 9-12 are invited. The Rally Day gathering includes ice cream sundaes, games and getting ready for a full year of fund raising, mission trips, service and fun. Bring your friends, your sense of humor and your spirit of adventure. See you in Fellowship Hall! Confirmation Confirmation is a nine-month program for young people, grade nine and above, who want to explore what it means to confirm their baptismal vows and join the church. CONFIRMATION Mentors, parents and confirmands may choose between two orientation sessions: Sunday, September 11, 11:30 AM- 12:30 PM in Shaw Chapel Tuesday, September 13, 7:00-8:00 PM in Shaw Chapel Any mentor, parent or confirmand who has not registered for one of the above sessions should contact Pat Harris immediately at the church office. Many confirmands and mentors will travel to Plimoth Plantation on Saturday, September 17, for a journey back to the year Meet at First Church at 7:45 AM for the car pool, and return to church by 5 PM. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Lunch is included; bring snacks and water bottles. The Opening Retreat for all confirmands will be held at the Barbara C. Harris Conference Center in Greenfield, NH on September Permission forms are due no later than September 13. The cost of the retreat is $110, payable to First Church.* Meet at First Church at 5:15 PM on Friday to car pool to the retreat, returning to church for pick up by 2:00 PM on Sunday. Friday s dinner is not included; eat before arriving at church. * The policy at First Church is to include every youth in church activities regardless of ability to pay. If the $110 fee does not fit your budget, please contact Pat Harris, or simply write a brief notation on your registration form. Any questions may be addressed to Pat Harris at The confirmation advisory team includes Jim Chaloner, Jeff Evans, Pat Harris, Wendy Brown and Fred Daniels, with Junior Advisors Riley Bates and James Lewis. Fall Field Trips for 8th and 9th Graders All 8th and 9th graders have been invited to participate in one or two field trips this fall. The first is a trip to Plymouth, MA for a tour of Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower II, as well as a pizza luncheon complete with a Colonial speaker. The car pool leaves First Church at 7:45 AM and returns by 5 PM on Saturday, September 17. Rev. Jeff Evans will lead two United Church of Christ Heritage tours in Boston to discover the rich history of Congregationalism. Both Boston trips are full. Contact Pat Harris to add your name to the waiting list. 8 The cost for either trip is $40, including transportation, admission and lunch. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Confirmands are required to participate in one of these two trips. Eighth graders have the option of fulfilling the confirmation requirement either this year or next year. The Bible, Friends, and Coffee The Monday Morning Bible group, The Bible, Friends and Coffee, begins its new year on Monday, September 12. This is a funloving, welcoming, and ever-changing group. New members join all the time and many in the group travel at various points in the year, so you never know who you ll be sitting next to on any given Monday. It is a great way to meet people and learn a little about the Bible while you re at it. Class meets each Monday, 9:30-11 AM, in room 15 on the second floor of the Walker Building. New members are always welcome and will find a friendly and informal group who enjoy exchanging ideas in a supportive, comfortable setting over coffee at the start of the week. If you have a Bible, bring it; if not, one will be provided for you. This year s readings and discussions will follow the Common Lectionary. Call the church office or stop by the CE Corner in Fellowship Hall any Sunday to sign up or to ask questions, or simply come to class on September 12. Calling All Cheerleaders Cathy Lovas, First Church Cheerleading Coach, calls all interested youth to sign up for the cheerleading squad. If you re in grade 7-12 and would like to have an active role in cheering on the First Church Basketball Team this winter, contact Cathy at or clovasnh@juno.com.

9 Send in Those New College and Military Addresses The Christian Education Board likes to keep in touch with the First Church young people who have gone away to college or to the military and your help is needed. Please call the church office or with any change of address for yourself, your son or daughter. In October, the 7th and 8th grade service group will pack and mail Halloween care packages to all post high school youth, provided their correct addresses have been updated. Do not delay; get that address in now. Please remember, packages are not automatically sent to last year s address; you MUST call or to verify or change the address before each mailing in October and in February. Hot Apple Pies! The 7th and 8th grade Pre- Confirmation class will again be serving up fresh apple pies, hot out of the Crosby Bakery oven, on Sunday, October 2. Advance sales begin in early September. Tickets may be purchased through the church office, or after church on September 18 and 25. The limit is two per customer and pies are available only by advance order. The cost is $10 per pie. All proceeds benefit the mission trips. Basic Bible for Beginners This popular two-week introduction to the Bible is open to everyone and highly recommended for Sunday school teachers, church board members, parents of confirmands or other inquisitive children, and all people who want to know more about the best-selling book of all time. The course is suitable for anyone in grade 8 or older and many couples or parent-child pairs have enjoyed participating together. Pat Harris will lead these sessions on Tuesday evenings, October 11 and 18, 7:00-8:15 PM in room 15. The same course will be presented again on Wednesdays, November 9 and 16. All sessions meet 7-8:15 PM in room 15. Class size is limited, so be sure to sign up at the CE Corner in Fellowship Hall or call the church office. There is no fee. If you have a Bible, please bring it. Confirmands are required to register and attend at least one two-week course. Eighth graders may fulfill this confirmation requirement in 2011 or Dissent Among the Puritans First Church s Board of Christian Education and the New Hampshire Humanities Council invite you to a lively evening of skit and lecture on Wednesday, October 5, 7-8:30 PM, in Nauss Hall. Linda K. Palmer portrays Ann Vassall, an early settler from Essex, England. Ann welcomes you to Massachusetts Bay after your long voyage across the Atlantic. Learn what it s like to live in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1637 and why Ann thinks this is the year that will make or break the colony. Find out why a small but vocal group of settlers decided the Bay was not for them. This program is free of charge, open to the public, and appropriate for adults and young people in grades 6 and over. Refreshments will be served. Embracing an Adult Faith: Marcus Borg on What it Means to Be Christian For seven Sundays, beginning October 9, Rev. Jeff Evans will be leading discussions centered on presentations by theologian Marcus Borg. 9 The group will spend time each Sunday watching a DVD of a discussion by Dr. Borg. The topics addressed are: God, Jesus, Salvation, Practice, and Community. Following each presentation, the group members will discuss their own insights and experiences from the presentation and from their own faith journeys. Dr. Borg has a wonderful gift of presenting theological topics simply and clearly; in ways that both affirm and stretch as we share our journey of faith. The class will meet weekly in room 10 of the Walker Building from 11:30 AM to 1 PM. In order to know how many resource packets to have available, please register for the class following Sunday worship services at the CE Corner in Fellowship Hall or by calling the church office. Registration will begin on Sunday, September 11. (Health Ministry-Continued from page 5) what awful things might happen. Focus on the incredible things just around the corner. Be passionate. Be childlike. Express your feelings. Don't allow yourself to be confined by the judgment of others. Your passion may be lying just beneath the surface. Take time each day to release your playful, curious, adventurous self. Rediscover the child within! Your Health Ministry Team welcomes you all back as we head into a new season. We look forward to being a part of the mission of First Church and sharing with all of you the messages of good health and wellness. Reference: You Don't have To Go Home From Work Exhausted!, Ann McGee-Cooper, Bantam Books, 1992.

10 Notes from the Chancel And yet again, the classic question: where did the time go this summer!? The Chancel Choir s final Communion Services before the summer worship schedule began, along with the well-received Rodgers and Hammerstein tea seem a long-faded memory! The participants of the ambitious and varied Summer Music Schedule have graced worship with a wonderful variety of musical offerings, using their talents in praise to God. Days have once again swiftly turned into weeks and then months. It is hard to believe that summer is almost over, but the already shorter days are a testament of the season that is to come! Thanks to all those from within and outside our church community who participated in the Summer Music Schedule and graced our summer worship services with their talents to the glory of God! Your dedication to keeping the tradition of fine music in Sunday worship is greatly appreciated! Morgan Askenaizer, Rick Bolling, Sue Brennan, Emily Holecy, Heather Hotham, Marja-Liisa Kupianen, Rhonda Morris, Craig Neth, Dale Neth, Debbie Nordyke, Harry Nordyke, Katharine Steer, and Matt Van Wagner MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE! As we approach the coming school year and the re-start of the choir season, how about joining one of our choirs? There is always room for growth, and we are particularly looking for additional members for Decibells (adult handbells), First Folk, and new recruits for the Chancel Choir in all voice sections. In particular, the MEN of The First Church (including those in our church who are currently in high school, with changed voices) are encouraged to listen to God s call and come join this rewarding ministry! The weekly rehearsal days of all ensembles are up online, but to recap the music schedule starting dates for each ensemble: CHANCEL CHOIR September 7 Wednesdays at 7:00 PM CHAPEL CHIMERS After Rally Day Registration Sundays at 9:15 AM DECIBELLS September 29 Thursdays at 7:30 PM FIRST CHAMBER September 8 Thursdays at 6:30 PM FIRST FOLK September 14 Tuesdays at 7:00 PM FIRST SCHOLA September 20 Tuesdays at 6:00 PM JOYFUL NOISE After Rally Day Registration Sundays at 9:15 AM JUBELLATION After Rally Day Registration Sundays at 11:15 AM Come and make a joyful noise! Contact the music office for more information, and to receive a schedule for the choir of your choice. 10 CONCERT SERIES A preview of our season is available in detail online under Mark your calendars for October 30, as we herald in our new season with the POPS FOR PIPES the duel. With former Minister of Music Robin Dinda and his wife Renea Waligora in concert, this will be a date not to miss, as we open our fourth season at FIRST MUSIC. The program will include the premiere of Dinda s It s All About the Dog which follows last season s premiere of the Kiya Pup Strut The program promises to be a delight for all ages! The summary of the upcoming season is as follows: OCTOBER 2011 Pops for Pipes the duel DECEMBER 2011 Christmas at First: Oratorio de Noël FEBRUARY 2012 Piano Masters: Schepkin in Concert APRIL 2012 Liederkunst: the Art of Song JUNE 2012 Chamber Masters III Aliento Trio The ADVERTISING SPONSOR CAMPAIGN for the Season Program Booklet for the FIRST MUSIC Concert Series is full steam ahead! For those who have not yet taken advantage of sponsoring advertising space in the coming season program (which defrays the cost of producing our professional-grade program booklet and supporting materials for the Concert Series) there is

11 still time to show your support for Sunday Concerts Bringing the Joy of Music to the Gate City! Please contact representatives from the music committee, in Fellowship Hall, after worship, or call the music office at (603) , x15, for more details. Susan Testa (603) is the chairperson of the Advertising campaign subcommittee and will also gladly take any inquiries. The deadline for submissions is fastapproaching at Sept. 27 We thank all of those who renewed their sponsorship from last season, and welcome our new friends of the Series to this season s book. There is always room for more. Join us! MUSIC MINISTRY MEET AND GREET On Wednesday September 14, at 6:45 in the evening, the Music Committee is hosting a meet and greet reception for all members of the Music Ministry to say hello and welcome each other into the season. Anyone involved in music at First is welcome to join us for a light reception in Fellowship Hall, before the Chancel Choir rehearsal that evening, which has a delayed start of 7:15. CHRISTMAS CONCERT RETURNS IN 2011 This season, the Christmas Concert returns into the music ministry s biannual rotation of this beloved event. On Sunday December 4, at 3:30 PM, many choirs of the music ministry will offer their talents, with classic and new music offerings for the Christmas season. The first half of the concert will feature our children s, youth, and adult ensembles. The second half of the concert, will be a short cantata, performed by the new All Church Choir (see separate listing), followed by an All- Church Potluck in the dining room, which is then followed by the CE Ministry s Advent Event. It will be an All-Church afternoon. More details to follow in coming editions of the Newsletter! Mark the date!! ALL CHURCH CHOIR The Music Committee is concentrating on ways this season, to bring more of our church members into the ranks of the music ministry. To accommodate some in our membership who may not have the time to commit fully to one of our choirs: a new project has been conceived, parallel with the Christmas Concert: an All- Church Choir. This choir will rehearse on select days in November, a maximum of 5 times total, and the ensemble will learn a very accessible Cantata for the Christmas season, which will be offered as the second half of the Christmas Concert program. We hope to welcome many who have yet to try out the choirs under Joe s leadership, and hope this type of flexible schedule project with a short term commitment will plant the seed of inspiration to join one of our other choirs in the music ministry! Stay tuned for more details about this exciting new project to foster growth in the music ministry! FIRST SCHOLA NEEDS (even more ) SINGERS! First Schola, entering its fourth year in service to the music ministry, always welcomes new singers in its ranks. All are welcome, from 7th through 12th grade. A schedule of worship and rehearsals (Tuesdays, 6-7 PM) is available to all those interested through the music office. The inspirational sound of these young voices, singing the classics of the sacred repertoire is a testament to the dedication of both the youth and parents who support this ministry. The first rehearsal this season is Tuesday, September 20 at 6 PM. Those interested may opt to contact Bryanne Wilson, Olivia Hamilton, Lauren Fox, Heather Hotham, Courtney DeSantis, Victoria Lott, Rachel Neth or Kelsey Gallant for their impression of the Schola experience. Come make a joyful noise! The offbeat rehearsal atmosphere makes singing a contagious activity and fun ministry. September 4, rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Communion 9:00 Marja-Liisa Kupianen, soprano Susan Brennan, soprano September 11, th Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:30 & 10:00 Dale Neth, solo handbells September 18, th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Rally Sunday 8:30 & 10:00 Chancel Choir September 25, th Sunday in Ordinary Time All Church in Worship 8:30 & 10:00 First Chamber 11

12 First Church, United Church of Christ 1 Concord Street Nashua NH Published monthly September through June at Nashua, NH by the First Church, UCC. September 2011 issue Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Nashua NH Permit No. 365 Return Service Requested The regular Worship Schedule begins on Sunday, September 11, with services at 8:30 and 10:00 AM. Childcare is available at 10:00 AM. Sunday School begins on Rally Sunday, September 18, 10:00 AM. The annual picnic will follow the 10:00 AM service. See page 1 for details. Visit the Holy Land There are a few spaces remaining in the 2012 First Church tour of Israel planned for Monday, January 23 through Tuesday, January 31. See the article on page 3. Contact Pat Harris, or pharris@firstchurchnashua.org to learn more about the trip. The Nashua Area Interfaith Council invites people of faith to gather at the labyrinth located on Rotary Common on Main Street for a time of reflection and a time to walk the labyrinth. Materials will be prepared for those who wish them. The gathering time is 2 PM, but people are welcome to come at any time and use the labyrinth as a centering walk and as a time to quietly share time with others who seek an end of terror and the promise of peace.