First Congregational Church of Wakefield UCC

Ash Wednesday Zoom Service
2021-02-17 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
Pastor Dr. Tere and Father Dave DeSalvo of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church will join in worship with our congregations via Zoom on Ash Wednesday, February 17 at 6 p.m. If you are not already on our emailing list, please contact Julie M at churchoffice@fccwakefieldnh.org to received a Zoom invitation.

Clothing Collection
2020-10-05 15:00 - 16:00

Antique and What-Not Sale
2020-09-26 09:00 - 14:00
The former Hickory Limb Antique Shop at 31 Gage Hill Rd in Wakefield is opening its doors for a one-day only sale. From glassware to cabinets and everything in between, the building is being emptied. All proceeds are to benefit the First Congregational Church of Wakefield, United Church of Christ. Stop by to find your treasure.

All Outdoor Harvest Fair
2020-09-26 09:00 - 13:00
Our Harvest Fair this year is an all outdoor event in keeping with Covid-19 safety protocols! Come on over Wakefield Corner on Saturday, September 26, from 9 am. to 1 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Wakefield, UCC, 2718 Wakefield Road, Wakefield.

Evening Grief Support Group
2020-03-20 19:00 - 20:00
The Good Grief Journey
You know that losing someone you love is one of the most challenging times of life. Routines and traditions are never the same, and you may even find yourself with no one to talk to about your grief. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Having a safe space to talk about your grief with others who will support you in this difficult time is a powerful step toward creating a good grief journey.
Today is a Good Day to go From Grieving to Living
Connection * Healing * Meaning
Patti Schmoock
Email: patti@fromgrievingtoliving.com
Phone: 603-491-0474
Please text first, if possible
Join us every second Wednesday of the month at 11 am and 7 pm in the Parish Helpers room

Junior Bell Choir
2020-03-14 09:00 - 10:00

Let's Walk With God
2020-03-10 17:30 - 18:30
This week’s devotional is here: 02.23.2020 Lenten Study Feb 23
Our Lenten focus for 2020 is “Let’s Walk With God!” We will use The Poetry of Lent: A Lenten Companion to Mary Oliver’s Devotions, a book of Mary Oliver’s selected poems to guide our journey through the 40 days of Jesus’ time in the wilderness. Beginning on Fat Tuesday, February 25th, you will receive an introduction to our season of Lent and the first weekly devotion that will include: scripture focus, poem from Mary Oliver’s collection, a prayer and meditation focus. For those who want to gather with others to reflect, pray and meditate, we will meet on Tuesday, beginning March 3rd (date has been changed) at 5:30 pm in the Parish Helpers Room.
Check out the customized video that is on our Facebook page and our website. Invite your friends, family and acquaintances to join us on the journey to walk and grow with God as we renew the awe of the Resurrection in our lives.

Ash Wednesday Service
2020-02-26 18:30 - 19:30
This Ash Wednesday we will worship with our siblings in Christ from the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist and the Wakefield Church of the Nazarene. As one in the Body of Christ we will gather at the Episcopal Church at 6:30 pm to pray, sing, hear the Scriptures and receive the message delivered by Rev. Ron Boyd, pastor of the Nazarene Church. The sign of the cross will be placed on our heads as a reminder “we belong to God and to God we shall return.”

Conversation Group
2020-02-10 13:00 - 14:00
Conversation Group was introduced several years ago by our dear sister, Jan Fairchild, and was designed for women who were aged 60 and over. Through guided conversation, those who attended had the opportunity to get to know each other on a more personal and meaningful level than they had in the past. There were two groups of 8 – 12 women. Later age restrictions were lifted, more participants joined and the two groups became one. Then Jan moved away ☹
Many moons later, we are now a strong group again. We recently met twice at the home of Jan Brejwo. Our last gathering was a group of 12 women, and we shared our past Christmas experiences with each other. An interesting conclusion was the question of, if you had one Christmas to relive, which would it be?”
Please join us. Our next gathering will be in the Parish Helpers room in the church on Monday, January 13th at 1 PM. If anyone has a recommendation for a conversation topic, please contact either Margie (balchlaker@gmail.com) or Patty Golden (goldenpj@gmail.com)

Bereavement Support Group
2019-12-18 19:00 - 20:00

Bereavement Support Group
2019-12-18 11:00 - 12:00
Seeking support while coping with grief can be very healing. We offer an open Bereavement Support Group every three weeks. It is a very friendly, caring group! Pastor Mary facilitates the conversation, maintaining a caring, safe, confidential space for sharing. All who are walking the journey of grief are welcome to take part. Our next meeting will take place at the church on Thursday, January 26 at 11:00. Please let Pastor Mary know if you are interested (522-3189 or fccwpastor@gmail.com).

Evening Faith Formation Study
2019-12-17 18:00 - 19:00
Tuesday Evening Faith Formation Study @ 5:30 pm
“Living the Questions” –Join us on the journey to being fully Christian as we ponder what we believe, why we believe it and does our belief accept the truth that God is forever the “Mystery” beyond our understanding and our human language. We meet at 5:30 pm in the Parish Helpers Room for this DVD guided reflection/questions and pondering’s that reminds us to be fully Christian is a process and a forever journey.
Facilitated by Pastor Alberta

Christmas Carolling
2019-12-08 12:00 - 14:00
The music camp children have been invited to join our annual church family Christmas caroling on Saturday, December 16 from 4-6 p.m. We have caroling books and Margie will lead the kids and adults in using hand chimes.
The plan is to dress warmly, meet at church before 4 p.m. and prepare to caravan around the Wakefield community bringing love and Christmas cheer to neighbors and friends. We will return to church around 5:30 to enjoy some pizza, hot beverages, and yummy treats.
Let me know if there is someone we should not miss on our caroling route!

Handbell Concert - 5 p.m.
2019-12-07 17:00 - 18:00
To the World – Joy and Peace
5 p.m. Performance
The Wakefield Memorial Bell Choir and other participants have been working many hours practicing music for our popular Christmas Bell Concert to be presented on Saturday, December 7. Our hope is to give you an enjoyable hour (or so) of inspirational and unique music. Not only will there be our bells and chimes displaying a number of techniques and modalities, but also acoustic and electric guitars, keyboard magic, angelic dancers, and special vocal presentations. Our mission is to spread the love of God and the message of Christ’s birth through our musical offerings.
There will be two performances at 2:00 and 5:00. The Wakefield Inn is offering meals before each concert. Reservations for a meal need to be made by calling 522-8272. Advance reservations are recommended through the church office, 522-3189. Donations will be used to help the Gafney Library and the ministries of our church. Seasonal Blessings to all,

Handbell Concert -2 p.m.
2019-12-07 14:00 - 15:00
To the World – Joy and Peace
The Wakefield Memorial Bell Choir and other participants have been working many hours practicing music for our popular Christmas Bell Concert to be presented on Saturday, December 7. Our hope is to give you an enjoyable hour (or so) of inspirational and unique music. Not only will there be our bells and chimes displaying a number of techniques and modalities, but also acoustic and electric guitars, keyboard magic, angelic dancers, and special vocal presentations. Our mission is to spread the love of God and the message of Christ’s birth through our musical offerings. There will be two performances at 2:00 and 5:00. The Wakefield Inn is offering meals before each concert. Reservations for a meal need to be made by calling 522-8272. Advance reservations are recommended through the church office, 522-3189. Donations will be used to help the Gafney Library and the ministries of our church. Seasonal Blessings to all,

Tree of Memories
2019-12-07 11:00 - 12:00
One of the most meaningful and expressive events of the holiday season, the Hospice Tree of Memories, is celebrating its annual commemoration at the Wakefield Opera House on Saturday, December 8 at 11 a.m. This occasion provides opportunities for family, friends, and neighbors to remember a loved one by placing an inscribed porcelain dove, a symbol of serenity, peace, and tranquility, on a lighted tree. Everyone is welcome to attend the ceremony. To purchase a dove in the name of a loved one, please speak to Ginny Schweitzer (522-9593) or contact the Central New Hampshire VNA and Hospice at 569-2729.

Thanksgiving Worship Service
2019-11-26 18:00 - 19:00

Free Family Movie Night
2019-11-08 19:00 - 20:30
FREE FAMILY MOVIE
“The Pilgrim’s Progress” an Animated Family – Friendly Feature!
Friday, November 8th at the Wakefield Opera House, 2 High Street, Wakefield, NH
Seating is first come and will fill up fast, movie starts at 7 pm.
A man named Pilgrim discovers a book, and the more he reads it, the more he is convicted of sin and judgment, obsessed with discovering the truth and ventures out and begins his journey meeting friends and foes along the way.
A free will offering to benefit the Revelation Media. Sponsored by First Congregational Church of Wakefield, United Church of Christ
https://youtu.be/RRr7vHykc-E

Bobby Jo Valentine Free Concert
2019-10-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Wakefield Opera House, 14 High Street, Sanbornville, 03872
Free Concert – Songs and Stories.
Bobby Jo Valentine is a multi-faceted and sought-after speaker, songwriter and storyteller who grew up on the windy seaside of Northern California.
He’s been called a hopeful, realist poet and a philosopher for the people. His songs are both earthbound and mystical, and speak to the gentle, everyday awakenings of an openhearted life.
Bobby has given a Ted Talk, has been awarded Song of the Year three times from West Coast Songwriter’s Association, is an out gay advocate for equal rights for all, and has performed thousands of events around the globe.
His compelling, poetic storytelling and songs have built a growing following of listeners and supporters, and his most recent collections, Fox Eyes, Whale Heart and Maybe Stars, are available everywhere music is offered online.
More info: https://www.bobbyjovalentine.com/

Summer Music Camp
2019-07-08 09:00 - 2019-07-12 12:00
We warmly invite your child(ren), ages 5 through 12, to attend our summer Music Camp at FCCW. The camp will be held from July 9 through 12, 2019. Children will gather each morning 9:00 to noon to learn Bible stories through music, dance, crafts, stories, and games. Daily snacks will be provided. This program has been a joyful experience for children (and staff) for the past two summers. There is no cost to participate. To preregister your child, call the church office at 522-3189. Space is limited.

Dress A Girl
2019-06-01 08:00 - 14:30
Dress a Girl Around the World is a Campaign under Hope 4 Women International (a 501 (c) 3 organization) bringing dignity to women around the world since 2006. Hope 4 Women International is a nondenominational independent Christian organization whose dream is a world where every girl has at least one new dress and knows that they are worthy of respect, and that they are loved by God.
We will be making dresses for the girls in Zimbabwe. The sew-in will be held on Saturday, June 1st from 8:30 AM – 2 PM. Breakfast will be provided at 8AM . We will also be providing soup and chowder lunch.
Patterns and instructions will be provided that day.
Each dress will need 1-1/2 yard of quality cotton fabric. No holiday prints or prints with food or Disney prints.
Avoid whites, light and solid fabrics as they will not be pretty after 30+ days of continuous wear without washing. In addition you’ll need a package of extra wide bias tape double fold. Elastic will be provided. Jacqueline Dewey, Ambassador Southern
Please preregister at truhne@gmail.com. Instructions on what to bring will be emailed after registration. It will be a great time. Come join us.

Easter Sunday Worship
2019-04-21 10:00 - 11:15
He Has Risen! He Has Risen Indeed! The sweet aroma of resurrection will fill our hearts and minds on Easter Sunday, April 21st at 10am. Come rejoice in Resurrection Joy!

Palm Sunday Service
2019-04-14 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for Palm/Passion Sunday-April 14th at 10am as we “Give It A Rest” and lay our palm branches down to welcome Jesus who has taught us how to carry a fitting yoke. Then we hear the Wakefield Memorial Bells ring the Hymn of Promise before we are reminded how easily love turns to hate… but LOVE wins!

Pot Luck and Film Screening
2019-02-27 17:30 - 20:00
You are invited to a potluck, movie and discussion hosted by the Outreach Ministry to be held on Wednesday,

February 27, in the Fellowship Hall.

The Devil We Know (2018) is a documentary showing the impact of citizens in West Virginia when they take on a powerful corporation for dumping toxic chemicals in the water supply. A discussion of the film will be led by Mindi Messmer, an environmental scientist and environmental advocate.

Why is this important to us? NH has the highest rates of breast cancer, bladder cancer and esophageal cancer in the nation. We will learn what is being done and what we can do to advocate for stronger environmental protections. The United Church of Christ has a strong and powerful history of Environmental Justice Ministries. www.ucc.org/environmental-ministries

Attendees are invited to bring a pot luck offering. Coffee and tea will be provided. Potluck begins 5:30 p.m.

Film and discussion begins at 6:00 p.m.

Farewell Service
2018-12-02 10:00 - 23:30
A farewell service for Rev. Mary James will be held on Sunday, December 2nd, at 10 am at our church, to be followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. Rev. Mary James served our church for twelve years and is much loved by her parishioners as well as by members of the community-at-large with whom she served on several boards. The service will feature special music.
All are welcome.

Hand Bell Concert
2018-12-01 14:00 - 15:00
“Movie Memories and Christmas Magic”
“Movie Memories and Christmas Magic” is a joyous, beautiful and entertaining hand bell concert which will be held on Dec. 1, 2018. It will be performed by the Wakefield Memorial Hand Bell Choir which is a member of the “Handbell Musicians of America Guild”. The Bell Choir has been preparing many months for this festive event and we look forward to their gifts of talent and music so generously offered!
There will be 2 concerts at 2:00pm and 5:00pm at the First Congregational Church of Wakefield, UCC, 2718 Wakefield Rd, Wakefield, NH. Reserved seating is recommended. Call 522-3189 or email fccwakefieldnh@gmail.com. The doors will open early to the Fellowship Hall for a warming welcome as we showcase the missions of the Church and our many options for Alternative Giving. Donation is $10 and the proceeds will benefit the Gafney Library and the Ministries of the Church. The Wakefield Inn and Restaurant will be offering dinner seating’s before each show. You may call them directly for reservations at 603-522-8272.

Centering Prayer
2018-11-13 15:00 - 16:00
Sharing our Stories, Praying for and With One Another

All are welcome to attend our Centering Prayer Circle, a time of “checking in” with church friends who share with one another the joys and concerns in their lives, and then pray together in word and in silence. We gather on some Tuesday afternoons at 3 p.m. in Parish Helpers Room. Please check the monthly calendar for exact dates.

http://www.fccwakefieldnh.org/calendar/

Contra Dancing
2018-10-13 19:00 - 21:00
Contra dancing is a traditional New England type of folk / square dance. Knowing how to do it is not required. The caller will teach you, and most of the steps involve basic moves—nothing fancy and it does not require a partner as all participants will be your partner at some point in the dance. Refreshments are included in the ticket price of $10 for adults, $5 for teens. Children 12 and under are admitted for free. Contra dancing is open to the whole family. Get tickets at the door!
Music and dance calling by String Equinox: Beverly Woods & Shana Aisenberg, with the Community String Band.
$10.00 Adult
$5.00 Teens
12 and Under Free
Refreshments included
All are Welcome! Even if you have 2 Left Feet!

Sunday School
2018-09-16 10:00 - 11:00

Annual Yard Sale
2018-08-24 08:00 - 14:00
