First Congregational Church of Wakefield UCC

Pot Luck and Film Screening
2019-02-27 17:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
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

Lenten Bible Study Series
2018-04-03 12:00 - 13:00
Beginning on Tuesday, February 20th, Bible Study will switch into Lenten “gear” as we delve in the UCC’s Stillspeaking Writer’s Group 2018 Lenten Devotional entitled “Lovers and Fools”. Every Tuesday in Lent, we will come together from 12:00-1:00 to discuss and share our feelings & observations for the week’s readings leading up to class. Please consider joining us in what typically turns into some lively, thought-provoking conversations – sprinkled with laughs and camaraderie.And an aside – why the title “Lovers and Fools”? This Lenten season starts with Ash Wednesday that happens to fall on Valentine’s Day and ends with Easter that happens to fall on April Fools Day!
Please contact me if you’re interested in the devotional Cost is $4). You can contact me at
julielouisekessler@gmail.com or 603-871-8066.
Julie Kessler

Service of Tenebrae
2018-03-29 19:00 - 20:00
Maundy Thursday Service of Tenebrae, March 29
Some people say it is the worship service that they find the most affecting of all the worship services offered in the life of the church. All ages 12 and above are invited to this solemn, contemplative service of Holy Communion, readings, music, and gradually extinguishing candlelight as we walk with Jesus through his last Passover week in Jerusalem, his time of great suffering, and his crucifixion. The service will begin at 7:00. Easter is all the more meaningful for those who take the time to experience the Service of Tenebrae.

Lenten Worship Series
2018-03-18 10:00
Lent and Easter Preaching Series
Pastor Mary is planning a preaching series for Lent and Easter on the theme of

“What Are You Up To?” This is an interesting question to place in conversation with one another, our lives, and the scriptures.
What are we up to, in light of God’s call and God’s promises?
What are we up to when we are at our best? Our worst? Our most joyful? Our most down-trodden?
What is God up to?

The themes for the series will be as follows:

Ash Wednesday Store Up (Service will be at 7 pm on February 14th)
First Sunday in Lent Come Up
Second Sunday in Lent Take Up
Third Sunday in Lent Raise Up
Fourth Sunday in Lent Light Up
Fifth Sunday in Lent Lift Up
Maundy Thursday Listen Up (Tenebrae Service will be at on March 29th, exact time TBA)
Palm Sunday Sit Up
Easter Look Up

We invite all to gather up a willingness to go on this journey together as we journey through Lent and travel all the way to the joy of Easter.

Crock Pot Dinner
2018-02-25 17:00 - 18:00
The Men’s Fellowship will host a Crock Pot Dinner on Sunday, February 25th at 5 p.m. Suggested donation: $5. Not sure what will be offered, but we do know that Barry will be making pulled pork! Join us for a good meal with lots of fun and fellowship!

CPR/ AED Training
2018-01-13 10:00 - 12:00
NH CPR Safety Services will hold training sessions at FCCW on two dates:
Saturday, January 13 at 10 a.m.
Saturday, February 16 at 10 a.m.
Cost: $25 per person and preregistration is required. Call the office at 522-3189.

Christmas Pageant
2017-12-10 10:00 - 11:00
All are invited to our Christmas Pageant, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” directed by Denine Foulks, to be shared during our worship service on Sunday morning, December 10th. Our wonderful bell choir will also play, along with many other delightful musical offerings! It all begins at 10:00.

Broadway, Beatles and Bach at Christmas II
2017-12-02 17:00 - 18:00
“Broadway, Beatles & Bach at Christmas” is a joyous, beautiful and entertaining hand bell concert which will be held on Dec. 2, 2017. 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 2:30pm and 5:00pm at the First Congregational Church of Wakefield, UCC, 2718 Wakefield Rd, Wakefield, NH. Reserved seating is not necessary but available. 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. The suggested donation is $10 and the proceeds will benefit the Ministries of the Church and the Wakefield Food Pantry. The Wakefield Inn and Restaurant will be offering a several dinner seatings before and after each show. You may call them directly for reservations at 603-522-8272

Broadway, Beatles and Bach at Christmas I
2017-12-02 14:30 - 15:30

Paint Class
2017-10-29 13:00 - 15:00
The next FUNdraiser Paint class at FCC –
October 29, 1 to 3 p.m.
$35.00

Summer Music Camp
2017-07-24 09:00 - 2017-07-28 12:00
Summer Music Camp for Kids – Directed by Janice Stanley
Registration for this week-long music camp for children in grades K thru 6 is now open! The Camp is free of charge, ecumenical in format and takes place from 9-12 noon.
To reserve a space for your child or children, please contact the Church Office by calling 522-3189 or emailing: fccwakefieldnh@gmail.com. The registration form is here: 2017 Registration Form Music Camp
Children will enjoy a variety of musical activities: singing, dance, and learning to make music with boom whackers, hand chimes, and simple instruments. Following Bible story themes, there will also be crafts, outdoor play and healthy snacks. The children will be treated to a delightful presentation of lively music by guest performers at the end of the week.

Annual Meeting of the Congregation
2017-06-11 11:00 - 12:00

New Member Info Session
2017-06-04 11:30 - 12:30
New Member Information Session

We will soon offer an information session for all who are interested in becoming members of the church. All who are interested in exploring membership are welcome to attend the session, which will take place right after the worship service on Sunday, June 4th. We will load up our plates with snacks from coffee hour and meet together in the large classroom for 90 minutes. It’s so fun for us all to get to know each other a bit more!
The advantages of becoming a church member are that members are able to take part in leadership positions, and all members are able to exercise a vote at our congregation’s annual meeting and other special meetings (called when important decisions must be made). Membership is a sign of a desire for an increased threshold of participation in the vibrant, joyful, illuminating, and outreaching life of our church. There is never any pressure to join the church, ever. There is always a warm invitation to do so, though!
Please let Pastor Mary know if you’d like to take part in the new member information session. We hope to receive all those interested into church membership the following Sunday, June 11th, which is also the date of our congregation’s annual meeting (held right after worship). So, please save both dates: June 4th and June 11th!
God bless us all as we look forward to new adventures in God’s love with new members on board!

Wakefield Pride Day 5K Relay Race
2017-05-20 08:00 - 10:00
For information about the 5K Relay Race click here: Relay information
For registration form for the 5K Relay Race, click here: 5K Relay Registration
For map, click here: Relay Map

Lenten Sunday Book Discussion
2017-04-02 09:00 - 09:45
Please join us on Sunday mornings beginning on the first Sunday of Lent, March 5th, at 9 a.m. for coffee and discussion. Location will be posted in the church. We’ll be reading daily devotions from the Stillspeaking Writers’ Group, Diving Lessons, and will talk about those readings as we gather. The books are in. Please pick one up at church or contact the church office.

Prepared to Serve
2017-02-25 09:00 - 15:00 | Pembroke Academy, Pembroke, NH, United States
“I Planted, Others Watered, but God Gives the Growth.”
Each year members of the NH Conference & our friends & affiliates come together at Pembroke Academy for a day-long event, featuring 50+ workshops offered on a variety of fascinating topics, The day includes an uplifting morning worship, breakfast, lunch, and refreshments, 30+ exhibitors, and ample opportunity for reconnecting with old friends and new alike! Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come experience the joy and inspiration that Prepared to Serve offers.

Online registration is now open. The fee is $40 if you register by February 15. Scholarships are available and carpooling is possible. If you are interested in learning more about this wonderful event, please contact the church office. More information and online registration can be found at http://www.nhcucc.org/ConferenceMinistries/PreparedToServe/

Prayer Shawl Ministry 8th Anniversary
2017-01-26 10:00 - 11:30

Angels and Mortals Revealed
2017-01-08 11:00 - 12:00 | FCCW, Wakefield Rd, Sanbornville , NH, United States
Join us for worship on the First Sunday of Epiphany. During coffee hour we will find out who as been our “angel” during the weeks of Advent and Christmas!

Christmas Pageant
2016-12-18 10:00 - 11:00
The Twelve Days of Christmas Greeting
Join us for the Rock Star Production of THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS. The pageant this year looks at the meaning of the familiar song. The Rock Stars will explain how it all originated and Wow you with new knowledge. There will be lots of Music, lots of Information and lots of Giving.

Christmas Bells in the Village
2016-12-10 17:30 - 18:30 | FCCW, Wakefield Rd, Sanbornville , NH, United States
‘Christmas Bells in the Village’ concert will be held at the Church on December 10 at 5:30. Please join us for this beautiful and uplifting hand bell concert as we usher in the Advent season. Jan Stanley and the Bell Choir have been preparing many months for this joyous event and we look forward to their gift of music so generously offered!
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. The suggested donation is $10 and the proceeds will benefit the Wakefield Food Pantry and Ministries of the Church. Snow date is Dec. 17.
The Wakefield Inn and Restaurant is pleased to offer a special pre-concert dinner at 4 p.m. For reservations, please call the Inn at 603 522-8272.
