Rev. Alice M.C. Ling, Senior Pastor

Rev. Lucy M. Alexander, Associate Pastor

Sunday, September 4^th Worship starts at 9:00 a.m.

Fall Worship Schedule starts September 11^th at 10:00 a.m.

Office Hours:  M – F 8:30 to 5:00 pm

Tel: 603-434-0628   Fax: 603-434-3001   Web: www.fpc-ucc.org

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Dear Friends,

I am very excited about the upcoming year in Christian Education and I wanted to share some of that excitement with all of you.  It’s not that things will look a lot different on the surface than they have in prior years.  It’s more that people have worked really hard to put some essential frameworks in place. 

As we have worked, the following words have surfaced for me:

“The art of awareness of God, the art of sensing God’s*

Presence in our daily lives cannot be learned off-hand.  God’s grace resounds in our lives like a staccato.  Only by retaining the seemingly

 disconnected notes comes the ability to grasp the theme.”[1]

The work we have been doing, as I see it, has been to help all of us “retain the seemingly disconnected notes.”  For me, that is what Christian Education is all about.  God’s grace abounds.  What we can do is to help each other and our children to recognize and share that grace.  As we grow in faith, the connections among those moments of grace become deeper and deeper until we are not only able to grasp but to live the theme.

As a result of last year’s CE retreat, the Board has decided to dedicate two months of the curriculum to special thematic topics.  The first month will be in January and the topic will be the 23^rd Psalm.  The second month will be during Lent.  We will focus on the Lord’s Prayer.  The Board is hoping that, in this way, children (and we) will not only come to know the whole Bible through the regular lectionary texts but will also become especially familiar with some of the key pillars of the faith. The Board of Christian Education has also drawn up a calendar of events for each Sunday so that everyone will know what the focus scripture text is for the day, when classes are meeting, when family Sundays are coming up, when there will be music time in Currier.

The Youth Ministry Committee has also been actively meeting over the summer.  The Committee has been able to draw up a calendar from September to June, involving all those in middle school through high school.  Confirmation will meet as usual early Sunday evenings.  In addition, a regular high school youth group time has been set for every other Friday evening.  The Board has also become aware of the need to support youth and families in the multiple issues they may face.  Part of this initiative will be a Crisis Prevention evening in October.

The art of sensing God’s presence, while available to each and every one of us, is, at the same time, not something we learn off-hand.  Paradoxical, maybe, but true.  May education be an important part of all of our spiritual disciplines.

Yours in faith, Pastor Lucy

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SEPTEMBER WORSHIP SCHEDULE

SUNDAY SERVICE HOURS

9:00 am September 4, 2005

10:00 am September 11th, 18th and 25^th

Mission Statement

First Parish Congregational Church, UCC, is a community of faith built upon a firm foundation of worship, prayer and education.  In affirming diversity, we are dedicated to welcoming all people who seek the Word of God, Christian fellowship and service to others.  In partnership with Christ and led by the Holy Spirit, we reach out to the ever-widening community through active and loving ministry.

Nursing Home Friends

Velma Allen

Ida Ceresale

Haven Health Center, Derry

 

                                                                       

        Connor Michael Trenholm                             Jason John Czarnosz

        Date of Birth: March 29, 2005                      and Amy Lynn Thebault

        Date of Baptism: July 31, 2005                    Married July 30, 2005

        Parents: Charlotte Trenholm                         by Rev. Lucy Alexander

                      and Jason Tighe

                                                               

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September 11^th at 11:15 am

during Fellowship Hour

Come in and sign-up in the Currier Hall to be an

active participant in the life of

 Many Committees     Youth Ministry     Greeters

Ushers        Acolytes         Choirs      Fellowship Hour

Musicians          Fall Activities        Best Breakfast

and many other choices!!!

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

September 18

CHURCH COOK-OUT AT ODIORNE POINT

Join us for an afternoon of fun in the sun next to the ocean.  Food and beverages will be provided, so just bring your lawn chairs and kites, lay back and enjoy some fellowship! 

September 11 RALLY DAY

Take this opportunity to showcase your special talents and take on a new challenge for the upcoming year! There’s something for everyone!!

Use what talent you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best.
                            --Henry Van Dyke

Best Breakfast                        Acolytes

Ushers                                    Coffee Hour

Greeters                                  Harvest Supper

Sugar Plum Fair                     First Parish Road Race

Music                                       Church School

Schedule Change – Back to Fall/Winter Hours

Just a reminder that morning Fall service will return to 10 am on September 11, 2005.  Also, as mentioned in the July newsletter, due to low attendance, we have decided not to restart the 7:00 pm Sunday service. A sub-committee is currently working on an alternative plan – perhaps an 8:00 am service.  Please share your ideas with Bill, Katherine or Lee – we’d really like to offer a 2^nd service that will accommodate many!

Blessing Ceremonies & Petition Response

As most of you know, several members of the congregation signed a petition requesting that the Council vote to place a hold on FPC clergy’s performing Blessing Ceremonies of same sex couples at FPC until after the “special” meeting of the congregation on October 2, 2005.  The Diaconate is making an effort to talk with those who are struggling with this issue.  We hope that all FPC Members will feel free to ask questions and talk with any member of the Diaconate about this very controversial subject.

See You In September

Bill Burke, Heidi Webster, Jane Mallinson, Katherine Cummings, Lee DeBell, Marcie Zingo, Diana Sweeney, Pat Plouff, Ken Gould and Diane Breeden.

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For those of you who have not signed-up yet, the photographer from Olan Mills will be back on

During coffee hour, starting September 4^th, you will have the opportunity to sign-up for this last session.

You may also call Lisa Hall at 432-6172 to schedule.

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We’re goin’ to Mount Carmel!

The story of Elijah, Jezebel and the god Baal has come alive these past two months in our summer theater experience.  The crew has some awesome sets put together, casting has been completed, and costumes are in the works.

As of September 12^th, rehearsal will move to Monday nights in MacGregor Hall, the Music Room and the Sanctuary.  Our rehearsal time will shift slightly to accommodate our students – we’ll work from 6:30 – 8:00.  The musical is scheduled to be presented on October 30^th during worship.

We are still looking for “extra’s” to complete our cast and we invite anyone from 2^nd grade on up to join us.  We especially welcome adults to be a part of the fun.

So, saddle up your horse and git’ on over to Dry Gulch for the hoedown!!   

                    

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Rally Sunday 

We hope that you had a wonderful summer and are ready for a new year of Church School!  Mark your calendars for Rally Sunday on September 11th.  This is the day when you will sign up your children for Sunday School during fellowship hour.  A schedule of church school events will be available.

Church School Teachers Needed

Rally Sunday will also be an opportunity to see how you can become more involved at FPC.  There will sign-up sheets for a variety of activities.  Please consider becoming a Church School Teacher---we have openings in several age groups.  With enough volunteers, your commitment of time will be minimal, but your contribution will be priceless!

Church School Informational Meeting September 7th

Please note that there will be a very important informational meeting on Wednesday, September 7th at 7:00 for all Church School teachers.  Please plan on attending as we have some new and exciting resources to share with you before the Church School year begins.

Vacation Church School a Huge Success

Another big THANK YOU! to all who volunteered and participated in this summer's VCS.  It was a huge success!  About 50 children participated in this week-long annual event.  We could not have done it without the 15 adult volunteers and 12 teens who helped with teaching, crafts, music, games, and snacks.  Thanks to the generosity of the participants, over $300.00 were collected in the daily offering.  Of this money, $157.54 was sent to Kids Cafe' here in Derry along with two large boxes of school supplies.  And the Mission Board will match our donation which amounts to over $300.00 for the Kids Cafe'!  Another $157.55 was given to the FPC general fund.  Thank you all!

Adult Education Courses Coming

The C.E. Board is looking into offering some Adult Education courses or seminars.  If you have a suggestion as to subject matter or would like to lead a seminar, please contact anyone on the C.E. Board.

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IN CELEBRATION OF OUR 286th ANNIVERSARY

Custom Designed T-Shirts Free to First 100 Registrants. Pre-registered names will be printed on the T‑Shirts!! (Provided your entry is received by Sunday, Oct. 16th). T‑Shirts will be available to buy on Race Day.

Awards: Merchandise Awards and Gift Certificates awarded to the Male and Female Overall Winners, along with Age Group Winners and Second and Third Place in the following categories: 12–Under, 13–9, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70+.

Directions: From 1-93 North and South, take Exit 4 (Derry/Londonderry/Rte. 102). Take Route 102 East towards Derry 2.25 miles to the Derry traffic circle. Take East Derry Road (left of MOBIL station). Go 1 mile up hill. First Parish Church is on your right across from the East Derry Store.

ENTRY FORM — FIRST PARISH FAMILY FIVE ROAD RACE

LAST NAME (please print!)                                                                 FIRST NAME _________________________

ADDRESS                                                                                           TOWN                                           STATE         

ZIP CODE                                                                                 AGE ON RACE DAY                 q MALE  q FEMALE

Race category: q 12&Under     q 13-19       q 20-29       q 30-39       q 40-49       q 50-59      q 60-69       q 70+
T‑Shirt Size:  q Child   q Adult                         

I, THE UNDERSIGNED, AND ANYONE ENTITLED TO ACT ON MY BEHALF, HEREBY ASSUME ALL RISKS OF PARTICIPATION IN THE FIRST PARISH FAMILY FIVE ROAD RACE, AND HEREBY RELEASE THE RACE DIRECTORS, FIRST PARISH CHURCH, AILL RACE SPONSORS, AND ANY OF THEIR REPRESENTATIVES FROM ALL CLAIMS OR LIABILITIES ARISING OUT OF MY PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT.

SIGNATURE                                                                 PARENT/GUARDIAN                                                              

Entry Fee: $10.00 Pre‑Race, $12.00 Race Day                                Mail Entry to:        FIRST PARISH CHURCH
(check payable to FIRST PARISH CHURCH)                                     P.O. BOX 114 E.DERRY, N.H. 03041

In Celebration of our 286th Anniversary Twelfth Annual FIRST PARISH FAMILY FIVE ROAD RACE Sunday, October 30th, 2005 3:00 P.M. (Rain or Shine)

To make this First Parish Family Five road race the best that it can be, we are giving Merchandise Awards and Gift Certificates to the male and female overall winners along with age group winners and second and third place in eight categories.

We solicit your support and the opportunity for us to Network our own group of Sponsor's throughout the members and friends of First Parish Church. We are not looking for your personal donations, but those of local merchants or business owners that you may know who would be interested in donating monetarily, or with a Merchandise Award or Gift Certificate.

A donation of $286.00 or more will put your Sponsor's name on our Custom Designed T‑Shirts, and will be mentioned in all of our advertising promotions.

SPONSOR FORM

NAME OF SPONSOR                                                                  TELEPHONE NUMBER____________________________

SPONSOR ADDRESS                                                                        TOWN                                             STATE            ZIP_______________

DONATION:($286.00 or more will have Sponsor's name printed on all T-Shirts) __________________________________________________

MERCHANDISE AWARD                                                                        GIFT CERTIFICATE________________________________________

OTHER__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please leave these forms in the Offertory Plate or they can be dropped off or mailed to the Church Office.
603-434-0628       FIRST PARISH CHURCH P.O. BOX 114, EAST DERRY, NH 03041

FIRST PARISH FAMILY FIVE ROAD RACE

On Sunday, October 30th, 2005 we will be holding the "12th" Annual First Parish Family Five Road Race. Last year, we raised over $3,000. for the restoration of our great church. We hope that this year will be as much fun!! Please help us out with this Sponsor Form and brainstorm some of your own ideas with the awards, gift certificate's, or other prizes! One such idea has been the "Family Sponsorship Challenge!! Any member or friend that would like their family name showcased on the back of the T‑Shirt can do so with a donation of $286 (Iast year our sponsors donated $285). We thank you for your support!

THE ROAD RACE COMMITTEE

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It is with a grateful heart full of joy that I thank you for the beautiful shawl you sent to me.  When a friend and I started the Shawl Ministry at the Newmarket Community Church, we had no idea how far those seeds would scatter, grow and bloom and return. How true it is – Love is a never ending circle! I grew up in First Parish Church and was married there in June 1959, so I have a special spot in my heart for your church. I am confident that by the grace and mercy of Christ, I will get through this lymphoma and the chemotherapy wrapped in the mantle of love. Many thanks for your love and prayers. Dott (Harding) Nash

INSTALLATION OF MINISTER

We are invited to join with the Exeter Congregational Church, UCC, at the installation of their Pastor, Rev. Nancy Rockwell on Sunday, September 18^th at 4:00 p.m.  The service will be followed by a reception.  This is an important expression of the covenant we share with others in the Rockingham Association, and with the pastor and people of the Exeter Church.  Speak with Alice for more information.

 

CAREGIVERS SOUGHT

We’re looking for some people who like to listen to and support others, have some time they’re willing to share, and are interested in becoming a spiritual friend to others in our congregation. For a number of years, we’ve had a Caregivers program, through which a few people have been specially trained and then assigned to be a friend and support for others. Currently, only a couple of people are serving in this capacity, and we’d love to start a new round of training in the fall.

Caregivers work with a particular individual or couple who find themselves in a time of need. Some specifics have been homebound persons, visiting with an ill person in order that the primary caregiver can step away from the house for a bit, employment changes, or nursing home visits. It’s a great way to express the care and support of the church as people adjust to a new child, the empty nest, a loss of independence or any number of transitional moments.

We ask people to go through a series of training sessions, and then agree to serve for at least a year. The specifics of what is required changes depending on the assignment, but we might be talking about a visit every week or two. If this intrigues you and you’d like to know more, please speak with Alice Ling.

BOOK DISCUSSION

On Wednesday, September 28 at 7:00 p.m., we’ll meet to discuss The Bookseller of Kabul, by  Asne Seierstad.

This is a book through which the award-winning journalist has given readers a first-hand look at Afghani life as few outsiders have seen it. Invited to live with Sultan Khan, a bookseller in Kabul, and his family for months, this account of her experience allows the Khans to speak for themselves, giving us a genuinely gripping and moving portrait of a family, and of a country of great cultural riches and extreme contradictions.

For more than 20 years, Sultan Khan has defied the authorities—whether Communist or Taliban—to supply books to the people of Kabul. He has been arrested, interrogated, and imprisoned, and has watched illiterate Taliban soldiers burn piles of his books in the street. Yet he had persisted in his passion for books, shedding light in one of the world's darkest places.

This is the intimate portrait of a man of principle and of his family—two wives, five children, and many relatives sharing a small four-room house in this war ravaged city. But more than that, it is a rare look at contemporary life under Islam, where even after the Taliban's collapse, the women must submit to arranged marriages, polygamous husbands, and crippling limitations on their ability to travel, learn and communicate with others.