Fourth Sunday of Advent Love

Morning Worship Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 22, 2019 9:00 & 11:00 AM

*If it is comfortable for you to do so, please stand

APPROACH TO GOD Let us keep silence as we prepare for worship.

TOWER CHIMES (9:00) Jessica Price (11:00) Jim Stone

MEDITATION “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” Charles Dickens

PRELUDE In Dulci Jubilo Michael Praetorius In quiet joy (1571 – 1621) arr. J. Treybig

INTROIT Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence French Carol

CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: All creation waits for the fulfillment of Prophecy. People: We gather to hear the sacred story once more and to celebrate our

Messiah’s birth and find encouragement that The Heavenly Kingdom is coming.

Leader: Enter this sacred space of promise and hope. Let us listen through the ancient words and ready our hearts for love and souls for service in the name of the Lord. Amen.

*HYMN #110 O Come, O Come Emmanuel VENI EMMANUEL

*OPENING PRAYER (Unison) Gracious and Holy God, we often we place our trust in the things we can see, touch, and easily believe. But you did not ask us to believe what is easy, you have asked us to believe what is true! Forgive us when we hold you to our ways and judge you according to our thoughts. Increase our faith in your ways and your Son, born of a Mary –the one who has come to set us free. We offer this prayer in the name of Emmanuel, God with us. Amen.

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE OF LOVE Reader 1: O God, we light the fourth candle of Advent.

(The fourth candle is lit.) Reader 2: Your word came to Joseph through an angel of the Lord. Your

message to him was good news for all people: Reader 1: That the child to be born of Mary will save us. He will be

Emmanuel, God with us, and will lead us in the paths of righteousness.

Reader 2: Joseph responded to the angel’s message with faith and love, And inspires us to be so faithful and loving.

People: Revealing God, as we wait for the advent of Christ, fill us with your Spirit. Help us to be faithful in carrying your light and love into the dark and shadowy places of this world. Amen.

ANTHEM GLORIA IN EXCELSIS Robert Washburn

(1928 – 2013)

Gloria in excelsis Deo Glory on high to God Et in terra pax hominibus And on earth peace to men Bonae voluntatis of good will

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

GREETINGS

SCRIPTURE READINGS Isaiah 7:10-15 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.

Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Pastor: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

PROCLAMATION OF GOD'S WORD

ANTHEM SINFONIA SACRA – Christmas Cantata Daniel Pinkham

(1923 – 2006)

I. QUEM VIDISTIS, PASTORES

Quem vidistis, pastores? Dicite. Whom do you see, shepherds? Tell (us)! Annuntiate nobis in terris quis apparuit Announce to us on earth whom has appeared Natum vidimus natum We saw the birth… Et chorus anglelorum And the chorus of angels Collaundantes Dominum praising the Lord Alleluia Hallelujah!

SERMON “Three Kinds of Christmas” Rev. Dr. Andrew W. Armstrong

*HYMN #107 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence PICARDY

(Verses 1-3)

RESPONSE TO GOD'S WORD

CENTERING PRAYER (Unison) Most High God and Lord of all, you chose Mary to become the mother of your Son Jesus Christ. Through your Holy Spirit you call us to follow in his way. Make us aware of the poverty of our own hearts, that we, like Mary may be open to you, to love you and serve you as we minister to others in Christ’s name. Amen.

PRAYER CONCERNS

SILENT PRAYERS and PASTORAL PRAYER

THE LORD'S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

RESPONSE King of Kings, Yet Born of Mary French Carol

OFFERTORY II. O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM Daniel Pinkham

O magnum mysterium O great mystery et admirabile sacramentum and wonderful sacrament Ut animalia viderent Dominum that animals might see the Lord natum, Jacentem in praesepio born, lying in a manger Beata virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt Blessed Virgin was deemed worthy Portare Dominum Christum to bear the Lord Christ.

III. GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO

Refrain: Gloria in excelsis Deo Glory on high to God Et in terra pax hominibus And on earth peace to men Bonae voluntatis of good will

Jubilate Deo omnis terra Rejoice in the Lord, all ye lands Servite Dominum in Laetitia Serve the Lord with Joy

Refrain

Introite in conspectus ejus Come into His presence In exultation, exultation with exultation; exultation

Refrain

Sciote quoniam Dominus ipse est Deus Know Ye that the Lord, He is God Ipse fecit nos, et non ipsi nos He made us and not we ourselves

Refrain

Alleluia (5x) Hallelujah!

*THE DOXOLOGY OLD HUNDRETH

All praise, eternal Christ, to Thee, arr. Olefirowicz Whose advent sets Thy people free; Once more upon Thy people shine, and fill the world with love divine. Amen.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION (Unison) Holy God, you have given each of us gifts to use as members of the body of Christ. Here are our gifts – the work of our hands, our hearts, and our lives. We pray that they may help to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to our world, today and always, here and everywhere. Amen.

*HYMN #106 Hills of the North, Rejoice LITTLE CORNARD

BENEDICTION

BENEDICTUS Rank on Rank the Host of Heaven French Carol

POSTLUDE Canzon Septimi Toni, No. 2 Giovanni Gabrielli (1557 – 1612)

arr. D. Marlatt

We kindly ask those who are able to remain seated to listen to the Postlude.

OUR WORSHIP HAS ENDED; OUR SERVICE BEGINS

Extend the right hand of Christian fellowship and greet those near you after the service. Members, see that visitors meet the Ministers.

GREETERS: 9:00 AM: Ray and Carol Baldwin 11:00 AM: Patti Mullin

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

The flowers in the pulpit this morning are

given in memory of Craig Hutchinson, by his family. *************************************************************************

PLEASE USE THE VARIOUS CARDS IN THE PEW RACKS TO HELP KEEP THE STAFF INFORMED OF YOUR PASTORAL NEEDS.

************************************************************************* HEARING AIDS AND LARGE PRINT OF HYMNS AND PRAYERS

ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

************************************************************************* DVD RECORDINGS ARE MADE OF THE SERVICE AND

ARE AVAILABLE IN THE CHURCH OFFICE FOR BORROWING.

************************************************************************* Have you remembered First Church in your will?

Worship Services this Week

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2019

5:00pm: Family Service

7:00pm: Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols

11:00pm: Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols

December 30, 2019

First Sunday after Christmas

8:30am: Worship

10:00am: Worship (no Sunday School or nursery care)

The First Church of Nashua together with

First Music Concert Series present a 4th Advent Worship Service

Oratorio offering in celebration of Christ’s birth:

CHRISTMAS AT FIRST

SINFONIA SACRA (Christmas Cantata)

Daniel Pinkham (1923 - 2006)

•

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS Robert Washburn

(1928 - 2013)

•

CHANCEL CHOIR of The First Church of Nashua Janet Poisson, soprano

Elena Stabile, alto

Nick DeFrancesco, tenor

Larry Ballard, bass •

MUDDY BROOK BRASS

Brass Choir I Brass Choir II

Richard Kelley, trumpet 1 Mary Lynn Bohn, trumpet 1

Elizabeth Jewell, trumpet 2 Seth Bailey, trumpet 2

Clark Matthews, french horn Brandon Newbould, trombone

Charles Morris, bass trombone Michael Epstein, trombone

John Faieta, euphonium

Zack Grass, tuba

Joseph R. Olefirowicz, conductor

MUSIC AT FIRST

CHANCEL CHOIR of THE FIRST CHURCH Joseph R. Olefirowicz, CAGO – Minister of Music

SOPRANO I SOPRANO II ALTO I

Laura Amrein Kathryn Bell Pat Darrin

Susan Cobb Ellie Freeman Carolyn Halstead

Wendy Greenland Marie Greene Nicole Plummer

Laurel Lang Deborah Nordyke Susan Shelso

Janet Poisson + Norma Smith Elena Destasio Stabile +

Betty Scofield Susan Testa Leslie Woodard

ALTO II TENOR I TENOR II

Deborah Kneeland Nick DeFrancesco + Charlie Morris

Adele Langguth Susan Greene Stephen Ostermiller

Melissa Piantedosi Craig Plummer Eric Ruthenberg

Katharine Steer

Beve Tucker

BASS I BASS II

Ray Crowell Larry Ballard +

Joe Glajch George Gardner

David Hotham Chris Guild

Ken Heider + Chancel Choir Staff Singer

Gregory Newton & Kristin Olsen, Orchestra Contracting

Kathleen McIntyre, Music Librarian

Cynthia Whitney, Liturgical Apparel Coordinator

John Baxindine, Music Copyist

Joseph R. Olefirowicz, Additional Orchestrations

Notes from the Chancel CHRISTMAS at FIRST

Since 2008, The First Church of Nashua has collaborated with the First Music Concert

Series, integrating a major choral work into the fabric of Sunday morning worship during

the Advent season.

Christmas at First offers the unique experience of choral masterworks offered in a vibrant

festival service. Rather than a concert performance in one block, the movements of the selected

oratorio are interwoven within the fabric of Sunday worship, allowing a time of reflection

and inspiration during this joyous season of anticipation. New orchestrations are created for

congregational hymns, and select works are presented by the region’s finest classical artists,

rounding out our corporate worship together. – Soli Deo Gloria!

Although such major choral events with chamber ensembles or orchestra are reserved for only

a few times a year, the nine ensembles of the wider Music Ministry of The First Church grace

worship services every week in a rotating schedule. The strong tradition of fine music at The

First Church is one of the many ministries that serve our church and wider community. -

Since 1685.

PAST OFFERINGS of CHRISTMAS at FIRST…

2008 Antonio Vivaldi Gloria in D Major

2009 Benjamin Britten Ceremony of Carols

2010 Giovanni B.d. Pergolesi Magnificat

2011 Camille Saint-Saëns Oratorio de Noël

2012 Georg Friedrich Händel The Messiah (Part I)

2013 Anders Öhrwall Gaudete

2014 Johann Sebastian Bach Cantata 62

2015 Nicholas White Magnificat

2016 John Rutter Gloria

2017 Antonio Vivaldi Gloria in D Major (10th Anniversary)

2018 Antonio Vivaldi Magnificat

Musings on SINFONIA SACRA (Christmas Cantata)

The double chorus Christmas Cantata was composed in 1957 for Lorna Cooke de Varon,

the conductor of the New England Conservatory Chorus, and premiered in December 1957 at

Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Ms. De Varon noted that the work had

“wonderful poignancy and joy”, and could be performed by choral groups at different levels,

including high school students. She said, “It was so very American in the way that Copland’s

music was. I was teaching at Tanglewood in the … 1950s and I introduced it to all the young

conductors there. And then it just spread like wildfire through the country.” Pinkham comments,

(the title) “Sinfonia Sacra, clearly acknowledges my indebtedness to Giovanni Gabrielli, who used

the term to identify a work on a sacred text for voices and instruments.” – Music at First is using

the edition published in 2000 to celebrate Daniel Pinkham’s retirement from King’s Chapel

in Boston, after a forty-two year tenure as organist. Pinkham passed in December 2006.

I. Quem Vidistis Pastores

The movement is divided into three sections. Section 1 is stately and majestic as the chorus

voices ask the question, “Who have you seen”? They are doubled by the instruments. Section

2 contains the joyous response by the singers, in Chorus 1, and the instruments in Chorus

2. At times they sing/play together, and at other times, they compete to answer the

question. There is a slight instrumental interlude, recalling Gabrielli’s instrumental

interlude in In Ecclesiis. Section 3 is a repetition of the pattern at the beginning of Section

2, using the word, Alleluia. Quem vidistidis Pastores is the Matins responsory for Christmas

Day.

II. O Magnum Mysterium

Pinkham notes, “The present work also at once reflects my enthusiasm for mediaeval plainsong,

as can be heard in the opening of the second movement”… This movement has much more the

feeling of chant. It is divided into three sections. Section 1 begins with a single trumpet

playing a phrase, imitated by another player. Treble voices enter softly and smoothly,

expressing the great mystery. The movement alternates between voices in unison singing

the text and single instruments playing haunting melodies, accompanied by the other

instruments sustaining tones. Section 2 begins at ut animalia viderunt Dominum, still in

unison, with a single trumpet answering, supported by the other brass on sustained notes.

Section 3 is a return to the musical pattern at the beginning of Section 1. In this section, the

tenors and basses begin in unison, and are answered by the sopranos and altos. All voices

begin to enter, creating a thicker texture at the phrase, Beata virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt

portare. The movement ends as the trumpet call from the beginning of the movement is

repeated and all voices in unison sustain the word, Christum. O Magnum Mysterium is the

Matins Responsory for Christmas Day.

III. Gloria In Excelsis Deo

Pinkham comments that he uses Renaissance dance meters in this joyous finale. The

movement is much like a villancico, (a common musical and poetic form from the Iberian

Peninsula of the 15th-18th century), with a refrain (Gloria in excelsis Deo) sung four times,

with different verses in between. Pinkham treats this movement as a procession, beginning

it softly, and increasing the dynamics as the movement progresses. The movement

concludes with the Gloria text replaced by the word, Alleluia, in a slower, more majestic

setting.

Liner notes (“Musings”) on the Daniel Pinkham SINFONIA SACRA (Christmas Cantata) by

HELENE WHITSON and reprinted by gracious permission of the San Francisco Lyric

Chorus. – © 2010, Helene Whitson, All Rights Reserved.

Church Happenings and Outreach - New/Current

Sunday School classes will resume on Sunday, January 5, 2020. Childcare is available today for infants-age 5. There is no childcare next Sunday, December 29.

++++

The Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and Emergency Fund will be received today. This is a Special Mission Offering of the United Church of Christ. It grants us an opportunity to recognize and honor those who have served, and continue to serve, in lay and authorized ministries of the UCC. Your gift to the Christmas Fund will also provide for the Supplementation of Small Annuities, Supplementation of Health Premiums, Emergency Grants, and provide Christmas "Thank You" Gift Checks next December to low-income retirees. Offering envelopes can be found in the pew racks. Make checks payable to First Church with “Christmas Fund” in the memo line.

++++

Church Cancellation Policy - In the event of inclement weather, a power outage, or severe weather advisory, First Church may cancel the First Service, Sunday School, or All Services. Please visit the church webpage (www.tfcucc.org), or Facebook Page (First Church Nashua UCC) for any cancellation notices. You can also check media outlets WMUR Channel 9, or WZID 95.7 under the heading First Church Nashua. The notifications will read as follows: First Service Cancelled or Sunday School Cancelled or All Services Cancelled and will be announced by 6am on the Sunday in question.

++++

The Stewardship Committee requests that you please return your pledge card as soon as possible. Cards are available in the pew racks and in the church office.

++++

Annual Mitten Tree Drive - At the start of the new year we will be collecting mittens to benefit the children at three of our neighborhood schools. All children sizes are needed. Contact Susan Testa (888-0961) for more information.

Joyful Noise will rehearse on Tuesday, December 24 at 3:45 PM in Shaw Chapel. ++++

Year-End Reminder: All contributions for the 2019 tax year must be in the church office by December 31, 2019 or mailed in a letter postmarked December 31, 2019. Contact Church Business and Marketing Manager, Dianne Smigliani with any questions.

++++

Pledge Envelopes - If you have requested 2020 pledge envelopes, they are available today at Sign-up Central. If you would like to have envelopes, but did not check the box on your pledge card… you are not too late! Please put your name on the sheet at Sign-up Central and they will be ready for you next Sunday.

++++

Winter Parking Reminder – Use caution when parking along the north side of the church building. Heed the posted signs. Falling snow and ice can cause damage to your cars!

++++

The thrift shop will be closed on Thursday, December 26. The shop will be open for business on Thursday, January 2, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM.

++++

Save the Date - French Toast Brunch - Sunday, January 12, 2020, following the 10:00 service. Sign up at Sign-up Central.

++++

Do you have an interest in history? How about the history of First Church? We are looking for a team to help organize the archives room. Contact Erin Almeda, Kathryn Bell or the church office for more information.

++++

First Folk and All-Church Choir to Sing on Baptism of Jesus Sunday, January 12. The All-Church Choir is an ensemble where anyone is welcome to come in “just” for this project! Rehearsals continue on the following dates in the Music Room: Sunday, January 5, at 11:30 AM; Tuesday, January 7 at 7:00 PM (Dress rehearsal – required) Contact Joseph, in the Music Office to register to participate. We need a large SATB ensemble for this project!

++++

Membership - A membership informational meeting will be held on January 5 at 11:30 AM for those wishing to become members of our faith community. Folks will be received into membership on January 12. Contact Sue in the church office to register.

++++

CHOIRS & MUSIC IN WORSHIP THIS WEEK Tuesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve 5:00pm Chapel Chimers & Joyful Noise 7:00pm First Schola 11:00pm Chancel Choir

Sunday, December 29 - First Sunday after Christmas 8:30 & 10:00 Janice Edwards, mezzo soprano

++++

For a listing of our ongoing events, please visit our website: www.tfcucc.org

THIS WEEK AT FIRST CHURCH

SUN DEC 22 9:00am Worship & Childcare 10:00am Choir Brunch, dining room 10:15am Chimers 11:00am Worship & Childcare 12:00pm White Dove deliveries

MON DEC 23 6:45pm Chancel Choir, Decibells, First Folk, First Schola

TUE DEC 24 3:45pm Joyful Noise, Chapel 4:00pm Chapel Chimers, room 11

5:00pm A Family Christmas Service 6:00pm First Schola 7:00pm Candlelight Service 11:00pm Candlelight Service

WED DEC 25 Christmas - Office Closed

THU DEC 26 7:30am Men’s Breakfast Office Closed

FRI DEC 27 4:00pm Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter

SAT DEC 28 11:00am Sisters in Sobriety, Nauss Hall

++++

Looking ahead…

December 25, 26: Church Office closed January 1: Church office closed January 6: All Boards January 12: French Toast Brunch January 13: February Newsletter Deadline January 15: Annual Reports due;

Biddeford Retreat final payments due January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr Day, Church Office closed January 24-26: Biddeford Retreat January 26: College Seminar February 2: Chili Contest February 9: Annual Meeting

GIVEN BY

Carol Decker, in gratitude for the blessings of Family “First Church” as

it consistently responds to the greatest needs of her people

Pam and Mike Hickey and David, in loving remembrance of our son and brother, Tom

Sonja Lee, to honor the memory of Stephen Kiley

The Staradub Family- Merry Christmas, Randy!

GIVEN IN HONOR OF All Music Ministry Volunteers

Choir Members of all ages

Friends of First Music

Our three children and our eight grandchildren, by Peter and Jeanne Chaloner

Our children, by Peter and Janet Conrad

Friends and Family, by Dick and Judi Easton

Pauline Sanders, by Jake Holden

Our children and grandchildren, by Bill and Jean Jaquith

Our new grandson, Logan James Kneeland, by Bruce and Deb Kneeland

Family and friends, by Fred and Judy McManus

Our Church, by Beve and Pete Tucker

GIVEN IN LOVING MEMORY OF Our parents, by Martha and Dick Anderson

Douglas E. Ayer, by Lois Ayer

Richard Erdman, by The Armstrongs

Our Aunt, Irene Labrecque, by Ray and Carol Baldwin

Marian Anderson, by Beth Bartlett

George Borski, by Nancy Borski

Rose Boyle, by Rev. Jami Boyle

Dr. Orville Messenger, by Chris, Melanie, Will, and Lily Brooks

Joe Walter Buck, and our parents and grandparents, by Steve, Denise, Eli and Mica Buck

Harold, Florence and Johnnie Phillips, by the Carlson Family

Ray and Eloise (Tommy), Robert and Virginia, Ronnie, Doug,

Norman, and Eli, by Peter and Jeanne Chaloner

Bob Cater, by Jim and Sue Cobb

John Condon, by Sean Condon

Lucille Lintott Cudhea and Genice M. Lintott, by Cameron Cudhea

Frances Crosby, by The Cummings and Crosby Families

Paul Messier, by The Cummings Family

Charline Daniels, by John Daniels

Alma and Ray Cannon, by Pat and Jay Darrin

My beloved husband, Don, by Carol Decker

My life’s partner, Bob Cater, by Carol Decker

Loved ones, by John and Sue Englander

My parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank R. Gardner, by George Gardner

My loving husband, Ted, and my parents, brother, and sister, by Joanne Graves

Norman Hall, David Madison, and Mary Hall, by Kathy Hall and family

My mother, Carol Hallee, and my grandmother, Frances King, by Kristin Hallee

Hollis “Buzz” Harrington, by Jane Harrington

Jane Murray, by Pat Harris

Lee’s cousin, Bill Reetz, by Lee, Claudia, Sara, and Rachel Hauenstein

Helen Brown, by Ken Heider

My parents, Robert and Doris Polley, by Carol Hutchinson

Our son, David, by Bill and Jean Jaquith

Our parents, Walter and Sylvia Jaquith, Bill and Anna Cant and

Jean’s sister, Nancy Cant, by Bill and Jean Jaquith

Rev. Howard and Margery Kelley, by Mary Kelley

Gary, by Linda Koenig Huske

Our parents, Don and Evelyn Kneeland and

Stan and Harriet West, by Bruce and Deb Kneeland

Our grandson, Daniel Mullaney, by Bruce and Flo Lund

My wife, Doris, by Richard Lustig

Loved ones, by Bill and Kathie McIntyre

Our parents and Matthew, by Ed and Karen Mercer

Jamie Mohrmann, by Richard and Joy Mohrmann and family

My husband, Leo, by Patti Mullin

Allison Tucker, by The Plummer Family

Mike and Dale Potter, by Curt and Joyce Potter

Harry Wellington, by Roy and Sandra Rumbaugh

George Upham, by The Shannon Family

Jim Giblin, by The Shannon Family

Tom Sasso, by the Shannon Family

My husband, Leon Shattuck and son, David Shattuck, by Suzanne Shattuck

My sons, Mark and Sean, and son-in-law, Gerry, by Trish Stone and family

Our parents, by Jack and Caryl Sullivan

M. Nancy Whitman and Stanley, by Evelyn Tatham

Peter Testa and Donna Phillips, by Susan Testa

Allison, by Beve and Pete Tucker

All our loved ones, by Beve and Pete Tucker

My husband, George, by Ruth Upham

My parents, Alfred and Lillian Washburn, by Jane E. Washburn

THE FIRST CHURCH STAFF

Senior Minister, Rev. Dr. Andrew W. Armstrong, aarmstrong@tfcucc.org

Associate Minister for Youth and Families, Rev. Ken McGarry, kmcgarry@tfcucc.org

Associate Minister for Congregational Care, Rev. Jami D. Boyle, jboyle@tfcucc.org

Minister of Music, Joseph R. Olefirowicz, CAGO, jolefirowicz@tfcucc.org

Coordinator of Christian Education, Diane E. Matthes, dmatthes@tfcucc.org

Church Business and Marketing Manager, Dianne Smigliani, dsmigliani@tfcucc.org

Secretary/Receptionist, Susan T. Englander, senglander@tfcucc.org

Sexton, Bruce Lund

Pastors Emeriti, Rev. James S. Chaloner and Rev. Dr. Jeffrey C. Evans

WELCOME A warm welcome is extended to all who are attending this worship service. A special greeting to those who

are visiting or worshiping for the first time. Please sign the guest book in the back of the sanctuary or fill

out the visitor card found in the pew racks. Fill out the back of the card, and put it in the offering plate or

hand it to a minister, Usher or Deacon so we may acknowledge your visit. Join in the time of fellowship, in

Chapel Hall, following worship. If you have any questions about the life and ministry of First Church please

seek out the individuals wearing colored name tags; they are members of the various boards and committees.

INFORMATION First Church was gathered on December 16, 1685 as The Church of Christ in Dunstable. On the same day

Thomas Weld was ordained and settled as minister of the church. The current building, built in 1894, is the

tenth building to house the First Church community. In 1961, the church entered fellowship with the United

Church of Christ. We welcome into our membership any who will own the covenant of First Church and

seek to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ in the community and world. Those interested in joining the

church should contact the church office for information. New members are received during worship in

November, February and May. The Sacrament of Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month

and the Sacrament of Baptism on the last. First Church is supported almost entirely by pledges. Every

member is expected to make a financial pledge according to their ability.

PASTORAL CARE Pastoral Care is available to all in need. Please keep the ministers informed of occasions of sickness, sorrow,

and joy. Let the church office know if you or family member or friend is hospitalized.

COMMUNICATIONS

If you have a change of address, phone number, or email address, please let the church office know so that

we may keep our records current.

All information for the weekly bulletin must be in the office by noon on Wednesday. All information for

the monthly newsletter must be in the office by 4:30 PM on the second Monday of the month.

All use of the building must be scheduled by the Secretary.

The First Church * One Concord Street * Nashua, New Hampshire 03064 * 882-4861

Office Hours: 9:00 AM-Noon and 1:00-4:00 PM, Mon – Fri

Sunday: 8:00 AM-Noon (closed during the 10:00 service)

Visit our web site at www.tfcucc.org

Find us on Facebook