Upcoming Events

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Check Back Often to see upcoming events.

Save the Date – August 7 is Fair Day

by | May 2, 2024 |

Since the annual Summer Fair is always on the first Wednesday of the August, this year it is the latest it can possibly be - on August 7th.  The goals are the same: comradery, goodwill, and fundraising.  We will have most of our usual venues and expect most leaders and worker bees to return.  One major shift is the decision to not sell tools and electronics.  Like our shift away from books a couple years ago, we found that tools and electronics did not sell very well and we were tasked with...

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Join a Spring Walk in Our Labyrinth

by | May 2, 2024 |

Come walk our labyrinth behind the sanctuary on Saturday morning, May 18 at 8:30 am. This meditative journey can provide profound insights into one’s life, foster self-reflection, and cultivate peace.  Steve will share a brief teaching that morning and then folks are welcome to walk.

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Volunteers Needed for Community Meal

by | May 2, 2024 |

On the fourth Thursday of each month the United Church of Jaffrey hosts a free community supper at the Mildred Cutter Parish Hall. All are welcome, with families especially invited. On May 23, First Church has volunteered to prepare and serve a traditional New England ham and bean supper. Here is how you could help: Sign up to prepare, serve or clean Come and enjoy the meal and meet some new friends in the community Donate to the cost of our meal. (Any extra funds will be donated to the...

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Conant Students Share Trip Experience

by | May 2, 2024 |

Through the generosity of our Woods Fund, established in memory of Davida and Francis Woods, First Church was able to support the most recent Conant High School Interact Club student trip to the Dominican Republic. On Sunday morning May 19, immediately following worship, some members of this group will be present with us in the Parish House to share stories and pictures of their life-changing adventure. Plan to join us and hear about their journey.

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New Schedule for Classes

by | May 2, 2024 |

We will try a new pattern for our classes this summer. Although we will still meet at 4:00 pm on Wednesdays in the Parish House, we will spread our gatherings out over the months of May, June, and July, meeting the last two weeks of each month (May 22, 29, June 19, 26, July 24, 31) As always, the course will be available on Zoom. That link will be created and shared the week before our first meeting in May. Please let Steve know if you have any questions.

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Summer Study Series: The Spirit of Creation

by | May 2, 2024 |

This summer, Steve will be sharing a 6-week study series around the theme, “The Spirit of Creation.” These gatherings will explore the sacredness of nature from a variety of perspectives. We will explore the theological tension present in our Christian history – is creation a good sacred home for us or is the material world inherently wild and flawed and an enemy in need of our submission? We will examine indigenous and other earth-based spiritualities – can their ancient wisdom help us better...

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Scout Troop 33 of Jaffrey meets MONDAY EVENINGS 6pm-9pm in the Parish House

by | Sep 26, 2023 |

Jaffrey Troop 33 of the Scouts of America have made First Church their home, beginning in 2022. Regular meetings are held on Monday from 6 to 9 with roughly 25 people (10 adults and 15 scouts present) The Scout have space for meetings and storage in the lower level of the Parish House. They also use the Parish House main floor and the sanctuary for meetings and special ceremonies. In return, the Scouts help with projects like the Summer Fair and seasonal inside and outside cleanups.We would...

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Rev. Steve Miller

The Rev. Steve G. Miller started his ministry at The First Church in Jaffrey in January 2022, after a unanimous vote of approval by the congregation in October 2021 when he visited and conducted worship. Prior to moving to New Hampshire, Miller was the senior pastor at the United Church of Christ-Congregational in Vermillion SD for 26 years.
Steve Miller graduated from Springfield College in 1981. He began studying at Yale Divinity School and transferred to the Pacific School of Religion, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in 1987. He served churches in Bethlehem, CT and Gilman, IA before going to Vermillion in 1995.

During his long tenure in Vermillion, Steve studied the Lakota spirit, language and music and invited the Lakota community to hold sacred ceremonies at the UCC church. He was also involved in community theater productions and the Vermillion Youth Baseball Association for players. The title of teacher also belongs in Steve’s repertoire, as demonstrated by his popular “World Religions” course at the University of SD

Starting Anew at First Church
Steve came to First Church during the pandemic and brought new energy and ideas to First Church as the congregation emerged from the isolation imposed by COVID. Working with the Minister of Music Gene Faxon and a growing list of volunteers, worship life not only fills the congregation with spirit but offers vision for the future. Late summer and fall showed a distinct increase in attendance, culminating with a full house on Christmas Eve 2023.

Steve has applied his teaching skills to an ongoing faith study series (usually 4-5 weeks) that has become a hub of learning and fellowship for members, neighbors and new friends. Topics explored in these sessions have included the character of faith, a mini course on world religions, a history of church music, and an examination of Christmas carols.

Steve offers pastoral care to members, neighbors, and friends in homes and care facilities. He’s committed to youth work for the New Hampshire Conference UCC - especially camping at the Horton Center in the White Mountains; serves on the board of Jaffrey’s Shelter from the Storm; and supports Jaffrey Adult Day Care by leading monthly singing events. Other community relationships include worship leadership at Cathedral of the Pines and serving as chaplain of the Scout Troup 33, who now call First Church home. Rev. Miller has also been involved with Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality in Oak Park, IL for more 30 years through retreats, conferences, and classes.

Steve’s wife, Dr. Jill Tyler, joined him in Jaffrey the First Church after she retired in May 2022 as professor and chair of the University of South Dakota (USD) Communications Department. They have five children and three grandchildren.
Gene Faxon
Minster of Music

Gene brings his experience with teaching music and his expertise on the organ, piano, and harpsichord. He leads the choir as well as organizes special musical worship and other church events. Gene is also an accomplished recorder player.  During the pandemic Gene and three ladies have become a harmonious quartet.  We enjoy their offerings on multiple occasions during our services.  The congregation joins this group in singing Taize chants and hymns selected from the Pilgrim Hymnal and the New Century Hymnal.

Judy Lessard
Administrative Assistant

Judy brings her corporate experience. Working with our pastor and music minister, she creates the worship bulletins, sends out e-blasts, and monitors phone calls and church email. Working with our treasurer, she maintains the QuickBooks database and generates financial reports. Working with the communications team, she creates, prints, and distributes the church newsletter.

Officers
In late January 2022, First Church heartily welcomed (bottom row)  Roy Lake, Pam Hill,  David Bliss and Janet Grant as new Trustees.  Nancy Elder-Wilfrid is the new Clerk and in the top row is Ann St. Cyr Gordon (Treasurer) and Sam Greene Moderator.

Officers:

Sam Greene, Moderator
Ann Gordon, Treasurer
Nancy Elder-Wilfrid, Clerk

 
Trustees:

David Bliss
Janet Grant
Pam Hill
Roy Lake
Tom Warren
Dan Wilfrid