Events

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Mark Your Calendars – 108th Summer Fair on Wednesday, August 7 from 1 to 4 pm

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 disposing of much of the merchandise.  We appreciate the many years of service of Gene Faxon and Chris Adams in this venue.

 

Bruce Hill, Pam Hill, and Janet Grant will continue as Fair Chairs and will be assisted by “intern” Pauline Brackett.  She has demonstrated superb leadership abilities, and we look forward to working with her throughout the year.

 

Watch for collection dates, meetings, and other important information in the next Weathervane, eblasts, and the church bulletin.

 

Upcoming Events

Save the Date – August 7 is Fair Day

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...

Join a Spring Walk in Our Labyrinth

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...

Volunteers Needed for Community Meal

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...

Conant Students Share Trip Experience

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...

New Schedule for Classes

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,...

Summer Study Series: The Spirit of Creation

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...

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