Events

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First Church 107th Fair Celebrates Community!

 

After a few weeks of drizzle, humidity, and thunderstorms, sunshine and summer breezes arrived just in time for the 107th Fair on Wednesday, August 7. The wider Monadnock community traveled to Jaffrey Center to enjoy delicious food, activities for children, and a unique opportunity for families and visitors to walk and talk while browsing for treasures at bargain prices. Volunteers greeted them with smiles, welcoming all back to the Fair.

The event has many traditions, but it also adds a few surprises each year – in 2024, a Music Tent showcased local performers and buyers found a furniture venture, as well as an expanded jewelry table. Meetinghouse lines were shortened by a numbering system, and benches throughout the Common and First Church ground offered places to sit, talk, and eat.

Under the excellent leadership of the Fair Chairs – Bruce Hill, Janet Grant, and Pauline Brackett – the 107th Fair netted close to $14,000 after expenses. This event depends on roughly 100 volunteers to set up, sort, sell, park cars, and clean up. While the church’s congregation plans and organizes the Fair, two-thirds of the workers come from the wider community.

Please update these! Donors and sponsors contribute significantly to the Fair’s success; they include: Gordon Services, Jaffrey-Rindge Rotary Club, Daffodils Flower & Gifts, Monadnock Disposal Service, Camp Wanocksett, Greg Walsh Auctioneer, Andy & Kathleene Card, Mark & Cynthia Rouvalis, Market Basket, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, River Street Market, Jaffrey Scout Troop 33, Camp Wa-Klo, Hill Family Insurance, Tieger Real Estate

Thanks, and congratulations to all!

Once all expenses are in and the books are closed on the 2024 Fair, the First Church Benevolence Circle will meet to allocate donations to more than a dozen social services and nonprofits in Jaffrey and fund camp scholarships as well as aid for Conant HS grads.

 

Upcoming Events

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Fall Activities at First Church

Fall Study Series: From Jesus to Christianity Steve will be leading a study series for five weeks on Wednesday afternoons this fall.  These educational gatherings will be held at 4:00 pm in the Parish House beginning on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 (dates: September...

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