CONNECTING with FCiJ ACTIVITY CIRCLES

traditional worship              progressive theology              welcoming community

“THE CIRCLES” —  WHAT ARE THEY, AND WHAT DO THEY “DO”

Central to our congregational vision of faith and spirit is the idea that God is most richly reflected in the fullness of community. This means specifically that the ministry of the First Church in Jaffrey is a shared effort – everyone has a part to play whether you are a long-time member or a new friend.

    • Our mutual ministry consists not only of the tasks we share, but in the spirit of love and care we bring to every moment of our time together.
    • FCiJ Circles are gatherings of members and friends of the church to accomplish specific tasks and/or provide opportunities to share ideas, concerns and matters of the spirit.

Worship Circle – The monthly meetings of this group provide opportunities to reflect on our worship services and consider new ideas. In addition to conversation and shared reflections, the Worship Circle’s responsibilities involve ways of connecting with people to serve as Sunday greeters, ushers and worship leaders and coordinate flower donations. The circle welcomes new people and their ideas.  If interested speak to Steve or Nancy Elder-Wilfrid.

Executive Circle – Made up of the Moderator, Clerk, Treasurer and the chairpersons of each of the circles.  Their task is to oversee and coordinate the work of the church.  They would welcome anyone wishing to sit in with them at a meeting.  Sam Greene is our current Moderator.

Pastoral Relations Circle – This circle is made up of three lay members plus the Pastor.  It meets monthly to discuss any issues or concerns regarding the vital relationships that impact our common life in the church.  Generally, these meetings are confidential opportunities for the minister to solicit guidance, explore concerns and discuss any other matters that might be relevant.  On occasion, meetings are open for anyone to participate.  Bobbie Gilbert is the current chair.

Trustees – Trustees oversee the finances of the church and take care of the buildings and grounds.  Though the members of this Circle are elected, they welcome people attending meetings. Currently Janet Grant chairs this Circle.

Communication Circle – This circle is responsible for sharing activities of our congregation with the wider world through press releases, the website, and other outreach media.   If you have an interest in any dimension of this endeavor, talk with Mary Jo Marvin or Carol Hess.

Benevolence and Social Justice – This circle keeps in touch with outreach opportunities that need financial support and allocates designated church funds.  In addition to various UCC and local community needs, FCiJ support includes scholarships for Conant high school students and the GOT LUNCH program, which feeds J-R students during the summer. They bring social justice issues to our congregation. Marcia Breckenridge is the current chair.

Hospitality – This is an emerging circle focusing on welcoming new people as well as providing opportunities for fellowship through coffee hour and other special gatherings. This circle also is involved in hosting groups from the community who are using our building.  Speak to Steve if you are interested.

TO REACH ANY OF THESE PERSONS —  admin@firstchurchinjaffrey.org or 603 532 7979

Rev. Steve Miller
And Wife Dr. Jill Tyler

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 of 2021 when he visited and conducted worship. His wife, Dr. Jill Tyler, will join him in the First Church parsonage after she retires in May as professor and chair of the University of South Dakota (USD) Communications Department. Currently Leah and Luke Summit (Steve and Jill’s daughter and son-in-law) and the Summit’s two boys are staying with Miller while the young family looks for a house in the greater Boston area.

“I am very excited about getting to know all the people in Jaffrey, the church and the wider Jaffrey community!  I’ve met neighbors walking my dog and playing in front of the parsonage with my two grandsons, who are ages 2-1/2 and nine months.”  Miller confessed: “I’m a bit of a schmoozer.”

For the past 26 years Miller was the senior pastor at the United Church of Christ-Congregational in Vermillion SD.  Originally a New Englander, Miller grew up in  Worcester, MA, in what is now the United Congregational Church.  Miller shared, in his first Sunday leading worship at First Church: “I used to come up here to climb Monadnock as a kid.  It’s like returning home.  I love the mountains, the trees, the ponds and rivers – it’s beautiful here.”

A man of many interests, Miller spent five years studying Lakota spirit, language and music. He invited the Lakota community to hold sacred ceremonies at the UCC church. Speaking for the Lakota community during a farewell gathering honoring Miller, one participant observed that he and Steve have been friends for years and call each other “Kola,” the Lakota term for brother.

At this same event Miller was honored by the Vermillion Community Theatre with a poster of six photos of him in community theater productions that was headlined “Actor, Playwright, Songwriter, Musician, Director of Spirit” in appreciation of his and the church’s support in helping the theater build a center for performing arts at the Vermillion high school.  A devoted baseball fan, Miller was a leader of the Vermillion Youth Baseball Association for players 5 to 12 for many years.

The title of teacher also belongs in Miller’s repertoire, as demonstrated by his popular “World Religions” course at the University of SD.   The University’s provost Kurt Hackemer observed that an important Miller offering was titled “The Pipe and the Cross,” about the intersection of Christianity and native spirituality. “So many students considered this THE great class, the best class that they ever had at USD,” the provost added.

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. 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.

Please come to First Church in Jaffrey at 10:30 on Sundays and meet Steve Miller!
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