Support for Ukrainian Refugees – Let’s Help!

by | Dec 17, 2024 | News, Upcoming Events

By Ilona Kwiecien

 

As the war in Ukraine nears its third year, many people in the west still do what they can to support Ukrainians…both in Poland and Ukraine. First Church has reached out to several groups since the war began, but Lapigua is the one organization we continue to fund on a monthly basis. All others have either closed or the people have moved on. Lapigua is based in Zamosc, Poland about 50 km from the Ukraine border. I have written about its director, Stefanie, and her crew in the past. As Christmas approaches, I want to highlight a few of their projects and show how much our support has meant and how it can – hopefully – make a difference in the future.

 

Thanks to First Church’s support, Lapigua can offer programs at its Community Center, called “Błonie,” that include English lessons for children and arts and crafts workshops which serve a double purpose…integration and self-support. Our donations help them buy materials to create decorations which are then sold at craft fairs. They are able to double or even triple this investment, money then used to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

 

Lapigua continues to send packages with medicines and food supplies to the front lines in Ukraine. Father Michal from Kharkiv makes regular trips in and out, taking building supplies and whatever other needed materials Lapigua is able to supply. Other drivers regularly take vans filled with second hand clothes and hygiene supplies to the Psychiatric Hospital and the volunteers at the Monastery of Saint Basil in Lutsk.

 

Some funds donated through First Church have been set aside for special Christmas packages containing delicacies, vouchers for medicines, and cosmetics. These will be given out at Błonie, a refugee community in nearby Hrubieszow, and also taken into Ukraine. Lapigua hopes to support another refugee center near Lublin with a visit by Santa Claus who will bring presents to children.

 

Lapigua strives to stretch their funds to the utmost to be able to support all their partners. They appreciate any help they can get. Let us send what we can this Christmas…along with our prayers for an end to war! Thank you.

 

If you would like to donate to Ukrainian Relief Projects, please write a check to Refugee Support or First Church in Jaffrey (with Refugee Support in the memo line). This is a community-wide effort that First Church administers. Mail to First Church in Jaffrey, PO Box 673, Jaffrey, NH 03452.

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