traditional worship
progressive theology
welcoming community
14 Laban Ainsworth Way, Jaffrey, NH 03452
Finding “Community” in New Ways
For almost a year, our weekly meditation videos bring First Church friends and members together, even while we are physically apart. Here we share some of the comments received about this new way of connecting people and nurturing spirituality.
Comments:
“My girls would usually be off at college now. But they’re home with us. We plan a specific time on a Sunday morning to sit together and watch the First Church YouTube for the week, sing along with the hymn if we know it, listen to the Scripture and David’s comments, and enjoy the special music. Afterwards we share thoughts about what we’ve just heard and what these mean to us. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to be together as a family, both the wider one and our own.”
“What a surprise and pleasure to encounter our ‘summer friends’ as readers for the beautiful Lessons and Carols video! Even though I didn’t get around to looking at this until several days after Christmas, the delay didn’t matter. The Lessons and Carols was so meaningful, and beautifully done, I shared the link with a good friend who is one of the Trustees at the church I attend in winter. Will see you all again this summer!”
“The Taizé video you created back in the fall has become part of my meditation time each day, even now. Thank you!”
“Putting an arrow on the line of the hymn so we can follow where ‘we’ are is a great idea. I’m started doing that for the Zoom broadcasts we send out from our church.”
“David’s message was ‘Just What I Needed’ once again… all the time!”
“Look at all the coverage we’ve received because of these videos: not just the local paper, but Keene and even a picture on the front page of the Concord paper, with an advisory to read the article on page 3. Wow!”
“Bible study and other meetings are taking place with Zoom. It’s not quite the
same as being together in one room, but it works.”
Our Music Production Crew At Work
IN SEARCH of a NEW PASTOR
The First Church in Jaffrey is a 241 year old congregation, located in the historic Jaffrey Center at the foot of Mt Monadnock in southwestern New Hampshire. We are a 76 member church, offering a ¾ time position for a settled pastor; compensation follows NH guidelines and includes a parsonage.
Jaffrey is a small-town setting with a strong sense of community, located in a lovely part of the state, with many hiking trails, lakes and historic buildings. We are within an hour and an hour-and-a-half of the many resources in Boston, Worcester and Amherst, and close to several area colleges. Many cultural opportunities are available in Jaffrey and neighboring communities.
First Church has a history of strong lay leadership and we are seeking a pastor who will work with us to discern the church we are called to be. We are an older congregation, with pastoral care being an important part of our ministry. We envision a pastor who brings strong scholarship in theology and Biblical studies and is able to relate this knowledge to the issues we face in our daily lives. We are theologically progressive and open to different experiences of worship that help us deepen our faith and draw us into the world.
If you are interested in learning more about First Church, our website is https://firstchurchinjaffrey.org/welcome/, and our church profile is available through UCC Ministry Opportunities, New Hampshire Conference.
Rev. Dr. David Felton | April 15th 2021
PREVIEWS, May 7, 2021
Dear Friends,
Greetings and, yes, hugs of affection on this early May weekend of 2021! Even though we may not be the ‘hugging type,’ this world around us has gotten to the point of longing to wrap arms around those we care for, especially in these days as spring calls us: AWAKEN!
May we, therefore, share a special ‘meal’? …One that is as close to pot-luck as we are able in these days of “virtual” communication? Do, sit at the table of Christ, and share together what is offered here!
LOVE one another
The best soup ever is a mixture…so is LOVE! Welcome this savory, deeply needed mixture of heart shared through the meditation/music team at the First Church in Jaffrey NH… Visions of spring slowly emerge in May 2021 explored by music and insight worth sharing. LOVE given
Ave Verum — Love of God
Is it a surprise that “Mother’s Day” appears on the calendar as spring emerges? Hope, love, renewal… THESE are what we celebrate, especially in this tribute by Mozart to what LOVE means…. Ave Verum — Love of God
Blessings, smiles and emerging hope as the greens ripen and plants emerge…
Carol Hess
Moderator, the First Church in Jaffrey
PREVIEWS, Apr 30, 2021
Dear Friends,
This weekend marks the beginning of spring, which we are quite ready to enjoy this year of being confined! Sharings this weekend celebrate connections… the sort we’ve been missing so in 2020-21. Emerging buds and bulbs are opportunities for connections and renewal. Get out and enjoy the out-of-doors this weekend. Here are David Felton’s insights on this matter of recognizing “connections” so easily overlooked. Lisa Bostnar’s scripture reading and familiar words will sound fresh, as though you’ve never heard them before.
Staying CONNECTED
Connections with one another, with nature, with the transcendent, with hope, with confidence. In this land of 2021, staying CONNECTED is what often keeps us going. So, do it! Share here as well.
I AM THE VINE
Especially in this spring of 2021, CONNECTIONS matter…. Why? We are both vine and branches. Celebrate being both — and becoming both — in this unusual season.
Be well, and … Glorious connections are there for the sharing.
Carol Hess
Moderator, the First Church in Jaffrey
PREVIEWS, Apr 23, 2021
Dear Friends,
This weekend we have special meditation-music offerings for you.
THE GOOD SHEPHERD
This visually delightful and insightful meditation draws on John 10: 11-18, read by Lisa Bostnar. Rev. David Felton offers wisdom and insight. The music and delightful, related pictures taken at East Hill Farm in Troy NH are also available individually on our YouTube channel (see descriptions and links in descriptions for Brother James’ Air and Shepherd to all).
BROTHER JAMES’ AIR – in 2021
This version of the 23rd psalm is an old melody called “Brother James’ Air”. The music is coupled here with scenes from East Hill Farm, located in Troy, New Hampshire. The lyrics and visuals bring freshness, light, hope, and renewal. BROTHER JAMES’ AIR – in 2021
SHEPHERD TO ALL
“God is my shepherd” is the title of this song. And just as all sheep do not look alike, people don’t look either. In this video the multiple peoples of this wide earth are depicted through the many animals at East Hill Farm, Troy NH. Listen, enjoy, and think: so many faces, so many colors, so many shapes… all loved. And go visit the farm, perhaps bringing your family/friends. SHEPHERD TO ALL
Carol Hess
Moderator, the First Church in Jaffrey
PREVIEWS, Apr 16, 2021
Dear Friends,
In this interlude of late winter into what the calendar labels SPRING, we list from port to starboard in rolls with seas of 2021. This weekend’s meditations continue with David Felton’s message (yes, he’s doing VERY WELL), music from the meditation team, and visions from our surroundings and from elsewhere reminding us of the message: God gives to us, Jesus offered to others, even when we do not ask, we are offered and given.
ENCOUNTER – a woman at a well
These times of pandemic bring out human vulnerabilities, in so many ways! Water (take it as real and as symbol) quenches thirsts in ways unexpected…. The old, old story of a ‘foreign’ woman’s encounter with a man also from a different region emerges poignantly with meanings now real in our times. The woman at the well described in scriptures from the Christian bible in the book of John is so ‘up to date’ and about our time, it’s rather startling. Enjoy the music, the scripture reading by Lisa Bostnar and some ideas to ponder. ENCOUNTER – a woman at a well
DRAW US IN THE SPIRIT’S TETHER
Bring us together — in spirit and in peace — lifts this desire through song and thought. The First Church in Jaffrey NH’s music ministry offers aspirations and signs of spring life in New England for your meditation these days. DRAW US IN THE SPIRIT’S TETHER
Blessings,
Carol Hess
Moderator, the First Church in Jaffrey
PREVIEWS, Apr 09, 2021
Dear Friends,
On this weekend following Easter, Rev. David Felton raises the provocative question: Are we willing “to give it a chance” when the ‘it’ seems unbelievable?
SEEING is believing
OK ! PROVE IT !!!!! How easy it is to be a skeptic. Thomas the doubter is oh so human. We find ourselves mimicking him perhaps more often than we’d like. This meditation from the First Church in Jaffrey NH transforms skeptical to accepting with interesting turns in the process. SEEING is believing
THE LAMB OF GOD
John the Baptist sees Jesus and exclaims: “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ! ” (John 1:29) In this video the music meditation team offer an opportunity to encounter the pronouncement in song. Lamb of God
May your hearts rise up even as spring flowers lift their heads,
Carol Hess
Moderator, the First Church in Jaffrey
PREVIEWS, Apr 02, 2021
Dear Friends,
May the spirits of EASTER and of Passover Lift you up !!!
These special remembrance days declare “disaster can be followed by hope”… Share Vivaldi’s music and meditation material with friends, family and others — even as we do so in separate living spaces. Perhaps invite others to look online at the same time? A way to share…
Our gratitude to musicians who have so enriched this experience, to those who have contributed so that we have visuals and flowers in this time…and to our meditation pastor and to Lisa Bostnar for her insightful scripture readings each week.
May BLESSINGS of RENEWAL be yours, today and in the days ahead.
Carol Hess
Moderator, the First Church in Jaffrey
PREVIEWS, Mar 26, 2021
Dear Friends,
Easter-tide is upon us! Do take time to share with us collectively, even though the medium is individual experience! 😊 This weekend David Felton’s remarks carry a story we thought we understood and takes the material into dimensions that make (me) think about not just then, but about living now.
The music and messages this weekend are special gifts to each and all who choose to take the time to share in these meditations. Thanks to the Team, and our gratitude.
THE KING COMES
Do we recognize a king when we see one? And what, really, do we expect when we say: KING ? The KING comes !
INSTRUMENT OF PEACE
“Let me be an instrument of peace” — to myself, to others, to the world! This musical meditation, and the prayer it shares, are part of the music ministry offered by the First Church in Jaffrey NH for Easter-tide as a spiritual, nourishing experience. Do use it… Instrument of peace
EASTER – here’s what’s in store !
The First Church in Jaffrey’s Easter Sunday 2021 virtual service by Rev. David Felton will feature selections from Vivaldi’s Gloria, performed on the Baldwin grand piano by Monadnock Chorus accompanist Cheryl Sharrock and sung by the First Church quartet – Minister of Music Gene Faxon, Janet Grant, Betsy Feiker and Joan Epro. Faxon will also play the church’s pipe organ. David Felton’s meditation “I Have Seen the Lord” is from the reading in John 20: 1-18.
HOW TO HEAR meditations more easily
During the past pandemic year, First Church has used YouTube for its virtual services, allowing hearing-impaired persons to press the CC (Closed Caption) button on YouTube and simultaneously read the meditation (and sometimes the hymns). The video church services, which run between 10 and 20 minutes, are uploaded on Fridays and links are available through links on our website: www.FirstChurchinJaffrey.org, permitting people to “attend church” at their convenience from their homes or cell phones. There also is access to the videos through putting: firstchurchinjaffrey YouTube channel into your search engine.
Blessings to you all, we ask….
Carol Hess
Moderator, the First Church in Jaffrey
PREVIEWS, Mar 19, 2021
Dear Friends,
The meditations our Team provide this weekend have enriched all of us working on the project… I promise, they will be special gifts to you!
THAT YOU MAY HAVE LIFE!
Wisdom, humor, insight worth sharing. Each of us hopes to emerge from the ices of this spring 2021. That You may have life!
LAZARUS, I’M CALLING YOU
Especially in this year of confinement and ‘social distancing’ we may well feel akin to this wonderful folk song calling Lazarus… (that’s “you and me” and “those you love”)… out of “THAT GRAVE” into life, and spring. Lazarus I’m calling you
Blessings to you all,
Carol Hess
Moderator, the First Church in Jaffrey
PREVIEWS, Mar 12, 2021
Dear Friends,
The meditation this weekend holds up One Great Hour of Sharing, a program of the United Church of Christ. This Lenten Offering supports the disaster, refugee, and development ministries of the United Church of Christ within Wider Church Ministries. To learn more about One Great Hour of Sharing’s activities, check out the program on line: One Great Hour of Sharing’s activities.
As we have tended to offer, the first listing below is an extended meditation beginning with a hymn (you can sing along as words and score are provided), followed by scripture read by Lisa Bosnar, a message from David Felton and an anthem. (The anthem is also made available in the second link below.) The music is Eliza Gilkyson’s Requiem. If it is new to you, I expect you will want to hear it more than once, which is one of the reasons to provide it on an individual link.
You were THERE
Consider what it takes to be uplifted when faced with overwhelming loss? When one person, and another, and another clasp hands, the ground shifts. Through compassion and its sister, action, despair can move to recovery. You were there — and are now
Musical gift to our souls today
If you’re willing to see things in new ways, the current circumstances are a great deal like many overwhelming, sweeping events, life-changing, life-threatening and life-taking. For your sake, and for care for others, spend a few minutes exploring renewal…. Musical gift ro our souls today
Be well, be heartened, be generous! If you send a check to FCiJ, please indicate in the memo line that it is for OGHS. It is also possible to make contributions to One Great Hour of Sharing through our First Church in Jaffrey website First Church in Jaffrey website
Carol Hess
Moderator, the First Church in Jaffrey
NEWS
First Church in Jaffrey’s Labyrinth Is Open for Walking in Circles
JAFFREY First Church in Jaffrey’s Labyrinth Is Open for Walking in Circles The First Church in Jaffrey invites you to walk in circles in its Peace Labyrinth and meditate in a neighborhood of 18th and 19th century historic buildings and houses. The Labyrinth is at the back of the 1831 red brick church, which is next to the 1775 Jaffrey Meetinghouse on the Jaffrey Center Common. Built in 2005 with stones brought by members of the congregation and the wider community, this non-denominational spiritual site is now open to visitors looking for some mild exercise and an outdoor place for meditation during spring, summer and fall. Directions: From Route 124, drive to Laban Ainsworth...
CARE AND PRAYER
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth.” John 14:15-17
The Holy Spirit has often been described as the Spirit of God, of Love, that human beings make manifest among one another. In this spirit, the Caring Circle relies deeply on the Holy Spirit as we seek to offer support to members, friends, and those in our wider community who are in need.
THE GREAT TAPESTRY THAT IS
FIRST CHURCH IN JAFFREY
We recognize that we each are on our own spiritual journey, a journey that will not end here. As members and friends of this church we pledge to be companions as we journey for as long as we travel together in this place. We do this by respecting each other’s understanding of and relationship to Jesus of Nazareth, whom some of us call Christ, while acknowledging our commitment to the broader fellowship of the United Church of Christ and the wider Christian family. ALL questions are welcome here!
Meditation For A Difficult Time
