First Parish United Church of Christ (Congregational)

P.O. Box 228, 176 West High Street, Somersworth, NH 03878-0228

Rev. Mark Rideout, Pastor Church Office: (603) 692-2057 An Open & Affirming Church

www.somersworthfirstparish.org firstparishsomersworth@myfairpoint.net

20162016 May

FPUCC June Yard Sale JUNE 18, 2016

8:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.

It’s that time of year folks, the birds are singing, the trees are budding and the urge to be outside is in the air. What a perfect time to get into that garage, basement or attic! Seek out those unwanted items and donate them to the First Parish UCC Yard Sale. We will be happy to come and pick up your items and transport them to the church for you. See contact information below.

If you plan to donate an electrical device or an electronic item, please make sure it is in good working order. Please remember too: No clothing, battery operated toys that don’t work, mattresses, broken items, tires, car seats, TV’s, large appliances or cribs. We do request that you donate items that are in good condition, and usable. (Please be thoughtful of the burden and cost to the church to throw away useless and non-salable items.)

PLEASE DO NOT DROP ITEMS OFF AT THE GARAGE DOOR or LEAVE UNATTENDED IN THE CHURCH HALL! Kindly make arrangements with us and we will meet you there. We will start accepting items after June 5th.

Marc & Patty Cote, Yard Sale Coordinators Cell: 603-767-8069 Alternate: 603-742-4743

Dear Ones: I attend a number of meetings in the course of the work that I do. Each group, whether

church or community centered, or a workshop that meets for one day—all include the expectation of interaction for communication. As I ponder the various settings, I also recognize that those attending (including me!) can and do bring the “stuff of life” along with them. I see this in each of the voluntary committees which I attend. There are times when I facilitate a meeting; there are times when I sit as one of many on a committee or in a group.

Let me share some observations of what I have learned in order to be the best in my committee work, and to be honest, in any of the smaller, less formal groups or one on one settings in which I find myself. I give thanks that you and I can and do bring the heart of our faith with us wherever we go.

1. Courtesy is contagious: listen with respect as you want others to listen to you. A committee person is courteous, committed and connected.

2. Communicate clearly: speak in a normal voice, think things through, ask for clarification, respond with “This is what I hear you saying…” While you don’t have to agree with what is said, validate the person who is speaking so they know what they shared has been heard.

3. Use active listening: listen to understand before you offer any response, be attentive to your body posture and that of those around you, watch and listen for changes in voice or for gestures that can indicate a need to stop and refocus the conversation.

4. Generosity of information: share information in order to help others learn. The mix of any on-going committee/group means people will come and go.

Information will need to be repeated for increased understanding and extra time may be needed for people to feel comfortable in their serving. Committee expectations should be clear and concise. Remember that we are all teachers and learners—share your learning with joy!

5. Appropriate/Inappropriate: help one another by affirming appropriate/acceptable behaviors; be transparent in naming inappropriate/unacceptable behaviors. Inappropriate includes speaking over another person who “has the floor” as well as words or stories that disparage, demean or devalue another person. Often, simply naming a behavior helps another committee member to be aware—they really did not know they were talking over someone; or that the word or phrase is hurtful.

6. Patience: have patience with others and yourself.

I view the above as a way we can each bring grace into the more formal settings in which we offer service of time and talent. May your sharing be from the heart, reflecting God’s light.

~Pastor Mark

A Gentle Reminder: * Sunday Bulletin announcements/information needs to be in writing to the Church Office by TUESDAY, or, you may e-mail it directly to Debbie Hall at kenanddebhall@comcast.net * Monthly Newsletter items MUST be submitted by the 3rd Friday [OR as noted in the monthly newsletter calendar]. Earlier is better! Email directly to Debbie Hall at kenanddebhall@comcast.net Written items may be left in the pocket on the copy room door as well (just let Deb know!). * Monthly calendar dates and times are submitted directly to Priscilla Chellis at prchellis@comcast.net * Updates on birthdays or anniversaries may be sent to Luise Watman at lcwatman@comcast.net * Updates on addresses, email addresses or telephone

numbers can be given to Priscilla Chellis at prchellis@comcast.net

* Susan Sargent is willing to send out cards from the church for sympathy, get well, thinking of you, etc. If you would like her to send a card, please call her at: 6 0 3 - 3 1 2 - 8 1 6 9 o r e m a i l h e r a t : susargent1@comcast.net.

Note: If you serve on a committee, please communicate directly with your Committee Chair if

Do you have someone in your family who is graduating from high school, college or a technical

school? I would like to add 2016 graduates in next month’s newsletter. If you have someone special who will be graduating this year that you would like to announce in the newsletter, please give me their name, school, future plans, etc. P l e a s e e m a i l t h e i n f o r m a t i o n t o m e a t kenanddebhall@comcast.net

Finally, it feels like spring! The flowers are starting to bloom and the days are getting warmer. The Women’s Fellowship Dinner is going to be May 24th. We will be going to Mel Flanagan's Irish Pub on Main St. in Rochester, NH. All women are welcome. Please sign up on the clipboard so we have a count. We will meet at the church at 5:00PM and carpool, if anyone would like to otherwise we will see you at the restaurant at 5:30PM. The Women's Fellowship’s Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors and/or students of all ages who are participating actively in the life of First Parish Church and will be attending or are attending an accredited two or four year college, university or career technical school. If you are interested you can contact Carol Cummings for more information. We will continue to meet over the summer on Tuesday mornings at 9:00AM. Come see the various projects that are being worked on for our Holly Daze Fair. If you have a talent you would like to share, we are always looking for new ideas.

Kathy Latchaw

To my dear Church Family:

Thank you for your kind remembrance and uplifting joy on my 60th birthday on April 24th.

I am so appreciative of the many hands [Deb Hall, Priscilla Chellis, Ken & Kathy Latchaw] and hearts that helped shape the book of photos from my 30th Ordination Anniversary celebration last Fall, and that people are signing the book as a wonderful remembrance. The delicious cake [by Patty Cote], ice-cream, and smiles were a wonderful gift. To all who sent cards and Facebook postings [yes—I delve in once in a while] with birthday wishes—sincere

Nancy Ainsworth, Edgewood Center, 928 South St., Portsmouth, NH 03801 Lucille Berry, Studley Home, 15 Eastern Ave., Rochester, NH 03867 335-1241 Marion Burnham, Dover Center for Health and Rehabilitation, 307 Plaza Drive, Dover, NH 03820 Bertha Carr, Rockingham County Nursing Home 117 North Road, Brentwood, NH 03833 Bob Philbrick, Berwick Estates, 75 Portland St., So. Berwick, ME 03908 Mona Faucher, Janet Giffin, Dorothy Storms, Wentworth Home, 795 Central Ave., Dover, NH 03820 Bernice Stucker, 17 Noble St., Somersworth, NH 03878

--and all who are residents in long-term care and assisted living facilities in our area.

Craig Breden [health] Gerri Cannon [health] Ron Gaudette [healing] Dan Gaudreau [healing] Sue Boucher’s nephew Janet Giffin [St. Ann’s/Rehab] Michael Libby [healing] Bill & Vonnie’s son Lois Stolpe [health] Dave’s mom Doug Whitten [healing] Don & Pat Whitten’s son

AND ongoing prayer focus during these days: • For our Carroll-Strafford Association Churches, and

specifically in May we pray for the First Congregational Church, Farmington, and their interim pastor.

• Working together in community to address addiction to drugs, and anything that takes away from wholeness in life.

• That God would change hearts from seeking war to holy love

• Those serving in the Armed Services and in support capacities around the world.

• Peace in our world; harmony in our relationships. • That God will bless and guide our Conference Minister,

Rev. Gary Schulte, and Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Richard Slater

• The UKAMA Partnership between the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe and the NH Conference UCC.

• For those who are living with cancer; those who are living with mental health concerns, and those who support them as they walk pathways of healing.

• Continued invitational ministry and mission here at First Parish United Church of Christ: invite, include, involve in the good news way of Christ.

MINISTRY OF PRAYER & CONCERN

Our monthly newsletter can be accessed entirely online! Check it out: www.somersworthfirstparish.org. Paper copies are available in the Narthex. If you prefer to have the newsletter sent to you in the mail, please send $20 with your name and address to: First Parish Church, P.O. Box 228, Somersworth, NH 03878, Attn: Newsletter Editor.

Christian Sympathy is extended to the families of:

Dean Gould [3/13], son Barry and family

Robert Crichton [3/29], wife Leona and family Jayne Johnson [4/2] husband Scott, daughter, Kelsey

Patrick McManamon [4/3], wife Jennifer and family [Nancy Anderson’s granddaughter]

Christopher Mavrikis [4/7] mother, Elaine and wider family

Walter Smith [4/19] mother, Lori, grandparents Ed & Helene Courier and wider family

MAY LECTIONARIES

Sixth Sunday of Easter - White May 1, 2016 Acts 16:9-15

Psalm 67 Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5

John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9

Ascension of the Lord - White May 5, 2016 Acts 1:1-11

Psalm 47 or Psalm 93 Ephesians 1:15-23

Luke 24:44-53

Seventh Sunday of Easter - White May 8, 2016

Acts 16:16-34 Psalm 97

Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 John 17:20-26

Day of Pentecost - Red May 15, 2016

Acts 2:1-21 or Genesis 11:1-9 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

Romans 8:14-17 Acts 2:1-21

Trinity Sunday/First Sunday after Pentecost -White May 22, 2016

Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 Romans 5:1-5 John 16:12-15

Second Sunday after Pentecost - Green May 29, 2016

1 Kings 18:20-21, (22-29), 30-39 1 Kings 8:22-23, 41-43 Psalm 96:1-9

Galatians 1:1-12 Luke 7:1-10

Thank you so much for your generosity. $310 was raised for the borehole in Zimbabwe!! We had hoped to collect $350, so we are so pleased to have come so close! We will be giving the check to Connie Littlefield to take back to Zimbabwe when she returns later this month. If you missed the luncheon and would like to donate you can write a check to First Parish, UCC and write Missions on the memo line, or see any member of the Mission Committee.

Soon we will be collecting for the Backpack project. As you are out and poking around yard sales, please keep an eye out for backpacks in good condition. You may bring them into church and leave them in the

The Diaconate is once again sponsoring a T-Ball team. Games are played at the field behind Holy Trinity Church on High Street. Games begin at 5:45 p.m. Come cheer our team players and the opposing team players on! Wear your First Parish polo shirt. Help plant the seed that First Parish UCC is a community church.

Somersworth High School Seniors graduate on Thursday June 16th. A Baccalaureate Service will be held Tuesday, June 14th. You are welcome at this event and Yes you can bring a friend(s).

For the Diaconate, Marc Cote

MISSIONS

May 1 Craig Breden, Dave Stolpe, Mark & Kathy Rideout John & Beth Salinger May 2 Richard Jutras, Stacy Lynn Vollkommer, Brian & Christine Boucher May 4 Heather Day May 5 Christopher Rideout May 6 Alexis Dascoulias May 9 Bea Gardner, Rich Whitten May 11 Jonathan Chellis, Aryn Wintle May 12 Beverly Lyndes May 15 Ken Latchaw May 16 Connie Ricker, Marc & Patty Cote May 18 Bill & Mary Horton May 20 Scott Vollkommer May 27 Anthony Trussell May 29 Rob & Kim Conley May 31 Ed Courier, Sue Vollkommer,

God is Still Speaking, or Stillspeaking, is a campaign by the UCC to remind us that God still has a lot more to say. Since 2004, Stillspeaking has worked with thousands of UCC churches and individuals across the country to extend an extravagant welcome to all. No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here.

When you invest in the vision supported by Strengthen the Church, your gift will help start new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches, and help develop the spiritual lives of our youth and young adults. On May 15th First Parish will collect this special offering. Please consider prayerfully how you can help

STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH

Sunday, May 22nd is Children's Sunday. There will be an opportunity for all the children to participate in some aspect of the Worship Service. It will be an awesome experience for the young and the young-at-heart! AND following worship, the CE committee is serving a Make-Your-Own Taco Bar!!!!! Plan to come to church, and stay for lunch!

We are working on planning a Vacation Bible School this summer. The dates will be August 1-5, from 5:00-8:00pm. We will be serving a light meal. We are also inviting children and adults from local churches. If you know of a child or an adult who would be interested, please speak with any member of the CE committee. Our theme this year is, "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything". It promises to be a fun, fun time for all.

It's time to register for Summer Camp!!! There is information on the bulletin board in the Sunday School hallway. Did you know summer camp is for adults, too? Check out the bulletin board for information on Horton Center and Star Island. You can also find more information for Horton Center at www.hortoncenter.org or on the Horton Center Facebook page. Did you know the Cookie Walk in December raises money to help send some of our youth to Horton Center? If you are interested, have any questions, or need help with

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Using the Listen Up! Bible Study, we will look at chapters 1-8 of the Book of Romans. Workbooks will be available in the Narthex. Cost is $5/each, payable to First Parish Church. Dates: Mondays from 6-8PM May 9, 16, 23, June 6, 13, 20 at P & T North End

Station, 2 Main St., in downtown Somersworth; or Thursdays May 12, 19 , 26 , June 2 , 9 , 16 f rom 9-10:30AM in the Chapel. Sign-up in advance. Workbooks with outline of expectations will be available in the narthex. Pastor Mark will facilitate.

Adult Study—Part 1: Romans Chapters 1-8

ALL ARE WELCOME!

SUNDAY SCHEDULE Sunday Worship - 10:00 AM Sunday School - 10:00 AM

Fellowship Time Follows Worship Holy Communion is celebrated on the first

Sunday of each month. Ministers: The People of the Church

Pastor: Rev. Mark A. Rideout Christian Education Coordinator:

Susan Vollkommer Moderator: Richard Whitten

Co-Clerks: Patty Cote & Debbie Hall Treasurer: Linda Farrell

Assistant Treasurer: Richard Shepherd Organist/Choir Director: Bette Daley Newsletter Team: Debbie Hall-Editor,

Priscilla Chellis-Calendar, Luise Watman-Birthdays/Anniversaries

The first quarter of the year is done and the trustees are happy to report that so far 2016 has been a financially positive year. While March was a heavy month for expenses, the congregation remains in the black. As of March 31st the overall income for 2016 was $51,595.12 while total expenses was $47,252.79. This was a net income of $4,342.33 to date for 2016 which is an increase of $4,071.12 from 2015. To date there has been $2,527.00 received in deficit appeal offerings which is a $52 increase from this time last year. At the beginning of the year a member of the congregation gave $1,500 towards the deficit and challenged the congregation to match this figure. Another $473 in deficit offerings and we will have met that challenge!

Again, while we have started the year off strong we must remember that the challenging months are ahead of us. While many of us may be on vacation our church still faces some of the highest months when it comes to expense. Please remember your church as we approach these coming months. As always if you have any questions at all do not hesitate to speak with any one of us.

The Stewardship and Finance Folks

Mike Allen, Robin Hamel & Gregg Fournier

Spring has arrived and it is time to get out and get it done. The Church Spring Clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, May 21st. Starting at 8am barring any down-pours we will endeavor to clear the leaves, trim some trees and bushes, remove winter’s sand, wash the exterior walls and windows and clean out the gutters etc. With a good crew we should be finished around noon. So, come on down and join the group. Bring gloves, rakes, blowers, etc. and have a great morning sharing your time with us.

The Trustees have a lot on their agenda to accomplish this summer besides routine maintenance so any help would be appreciated. For instance, there are a lot of simple painting jobs we could use a helping hand with. Soon there also will be a mowing sign-up clip board in the narthex. The SNOW SHOVELING list has been RETIRED! THANKS to all those who

Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 7AM-2:30PM beginning at the Somersworth Middle School.

* 7-7:30AM Registration then head out to clean until 12NOON * 12-1 a free luncheon for all volunteers * 1:30-2:30PM Bike Safety Education and Rodeo

Sponsored/coordinated by the Somersworth Youth Connection. Places around the city will be cleaned up by volunteers; necessary supplies will be provided. Come for all, or part of the day. See

Stewardship & Finance Building & Grounds

Spirit-up Somersworth Clean-up Day

Greetings, We had our last meeting on April

9th. With the usual spirited conversation, we settled in for a great breakfast. Sports is always a fun topic. The Celtics are in the playoffs again this year. Good luck against the Atlanta Hawks. The Bruins couldn't get that last needed win to get to post season this year. Oh well, they may need to do some moves for next year. The Red Sox are showing signs of a good team this year, we'll see in September. Our group is hosting the women for breakfast on Saturday, May 7th at 8:30am in the church hall. Bill Voye and his Ukulele group will be the entertainment for that day. This was a great event last year. We are sure it will be this year as well. I will be announcing this during service in April. Also, there will not be a sign up sheet this year, we expect to have around 40 people, the same as last year. Please feel free to join us for this special event. Other events will be the annual "Hack-macue" Barbacue this summer, and a tour of Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Mass. this fall. We will keep everyone updated for these fun events. Any thoughts or suggestions for events or tours are welcome. As I mentioned earlier, our next meeting will be on May 7th at 8:30 am in the church hall. Maybe you know someone who doesn't have a Church home and would like to join us. As always, we welcome any ideas for fun events or fundraisers. Feel free to join us for some great fellowship and the best breakfast in town.

Yes, we did it again! We are sponsoring a t-ball team through Somersworth Little League. Schedules are available in the Narthex. The team players have our church name on their hats and we have the singular opportunity to go to their games, introduce ourselves to the children, their parents, and any other family members who may be there---as well as engaging with the children, parents and family members of the team that is being played. I hope you see this as a way for YOU to be the face of First Parish Church in YOUR community. This is one way to get up and get out there for God! My expectation is that your willingness only needs this outlet for you to go beyond the church walls and put your discipleship into action. When you do go, speak to the joy when we gather on

First Parish is again hosting Guidance Counselors and students from Somersworth High School for Advanced Placement Testing. Dates are: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday May 4, 5, 6 from 7AM-12NOON, and Thursday May 12 11AM-4PM. On these days access to the upstairs Narthex, Copy Room, Library and Chapel will be limited as there will be tables set up in the Chapel and Library areas. A sign will be posted on the upstairs front door and the door will be locked unless Pastor Mark is present during these hours. Quiet/silence is expected. Last year’s student really appreciated being in a space with minimal distractions and interruptions. Thanks in advance for your consideration.

Advanced Placement Testing

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP

We were blessed with an excellent turn-out at April’s Spaghetti Supper. It was nice to see so many of our church members and “regulars”, and we were so pleased to see so many new faces. After almost $200 in expenses, we were able to contribute $745 to the church’s general fund. Thank you so very much to everyone who made this possible! We appreciate the help each and every one of you has given to help the suppers be a big success.

Our next supper will be held on May 28th. We hope you will join us by signing up to help and/or dining with us. Please tell your friends about us, or better yet, have them join you to eat our delicious meal.

Somersworth Little League T-Ball team

SPAGHETTI SUPPER

Church Ministry - Gerri Cannon

This past Tuesday evening I attended a Meeting of the Peace and Justice Ministry, in Pembroke, NH at the NH Conference offices. It was a good opportunity to meet the many people involved with some of the mission groups in our Church, beyond the Open and Affirming Group that I belong to.

I don’t know if you know about our mission groups. So here is a brief summary. (Y ou can also find more details of these groups on the Conference web site, select “Conference Ministries“ and then “Justice & Witness Ministry”.)

Peace and Justice Ministry

Our Mission: To inspire and guide our members, churches, and mission groups in doing God’s work for peace, justice, and environmental stewardship.

Economic Justice Mission Group

Therefore, our Mission Group the has been playing a leading role in convening “NH Voices of Faith” from multiple traditions to pray and bear public witness for a humane NH state budget that responsibly addresses our state’s pressing needs – especially the needs of the most vulnerable in our midst and the core investments that maintain beloved community.

Immigration Mission Group

The public needs to know about the benefits of welcoming immigrants. The Maranatha Indonesian UCC and other immigrant congregations in NH have been virtually cut in half due to actual and threatened deportations. This Mission group is looking at ways to provide support for Immigrants in our Conference.

Open and Affirming Mission Group

The NH Conference of the United Church of Christ has declared the NH Conference to be an Open and Affirming Conference, and that all people, no matter what their sexual orientation or gender identity, are fully welcomed into the life of the Conference. This Mission group was formed to help local Churches recognize the value of becoming “Open and Affirming” Churches.

Peace with Justice Advocates

This Mission group is active in publicly witnessing/evangelizing/ teaching peace, love, and nonviolence in our churches and in the greater society. They are working with our community and acting in solidarity with other individuals and groups rooted in peace and nonviolence.

Spirituality & Earth Stewardship Mission Group

This Mission Group is to encourage all churches, clergy and laity to engage in creating opportunities to learn more about climate disruption, working with youth, reaching out to environmental groups in your community.

All of these groups are looking for new members and would value your participation.