Congregational – United Church Of Christ †

Gathered December 16, 1685

No matter who you are, whom you love, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

THE FIRST CHURCH ________________________________________________________________________________________

NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Morning Worship Sixth Sunday of Easter

May 9, 2021 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM

*If it is comfortable for you to do so, please stand

APPROACH TO GOD Let us keep silence as we prepare for worship.

TOWER CHIME (10:00) Jim Stone MEDITATION “Walking with a friend in the dark is better

than walking alone in the light.” Helen Keller

PRELUDE Adagio in D-flat Major F. Liszt (1811 – 1866)

CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: May the Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: The Lord is our rock and our stronghold. God is our refuge and the

joy of our salvation. People: Steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord. Leader: When they call out to God, He answers them; when they turn to Him,

He is swift to reply. People: Exalt the name of God, for the Lord is gracious and kind. He heals

the brokenhearted and gives strength to the weary. Together: Give praise to the Lord for He forgives our iniquity and restores our

soul. He leads us in the path of righteousness for God’s namesake.

If comfortable to do so, please join in singing our hymns and

sung responses during worship, while wearing your mask.

*HYMN Shall We Gather At The River HANSON PLACE

*OPENING PRAYER (Unison) Living God of past and future, we praise you for this moment. Fill us with your joy and empower us with your Holy Spirit, that our strength may be renewed to sing a new song of your glory in a world which longs for your justice and peace. All this we ask in the name of Jesus, in whom we become your new creation. Amen.

*PRAISE #199/4 Crown Him the Lord of Years DIADEMATA Crown him the Lord of years, the potentate of time, Creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime. All hail, Redeemer, hail! For thou hast died for me; Thy praise shall never, never fail throughout eternity.

GREETINGS

ELIZABETH SHIRLEY AWARD (10:00)

CELEBRATION OF HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS (10:00)

PROCLAMATION OF GOD'S WORD SCRIPTURE READINGS 1 John 5:1-6 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.

John 15:9-17 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. Leader: This is the word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

SOLO Ave Maria F. Schubert (10:00) JOSEPH R. OLEFIROWICZ, baritone (1797 – 1828)

SERMON “Divine Friendship” Rev. Dr. Andrew Armstrong

*HYMN (10:00) Called As Partners In Christ’s Service BEECHER

RESPONSE TO GOD'S WORD AFFIRMATION OF FAITH We are not alone, we live in God's world. We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God's presence, to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. PRAYER CONCERNS

SILENT PRAYERS and PASTORAL PRAYER

THE LORD'S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

OFFERTORY I Love to Tell the Story W. G. Fischer

FIRST FOLK (1835 – 1912) arr. Raney

*DOXOLOGY #515 OLD HUNDRETH LM Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION (Unison) Lord of heaven and earth, we long to be truly free. In this act of giving, help us to grasp the freedom that comes from seeing you more clearly, loving you more dearly and following you more nearly. Day by day, give us strength and courage to be your generous people. Amen.

*HYMN #13 Praise the Lord! Ye Heavens, Adore Him HYFRYDOL

DISMISSAL Please be seated after the Benedictus, and to wait for dismissal as

the ushers come to your aisle. You will be guided to a door nearest to your seating section.

*BENEDICTION

*BENEDICTUS Go Now in Peace D. Besig (*1936)

POSTLUDE Partita on HYFRYDOL C. Callahan (*1951)

V. Finale

OUR WORSHIP HAS ENDED; OUR SERVICE BEGINS

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AV TEAM: Doug Brenner, Joe Glajch, Chris Guild, Lee Hauenstein, Craig Neth, Roy Rumbaugh, Caryl Sullivan, Dennis Webster COVER ART: ChurchArt Online DEACON OF THE DAY: Andy Dillman FIRST FOLK: Cynthia Bliss, accompanist HYMNS: Pilgrim Hymnal & New Century Hymnal, CCLI#3034682

STAFF SINGERS: Janet Poisson & Elizabeth Clutts, soprano; Brianne Biastoff, alto; Timothy Ayres-Kerr, tenor; Scott Taylor, bass

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The flowers in the pulpit are given in memory of Joyce Mohrmann, from her family.

************************************************************************* HEARING AIDS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

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PLEASE USE THE CARDS IN THE PEW RACKS TO HELP KEEP THE STAFF INFORMED OF YOUR PASTORAL NEEDS.

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Have you remembered First Church in your will?

Masks are required at all times inside the building.

The church office is available by appointment between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday.

The First Church remains closed to all outside group use.

Happy Mother’s Day!

The Ushers are providing carnations this morning to honor all mothers and those who serve as mother figures.

Foundations of Christian Formation

Confirmation – The next class is on Sunday, May 16 at 11:30 AM on Google Meet. Confirmands are invited to worship in person on Sundays if you are able to attend. Remember to livestream when you are at home!

New Confirmation Class of 2022 - All current 8th graders and their parents are encouraged to join us on Sunday, June 6 at 11:30 AM to learn about the confirmation program that will begin this coming fall for high school freshmen.

Confirmation Retreat - October 1-3, 2021 - Horton Center Both classes of confirmands and mentors from 2021 and 2022 will join together for this invaluable experience. Please register today!

Vacation Bible School - Save the date! July 25-30, 2021

River Walk with God Thursdays, May 13, 20, 27 and June 10, 17, 24: 6-8 PM in the dining room Spiritual practices grow us in our spiritual journey in this 6-session series for mature 12’s-adult. We will learn to think about how God works in our lives and do spiritual practices such as labyrinths, letters to and from God, responding to God’s word through art and percussion. Each session stands on its own but attending more than one session or the entire series is best. For more information, contact LeeAnne Steenhoek, lsteenhoek@tfcucc.org.

Horton Center offers exciting programming all summer long. Please see Hortoncenter.org for important details and registration. Contact LeeAnne with any questions.

Resurrection Gardens - Thank you for your appreciation for our volunteers and well wishes for our confirmands for the creation of the Resurrection Gardens. If you would like to recycle the dish garden planter, please drop it off at the church.

Church Happenings and Outreach - New/Current

Men’s Choir to Sing on Father’s Day - After a “solo quartet” last season, it is time to see if we can gather, safely, and put a few offerings together for the 9:00 AM worship on Father’s Day, June 20. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a few weeks, starting on June 1 at 7:00 PM. Location of rehearsal to be determined after knowing how many will participate. Bring your mask and your (rusty) voices and we will find a way to praise God together in song!

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Celebrating our Graduates - Is there a college graduate or a graduate with an advanced degree in your family this year? Please send their information to Sue Englander, by May 10, so they can be acknowledged in the June newsletter.

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Grounds Clean-up: Saturday, May 15 at 8:30 AM - Looking for volunteers! Bring your tools and gloves, wear your masks, and help clean up the grounds. We will be practicing social distancing and staying safe. Great way to get some exercise, socialize, and help with the clean-up. Coffee and donuts will be served!

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The First Church Cyclists are hitting the trails, again! The group will head out for the first ride of the season on Sunday, May 16 at 2:00 PM (rain date, May 23) on the Londonderry Rail Trail in Londonderry, NH. The group invites anyone, regardless of age or ability to join them for fun, fresh air, fellowship and most importantly, ice cream. Contact Ray Baldwin (contact the church office or see the church directory for his number) with any questions.

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Wednesday Morning Men’s Group update - The weekly study is on break and will resume on May 19. Location TBD. Rev. Andy leads this weekly devotion and discussion rooted in the Wisdom Literature of the Bible. One need not have knowledge of the Bible to join in. The fellowship we have is as important as what we learn. Each study stands on its own; join as you are able. The group meets from 8:00-9:00 AM on Zoom. Contact Sue, senglander@tfcucc.org, for the link.

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Ushering Opportunity - The Ushers are seeking volunteers to help with ushering at our Sunday services. This is a great way to participate in our fellowship and serve the church. Training will be provided. Please contact Don Eaves or Karen Menchion for more information. Their contact information is in the church directory or you may call the church office. Come, be part of our Great Team! It is a wonderful way to connect with folks (socially distanced) after a year of feeling isolated!

The Return of Al Fresco Office Hours - Starting on Wednesday, June 2, Andy Gilman will be holding outside “office hours” at the Riverwalk Café, from 10:00 until noon. This will be an opportunity for you to drop by, have a cup of coffee or tea, and chat. This will be a non-scheduled time, so the conversation will include whoever shows up. Also these opportunities are strictly “al fresco,” so if it is rainy or uncomfortably cold, don’t bother. He won’t be there. Of course, Andy G. is also available for regular (scheduled) office hours, inside or out, on Wednesdays.

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The Bible, Friends, and Coffee Bible Study returns on Monday, June 7. The study will meet for 3 weeks on June 7, 14 and 21, from 9:30-11:00 AM. We will meet outside in the courtyard (weather permitting) or in the Ladies’ Parlor, just off of Fellowship Hall. Rev. Andy Armstrong and LeeAnne Steenhoek will facilitate the discussion group. No sign-up is required. If you have a Bible, bring it; if not, one will be supplied for you.

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Attention gardeners! Grow Nashua, a community partner of the United Way offers a way to serve our local community by donating your extra homegrown vegetables to the Lil’ Free Farmstand located at the UU Church of Nashua during the summer months. Non-gardeners may serve, too, by purchasing farm stand vegetables for donation! Visit https://www.grownashua.org/share or see the upcoming announcement in the June First Church Messenger.

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Strategic Planning Team - The Prudential Committee has organized a small team to look to our congregation’s future. Our effort includes identifying the mission, values and vision which have defined First Church then consider areas in ministry where God may call us to go. Team members include Caryl Sullivan (Leader), Carol Kreick, Chris Guild, Dave Almeda, Joe Glajch, Carol Baldwin and Rev. Andy. Expect to hear from us in the coming months for your feedback. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to any team member to learn more and share your ideas.

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Church Treasurer and Property Management now have Email. Church treasurer, Joe Glajch and property management committee chair, Doug Brenner, can now be reached via email with any questions or concerns you may have for them. Contact them at: Treasurer@tfcucc.org ; PM@tfcucc.org

Pulpit Flowers - If you would like to provide fresh flowers for the pulpit, please contact Sue in the church office to see what dates are available. Flower arrangements can be purchased from your favorite florist or can be created from flowers you’ve purchased or grown.

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Online Giving - The First Church offers convenient e-giving options for pledges and other giving. Contact Dianne Smigliani in the church office to learn more. Scan the QR code on the back cover of this bulletin to view one of the giving options available.

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Sign up to receive First Church e-News to stay in touch with what’s happening at First Church. Contact Dianne at dsmigliani@tfcucc.org, and she will add you to the list.

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Submit Prayer Concerns Online - Find the ‘prayer request’ button on the worship page for any prayer concerns you would like to share with Rev. Jami. You may also submit a confidential prayer by calling the church office.

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Music in Worship Next Week Sunday, May 16, 2021 7th Sunday of Easter 8:30 & 10:00 AM Decibells

Outreach Focus of the Month - Adult Learning Center As we begin to emerge from the pandemic, the Adult Learning Center (ALC) is happy to report that not only did we survive, we thrived. We learned new skills, we tackled the challenges of reopening, and many staff took on different roles. It’s been a demanding year but we remain strong, dedicated, and ready for the future.

Most people in the community know us for our English as a Second Language (ESL) program and our Adult Basic Education or HiSET preparation classes. (HiSET has taken the place of the GED.) Last March we quickly moved all of our in-person classes to on-line classes. The ALC was able to loan out laptops, or students were able to obtain them through the United Way, along with Wi-Fi hot spots. To our delight, students adapted quickly to on-line classes and as of April 2021, we are serving over 800 adult students. In the future we hope to continue with some on-line classes as well as in person classes.

Despite our name, more than half of our clients are children. Since last September we have been providing before and after school care, on site, at elementary schools in Litchfield and Hollis. Our Reopening Taskforce has carefully monitored State of NH and CDC guidelines that have helped us to operate safely. We are excited to be returning to the Nashua elementary schools in May.

At our 4 Lake Street facility we operate a full-time childcare for children from 6 weeks to Pre-K. We have been open since last October and have been safely caring for 30 children, about half our usual capacity. We want to again thank the many church members who provided our children and childcare staff with a wonderful assortment of mittens.

Our alternative high school, Clearway, also pivoted to on-line classes and kept over 50 teenagers engaged in high school. Clearway is now providing in-person classes.

Realizing we would not be able to host our annual fundraising breakfast this year, our creative employees designed a new fundraiser the “1st Annual Nashua Wild Goose Chase”. This event will take place from Friday, May 7 and run to Sunday May 16. Adult teams, or family teams, will follow a sequence of clues and complete challenges that will bring them to local landmarks and businesses. Teams will submit photos along the way as they compete for cash prizes (donated by a local business) and an assortment of prizes for all ages. For more information see: www.nashuaalc.org

If you have any questions about the ALC, please call Carol Baldwin at 882-9080 x 2204. Thank you!

First Church Calendar

SUN MAY 9 8:30am Worship 10:00am Worship

MON MAY 10 June Newsletter Deadline 6:30pm Home Health Hospice, sanctuary

TUES MAY 11 4:00pm First Church at NSKS 5:00pm Joyful Noise, sanctuary 6:30pm Home Health & Hospice Service, sanctuary

WED MAY 12 6:45pm Chancel Choir, music room

THU MAY 13 3:00pm Caregivers, zoom 6:00pm River Walk with God, dining room

SAT MAY 15 8:30am Grounds Clean-up

Looking Ahead…

SUN MAY 23: Rite of Confirmation, 10:00 AM

SUN JUN 6: Confirmation 2022 Meeting, 11:30 AM

SUN JUN 13: Presentation of Scholarships, 10:00 AM Lamb of God Story Time, 11:30 AM

SUN JUN 20: Summer Worship Schedule begins. One service at 9:00 AM

THE FIRST CHURCH STAFF

Senior Minister, Rev. Dr. Andrew W. Armstrong, aarmstrong@tfcucc.org

Associate Minister for Congregational Care, Rev. Jami D. Boyle, jboyle@tfcucc.org

Interim Associate Minister, Rev. Dr. Andrew Gilman, agilman@tfcucc.org

Minister of Music, Joseph R. Olefirowicz, CAGO, jolefirowicz@tfcucc.org

Director of Christian Formation, LeeAnne Steenhoek, lsteenhoek@tfcucc.org

Church Business and Marketing Manager, Dianne Smigliani, dsmigliani@tfcucc.org

Secretary/Receptionist, Susan T. Englander, senglander@tfcucc.org

Sexton, Steve Buck

Pastors Emeriti, Rev. James S. Chaloner and Rev. Dr. Jeffrey C. Evans

WELCOME A warm welcome is extended to all who are attending this worship service. A special greeting to those who

are visiting or worshiping for the first time. Please sign the guest book in the back of the sanctuary or fill

out the visitor card found in the pew racks. Fill out the back of the card, and put it in the offering plate or

hand it to a minister, Usher or Deacon so we may acknowledge your visit. Join in the time of fellowship, in

Fellowship Hall, following worship. If you have any questions about the life and ministry of First Church

please seek out the individuals wearing colored name tags; they are members of the various boards and

committees.

INFORMATION First Church was gathered on December 16, 1685 as The Church of Christ in Dunstable. On the same day

Thomas Weld was ordained and settled as minister of the church. The current building, built in 1894, is the

tenth building to house the First Church community. In 1961, the church entered fellowship with the United

Church of Christ. We welcome into our membership any who will own the covenant of First Church and

seek to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ in the community and world. Those interested in joining the

church should contact the church office for information. The Sacrament of Communion is celebrated on the

first Sunday of the month and the Sacrament of Baptism on the last. First Church is supported almost entirely

by pledges. Every member is expected to make a financial pledge according to their ability.

PASTORAL CARE Pastoral Care is available to all in need. Please keep the ministers informed of occasions of sickness, sorrow,

and joy. Let the church office know if you or family member or friend is hospitalized.

COMMUNICATIONS

If you have a change of address, phone number, or email address, please let the church office know so that

we may keep our records current.

All information for the weekly bulletin must be in the office by noon on Wednesday. All information for

the monthly newsletter must be in the office by 4:30 PM on the second Monday of the month.

All use of the building must be scheduled by the Secretary.

One Concord Street * Nashua, New Hampshire 03064 * 882-4861

Office Hours: The office is open by appointment. The staff is available for phone calls, Monday-Friday,

9:00am-noon & 1:00-4:00pm. Visit our web site at tfcucc.org - Find us on Facebook

Give online. Scan the QR code to view

one of the giving options available.

THE FIRST CHURCH

NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE