Educational & Outreach Programs

FELLOWSHIP

Through our church fellowship opportunities and activities, we discover the joy and privilege of being part of a caring church family. By doing things together, whether worship or work, education or recreation, we develop deep and abiding friendships. Those opportunities arise as we participate in mission, community service, education and fund raising programs, as well as weekly worship and social activities.

Each week, after worship, we have an informal time for refreshment and conversation in the Vestry. We encourage interaction between the generations, and our church social events are suited to those of all ages, and may include barbeques, dances, craft-making , drama, sleigh rides, or whatever interests our members.

Our Men's Fellowship Breakfasts have been a big hit. Call the church office for more information or if you would like to be on the list to receive notice of these events.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Our Sunday School program is for children, ages 4 through 13 years, and are held Sunday morning prior to the hours of worship. The program introduces young persons to the Bible and the teaching of the Christian faith, and nurtures a growing relationship to God and Jesus Christ.

For teenagers who wish to be baptized or confirmed, a program of learning activities is available. For those who are interested in joining our church, there is a series of informational classes. Bible study and other faith enrichment programs are conducted throughout the year, and are tailored to help our adult members deepen their spiritual lives.

Vacation Bible School is held each year during the summer. Children of the church and surrounding communities are invited to attend this week long program of fun, friendships, and faith.

OUTREACH

As a caring congregation, we have concern for all who need to experience God's love through comfort, friendship or inspiration. Spiritual and physical needs are fulfilled through service provided or supported by the church.

Some of our outreach includes visits to the sick and homebound, administration and support of the Community Pantry, assistance with community projects, and participation in the Sonshine Soup Kitchen and the Community Caregivers of Greater Derry.

In March 2004, the Prayer Shawl Ministry began. Every month at the Vestry, volunteers meet for fellowship, and to create lovely hand knitted or crocheted shawls that have been lifted up in prayer, and presented to members of the congregation and members of the community who have suffered loss, or are infirmed.

We reach outside our community to the work through our support of organizations such as the Heifer Project, Habitat for Humanity, One Great Hour of Sharing, and Church World Service. Our church enthusiastically participates with other area churches in the annual Greater Derry CROP Walk to raise monies for hunger relief programs around the world.

WIDER MISSION OPPORTUNIES

Our affiliation with the New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ and the American Baptist Churches of Vermont and New Hampshire provides us with a greater opportunity for resources and outreach because we are a part of the wider ministry and mission of the Church of Jesus Christ in the state and the world. In June of 2006 we entered into a special relationship with the Chipinge United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe.

ECUMENICAL RELATIONSHIPS

We participate in ecumenical and interfaith endeavors through the Greater Derry Clergy Association, the New Hampshire Council of Churches, and the New Hampshire Bible Society.

We also have enjoyed our annual interfaith Blessing of the Pets, Ash Wednesday and Easter Dawn Services.