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

www.somersworthfirstparish.org firstparishsomersworth@myfairpoint.net

2014

June, 204

It's time to start thinking about Sunday School! Sunday School will begin on Sunday, September 7th. There is a sign up sheet for teachers in the Narthex. Please consider helping out by taking a four week session. If you can' t do the whole session, perhaps you could split it with a friend, or someone on the committee will help out. The lessons are all planned out and easy to follow. Please consider how you can help our children. Rally Day will be on Sunday, September 14th, following Worship. Plans are still being finalized, but we promise a fun-filled time for the young, and the young-at-heart. Hot dogs will be served......and cake!! Please plan to stay and join us as we celebrate the start of Sunday School and our young people.

On Rally Day, September 14, all children and youth are invited to bring their backpacks to worship, during which there will be a special blessing and prayer offered for the backpacks and those who will use them during the school year. So, come to worship with your backpack, lunch box, whatever you bring to school each day…and be a part of our shared prayer and blessing for a school year filled with learning, wise decisions, positive relationships and peace.

Will you risk doing something to reach out? The Deacons, as our Vitality Team invite you to be part of a Tune-up Day on Sunday, September 21, 1:30-6PM. We will join 8 other churches and their good people who are involved, If you are invited to this opportunity for learning and growth in the Spirit, please give prayerful consideration to attending. You were asked because someone felt you had gifts and graces to share!

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 Driver, 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 Elinor Ridlon, Riverside Rest Home, 276 County Farm Rd, Dover, NH 03820 Mona Faucher, Janet Giffin, Dorothy Storms, Bernice Stucker, Wentworth Home, 795 Central Ave., Dover, NH 03820 --and all who are residents in long-term care and assisted living facilities in our area. Please do send your cards and greetings.

Janet Giffin [healing] Rev. Bill Hamel [health] Roger & Tosh Horton [health] Mike Letcher [health] Ele & Lewis Janetos grandnephew Stacy Vollkommer [healing] Lucy Voye [health] Rev. Tom Clark, Tri-City Covenant Church [healing];

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

and specifically in September we pray for the Community Church of Milton, and their pastor,

• the Rev. Betsy Webber. • 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.

• The our First Parish United Church of Christ will, through it’s members and friends, set aside any fear, to invite into faith relationship the wider community. May we risk with the strength of the Spirit to reach out, invite, include and welcome.

Prayer Concerns may be added to the active Prayer List by: using a Prayer Card in worship; submitting in writing to the Church Office, or contacting those on the Prayer Group. Prayer Group members include: Sue Boucher [603-617-6949], Bertha Carr, Dottie Douglas [603-332-6113] and Fran Karlik [603-330-3724]. Names/concerns shared with the group are held until the next quarterly meeting of the group unless asked to keep the name on.

Large Print Upper Room Daily Devotional copies are available in the Library area, just off the Narthex. September-October issues are now available.These are made available by your Deacons.

Sept. 1 Margaret Tilson, Doug Whitten Sept. 2 Susan Nye; Kevin Pay Sept. 5 Joe Fortier Sept. 7 Becky Maryak Richard and Julie Hurley Sept. 9 Sue Boucher, Derek Marshall Mike and Toni Rhode Scott and Stacy-Lynn Volkommer Sept. 11 Ray Crouse Sept. 12 Wendy St. Jean Sept. 14 Nancie Cameron Sept. 15 Craig and Linda Breden Sept. 18 Shawn & Angela Richer Sept. 19 Helen MacKenzie, Gregg Fournier, Trevor Richer Sept. 20 Nick Farrell Sept. 21 Greg Mathews Sept. 22 Jake Kitterman Sept. 24 Adalyn Breden DeYoung Dean and Robin Martin Sept. 26 Sherie Dinger, Susan Eastman

Thank you Summer Worship Leaders: Sharon Sirois Our own Men’s Group (Da Boys!) The Women’s Fellowship Marc & Patty Cote Deacon contacts: Nancy McDonough and Nancie Cameron Deacons on Duty: Craig Breden, Marc Cote, Sharon Sirois, Laurel Curtis, Nancie Cameron, Robin Hamel, Nancy McDonough Thank you for your ministries of worship, presence and hospitality while Pastor Mark was on vacation in July and August.

Thank-you to all those who had a hand in keeping the church ground and gardens looking great all summer! * Our lawn mowers: Marc Cote, Joe Fortier, Dave Hamel, Dean Martin * Our gardeners: Gail Day, Beverly Lyndes and Sheryl Parmenter * Flowers pots by road sign and by front door: Priscilla Chellis * Grass and bush trimming: Jim Goodberry * “Field of Dreams” (our front lawn) creators: Marc Cote, Joe Fortier, Dean Martin, Jeff Libby….others not seen by this writer….to ALL: Thank you!

Thank you from Lucy Voye: Dear Church Family: I sure have missed church services these past few weeks. I miss everyone! But, there was not a lack of cards, prayers and well wishes from the congregation. They are all appreciated! Love to all, Lucy Voye.

To my dear First Parish family, I want to express my word of thanks for all you did during the recent, too soon passing of Fred on June 24th. From the cancer diagnosis the end of April through the next two difficult months, your presence in his life through visits, cards, phone calls, prayers, friendship and delivery of food were never-ending. Pastor Mark's visits, support and presence right to the end brought such comfort to the entire Chellis family when we needed it the most. Our faith was deepened and it helped us all get through each phase we needed to deal with. Fred accepted the diagnosis right from the start and his strength and dignity through his end-of-life journey, gave us each the strength and dignity to help him travel that journey. Needless to say, his too soon passing has left a void in our family, but his love, gentle smile and his strong faith in God, remains within us. Love and blessings to you all, Priscilla Chellis Eric & Stefanie, Christina and Geoff, Jon and Lizzie

Greetings: I’ve enjoyed a few weeks “away” already. As I write this, I anticipate another time “away” shortly. As you are aware, First Parish Church is in the midst the church coaching emphasis of Reaching Out to New People. I find myself particularly attuned to what happens when I visit another church. Do people have name tags? Do they offer their name when (or if) they say, “Welcome!” Is there an invitation to fellowship? How is the sound system? Is the Order of Worship easy to follow, or are there parts that only an “insider” would know? I’ve noticed the people tend to loud conversation, talking over any prelude music, and ignoring lighted candles and preparation for worship. I’ve noticed that often there is no contact information on a printed bulletin. I’ve noticed that while there are smiles, and greeting, there is not that extra effort to say to an obvious visitor: “So glad you are here. Do you have time to come to fellowship with me?” People are more inclined to stick with folks they know, and it shows. Not a total cold shoulder, but not a total, all out, welcome either. So, how do we do here at First Parish Church? My experience is that we welcome, warmly, coming in the door. We may go a bit over on Passing the Peace, in that if you are visiting and don’t know anyone, it is noticeable when only one or two people approach you. After worship is over we really need to ask if a visitor would walk with you to fellowship. Invite! This means you have to let go of “taking care of business—church, personal, or otherwise”. We get into our “groups” downstairs, and may miss that opportunity to talk with visitors, and people we should know more deeply. It is a two way street! Inviting, welcoming, walking with and then follow-up take time and it is a risk to put yourself out there. A reminder that your Deacons do send a follow-up postcard to visitors who sign, and offer an address in the Visitor’s Book. When all is said and done, has God’s love been shared, has Christ’s teaching been opened, has the Spirit been asked into the conversation—each a distinctive of being “Church” as opposed to a well oiled social club. And “Church”, which we are, should be the place where “no matter who, no matter what, no matter where you are on life’s journey” the welcome is Christ centered, and God glorifying!

How are we doing, Church? ~Grace and Peace, Pastor Mark

There will be one offered in September. Watch the Sunday bulletin for details.

New American Flag received as a gift from Cynthia Jutras and Ken Latchaw. The old flag was retired; the new flag was put into service on July 1st. Sincere thanks to Trustees Cynthia and Ken who made this gift.

A representative from The Gideons will be present on Sunday, 9/21, and make a brief presentation about their work. The LOVE OFFERING basket will be set out to receive an offering, all of which will go to the work of The Gideons.

Would you like to be a Pen Pal to a Riverside Rest Home resident? Many of the members of First Parish Church currently enjoy writing to their Pen Pal at the Riverside Rest Home. There are several residents who don’t have a pen pal and would love to have one. If you are interested in doing this fulfilling project, please contact Connie Ricker at 603-335-1242.

Thanks to everyone who donated to the Backpack Project. We will be getting them put together and delivered before the start of school. I don't have an exact count as of this Newsletter, there are somewhere around 50, though. All of that information will be in the next Newsletter. Thank you so very much for all of your donations. This project is always such a huge success because of your generosity.

Fall will be here soon, which means, before you know it, the Spaghetti Suppers will resume! We hope you will join us and bring friends and family. Our food is all homemade. We offer delicious spaghetti with meat sauce, a choice of cole slaw or three-bean salad, bread choices are white, garlic or garlic-herb. The wide variety of mouth-watering desserts are made by our church family. You are welcome to help yourself to seconds on your meal. Your first dessert comes with the meal. If one isn’t enough, you can purchase more for $1.00 each. The cost for the meal, drinks and dessert is $7.00/adults and $3.50/children 3-12 years old. Children under free eat for free! Volunteers are always needed and appreciated. A sign up sheet is passed around during worship services or you can speak with committee members: Patty Cote, Tom Allen, Debbie Hall. Our next supper will be September 27th from 4-6 PM.

Somersworth SHARE Fund PO Box 372, Somersworth, NH 03878

Tel: 603-609-5710 SSF Serves Somersworth residents The Somersworth SHARE Fund (aka SSF) is now in its fourth year of serving community residents in financial crisis. Since we began in December of 2010, SSF has worked closely with City, County and State Human Resource Departments in giving aid to Somersworth residents with emergency basic living needs who either do not qualify for or have exhausted all other aid available to them. Working with these agencies serves to both, prevent duplication of aid, yet maximize much needed help. We are pleased that we were able to remove a total of 278 residents or 88 households from a crisis situation (eviction, utility disconnect, etc) in our first three years of service. We thank those who support SSF and want you to know that "Together, we are making a difference". Notice to GE employees/retirees: As part of the GE Gift Matching Foundation, all donation(s) of $25 or more will be matched $ for $ by GE to SSF. Simply make your check out to SSF (please identify your donation as a GE match) and call GE at 1-800-305-0669 to record your gift. Then mail your contribution to SSF, PO Box 372, Somersworth, NH 03878. GE will confirm that SSF has received your gift and forward us a matching check. What a great way to help! To participate either by volunteering, hosting a fundraiser, to make a donation or for inquiries, please take a brochure at the entrance of the church or write to Somersworth SHARE Fund, PO Box 372, Somersworth, NH 03878, email us at: ssharefund@gmail.com or call @ 603-609-5710.

SEPTEMBER LECTIONARIES

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 7, 2014 Exodus 12:1-14 or Psalm 149 Ezekiel 33:7-11 or Psalm 119:33-40 Romans 13:8-14 Matthew 18:15-20 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 14, 2014 Numbers 21:4b-9 or Psalm 98:1-5 Psalm 78:1-2, 34-38 1 Corinthians 1:18-24 John 3:13-17 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 21, 2014 Exodus 16:2-14 or Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 Jonah 3:10-4:11 or Psalm 145:1-8 Philippians 1:21-30 Matthew 20:1-16 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 28, 2014 Exodus 17:1-7 or Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 or Psalm 25:1-9 Philippians 2:1-13 Matthew 21:23-32

Greetings, we had our last meeting on August 2nd and had another delicious breakfast. Sports talk included our beloved Red Sox cleaning house with huge pitching trades. We all knew they needed a change. Also the PGA tour is in full swing. Rory Mackelroy is the next big star. He has won 3 majors this year at age 25. Very spirited conversations and stories. Our events committee has been very busy as of late. We had the Hackmaque barbaque and play on Aug. 2nd. This was a great success! The play, Spamalot, was a great show. Very funny! The Ham and Bean Supper on Aug.16th went well as usual. Thanks to all who chipped in to make brownies and cornbread and with the setup and cleanup. We are looking into more events for this fall including a bus tour to Cambridge in Boston to tour the "Mount Auburns Monuments Through Time" The Art of Memory. This is a beautiful Cemetery that has commemorated the lives of more than 97,000 individuals with burial markers and memorials. Also the Conway Train ride through the mountains this fall to name a few. As always, we are looking to expand our group and welcome any suggestions you may have for events or fund raisers. Our next meeting is Saturday, Sept.13th at 8:30am in the Church Hall. Feel free to join us for a great breakfast and see what we are all about, and bring a friend. Submitted by Dave Hamel for "Da Boys"

Reminder that September 7th, Sunday Worship begins at 10AM. We will gather around God’s Table, to share the bread and cup of the Risen Christ. Also on this day we begin Sunday School registrations and classes. All are welcome! As you look forward to Sunday worship, is there a neighbor, or friend whom you can invite to come with you?

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. If you want to add or change your birthday, anniversary, or email address information, please email any updates to lcwatman@comcast.net or just speak with Luise Watman. If you would like to add an article to the newsletter, please email kenanddebhall@comcast.net or give Debbie Hall a copy in person. Items to be put int he newsletter’s calendar should be given to Brenda Davidson or emailed to her at birdsdavidson@comcast.net. The deadline for newsletter and calendar items is always at noon on the 3rd Friday of each month.

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, Brenda Davidson-Calendar, Luise Watman-Birthdays/Anniversaries/Email Addresses

Christian Sympathy is extended to the families of: • Donnie Cummings [6/28] wife, Cindy and

daughter, Jessica; son of John & Carol Cummings

• Audrey Butt [7/3] mother of Toni & Mike Rhode

• Pete Daley [7/7] husband of our Organist & Choir Director, Bette Daley

• Heather Forrester Hall [7/28] niece of Sherry & Paul Cazeault

• Millie Moore [7/29] cousin of Dee Drake • Martha Steuerwald [7/30] mother of Mark &

Sarah (Horton) Steuerwald • Joel Michaud [8/3] 22yo, son of Dennis &

Cynthia Michaud • Peggy Goodrow [8/13] wife of Ike Goodrow

and mother of Betty & Bob Masse May the deep peace of our living Lord surround these families with light and love.

A Gentle Reminder: * Sunday Bulletin announcements/information needs to be in writing to the Church Office by MONDAY, 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 Brenda Davidson at birdsdavidsdon@comcast.net * Updates on birthdays, anniversaries or email addresses may be sent to Luise Watman at lcwatman@comcast.net Note: If you serve on a committee, please communicate directly with your Committee Chair if you are unable to attend a scheduled meeting or event.

Our Women's Fellowship has been very busy over the summer. Our beading group is growing and is going to continue into the fall. We welcome new people and don't hesitate to bring a friend. Thank you to Nancy McDonough and our other expert "beaders" who have been so helpful to those of us learning. It has been a special time getting to know new people and learn a new craft. We have some very talented "beaders"! Thanks to Janice Wentworth, our outing at York Beach was a perfect day. Then the outing to New Castle Beach was beautiful. The weather couldn't have been better and we may just have to continue to have a game day! We are so blessed to have these opportunities to relax and get to chat with each other. Many thanks to all of the women who helped to make our “Women’s Fellowship Sunday” so successful. The music ministry not only was fun but they sounded good. Then the food that was served during fellowship was amazing. What a truly wonderful group! We are gearing up for all of the activities planned for fall. There are so many beautiful projects being made for the Holly Daze Fair . Please continue to think of baskets when you are out and about. You never know how an item can be put together to make a basket. We are in need of knitters. If you are a knitter or know someone who likes to knit please see Fran Karlik . Thank you to Carol Cummings for continuing to get our room in the Fellowship Hall organized. Would anyone be interested in forming a walking group? I overheard a conversation about starting one of these. Our monthly meetings after church will resume so please check the calendar for the dates.

If people like me didn't know people like you,

Life would lose its meaning and richness too...

For the friends that we make are life's gifts of love,

And I think friends are sent right from heaven above...

And thinking of you somehow makes me feel

That God is love and He's very real.

-Helen Steiner Rice- Most Gratefully, Katherine Latchaw President of Women's Fellowship 48 Nimble Hill Rd. Newington.NH 03801 603-427-8958