From the Pastor

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your interest in The First Church in Jaffrey. For more than two hundred years First Church has drawn its congregation from Jaffrey and nearby towns in the Monadnock region. Our membership (of about 120 people) comes from either a Congregational/UCC or other mainline Christian denominations. As an inclusive congregation, we welcome everyone. Lifelong Christians, religious seekers, and those who have returned to the church after long absences are all represented in our congregation. We are conscious of diversity and seek to create a welcoming community and united fellowship of faith.

We are an involved congregation. Members serve as volunteers both within this church and the wider community. Though many of our members are in the second half of life, our congregation includes families with children. These children have a special and involved part both in worship and in our community. I also meet with the children and their families on a regular basis for religious education. On Thursdays, we host a cooperative pre-school play group.

The Sunday Service is the keystone of our church community life with an average of 60 in attendance. The services always include lay reader participation. We gather together to grow spiritually, to be challenged intellectually, and to respond compassionately. Ecumenical services with neighboring churches are a valued part of our church year.

Music plays an important role in worship. Our Minister of Music is a seasoned musician and organist, who works closely with the minister and a committed choir. We draw musicians from our congregation and the wider community.

Every year, we hold study groups led by the pastor and others. The topics have varied, depending on the congregation’s interests and needs. We also offer Bible study, especially during the Lenten season. In addition, we organize periodic forums on pressing social issues with our neighboring UCC Church in Jaffrey.

For more than 85 years, our church has held an old-fashioned community fair on the first Wednesday in August. This event draws crowds of all ages from the entire region. At least two-thirds of the proceeds support community organizations that serve children, families and the elderly. The remainder helps to defray the cost of running the church.

Our complex of historic buildings is located off Route 124 about two miles west of the center of Jaffrey. Our sanctuary is a classic example of 19th century New England tradition in its clean simplicity. We hope that you will join us for Sunday worship beginning at 10:30 a.m., and for fellowship at coffee hour in the Parish House afterwards.

Please feel free to call me at 532-7979 if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Rev. Deborah Hill