THE FIRST CHURCH NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE - Congregational - United Church of Christ - The First Church, Nashua
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THE FIRST CHURCH
________________________________________________________________________________________
NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE
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.Morning Worship
Communion Sunday
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
July 4, 2021 9:00 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 Norma MacKinley Smith
MEDITATION "Where there is no vision, the people perish."
Proverbs 29:18 KJV
PRELUDE Canzona dopo l’Epistola G. Frescobaldi
(1583 – 1643)
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Sing praises to the LORD, and give thanks to God’s holy name
People: for the LORD our God has healed us when we cried for help and
restored us in times of deepest despair.
Leader: The LORD has turned our sorrow into dancing; taken our sackcloth
from us, and clothed us with joy.
People: Sing to the LORD without end, and give thanks to the LORD forever.
Leader: Come, silent Spirit, make the words we see and hear and speak and
sing be transformed by the Word made flesh,
Together: Our worship is wholly yours, Lord God, in Jesus’ name. Amen.*HYMN #429 Eternal Father, Strong to Save ST. CATHERINE
*OPENING PRAYER (Unison)
Creating and eternal God, who made the earth and has given us the breath of
life, we offer you our praise and thanks. Your grace has given us all that we
need; even making our powers perfect in weakness. We offer our lives to you
and ask for your guiding light to lead us in our worship and adoration in Christ’s
name. Amen.
*GLORIA PATRI #513
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
world without end, A-men, A-men.
GREETINGS
PROCLAMATION OF GOD'S WORD
SCRIPTURE READINGS 1 Samuel 8: 1-9
When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel. The name of his
firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beer-
sheba. Yet his sons did not follow in his ways, but turned aside after gain; they took
bribes and perverted justice.
Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and
said to him, “You are old and your sons do not follow in your ways; appoint for us,
then, a king to govern us, like other nations.” But the thing displeased Samuel when
they said, “Give us a king to govern us.” Samuel prayed to the Lord, and
the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you;
for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over
them. Just as they have done to me, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt to
this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so also they are doing to you. Now
then, listen to their voice; only—you shall solemnly warn them, and show them the
ways of the king who shall reign over them.”
Matthew 22: 15-22
Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their
disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are
sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to
no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is
it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said,
“Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the
tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this,
and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give
therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that
are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went
away.
Pastor: This is the word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.SERMON "Living Out Ideals in an Imperfect World" Rev. Dr. Andrew Gilman
RESPONSIVE PSALM #48
NICOLE PLUMMER, psalmist
The Psalm will be intoned once: The Congregation sings the same Response, and
then again at the “R” indication below.
ResponseRESPONSE TO GOD'S WORD
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH UCC Statement of Faith
We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, who is made known to us in Jesus our
brother, and to whose deeds we testify:
God calls the worlds into being, creates humankind in the divine image, and
sets before us the ways of life and death.
God seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
God judges all humanity and all nations by that will of righteousness declared
through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord,God has
come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and
reconciling the whole creation to its Creator.
God bestows upon us the Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of
Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and
races.
God calls us into the church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be
servants in the service of the whole human family, to proclaim the gospel to all
the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at
his table, to join him in his passion and victory.
God promises to all who trust in the gospel forgiveness of sins and fullness of
grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, the presence of the Holy
Spirit in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in that kingdom which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto God.
Amen.
PRAYER CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYER
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Holy God, we have come here this day searching for You, because we believe
that You are searching for us. In countless ways You have reached out to us.
We confess that sometimes we have searched for You in all the wrong places.
We admit that sometimes we have thought that we found You when we only
found cheap substitutes for Your love. Find us once more that we might find
You, and in finding You, love You, and in loving You, serve You in all that we
say and do. Amen.
A time of silence for personal confession
KYRIE #545 Lord, Have Mercy Upon Us J. Merbecke
CONGREGATION JOINS IN SINGING (1510 – 1585)
Lord, have mercy upon us; Christ have mercy upon us;
Lord, have mercy upon us.ASSURANCE OF PARDON (Psalm 130: 3,4,7)
Leader: O Lord, if You mark iniquities, who could stand?
People: But there is forgiveness with You; therefore are You held in awe.
Leader: The love of our Lord is unfailing. I declare to you that in the name of
Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven and we are renewed.
People: Thanks be to God.
OFFERTORY The Lost Chord A. Sullivan
(1842 – 1900)
*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)
Faithful God, all our time is in your hands. We use this time in work, rest and
play and we return it to you in our worship. In all our times, help us grow in
awareness you precious gifts. May all our gifts be used to your greater glory.
Amen.
The Communion
It is a tradition at First Church that we eat the bread and drink the cup together as the
people of God renewing our covenant. We serve grape juice and gluten free bread.
Invitation, Sursum Corda and Communion Prayer
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to God.
Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give Him thanks and praise.
Leader: Holy God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, You raised Him from the
dead. He is the first fruit of those who have fallen asleep. In Him we
are given life. By the baptism of His suffering, death, and
resurrection, You gave birth to Your Church, delivered us from sin
and death, and made with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit.
With the faithful in every time and place, we joyfully praise Your
name:Sanctus #550 S. Wesley
(1766 – 1837)
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts,
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory:
Glory be to thee, O Lord most high. A-men.
Leader: We remember that on the night of betrayal and desertion, Jesus
took bread and having blessed it, He broke it and gave it to His
disciples saying, “This is My body which is broken for you. Do this in
remembrance of Me.” In the same way, Jesus also took the cup,
after supper, saying, “This cup is of the new covenant in My blood.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” By eating
of this bread and drinking this cup, we proclaim Christ’s death,
celebrate Christ’s resurrection, and await Christ's coming again.
People: Amen. Come, Christ Jesus!
Leader: Let us proclaim the mystery of our faith:
People: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
Leader: Come, Holy Spirit, come. Bless this meal that we may taste how good You
are. Open our eyes so that we may recognize the risen Christ in our midst,
in each other, and in all for whom Christ died. Amen.
Sharing of the Bread Ave Verum Corpus E. Chausson
(1855 – 1899)
Ave verum corpus, natum Hail, true Body, born
de Maria Virgine, of the Virgin Mary
vere passum, immolatum truly suffered, sacrificed
in cruce pro homine on the cross for mankind
Ave verum corpus, natum Hail, true Body, born
Cuius latus perforatum Whose pierced side
fluxit aqua cum sanguine flowed the water with blood
esto nobis prægustatum May it be for us a foretaste
mortis in examine in the trial of death
O Jesu dulcis, o Jesu pie, Oh sweet Jesus, Oh pious Jesus,
o Jesu Fili Mariae, Oh Jesus Son of Mary,
tu nobis miserere (3x) have mercy on us
Amen Amen.
Sharing of the Cup Come to the Waters L. Cherubini
(1760 – 1842)
Prayer of Thanksgiving and 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.*HYMN #437 My Country, ‘Tis of Thee AMERICA
*BENEDICTION
The congregation is asked to kindly remain seated
for the POSTLUDE, as a closing meditation.
POSTLUDE Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV 559 J. S. Bach
(1685 – 1750)
OUR WORSHIP HAS ENDED; OUR SERVICE BEGINS
AV TEAM CAMERA CREW: Doug Brenner, Lee Hauenstein, Craig Neth, and
Dennis Webster
COVER ART: ChurchArt Online
DEACON OF THE DAY: Jeanne Chaloner
HYMNS & PSALM: Pilgrim Hymnal, New Century Hymnal, CCLI#3034682
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The flowers in the pulpit are given to celebrate the wedding anniversaries
of Craig and Dale Neth ( 35th) and Craig’s parents, Bob and Carolyn Neth (62nd).
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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 you will?
Summer Worship Schedule
One service at 9:00 AM: In-Person and Livestreamed
Radio broadcast at 11:00 AM (note the time change)
on WSMN AM 1590 & FM 95.3
June 20 through September 5
MASK USE is now optional for all activities at the church. Continued use of masks
is a personal choice, and welcome for anyone wishing to do so.*
*The Nashua Board of Health continues to recommend that anyone who is unvaccinated continue
to wear a mask "for their own protection and that of others that are fully vaccinated.”
Church Office Hours:
9:00 AM-Noon and 12:30-3:30 PM, Monday-FridayChurch Happenings and Outreach - New/Current
Join us for lemonade and fellowship in the courtyard following worship (weather
permitting).
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Women’s Choir to sing on July 18 - On this season’s Summer Music Schedule,
we will try a WOMEN’S CHOIR project in the month of July. Rehearsals are on two
Wednesday evenings at 6:30 on July 7 and 14 and the choir will sing in 9:00 AM
Worship on Sunday July 18. Please contact Joseph directly to sign-up.
(jolefirowicz@tfcucc.org or (603) 882-4861 x15)
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Al Fresco Office Hours with Andy Gilman: Wednesdays, 10:00 AM-Noon at
Riverwalk Café. Drop by, have a cup of coffee or tea, and chat. This is a non-
scheduled time, so the conversation will include whoever shows up. If it is rainy or
uncomfortably cold, we will not meet. Andy G. is also available for scheduled office
hours, inside or out, on Wednesdays.
++++
The First Church Cyclists’ next ride is on Sunday, July 11 at 2:00 PM on the
Minuteman Bikeway, Depot Park, Bedford, MA. The group invites anyone,
regardless of age or ability to join them for fun, fresh air, and fellowship. Contact
Ray Baldwin (contact the church office or see the church directory for his number)
with any questions. See the full schedule in this bulletin, the June Messenger,
the weekly e-News, and on the church website under “connect”.
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Attention Golfers! Save the date for the 3rd Annual First Church Golf
Tournament: Wednesday, September 22, at Overlook Golf Course in Hollis,
NH. Stay tuned for more information.
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The Holiday Fair Crafters are looking for 24 and 32 ounce canning jars (or Classico
spaghetti jars), clean and with non-rusty tops. Please leave them in the lobby at the
courtyard entrance.
Save the date for the fair: November 12 and 13, 2021 – To prepare for the fair,
crafters will meet at 4:00 PM in the dining room on Wednesdays, July 14, August 18,
and September 15. Contact Jocelyn Henning for more information or to share ideas.
Her contact information is listed in the church directory or you may call the church
office.
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Church Directory - Do we have a picture of you and your family in the directory? Is
your contact information current? Do you know how to access the directory on your
phone or computer? Would you like a hard copy of the directory? Please call or
email Sue in the church office so we can update the directory and our files and assist
you with access to the directory. Thank you.Help keep your giving current - Our financial giving remains crucial to maintain our
ministry, to support the spiritual health of the church family, and continue our
Outreach to mission partners in and around Nashua. Please mail in your offering,
set up automatic deposits through the First Church, set up automatic payment with
your bank, or consider e-giving though our website at https://tfcucc.org/give/.
The First Church offers convenient e-giving options for pledges and other giving.
Scan the QR code on the back cover of this bulletin to view one of the giving options
available.
If you would like more information or have questions about any of the giving options
listed above, please contact Dianne Smigliani in the church office.
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NSKS Backpack Program 2021 - The Outreach Committee invites you to help fill
70 backpacks for the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter’s “Backpacks for Back to
School” program. We are asking for monetary donations again this year (due to the
variability of the virus) and also, bulk buying enables us to fill more backpacks. We
hope to match the $2400 raised last year. A subcommittee from Outreach will
purchase the supplies.
Please send in a check for whatever amount you wish to the church by July 25. Write
the check to The First Church and be sure to write “NSKS Backpack Program” in the
memo line please. Many thanks to MaryBeth and Joe Glajch who have donated the
backpacks again this year.
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Horton Center All-Church Retreat: Friday-Sunday, August 27-29, 2021
The retreat is back for 2021! Held at the camp and retreat center, owned and
operated by the New Hampshire Conference of the UCC on Pine Mt. in Gorham, NH,
this weekend is open to everyone - adults, children, singles, couples, families. It is
all about fun - hiking, swimming, visiting, reading, relaxing and enjoying the peace
and beauty of northern New Hampshire in the late summer. This is a great way to
spend time with and get to know other First Church members, especially if you are
new to the community. Join the others who find this a wonderful way to end the
summer.
For more information, and to sign up, call the church office, 882-4861 or Joe Glajch.
++++
Horton Center is registering campers for summer programs. Register today at:
HortonCenter.org to see what is right for you! There are camps for all kinds of
interests and age levels from our environment in Climate Buddies to Archery and Art.
Contact LeeAnne with any questions.
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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.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! Bring your donations to the stand between 9:00 AM and noon on
Sundays. Visit https://www.grownashua.org/share or see the article in the June
Messenger.
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Pulpit Flowers – If you would like to provide fresh flowers for the pulpit, contact
Sue in the church office to see what dates are 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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New email addresses - 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 at: Treasurer@tfcucc.org ; PM@tfcucc.org
This Week at First Church
SUN JUL 04 Independence Day
9:00am In-Person Worship & Livestream
10:00am Fellowship Time, Courtyard
11:00am Radio Broadcast on WSMN
MON JUL 05 Church Office Closed
TUE JUL 06 4:00pm First Church at NSKS
WED JUL 07 10:00am Al Fresco Hours with Rev. Andy G,
Riverwalk
6:30pm Women’s Choir, music room
THU JUL 08 3:30pm Music Rehearsal, sanctuary
SAT JUL 10 9am-2pm Outside Use, sanctuary/Fellowship Hall
11:00am Sisters in Sobriety, dining room2021 Summer Music Schedule
Each summer, while the music ministry ensembles are on summer break,
members of The First Church and the outside community bring their music
offerings to our summer worship service.
The following individuals and ensembles will enhance our services during
the summer season…
JUNE 13 AUGUST 1
Joseph R. OLEFIROWICZ, Craig PLUMMER, tenor
baritone
AUGUST 8
JUNE 20 Aubrie CONNELLY, clarinet*
MEN’S CHOIR
JUNE 27 AUGUST 15
Anne LONGTIN, flute* Susan COBB, soprano
Nicole PAQUETTE, flute* AUGUST 22
JULY 4 Ainsley THERRIEN, clarinet*
Nicole PLUMMER, mezzo AUGUST 29
soprano Brian OBERTI, saxophone
JULY 11
Catherine KONDI, soprano SEPTEMBER 6
Mark A. CLEVELAND, bass-
JULY 18 baritone
WOMEN’S CHOIR
JULY 25 * In cooperation with the Nashua
Kristjon IMPERIO, piano Community Music SchoolFirst Church Cyclists 2021 Schedule
Londonderry Rail Trail 6.2 miles Londonderry NH Sunday, May 16
Bruce Freeman Rail Trail 13.6 miles Cross Point, Chelmsford MA Sunday, June 13
Derry/Windham/Salem ? miles Manning St., Derry NH Sunday, June 27
Minuteman Bikeway 20.6 miles Depot Park, Bedford MA Sunday, July 11
Nashua River Rail Trail 24 miles Gilson Rd. at Countryside Drive, Nashua NH Sunday, July 25
Common Pathway 13 miles Peterborough, NH Sunday, August 8
Assabet River Rail Trail 8.6 miles Wilkins St., Hudson, MA. Sunday, August 22
Goffstown Rail Trail 11 miles Fisher Cats Stadium, Manchester NH Sunday, September 12
Charles River Bike Path 22.9 miles Museum of Science, Boston MA Sunday, September 26
Reformatory/Narrow Gauge
Trails 14 miles Depot Park, Bedford MA Sunday, October 3
All rides begin at 2:00 PM. Rain date is the following Sunday.
The group invites anyone, regardless of age or ability to join them for
fun, fresh air, and fellowship. Contact Ray Baldwin (contact the church
office or see the church directory for his number) with any questions.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, sbuck@tfcucc.org
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
Chapel 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. New members are received during worship in
November, February and May. 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.
Submit information for the weekly bulletin to the office by noon on Wednesday. Submit information for
the monthly newsletter to the office by 4:30 PM on the second Monday of the month.
All use of the building must be scheduled by the Secretary.
THE FIRST CHURCH
NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE
One Concord Street * Nashua, New Hampshire 03064 * 882-4861
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-noon & 12:30-3:30pm.
Visit our web site at tfcucc.org - Find us on Facebook
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