East Hampstead Union Church
Serving the Community since 1897
225 - 229 East Main Street
Route 121A
P.O. Box 109
East Hampstead, NH 03826
1/4 mile south of Route 111)
(603) 378-0683
e-mail: [email protected]
The East Hampstead Union Church is an Inter-denominational Christian Fellowship founded in 1897.
Weather Alert .
There are no weather advisories in effect at present.
Our Staff
Paul A. Sweet, Pastor
Accompanist .
We are currently seeking a volunteer church organist/accompanist for weekly Sunday worship services. Our music comes from the "The Hymnal for Worship & Celebration" published by Word Music, Nashville, Tennessee. Our organ is a Kawai 650. Please contact Pastor Paul A. Sweet at the church office at (603) 378-0683 if you can help.
Worship Services & Fellowship
September through May - Sundays at 10:00 AM .
June through August - Sundays at 9:30 AM
Communion First Sunday of each Month with exceptions
Bible Study - Thursdays at 7:30 PM .
Our Sanctuary for worship services is accessible by a ramp.
Our basement Fellowship Hall for meals and events is accessible by a chair-lift.
All are Welcome!
.
Memorial Services
Details will be posted as they become available.
Our Mission
We are the East Hampstead Union Church, established in 1897 as a community church shared by people from different religious backgrounds. We are united by our common belief in the Lordship of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The founding principles of cooperation and faith continue to guide us in our worship today. Our mission is to help children of all ages to a better understanding of their relationship with God. Fulfilling our mission requires ministering to the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of our community and the world.
Our Congregation
Our congregation is made up of people from many different backgrounds. We work hard to respect and honor that diverse history. Therefore, we welcome members from a variety of denominations and understand that we are enriched by their histories. From time to time, we vary our worship service to reflect our rich background. We realize that all Christian faiths have something powerful and rich to contribute to our corporate worship.
Our diverse congregation includes people who have come from American Baptist, Congregational, Episcopalian, Greek Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Southern Baptist, United Church of Christ and other church communities. We are an affiliated member of the American Baptist Churches of the USA. Our pastor has served in various positions in Cumberland Presbyterian, Christian, Lutheran, and United Methodist Churches.
Our Book
We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, and we accept them as the ultimate authority for all matters of personal and corporate belief and practice. The Bibles in our pews, and the one from which the Pastor preaches, are the New International Version. Our original bylaws said, “It is the responsibility of all believers to interpret the Word of God for themselves.” That, of course, implies the need to know and understand the Scriptures. To that end, we offer a weekly Bible study, in addition to our Sunday worship services.
Our Government
The East Hampstead Union Church is governed congregationally. We have at least one meeting each year. At that meeting, members of boards are elected to represent the congregation during the ensuing year. Throughout the course of the year, major decisions are referred back to the congregation. The two primary boards of the church are the Deacons and the Trustees. The Deacons support the work of the Pastor and take responsibility for many aspects of the church’s spiritual life and worship environment. The Trustees’ main responsibilities include coordination of the care of our financial status and our physical environment. The Pastor is a voting member of all committees of the church.
Our Outreach
Each year we support four Missions Offerings of the American Baptist Church: America for Christ, One Great Hour of Sharing, World Missions and the Retired Ministers and Missionaries. We very actively support local food pantries, Heifer Project International, local animal shelters and many other organizations and individuals making a difference in the lives of people in our area.
Nearly every month we serve a public lunch and supper. Those meals help to provide fellowship opportunities and support to many in our community, particularly among the elderly. They also assist our general fundraising efforts. Many of our regular meal attendees consider us their church home or their center for support.
We make our church facilities available to organizations needing meeting space. We have hosted training sessions for Visiting Nurses, AARP Safe Driving courses, Easter Seals activity programs, Lions Club and others.
Our Commitments
Membership in the East Hampstead Union Church has two prerequisites:
1. All members must profess Christ as their personal Savior.
2. All members must have been baptized prior to or concurrent with joining the church.
Many in our congregation have taken the step of becoming members and formalizing their relationship with the church. They have committed to support the church and one another in the ways listed below:
1. With their Prayers – sharing the burdens of all members in prayer, during both public and private worship.
2. With their Presence – gathering together for worship with the congregation whenever possible.
3. With their Gifts – monetary, spiritual, and physical.
4. With their Service – assisting the church to do the work of the church within its confines and in the community.
Our Members
There are two categories of membership at the East Hampstead Union Church:
1. Full Members have no other church affiliation. They have joined the church either by transferring their membership from another church or through profession of their faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
2. Associate Members have joined the church, but also retain their membership in some other church. They are, therefore, members of at least two churches, ours being one. Most of the members who live in this area only part of the year, for instance, maintain relationships with our church and another church where they live the remainder of the year.
An opportunity to become a member of the East Hampstead Union Church is generally offered once each calendar quarter. Anyone seeking membership should call the Pastor at the Church Office.
Our 2016 Events
Jewelry Sale - Snow or Shine
Thursday, January 14, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday, January 15, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday, January 16, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday, January 21, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday, January 22, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday, January 23, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
An assortment of costume, estate & craft jewelry and other items of interest.
Donations of jewelry in any condition are welcome during any of our scheduled events listed here. .
Gently Used Clothing & Linens Sale - Snow or Shine
Thursday, February 11, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, February 12, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, February 13, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday, February 18, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, February 19, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, February 20, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM .
We regret that we cannot accept any more clothing donations.
Donations of linens and household fabrics are welcome.
Donations may be left at anytime on the covered front porch of Faith House across the driveway at 229 East Main Street..
Indoor Treasure Sale - Small Antiques & Collectibles - Snow or Shine
Thursday, March 10, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, March 11, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, March 12, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday, March 17, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, March 18, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, March 19, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM .
Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service
Thursday, March 24, 7:00 PM
Freewill offering will benefit the missions of the church.
Annual Penny Sale
Saturday, April 9 ,
Vic Geary Center, 18 Greenough Road, Plaistow, NH
Near Timberlane Regional High School off Route 125. .
Tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM
Doors open at 12:00 Noon
Kitchen opens at 12:00 Noon
Drawing begins at 7:00 PM
.
25 Penny Sale Tickets for $1.00
Over 300 Penny Sale Items, Gift Certificates, Door Prize and Raffles.
Good fun for the whole family. .
Hot dogs, soups, sandwiches, nachos, popcorn, cookies, desserts & beverages..
Indoor Yard Sale - Rain or Shine
Thursday, April 14, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, April 15, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, April 16, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday, April 21, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, April 22, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, April 23, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM .
Donations of clean items gratefully accepted starting Monday, April 11.
Donations may be left at anytime on the covered front porch of Faith House across the driveway at 229 East Main Street..
Indoor Yard Sale - Rain or Shine
Thursday, May 12, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, May 13, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, May 14, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday, May 19, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, May 20, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, May 21, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM .
Donations of clean items gratefully accepted starting Monday, April 9..
Donations may be left at anytime on the covered front porch of Faith House across the driveway at 229 East Main Street..
Used Books, Records and Video Sale
Thursday, June 23, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, June 24, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, June 25, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM .
Indoor Yard Sale – Rain or Shine.
Thursday, July 14, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, July 15, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, July 16, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday, July 21, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, July 22, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, July 23, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Donations of clean items gratefully accepted starting Monday, July 11.
Donations may be left at anytime on the covered front porch of Faith House across the driveway at 229 East Main Street..
Indoor Yard Sale – Rain or Shine.
Thursday, August 18, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, August 19, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, August 20, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday, August 25, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, August 26, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, August 27, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Donations of clean items gratefully accepted starting Monday, August 15.
Donations may be left at anytime on the covered front porch of Faith House across the driveway at 229 East Main Street..
Indoor Treasure Sale - Small Antiques & Collectibles - Rain or Shine
Thursday, September 15, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, September 16, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, September 17, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday, September 22, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, September 23, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, September 24, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
.
Autumn Penny Sale
Saturday, October 15
Vic Geary Drop-In Center, 18 Greenough Road, Plaistow, NH
Near Timberlane Regional High School off Route 125
Tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM
Doors to the Hall Open at 12:00 Noon
Kitchen Opens at 12:00 Noon
Drawing starts at 7:00 PM and ends at approximately 10:00 PM
Sheet of 25 Penny Sale Tickets for $1.00
Over 300 Penny Sale Items and Gift Certificates.
Good fun for the whole family.
Hot dogs, soup, sandwiches, nachos, popcorn, cookies, desserts & beverages.
.
Jewelry Sale
Thursday, October 20, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday, October 21, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday, October 22, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
An assortment of costume, estate and craft jewelry and other items of interest.
Donations of jewelry in any condition are welcome at any of our scheduled events listed here.
Annual Christmas Market & Cookie Walk
.
Thursday, November 3, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday, November 4, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday, November 5, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM .
Thursday, November 10, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday, November 11, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday, November 12, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday, November 17, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday, November 18, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday, November 19, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
.
Crafts, Knit & Crocheted items, Wreaths, Home and Holiday Décor.
Sweatshirts, Tablecloths, Doilies, Housewares, Collectibles and Figurines.
Baked Goods.
Light Luncheon including Soup & Sandwiches, Hot Dogs, Desserts, Soda & Coffee..
Cookie Walk - a wide selection of homebaked treats to choose from.
Sandown Community Giving Tree supporting children, families and seniors in need..
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
. Saturday, December 24, 4:00 PM
Freewill Offering will benefit the Retired Ministers and Missionaries.
Dates & times are subject to change. Please call the Church Office to confirm.
.Our History
Written by Gilman B. Buckland
In 1896 there were two churches in the Town of Hampstead, the Congregational Church in the village and the Methodist Church in West Hampstead. A search through the "History of the Congregational Church" published in 1903 does not contain the names of those who founded and attended the Union Church. Possibly the East Hampstead residents sought a church of their denomination in a neighboring town. It is a matter of record that prayer meetings were held in private homes.
Living in East Hampstead in 1896 was a Reverend Reuben E. Bartlett and his wife, Lydia. Rev. Bartlett had previously held pastorates at Deerfield, New Hampshire and Lebanon and Norwich, Connecticut. His wife was a missionary in Boston, associated with the Tremont Temple Church for twenty years. Together they were engaged as missionaries under the Baptist Home Missionary Society of New York. They served in Kansas, North Dakota and northern Montana. They resided in East Hampstead for five years.
On February 18, 1896 twenty persons met at the home of Rev. and Mrs. Bartlett to consider the advisability of organizing an "Aid Society" to secure funds to build a "Union Church". Since they were so well organized from the start, this subject must have been under informal discussion for some time. The names of those in attendance remain familiar and important names not only in the development of the church, but in the East Hampstead community as well, names such as Kimball, Clough, Leighton, Williams, Johnston and Carter.
All present expressed a willingness to cheerfully do what they could to build a Union Church. It was voted to organize an "Aid Society". Rev. Bartlett was elected president, Anson Kimball vice president, Mrs. Bartlett secretary, and Irving Leighton treasurer. A committee was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws. The meeting was closed with the singing of "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow". Thus were the seeds planted; they germinated, and the church has continued to serve God and Community for over one hundred years.
A week later they met again, the constitution and by-laws were presented and approved. This document contains the usual provisions such as election of officers and their responsibilities, etc. One item of interest was the provision for membership in the society, viz the payment of 25 cents and being voted in. There were 23 persons in attendance and the collection was $1.35.
A friend of Rev. Bartlett, Walter F. Tribon of Boston, presented the society with a tract of land upon which to build the church, said land to be controlled by the society as long as it was used for religious purposes. It was voted to accept the tract of land, which is described in the deed as being 5 rods by 6 rods by 5 rods by 7 rods, or approximately 1/5 of an acre. Mr. Tribon owned the entire piece of land which now houses the convenience store, insurance agency and the church.
The deed stipulates that the land will be held in trust by the trustees of the Aid Society until such time as a new church is formed, to be called the East Hampstead Union Evangelical Church, at which time the trustees shall convey the land and building to the trustees of the church. The Messrs. Kimball, Clough and Johnston, and Rev. Bartlett were elected as the Building Committee.
The society continued to meet almost weekly, and each meeting was opened with a scripture reading and a prayer. About 1885 an attempt was made by a group to establish a Methodist Church on Central Street in East Hampstead. The church did not come to be, and Mr. Kimball, active in the building of the Union Church, donated a sum of money (amount unspecified) to the Aid Society which had been raised to build a Methodist Church.
In March of 1896, plans were made for a fundraiser - a fair and bean supper! Later it was reported that the event netted $14.62. It is difficult to pass this event over lightly. As you may know, the church supper was very popular and lucrative, be it bean or the once popular harvest supper, and still is to this day. Many objects are cast in iron and bronze and placed atop steeples and cupolas on public buildings, and perhaps New England country churches should so honor the bean pot!
On January 27, 1897 a meeting was held at the home of Rev. Bartlett to consider the advisability of organizing a church at this time. There were six people in attendance and, oddly, they were not people who were active in the Aid Society. They voted to organize. Those present were Rev. and Mrs. Bartlett, Lucius and Mary Darbe, Laura Graves, and Sarah A. Allen, thus becoming the charter members of the church.
Rev. Bartlett was called as pastor, his salary to be contributions from the congregation specifically for that purpose. Rev. Bartlett was chosen moderator, and Mrs. Bartlett clerk. It was voted to have three trustees, two from within the church, and one from outside the church. Walter A. Allen, a Universalist, was elected to be the third trustee. A Building Committee comprised of Rev. Bartlett (chairman), Walter Allen and Frank Pillsbury were appointed.
It was voted to appoint an Advisory Board comprised of a representative from the Plaistow Baptist Church, the Danville Free Baptist Church, the West Hampstead Methodist Church, the Hampstead Congregational Church, and the Kingston Universalist Church to aid, by their counsel, in forming the East Hampstead Union Evangelical Church. It was voted to invite the pastors of each of these churches to preach every fifth Sunday. The Advisory Board was dismissed in June 1898.
Application for the incorporation was completed and recorded in the Office of the Secretary of State in Concord, New Hampshire on February 2, 1897. The church was ready for occupancy by the dedication day, but little information is recorded as to the actual building of the church. Both the Aid Society and corporate meeting minutes contain only the occasional reference to the building as "the Building Committe report was read and approved". Once there was a gathering to work on the foundation. Mr. Clough donated lumber for siding and chestnut wood for the interior finish.
A gift of a bell for the steeple was received from Mr. Thomas Arnold of Haverhill, Massachusetts. The bell cracked and could not be rung for the dedication. Eventually the bell was either repaired or replaced. The records are not clear as to exactly what happened.
One thing we know for certain is that the church was dedicated on April 28, 1897. A portion of an article appearing the following day in the "Exeter Gazette" reads as follows:
"The dedication of the East Hampstead Union Evangelical Church yesterday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. was an event that will remain in the history of the town for years. The church, a beautiful one-story wooden structure with its towering spire, was not nearly large enough to accommodate the vast throng who had come to help with the dedication, and the seating capacity of the church was taxed within a few moments after the opening of the doors.
The aisles, doorways and every space was used to accommodate the people. Beautiful indeed were the interior decorations of the church, and the pulpit was completely covered with beautiful plants and flowers, many in full bloom, making a very striking contrast to the general appearance. Seated on the platform of the pulpit were Rev. R. E. Bartlett of East Hampstead; Rev. Rufus P. Gardner of Hampstead Centre; Rev. G. C. Lorimer, D.D. LL. D., of Tremont Temple Church or Boston, with his deacon Mr. Earl of the same church; Rev. W. C. Whittaker of Plaistow; Rev. J. Robbins of Boston; Rev. Mr. Knott of Kingston; and Rev. G. L. Gleason of the Riverside Church of Haverhill."
Rev. Dr. Lorimer's sermon was based on the 11th chapter of John, part of the 9th and 10th verses. Again, here is a quote from the newspaper:
"God said that if a man walks in the light, he shall see God; that our souls were the light, and that if we walk in the path that God has laid out for us, our light will at all times shine with brightness. We are what a lighthouse is to the sailors, a guiding star. The two things in a lighthouse are the lamp and the reflector. Our lamps are made of the same. Our reason is the lamp, our conscience the reflector, and if we keep our lamp burning and the reflector at all times clean, God will be happy to meet us in heaven."
"Immediately following the service an excellent collation was served in the brick schoolhouse, which was opposite the church, which many enjoyed. This brought the festivities to a close, and the new Union Church had been dedicated in a manner satisfactory to all." The brick schoolhouse still stands, but in disguise, it is the front part of the little white house to the left of the Pasta Loft Restaurant.
It was just fifteen months from the time the first meeting was held to discuss the possibility of establishing a Union Church in East Hampstead, and the dedication of the church itself. At the dedication, a financial report was given by the Building Committee. The church cost $3,119.70 to build and furnish, and the remaining debt at the time of dedication was $807.27.
The pastorate of the church over the years has been wide and varied. Rev. Bartlett was the first pastor of the church and left the church in 1899 for reasons unknown. Rev. John K. Chase, a retired minister living in East Hampstead became the second pastor, preaching in our church and surrounding towns. In 1898 he married Miss Laura A. Graves, a charter member of this church, but died suddenly while attending a prayer meeting in January 1902. His wife remained active in the church until her death in 1917.
Over the years there were many ministers, most of them remaining for only a short time, probably because of the small salary the church could afford, and the lack of career opportunities. There were times when we shared a minister with another church. A great source of pulpit supply ministers was Andover-Newton Theologiocal Seminary, however, once graduated, they were eager to move on.
There were two periods when serious consideration was given to closing the church, in 1938 and again in 1947. Sunday services were discontinued for several months due to the lack of a minister and funds. The church did survive by the will of God and the determination of its people. In the last few decades, we have had pastors remaining for longer periods of time, often serving dual pastorates.
In 1969 Rev. Cathleen A. Narvowitz was called to the church and remained for five years as the first female pastor. Rev. Patricia A. Ketzler was called in 1987 and celebrated her tenth anniversary as pastor of the church on June 28, 1997. Our current pastor, Paul A. Sweet, was called in October 1998 and installed on February 7, 1999. He has also recently celebrated his tenth anniversary as pastor of the church.
There are many references to the Sunday School in the records over the years. It seems to have been most active in the 1950's and 1960's when attendance reached over fifty pupils. Our dedicated Sunday School teachers continue to serve our congregation.
Through the years, and to this very day, the church has continued to hold its fundraisers. In the olden days it was bean and harvest suppers, entertainments, picnics and something called a travelling apron. I suspect this was an apron that was passed around, someone sewed a patch on it and tucked in a few coins and gave it to the next person on the list. This is only a guess. Today we still have luncheons, suppers, fairs, yard sales and penny sales.
Fundraisers, regular contributions, special gifts of money and services in lieu of money are what have always kept the church in the pristine condition it is today. The basement, as we know it today, was not finished in the beginning. It had a dirt floor and unfinished walls with a wood burning furnace vented to the sanctuary. The basement was transformed into the Fellowship Hall that it is today through many stages of improvement and remodeling. In November 1986 it was voted to add the pulpit extension. In 2001 the church was made more accessible through the addition of a ramp to the sanctuary and a chair-lift to the Fellowship Hall. Repairs to the church have been made as needed. What is important is the pride the congregation has always had in the appearance of their church and grounds.
Since the beginning of the church there has been a woman's group in the church with membership from the community at large. At one point it became known as the "Ladies' Circle". Regardless of the name used for their group, they all worked for the same cause. They visited the sick and gave moral and spiritual support in death. They provided refreshments for the fellowship time following the worship service on Sunday mornings. They also organized fundraisers that for many years paid the utility bills and funded the repair and upkeep of the church. The "Ladies' Circle" has since disbanded, but we owe a great debt of gratitude to all those who supported the work of the church over the last century and beyond.
To all those in the past and to all those here today, we owe great thanks for your gifts, love, fellowship, hard work and dedication to the East Hampstead Union Church.
The Mortgage Fund
Sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the Mortgage Fund over the years. In June 2000 we purchased the house and property adjacent to the church and named it "Faith House". The installation of a parking lot helped improve the safety of our facility. We are happy to report that as of December 31, 2008 the mortgage has been settled.
The Steeple Fund
We are delighted to report that we contracted with Southgate Steeplejacks of Barre, Vermont to rebuild our steeple and raise our bell once more. The new steeple is a nearly exact replica of the original built in 1897 and was installed on Thursday, May 20, 2010.
While the original steeple was removed in 2004 due to structural damage sustained over time, it stood for over a hundred years as a landmark in the community. We thank everyone who made a contribution to the Steeple Fund.
We are currently accepting donations for future painting and maintenance of the steeple.
The Repair Fund
We are currently accepting donations for future repairs and maintenance of the Church and Faith House and the property of the church.
The Carpet Fund
We are currently raising funds to replace the entryway carpet in memory of long-time trustee and treasurer Eleanor Bassett.
The Curtain Fund
We are currently rasing funds to repair and line the curtains in the sanctuary that are sun-faded in memory of long-time member Constance Marshall.
2016 Easter Lilies - Memorials & Tributes
Easter Lilies will decorate the sanctuary on Easter Sunday and a portion of the proceeds from each plant will go to support the Operating Fund. Please place a form in the collection plate with payment, or mail it in to arrive by Sunday, March 20. Lilies may be purchased in Honor of (H) or in Memory of (M) loved-ones, and tributes will be printed in the bulletin on Easter Sunday, March 27. Please make checks payable to the
East Hampstead Union Church. Thank you for your support.
Order Form:
Easter Lilies are $ 15.00 each.
Number of Plants: __________
Total Amount: __________
Please specify how you would like your printed tribute(s) to read in the spaces below:
Your Name(s): ________________________________________________
1. H / M ________________________________________________
2. H / M ________________________________________________
3. H / M ________________________________________________
4. H / M ________________________________________________
2016 Christmas Poinsettias - Memorials & Tributes
Poinsettias will decorate the sanctuary for Christmas and a portion of the proceeds from each plant will go to support the Operating Fund.
Please place a form in the collection plate with payment, or mail it in to arrive by Sunday, December 11. Poinsettias may be purchased in Honor of (H) or in Memory of (M) loved-ones, and tributes will be printed in the bulletin on Sunday, December 18. Please make checks payable to the
East Hampstead Union Church. Thank you for your support.
Order Form:
Poinsettias $ 15.00 each.
Number of Plants: _________
Total Amount: _________.
Please specify how you would like your printed tribute(s) to read in the spaces below:
Your Name(s): _______________________________________
1. H / M _______________________________________
2. H / M _______________________________________
3. H / M _______________________________________
4. H / M _______________________________________
Annual ABC Mission Offerings
America for Christ Offering - 1st Quarter
Supports a variety of ministries in America that share the good news of Jesus Christ with people hungry for spiritual fulfillment. Programs include childcare for homeless families, gang alternatives for youth, Christian witness in government, camping programs and establishing new churches.
One Great Hour of Sharing - 2nd Quarter
This fund enables emergency relief, refugee work, disaster rehabilitation, and development assistance on behalf of many Christian denominations including the American Baptist Churches around the world and here in the United States.
World Missions Offering - 3rd Quarter
International Ministries proclaims the Gospel in word and deed, seeking to make disciples of Jesus Christ by supporting missions to, from and within all six continents.
Retired Ministers and Missionaries - 4th Quarter
Supports services to retired American Baptist ministers and missionaries through programs, pension funds, hospitals and retirement homes around the country. The collection from the Christmas Eve Candlelight service will benefit the Retired Ministers and Missionaries Fund.
Local Florist
We recommend:
Leith Flower, Plant & Gift Shop
100 Plaistow Road (new location as of 08/10)
Plaistow, NH 03865
Tel: (603) 382-8837
http://www.leithflowershop.com/
Silver Shovel Schedule
Thanks to everyone who helps keep the church walkways safe and clean of snow and ice this winter!
Quotes from Our Congregation
"When I walked through the door, I felt the presence of God.”
“People genuinely care about you here.”
“I was raised to be terrified of God; here I feel God’s love.”
“For the first time I understand that Jesus loves me and died for me – ME!”
“I wanted to be part of a community of Christians. We do so much more together than we could ever do by ourselves.”
“We come here to celebrate the love of God. We’re not berated for our inadequacies.”
“That big emptiness I used to feel is filled now – with love for God and for others.”
“We’re all trying to do the work of the Lord – as it should be done, not because it has to be.”
“I was lost and falling apart. For the first time I felt welcomed; I fell in love.”
“We have a common mission, keeping this church growing. There’s so much love for the church and each other.”
“We’re a flock of members that really care about the community.”
“I never felt the peace of the Lord so much before I came here.”
“We listen and we pray and we’re encouraged to participate.”
“Anybody looking for love and fellowship belongs here.”
“It’s so nice to be able to laugh together. Now I know that Jesus really did smile, and it’s OK for us to do that, too.”
“The Bible was always confusing to me. I’m so glad it’s making more sense to me now. I’m glad to know it applies to me now – not just to some people thousands of years ago.”
“This is the most welcoming, loving and caring bunch of church-goers I’ve ever known.”
“It’s so comforting to know that if I have a need, I can count on people to pray for me.”
“I sure do love my church family. I don’t know what I’d ever do without them.”
Memorials
Pews Given in Memory of:
Mr. and Mrs. John L. Chittuck by Mrs. Elsie Fitch
Mr. and Mrs. Nailon A. Fitch by Mrs. Fred Fitch
Mr. Joseph M. Tait by Mrs. Littie Tait
Mrs. Edna S. Vandolina by Mrs. Jean Furze
Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert A. Marshall by Mr. and Mrs. Leland Marshall
Mrs. Affie Small by Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Strout
Mr. and Mrs. Albert B. Smith, Sr. by Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Ashworth
Mr. Joseph French by Mrs. Arthur Carricker
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Whalen by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Rose
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Rose by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Rose
Mr. and Mrs. William E. MacEwaney by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Johnston
Mr. and Mrs. Waldo M. Hodgman by Mr. and Mrs. Wesley P. Hodgman
Mr. and Mrs. Frank N. Pillsbury by Mr. Ernest C. Pillsbury
Mrs. Gertrude Pillsbury True by The True Family
Mrs. Elsie Louisa French by Mrs. Irene Carricker
Mr. and Mrs. James G. Johnston by Mrs. Mary Podenza
Mrs. Florence R. MacNevin by Mrs. Florence MacNevin
Robert Arthur Johnston by Mrs. Viola Johnston
Mr. Leland G. Marshall by Mrs. Constance Marshall
Mr. Angus MacNevin, Jr. by Mrs. Florence MacNevin
Adele B. Collins by Mrs. Gladys Houle
Perley B. Collins by Mrs. Gladys Houle
Eunice S. Fitts by Mr. and Mrs. David Fitts
Robert H. Fletcher by Mrs. Edna B. Fletcher
Jeanne Marie Cosman by Harold Cosman
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Ashworth
Leland G. Fitts
Louise M. Dustin
Mary Gorton Martel
Arthur Ernest Martel
Cynthia Louise Martel
Alfred Wesley Martel
Lloyd V. Strout by Thelma Strout
Gilman B. Buckland
Frederick Smith by Marie Smith
Jamie & Vera Jameson
Last updated January 7, 2016
VJK