Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. We gather at 7:00 p.m. for an introspective service that includes music, prayer, and a homily.
The imposition of ashes and the Sacrament of Holy Communion are offered to all.
HOLY WEEK MORNING PRAYER AND MEDITATION
Each weekday morning during Holy Week, from 7:30 -7:50am, one of our Deacons will lead a brief service of prayers, scripture readings, meditations, and moments of silence. This is a meaningful way to keep God in our hearts as we reflect on Jesus’ last days.
MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE OF TENEBRAE (SHADOWS)
Our Maundy Thursday service is the Thursday before Easter at 7:30pm. In the dimly lit Sanctuary, we mark one of the most solemn, powerful, and poignant days in the Christian calendar. This is a service where we hear again the story of Jesus’ last supper, betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. With communion, scripture readings, and hymns, we move from dim light into silent darkness.
easter sunday
Easter Sunday begins with an ecumenical sunrise service at 155 Putney Hill Road. Since this service begins at sunrise, the starting time changes each year. Leadership of this service rotates among First Congregational Church, St. Andrew’s Church, and the Contoocook United Methodist Church.
At our Easter Celebration Service, held at 10am, we celebrate the resurrection as we affirm the victory of love over hate, joy over sorrow, and life over death.
CHRISTMAS EVE
On Christmas Eve, our services are at 7pm and 10pm. Both are a Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols. The 7pm is a briefer service (45 minutes) that often features one or two musical offerings by some of our younger members. The 10pm service is one hour and features both our Chancel Choir and our Bell Choir.
RALLY SUNDAY
Rally Sunday is the first Sunday after Labor Day. This is a festive Sunday where we welcome one another back from summer adventures and rejoice at starting a new church year together. The Chancel Choir and Bell Choir are back from their summer break, and a new year of Sunday School for children and youth begins. As part of our celebration, we hold an all church picnic after worship.
YOUTH SUNDAY
Youth Sunday takes place on the second Sunday in June, and is a celebration of our Sunday School kids and their teachers. Some of the service is led by our young people.