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Our Current Worship Series

Sundays: January 5 - March 2

In person & Live Streaming

From my readings this week in preparation for the MLK celebrations comes this:

'At the heart of Christianity is Jesus' commandment to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. White Christian Nationalism denies this commandment, choosing division over unity and power over humility. It confuses faith with allegiance to a nation or political ideology, turning the teachings of Jesus into a weapon of exclusion rather than an invitation to love. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. warned, 'Any religion that professes to be concerned about the souls of men and is not concerned about the slums that damn them, the economic conditions that strangle them, and the social conditions that cripple them is a spiritually moribund religion.'

'White Christian Nationalism has emerged as a powerful and dangerous force in too many of our churches today. It is a distortion of the Christian faith, rooted not in love, but in fear and exclusion. It elevates one race, one nation, one identity, over others, often using the name of Jesus to justify its actions. But let us be clear: this is not the gospel. This is a perversion of Jesus' message, which calls us to love without borders, serve without discrimination, and build a world rooted in justice and compassion."

There are so many opportunities in the next few days to celebrate the legacy of the Rev. Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. and steep ourselves in the good news of Christ. Close to home, this Saturday night at 6 at 1st Baptist Nashua is a MLK service that features the Interfaith Choir (which includes our own members headed to 121 Manchester Street Nashua). Then on Monday there's a MLK brunch at Soel Sistas down the street (30 Temple) and a state-wide celebration in Manchester from 12-4 (you can carpool with me).

If you prefer your celebrations online: check out the service broadcast/live-streamed from Ebenezer Baptist Church "Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence" featuring a powerful keynote address by Reverend William Barber, a renowned advocate for social justice. Check thekingcenter.org.

May MLK's witness of non-violence and justice-making inform our living and our discipleship in the challenging days ahead.

Pastor Kelly

Thank you!

Thank you Church and friends of church!

The family of Nick Long expresses heartfelt thanks for your wonderful support for his wake and funeral and burial. I knew but did not fully realize how a church family comes together to support one of its own.

Special thanks to Pastor Kelly and the Nurture committee for your love, presence and skills of nurturing Nick, Nancy and the family. Thanks to numerous cards, prayers, and blessings provided by many of you. Thanks to the choir for your understanding and friendship. And UMW is always there to provide sustenance and warmth. Emily Adams added lovely music to the service. The service was so well prepared, coordinated and recorded for others to observe. It was a wonderful send off for Nick and we greatly appreciate being with a church who cares and follows through on the promises of our loving God.

Thankful for all of you,

Nancy Long

On Wednesday, January 8th, NH Voices of Faith made their voices heard Wednesday at the State House in Concord for Convening Day of the 2025 legislature.

There are many action alerts for key bills this week and next. Follow their Facebook page to stay informed during the busy weeks and months ahead.

Upcoming Actions:

Thursday, January 16: Protect Public Education Funding

Oppose HB 115-FN

This harmful bill is scheduled for a public hearing in House Education Funding committee, LOB Room 205-207 on Thursday, January 16 at 1 PM. Please contact the committee, and sign in to oppose and share testimony. Voices of Faith will be at the hearing room doors starting at 12:15 PM. After visibility, we can sign in to show opposition, and offer testimony as well.

Tuesday, January 21: Protect Immigrants and Tenants

Oppose HB 69

This bill is scheduled for a public hearing in House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services committee, LOB Room 307, on Tuesday, January 21 at 1 PM. Please contact the committee, and sign in to oppose and share testimony.

Oppose HB 60

This "forced eviction" bill is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Housing committee, LOB Room 305, on Tuesday, January 21 at 10 AM. Please contact the committee, sign in to oppose and share testimony. Stay tuned for more details about visibility.

Wednesday, January 22: Protect worker rights
Oppose HB 238-N

This year's "Right-to-Work" (for less) bill is scheduled for a public hearing in House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services Committee, LOB Room 210-211, on Wednesday, January 22 at 10 AM. Please contact the committee, and sign in to oppose and share testimony. Read more here about why Right to Work is wrong for workers and our economy. Join advocates on the day of the hearing for a visibility and to give testimony. Find more information here. Voices of Faith will join NH labor leaders in a visibility action starting at 8:30 AM at the State House.