January 23, 2018
For 186 years, First United Methodist Church in Manchester, NH, has faithfully been “a light of love in the valley.”
We accomplished this through several ministries, including our food pantry — which provided close to 30,000 meals each year — and our Activa-Tree Christian Preschool — which provides scholarships to more than 70 percent of the families enrolled.
However, there have been years when our “light” was a little less bright. As part of a religious landscape that was rapidly changing and affecting most mainline denominations, this church was threatened by a lack of growth and financial instability.
Yet, by faith, prayer, scriptural study, determination, hard work, and the grace of Jesus Christ, First UMC has experienced many miracles.
One of those miracles was amazing financial support of our Conference. The New England Conference Commission on Equitable Compensation* has helped us implement our strategic plan by contributing to the pastoral salary.
First United Methodist Church 961 Valley St., Manchester, NH Messy Church meets 5:30-8 p.m. on the third Friday of the month Learn more: http://fumcmanchester.org/
Messy Church - First UMC Manchester, NH from New England Conference UMC on Vimeo.
*The New England Conference Commission on Equitable Compensation is responsible for recommending the base compensation standards to the Annual Conference. Local churches not able to pay the full amount of the equitable or minimum compensation may receive supplemental funds, which are apportioned to all of the local churches through Mission Shares.
**The Hebrews 11 fund was established several years ago and uses money from the sale of churches and parsonages that have closed to seed new ministry. This allows the legacy of those congregations to live into the future in new ways, helping the New England Conference reach new people, more young people and more diverse people.