In Loving Memory for

Jacqueline LaPorte

   It is with sadness that we share the news that Jackie LaPorte, a long-time church member, died on Monday September 15 – just a month shy of her 101st birthday!  Jackie had been a resident of Hampstead since 1969. She was employed for many years as an electronics tester at Westinghouse Electric/Lucent Technologies. Jackie was an avid walker and belonged to a walking club in Hampstead, having walked as recent as two months ago. She also loved to read and do jigsaw puzzles. Jackie was passionate about covered bridges. She had visited and photographed covered bridges in many different locations and multiple states over the years. 

A graveside service will be held Friday September 19, 2025, at 1:00 pm, in Lakeview Cemetery, Kent Farm Road in Hampstead. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Hampstead Congregational Church 61 Main Street Hampstead, NH 03841.

Rev Paige’s Corner:  Exploring

   Our summer vacation was spent in 2 glorious National Parks – Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Both were new to me and we had a wonderful time exploring and seeing things never seen before.

   But I noticed a number of people wearing t-shirts with variations on the phrase: “I’m not lost. I’m exploring.”  Now in case you haven’t noticed, I like maps and plans and schedules and checklists.  But this attitude of wandering and exploring and discovering the unexpected seemed like a good one to me, as well.

   It got me to thinking about what it is to be the church in the 21st century. Our culture has shifted and the role of churches – at least the ones we used to call “mainline protestant” churches – has also changed quite a bit. And while many of us find our faith and being part of a church community to be a precious gift in our lives, figuring out how to help others discover that gifts seems to be a lost art.  It is so easy to get anxious about what is happening – to feel “lost”.  But I wonder if we might instead shift our perspective to become explorers. The truth is that most congregations are in the same place we are! I have yet to discover anyone who has a formula for success in these days. Instead, it seems that these are days of exploration and discovery.  

With blessings and peace!

Rev Paige Besse-Rankin

Neighbors in Need Offering

October 5, 2025

Rarely have I seen a church without some form of ministry that helps feed people. From community meals to food pantries, churches across the country make sure people have enough to eat. But I always wondered, wouldn’t it be better if none of these services had to exist. What if everyone simply had enough to eat?

Our churches share compassion by not only providing for the basic needs of our neighbors but also asking deeper questions of why these inequalities exist in the first place. Our immediate call to alleviate the suffering of those around us is paired with a prophetic witness calling for systemic reform.

All congregations in the United Church of Christ are invited to take part in the Neighbors in Need offering to address just this. Two thirds of the offering support justice and witness ministries of the United Church of Christ with one third of the offering given to the Council for American Indian Ministries (CAIM). Your gifts directly fund the Neighbors in Need grant program. This grant, for UCC congregations and partners, offers funding for both direct service and advocacy projects.

Thank you for your generosity!

The Rev. Rachel McDonald works for the National Ministries of the UCC as Generosity Officer, OCWM and Special Mission Offerings.

Volunteers Needed for

Celebration Luncheon

As we prepare for our covenant signing celebration luncheon the Worship Team is inviting you to contribute to the meal as you are willing and able. Both congregations are participating in this endeavor, so we have a joint SignUpGenius.

Paper sign-up sheets are not practical so Debra will be available at Coffee hour on the 14th and 21st to assist those who aren’t able or comfortable using SignUpGenius. If you have a special food item that is always well received that is not on the list, feel free to bring it. We will have a special cake to commemorate the occasion.

Here is the link for the Covenant Luncheon Menu sign up.

Memorial for Ken Gilson Sept. 20th

There will be a memorial for Ken Gilson on Saturday, September 20th in the Sanctuary beginning at 2pm.

Ken was a longtime member and former Sexton at HCC. He passed away peacefully on Monday June 9th in Vermont. He enjoyed his days at the Arbors in Shelburne, where all the staff loved his kind spirit and smile. He had great care and comfort in his final days.

Click here for his obituary. You may also watch the livestream of his service by clicking this link.

HCC Book Group Invitation

The Hampstead Congregational Church Ecumenical Book Group invites you folks to join our Book Group. 

The group meetings Thursday mornings from 10-11:30 am on a “come as you are able” basis. On September 18, we will be starting a new book: Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart by Brian McLaren.  

From the book blurb: “Blending insights from philosophers, poets, scientists, and theologians, the book explores the complexity of hope, the necessity of grief, and the need for new ways of thinking, becoming and belonging in turbulent times. If you want to help yourself, your family, and the communities to which you belong to find courage and resilience for the deeply challenging times that are upon us – this is the book you need right now.” 

Books are available from Rev Paige or on Amazon in paper and digital format.

Bible Study Starts Wednesday September 24 at Atkinson

You are invited to join the Atkinson Congregational Church Weekly Bible Study on Wednesdays at 6:45 pm at beginning September 25. 

The group meets in the parlor at ACC. We will gather to study and discuss the scriptures for the coming Sunday with our Interim Pastor. All are welcome on a “come as you are able” basis!

The Music Corner

by Herb Tardiff

TRINIDAD

Calypso music originated in Trinidad, born out of the Kaiso music of West African slaves - a form of music where a leader called a ‘griot’ or ‘chantwell’ told stories through song.

Calypso music originally used lyrics to discuss the most important issues of the day, such as politics and societal problems. Calypso singers (Calypsonians) saw themselves as representatives of the people, who challenged the status quo and tried to make a difference to ordinary people’s lives. This might be why they often gave themselves fanciful names like ‘Growling Tiger’ or ‘Mighty Sparrow.’ At one time calypso songs were the islanders’ primary and most trusted source of news.

Musically, Calypso is usually in 4/4 time, and uses syncopated rhythms alongside simple harmonies, within a verse and chorus structure. A great (and feminist!) example to share with your class would be Calypso Queen by Calypso Rose, the first woman to win Trinidad’s prestigious Calypso Monarch competition.

Saint Anne's Food Pantry

Thank you all who continue to donate food for St. Anne’s Food Pantry! 

They have updated their needs list: Ensure, Coffee/Tea, Tuna Fish, Mayo, Jelly/Jam, Hamburger Helper, Protein Soups, Saltines/Ritz/Triscuits, Rice Pilaf, Spices, Salad Dressing, English Muffins, Brownie/Muffin/Cake Mixes, Nutrigrain Bars, Maple Syrup, Canned Chef Boyardee Items, Spam, Lunchbox Snacks.

St. Anne’s Food Pantry has also updated their

 Amazon Wish List

in addition to listing items here.

Please no expired items. Non-perishable items only.

Drop off is in the foyer of Hadley Hall.

New Hampshire Conference UCC

Weekly News

We thought you might enjoy reading the NH Conference UCC weekly newsletter. You can read it with this link.

9/16/2025 Newsletter

Each week, we will update this section of our Weekly Word with the new link

for the current newsletter.

Our Mailing address:

61 Main Street

Hampstead, NH 03841

Church Office hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9:00am to 3pm