Speaking of Racial Justice

Roy Annis, a junior at Concord High School and a member of South Church, took part in a class project with his English teacher Heidi Crumrine entitled "We Are America!"  This collection of powerful stories reflects an America rich in diversity.  Roy’s story is entitled “Pill Boxes on the Border: Understanding Racism.”  With permission from him, we share his story because it speaks to the ease with which both hatred and love can be passed on through generations.  

This project was broadcast on NHPR this fall.  To read or listen to Roy's story or any of those submitted by other Concord High students, click on this link. 

Moment for Mission

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you

gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.

-Matthew 25:35

At one of the recent gatherings to discuss where South Church is headed, I confessed that talk of justice does not move me spiritually as much as the language and practice of God’s mercy.  Doing justice and loving kindness are both required, as the words of Micah 6:8 in our sanctuary make clear.  But for me, the practical examples of compassion in Matthew 25 are motivational.  The first of these is to feed the hungry.

In New Hampshire 119,990 people are facing hunger and of them 27,980 are children.  Hunger forces households to make choices between food and utilities like heat and electricity; food and transportation; food and medical care, housing and education.  For adults, hunger can complicate health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure.  For children, not having enough healthy food can have devastating effects on physical and mental health, academic success, and future prosperity.

This October, our Faith in Action Mission of the month is the New Hampshire Food Bank.  The only one of its kind in the state, the NH Food Bank works to provide nutritious food and resources to the food insecure.  It supplies millions of pounds of food annually to more than 400 partner agencies, including food pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, children’s programs, senior centers and more.  In turn, these agencies provide hunger relief to those suffering from food insecurity throughout the state.

Last year South Church donated $1,200 to the NH Food Bank, a combination of funds raised through our Christmas “Alternative Gift Giving” program and Faith in Action Ministry (FIA) discretionary funds.  Dedicated South Church members also fight hunger by serving meals at the Friendly Kitchen and by participating in the CROP Walk.

This month we encourage everyone to chip in via Sunday offerings in October, either in- person or online by going to our website, scrolling to the bottom, clicking on the “MAKE A DONATION” button, and choosing “Monthly Missions.” Or mail a check to South Church noting “FIA – NH Food Bank” in the memo line.  Thank you for demonstrating God’s loving kindness. -Susan Hatem

Celebrating 20 Years

It's not often that two staff members celebrate their twenty-year anniversaries within a week of each other, but it's happening here at South Church!  Twenty years ago, two young people joined our ranks:  Jed Rardin, our new Senior Minister, and Alison Nyhan, our new Youth Director.  None of us knew what the future would hold, or where God’s Spirit would lead us, but here we are in 2021, looking back on 40 combined years of ministry!  On Sunday, October 17, we will celebrate both of them in our worship services and at a special reception following the 10 a.m. worship in Fellowship Hall!  Please make a point of joining us!  To read a synopsis of their time at South Church, click here.

Outdoor Adventure

Join other South Church members on Sunday, October 27 at 2 p.m. for a local hike at the Weir Trail in Boscawen.  It is a beautiful 3 mile loop with many scenic sights. This is a great way to connect with other members in an informal way and embrace nature.  

For more information, contact Lorens Jorgensen.

Family Promise

We will be assisting Temple Beth Jacob located the week they will be hosting families in the program the week of October 31 to November 7.  Please mark your calendars as we will need assistance from you to make this happen and be a meaningful experience for the families in our care.  Opportunities include, preparing dinner and dropping it off at the church, serving dinner or breakfast and visiting with the families, as well as staying overnight.  Additionally, we will need assistance setting up the family space, moving their belongings to the next location and laundry services.  For more information contact Peggy Scott.  To sign-up to volunteer click here.  

Junior Service League

The Blue Duke Care Closet and the Junior Service League of Concord (JSL) are partnering together, and we need your help!  The Blue Duke Care Closet operates out of Rundlett Middle School with a goal of discreetly providing food and personal care supplies to students that are facing food insecurity.  JSL is a non-profit, volunteer based, women run, organization with a mission of helping women and children in crisis throughout Central New Hampshire.  Together we are collecting personal care items for the students that the Blue Duke Care Closet serves.  Items needed are tampons, pads, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and individually wrapped snack items.  There is a collection box in the side entryway available during the office hours or Sunday mornings.

Creatures of the Night

The Pembroke Town Library is hosting a “Creatures of the Night” on Saturday, October 9 at 1 p.m. in the library’s parking lot.  Meet live creatures of the night to learn surprising details of their adaptation that makes them well-suited for night life.  This event is free and open to the public.  For more information contact the library at 485-7851.  This event is presented by the Squam Lake Science Center.  Rain date is Saturday, October 16.

Greek Meals

The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is offering a pickup meal on Sunday, October 17 from noon to 1 p.m.  The meal will include half Greek lemon roasted chicken, rice pilaf, Greek salad and a roll.  The cost if $15.  You can order by email or on their website by October 13.  

Walker Series

The Walker Lecture Series grew from an 1892 bequest of $30,000 in the will of Abigail B. Walker, widow of Timothy Walker.  Attend the lecture on Wednesday, October 27 titled "Marlin Darrah Southern England"

Join Marlin Darrah, the world’s most traveled filmmaker, to see Southern England’s diverse cultural, historical, and scenic sites:  Southampton, the White Cliffs of Dover, Canterbury Cathedral, the Cotswolds, Stonehenge, Cambridge and Oxford, Big Ben, and the Parliament Buildings; Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, and more.

All Walker performances are free and open to the public; no tickets or reservations are required.  Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and doors open 30 minutes prior to programs.  All shows are held at the Concord City Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.  For a complete season schedule, visit their website.

Farmer's Market

The Concord Farmer's Market will be open on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon and is located on Capitol Street til October 30.  The event offers vendors that carry meat, eggs, dairy, fruit, vegetables, fish, honey, barley, maple products, plants, flowers, dog treats, and body care products.