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Welcome!
East Hampstead Union Church
225 - 229 East Main Street
Route 121A
P.O. Box 109
East Hampstead, NH 03826
(1/4 mile south of Route 111)
(603) 378-0683
E-mail: ehuc@comcast.net
The East Hampstead Union Church is an Inter-denominational Christian Fellowship founded in 1897.
Our Staff
Paul A. Sweet, Pastor
Midge Fields, Accompanist
Marian Singer, Accompanist
Born in Tennessee, Marian Singer began performing in Ohio with a quartet at the age of seven. Her father singing tenor, and mother playing piano, stood her on a folding chair to reach the microphone. During her school years, she traveled extensively with a quartet that had a 30-minute gospel radio program broadcast Sunday mornings on WSIX in Nashville. They cut eight records and sang regularly with other quartets in Wally Fowler's all night gospel performances held at the Ryman Auditorium - the original home of "The Grand Ole Opry". After the quartet disbanded, Marian met her husband and moved to Alabama where she served as church organist and pianist, sang in church choirs, and performed at concerts, revivals and countless special events. The mother of two, grandmother of four, and great-grandmother of three now lives in Hampstead and is a member of the East Hampstead Union Church. With no formal music training in voice or piano, Marian plays by ear and acknowledges that, "Any gift I have is God-given, and I thank Him with a grateful heart!"
Worship Services & Fellowship
Worship Services - All are Welcome!
September through May - Sundays at 10:00 AM
June through August - Sundays at 9:30 AM
Communion First Sunday of each Month
Fellowship Hour and Refreshments after Services
Bible Study - Wednesdays at 10:00 AM (except during luncheons)
Our Sanctuary for worship services is accessible by a ramp.
Our basement Fellowship Hall for meals and events is accessible by a chair-lift.
Weather Alert
No weather alerts currently in effect.
Memorial Services
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Hazel E. Rogan, 98 of Sandown, NH, died Saturday, April 19, 2008 at her home. Mrs, Rogan was born in Derry, NH on June 18, 1909, a daughter of the late Herbert and Gertrude (Pillsbury) True. She was a resident of Sandown for over 50 years. Mrs. Rogan graduated from Pinkerton Academy in Derry and then Deaconess Hospital in Boston, MA in 1931 as a Registered Nurse and worked in that field until her retirement in 1957.
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She was an associate member of the East Hampstead Union Church, a member of St, Matthews United Methodist Church in Sandown, the United Methodist Women of the Church, the Sandown Grange for over 45 years and she was a Past Master, Friends of the Library, 60 Plus Club, the Historical Society, The Old Meeting House Historical Society Association, and the East Hampstead Ladies Circle. Mrs. Rogan enjoyed crocheting and making things for church fairs.
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She is survived by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert J. Rogan in 1941, six brothers, Richard, Clifton, Rudolph, Cecil, Roland and Edwin True and a sister, Eunice True.
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There are no calling hours. Following cremation, a graveside service was held Saturday, April 26th at 11:00 AM in the Forest Hill Cemetery, East Derry. A gathering of friends and family followed immediately after at the East Hampstead Union Church. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Information will be posted as it becomes available.
Our Mission
We are the East Hampstead Union Church, established in 1897 as a community church shared by people from different religious backgrounds. We are united by our common belief in the Lordship of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The founding principles of cooperation and faith continue to guide us in our worship today. Our mission is to help children of all ages to a better understanding of their relationship with God. Fulfilling our mission requires ministering to the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of our community and the world.
Our Congregation
Our congregation is made up of people from many different backgrounds. We work hard to respect and honor that diverse history. Therefore, we welcome members from a variety of denominations and understand that we are enriched by their histories. From time to time, we vary our worship service to reflect our rich background. We realize that all Christian faiths have something powerful and rich to contribute to our corporate worship.
Our diverse congregation includes people who have come from American Baptist, Congregational, Episcopalian, Greek Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Southern Baptist, United Church of Christ and other church communities. We are an affiliated member of the American Baptist Churches of the USA. Our pastor has served in various positions in Cumberland Presbyterian, Christian, Lutheran, and United Methodist Churches.
Our Book
We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, and we accept them as the ultimate authority for all matters of personal and corporate belief and practice. The Bibles in our pews, and the one from which the Pastor preaches, are the New International Version. Our original bylaws said, “It is the responsibility of all believers to interpret the Word of God for themselves.” That, of course, implies the need to know and understand the Scriptures. To that end, we offer a weekly Bible study, in addition to our Sunday worship services.
Our Government
The East Hampstead Union Church is governed congregationally. We have at least one meeting each year. At that meeting, members of boards are elected to represent the congregation during the ensuing year. Throughout the course of the year, major decisions are referred back to the congregation. The two primary boards of the church are the Deacons and the Trustees. The Deacons support the work of the Pastor and take responsibility for many aspects of the church’s spiritual life and worship environment. The Trustees’ main responsibilities include coordination of the care of our financial status and our physical environment. The Pastor is a voting member of all committees of the church.
Our Outreach
Each year we support four Missions Offerings of the American Baptist Church: America for Christ, One Great Hour of Sharing, World Missions and the Retired Ministers and Missionaries. We very actively support local food pantries, Heifer Project International, local animal shelters and many other organizations and individuals making a difference in the lives of people in our area.
Nearly every month we serve a public lunch and supper. Those meals help to provide fellowship opportunities and support to many in our community, particularly among the elderly. They also assist our general fundraising efforts. Many of our regular meal attendees consider us their church home or their center for support.
We make our church facilities available to organizations needing meeting space. We have hosted training sessions for Visiting Nurses, AARP Safe Driving courses, Easter Seals activity programs, Lions Club and others.
Our Commitments
Membership in the East Hampstead Union Church has two prerequisites:
1. All members must profess Christ as their personal Savior.
2. All members must have been baptized prior to or concurrent with joining the church.
Many in our congregation have taken the step of becoming members and formalizing their relationship with the church. They have committed to support the church and one another in the ways listed below:
1. With their Prayers – sharing the burdens of all members in prayer, during both public and private worship.
2. With their Presence – gathering together for worship with the congregation whenever possible.
3. With their Gifts – monetary, spiritual, and physical.
4. With their Service – assisting the church to do the work of the church within its confines and in the community.
Our Members
There are two categories of membership at the East Hampstead Union Church:
1. Full Members have no other church affiliation. They have joined the church either by transferring their membership from another church or through profession of their faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
2. Associate Members have joined the church, but also retain their membership in some other church. They are, therefore, members of at least two churches, ours being one. Most of the members who live in this area only part of the year, for instance, maintain relationships with our church and another church where they live the remainder of the year.
An opportunity to become a member of the East Hampstead Union Church is generally offered once each calendar quarter. Anyone seeking membership should call the Pastor at the Church Office.
Sunday School Enrollment
Applications are now being accepted for Sunday School in progress. Children ages 4 through 12 may be enrolled in the free half-hour class scheduled every Sunday during the worship service. Our Sunday School teachers are Mrs. Bonin and Mrs. Le Blanc. Call the church office for information.
2008 Meals & Events
The cost of luncheons is a freewill donation.
The cost of suppers is $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for children under 12, and no charge for pre-schoolers. Take out meals are available.
Proceeds from meals and events benefit the Mortgage Fund of this historic church.
Swedish Meatball Supper
Saturday, January 26, 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Soup & Sandwich Luncheon
Wednesday, February 6, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Spaghetti Supper
Saturday, February 23, 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Soup & Sandwich Luncheon
Wednesday, March 5, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Indoor Yard Sale
Friday. March 14, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, March 15, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Maundy Thursday Service
Thursday, March 20, 7:00 PM
Spring Penny Sale & Raffle
Saturday, March 29, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
at the Vic Geary Center, 18 Greenough Road, Plaistow, NH
Tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM
Doors open at 10:00 AM
Drawing begins at 7:00 PM
25 Penny Sale Tickets for $1.00
Over 300 Penny Sale Items, Gift Certificates, Door Prize and Raffles.
Good fun for the whole family.
Hot dogs, chips, popcorn, soda, cookies, desserts.
Soup & Sandwich Luncheon
Wednesday, April 2, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
American Chop Suey Supper
Saturday, April 19, 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Soup & Sandwich Luncheon
Wednesday, May 7, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Swedish Meatball Supper
Saturday, May 17, 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Yard Sale
Friday, May 23, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, May 24, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Donations of clean items gratefully accepted starting Monday, May 19.
Soup & Sandwich Luncheon
Wednesday, June 4, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, June 14, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Pancakes & Syrup, Scrambled Eggs, Orange Juice and Coffee
$5.00 per person, $3.00 for children under 12, pre-schoolers eat for free
Ham & Bean Supper
Saturday, June 21, 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Soup & Sandwich Luncheon
Wednesday, July 2, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Fifth Annual Victorian Tea
Saturday, July 19, 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM
Rain or Shine
Advance purchase tickets recommended. $10 per person.
Call Joan at 603-642-7174 for tickets.
This year: The 11:00 AM seating will also feature a Prince & Princess Tea Party for children ages 4 to 10. Children are invited to dress up as their favorite prince or princess. Tickets are $5.00 per child and advance purchase is recommended.
Soup & Sandwich Luncheon
Wednesday, August 6, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Yard Sale
Friday, August 15, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, August 16, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Spaghetti Supper
Saturday, August 23, 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Soup & Sandwich Luncheon
Wednesday, September 3, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Four-Course Greek Sampler Supper - Fundraiser
Saturday, September 20, 6:00 PM
Tickets are $15.00 per person by advance purchase only.
Soup & Sandwich Luncheon
Wednesday, October 1, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Autumn Penny Sale & Raffle
Saturday, October 18, 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
at the Vic Geary Center, 18 Greenough Road, Plaistow, NH
Tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM
Doors Open at 10:00 AM
Drawing starts at 7:00 PM
25 Penny Sales Tickets for $1.00
Over 300 Penny Sale Items, Gift Certificates, Door Prize and Raffles.
Good fun for the whole family.
Hot dogs, chips, popcorn, soda, cookies, desserts.
Christian Music Concert by Marian Singer
Saturday, October 25, 7:00 PM
Freewill Offering Benefits the Mortgage Fund.
Refreshments following the concert.
Annual Christmas Fair
Saturday, November 8, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday, November 15, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday, November 22, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Crafts, Knit items, Crocheted items, Tatted items, Home and Holiday Decor, Baked Goods, Light Luncheon, Cookie Walk
Soup & Sandwich Luncheon
Wednesday, December 3, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
2008 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Wednesday, December 24, 4:00 PM
Freewill Offering will benefit the Retired Ministers and Missionaries
Dates & times are subject to change. Please call the Church Office to confirm.
Our History
Built in 1897 by the members of a local Aid Society, the church continues to serve the community as an inter-denominational Christian fellowship to the present day.
The first pastor of the church was Rev. Reuben E. Bartlett, and members of the Aid Society included names that remain familiar in our community such as Allen, Carter, Clough, Darbe, Graves, Johnston, Kimball, Leighton, Pillsbury and Williams.
The Mortgage Fund
The East Hampstead Union Church is raising funds to help accelerate the settlement of the outstanding mortgage principal of $10,000. In June 2000 we purchased the house and property adjacent to the church and named it "Faith House". The installation of a parking lot helped improve the safety of our facility. Our goal is to settle the outstanding principal by December 31, 2008. We welcome your support through donations and attendance at our fundraising events to meet this challenging goal. Members of the community are invited to join in supporting the project by donating funds in memory or in honor of loved ones. Tributes received will be listed in the church bulletin on Sunday, July 27.
If you would like to make a contribution in honor or in memory of loved ones, please mail your check payable to the East Hampstead Union Church at P.O. Box 109, East Hampstead, NH 03826.
Annual ABC Mission Offerings
America for Christ Offering - 1st Quarter
Supports a variety of ministries in America that share the good news of Jesus Christ with people hungry for spiritual fulfillment. Programs include childcare for homeless families, gang alternatives for youth, Christian witness in government, camping programs and establishing new churches.
One Great Hour of Sharing - 2nd Quarter
This fund enables emergency relief, refugee work, disaster rehabilitation, and development assistance on behalf of many Christian denominations including the American Baptist Churches around the world and here in the United States.
World Missions Offering - 3rd Quarter
International Ministries proclaims the Gospel in word and deed, seeking to make disciples of Jesus Christ by supporting missions to, from and within all six continents.
Retired Ministers and Missionaries - 4th Quarter
Supports services to retired American Baptist ministers and missionaries through programs, pension funds, hospitals and retirement homes around the country.
The collection from the Christmas Eve Candlelight service will benefit the Retired Ministers and Missionaries Fund.
Silver Shovel Schedule
Sincere thanks to everyone that helped with snow clearing during the winter of 2007 - 2008.
Quotes from Our Congregation
"When I walked through the door, I felt the presence of God.”
“People genuinely care about you here.”
“I was raised to be terrified of God; here I feel God’s love.”
“For the first time I understand that Jesus loves me and died for me – ME!”
“I wanted to be part of a community of Christians. We do so much more together than we could ever do by ourselves.”
“We come here to celebrate the love of God. We’re not berated for our inadequacies.”
“That big emptiness I used to feel is filled now – with love for God and for others.”
“We’re all trying to do the work of the Lord – as it should be done, not because it has to be.”
“I was lost and falling apart. For the first time I felt welcomed; I fell in love.”
“We have a common mission, keeping this church growing. There’s so much love for the church and each other.”
“We’re a flock of members that really care about the community.”
“I never felt the peace of the Lord so much before I came here.”
“We listen and we pray and we’re encouraged to participate.”
“Anybody looking for love and fellowship belongs here.”
“It’s so nice to be able to laugh together. Now I know that Jesus really did smile, and it’s OK for us to do that, too.”
“The Bible was always confusing to me. I’m so glad it’s making more sense to me now. I’m glad to know it applies to me now – not just to some people thousands of years ago.”
“This is the most welcoming, loving and caring bunch of church-goers I’ve ever known.”
“It’s so comforting to know that if I have a need, I can count on people to pray for me.”
“I sure do love my church family. I don’t know what I’d ever do without them.”
Last updated April 29, 2008.