Who We Are
Welcome to New Rye Union Congregational Church, where we come together to worship and grow in the name of Jesus Christ.
At New Rye Church, we offer weekly worship services, Bible study, and a variety of other programs and events throughout the year. We are committed to providing a warm and welcoming environment for all who seek to grow in their faith.
We believe that church should be more than just a place to go on Sunday mornings - it should be a community of believers who support and encourage each other in their journey of faith. Whether you are a lifelong member of the church or just exploring the Christian faith, we would love to welcome you to New Rye Union Congregational Church. Come and see what we're all about!
New Rye Church is known as the “Friendly Little Church on the Hill.” We are a historic congregation, having celebrated our 250th anniversary in 2011. We are also a member of the United Church of Christ. Throughout our 250-year history, the principles of the Christian faith have sustained this congregation through all of the perils and triumphs that two-and-a-half centuries can bring!
The center of that faith is that: “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself.” (II Corinthians 5:19). This faith is expressed very pointedly in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever should believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Here at New Rye, we welcome everyone who seeks the unity that Christ can bring! This is reflected in the various paths that the people of New Rye Church have taken on their spiritual journeys. Our members include people from American Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, and other backgrounds, unified by faith. We truly believe in the Biblical admonition: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace, (for) there is one body and one hope… one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:3-6)
Whatever your spiritual background, we invite you to become a part of our spiritual journey here at New Rye Church!
Welcome!
What We Offer
Weekly Sunday Service
Our Sunday Worship Service is at 10 AM. At the end of service, all are invited to gather in the fellowship hall for fellowship and refreshments.
Special Services
Our church also holds special services throughout the Christian Calendar Year, which include Advent, Christmas (with a candlelight service on Christmas Eve), Ash Wednesday, Lent, Palm Sunday, Easter, and Thanksgiving. An additional special celebration is held on Memorial Day Sunday when we worship at the Old Allenstown Meeting House in Bear Brook State Park, a building that has special significance in New Rye Church’s 250-year history.
Choir
Our church choir may be small, but we are a dedicated group, led by our music director Richard Cowing. We provide an Anthem during the weekly Sunday service. We welcome new members - rehearsals are Thursdays at 4 PM!
Bible Study
To strengthen our faith and our understanding of the bible, we welcome anyone in our church or community to join us for for our weekly Bible Study, held Thursdays at 10 AM in the church fellowship hall. Friendships and faith are enhanced through lively discussion!
Leadership Board
Our Leadership Board is comprised of the Minister, Board of Deacons and the Trustees. Issues, projects, and troubleshooting are brought to this board where decisions are made regarding worship and finances. Our board is active!
Missions
Our church supports missions through the offerings of “One Great Hour of Sharing” and “Neighbors in Need”. We donate to to the local Epsom Food Pantry. We support the Shoe Box Project annually, where we fill multiple shoe boxes with everyday items to go overseas, spreading the word of Jesus Christ. Together with American Legion Post 112, the church sponsors Boy Scout Troop 80 by providing them with the school house building for their use.
Ladies Aid
The New Rye Church Ladies Aid meets in fellowship each month to plan and accomplish various projects and fund-raisers to support the church and other charities.
