Dunbarton Congregational Church

(United Church of Christ)


Activities

Food pantry
Food Pantry and Community Assistance

Food Pantry: The Dunbarton Congregational Church maintains a food pantry for Dunbarton residents, located on the second floor of the vestry. It is stocked with non-perishable food items and toiletries.

Community Assistance: We also administer the Dunbarton Community Assistance Fund, which provides residents with one-time assistance for utility bills and unexpected critical needs.

Monetary gifts to support either of these community programs are gratefully accepted. For assistance or more information, call our church at 603-774-4601 or email us at info@dunbartonucc.org

Prayer Shawl Ministry

KISS – Kindness in Simple Stitches

Our prayer shawls are lovingly knitted or crocheted and provide comfort to congregation members, Dunbarton friends who are ill or in need of support, and patients at the Concord Hospital.

Our knitters meet on Friday evenings from mid-September through May, and no knitting experience is necessary to join us! The group welcomes newcomers in this meaningful ministry.

Potluck dinner
Food for Thought Dinners

Our popular potluck dinners are held occasionally throughout the year in our vestry. Each gathering features a guest speaker or special presentation on topics selected by attendees. These community meals offer both nourishment and engaging conversation while strengthening our connections.

For more information or to suggest future presentation topics, contact us at info@dunbartonucc.org

Book Club

Our popular 'Beyond the Book' group, established in 2018, brings together readers of varied ages and religious backgrounds from throughout the community.

Members collectively choose the reading list—one book per month—and meet at 7 PM on the first Thursday of each month, primarily through video conferencing with occasional in-person gatherings. Our selections include both fiction and non-fiction works across diverse genres. We take turns facilitating discussions, welcoming all viewpoints and respecting everyone's contributions.

For questions, to see our current reading list or request a meeting link, please email Pastor Robert at pastor@dunbartonucc.org

Ladies game night
Ladies Game Night

Game Night welcomes all interested women on the first Friday of each month. We begin with a potluck supper from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, followed by games and laughter until 9:00 PM. This relaxed gathering offers a wonderful opportunity for fun and connection in our community. No experience necessary—just bring a dish to share and your enthusiasm.

Roadside Cleanup

Since 1995, our church and community members have proudly participated in the State of NH's Adopt-a-Highway Program, caring for a two-mile stretch of Route 13. Our designated route extends approximately1/2 mile south of the church and 1-1/2 miles north. We conduct four cleanups annually—in April, June, August, and October—typically collecting 20-30 bags of trash each year. This volunteer effort is a wonderful way to beautify Dunbarton, enjoy some outdoor exercise, and care for our environment together.

To join our next cleanup, please call the church at 603-774-4601 or info@dunbartonucc.org for schedule information.

Special Holiday Activities

Food Baskets

Our congregation and friends come together to provide Thanksgiving food baskets for Dunbarton families needing assistance. Collected donations fill these special holiday baskets, which families can pick up by appointment at our vestry. This caring tradition helps approximately 15 local families celebrate each year with a proper holiday meal.

To learn more about this activity, please contact the church at 603-774-4601 or info@dunbartonucc.org.

Christmas concert

Holiday Concert

Each December, our music director Lizz Ferdina and many musical friends and volunteers create a wonderful holiday concert that fills our historic church in the heart of Dunbarton. These joyful performances bring together diverse musical talents from our community, featuring seasonal favorites and festive sing-alongs that celebrate the holiday spirit.

The concert has become a cherished tradition that draws a packed audience each year.

For upcoming concert information, keep an eye on our Newsletter or Facebook page for dates and performance details.

Operation Secret Elf

The Secret Elf program, a grassroots effort our church began in 1995, supports Dunbarton families during what can be a financially challenging holiday season. Now operated by a dedicated team of community volunteers with church support, this program provides children's gifts for families who choose to participate. Families pick up their carefully selected presents by appointment at our vestry.

Each year, the program typically assists around 12 local families, bringing holiday joy to children through gifts ranging from small toys to more substantial items like bicycles or winter sports equipment.

Entangled Strings, Spireside performers
Spireside Open Mic

Our Spireside Coffee House, a traditional open mic night that debuted in May 2010, has become a beloved community gathering showcasing diverse musical talents, storytelling, and poetry.

This popular 'evening out' attracts performers and audience members from near and far. Held in our church building on the 3rd Saturday of each month, the music starts at 5:00 PM and continues until everyone has shared their talents.

Sign up to share your musical gifts, play an instrument, or read poetry in our warm, supportive space. Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, soup, and snacks while connecting with neighbors and friends. This free event has a suggested donation at the door to help support our ongoing community programs.

Follow the Spireside Facebook page or visit www.community-dunbarton.org/spireside-coffeehouse for more information and upcoming dates.