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We serve Jesus Christ, maintain public worship, provide Christian education, and in every way possible seek to "Know Christ and make him known" and extend the kingdom of God in the community according to the Scriptures.
Andover Congregational Church
Rev. John J. Wagner, Pastor
Ms. Susan Emerson, Organist/Choir Director
Members lead and minister in many, many ways
Location: Franklin Hwy. (Rte 11) and Chase Hill Rd.
P.O. Box 211, E. Andover NH 03231
Church Office Phone: 603-735-5160
Email: andoverchurch@tds.net
Sunday Worship
9:30 am to 10:45 am
Refreshments and fellowship after the service.
Children's Sunday School during the service Adult Christian education classes often follow the service (see below)
Monthly Praise and Worship
7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Refreshments and fellowship afterwards
1) New Class after the worship service:
"Just Walk Across the Room"
The next era of personal evangelism is here...
And it's something YOU can do!
You'll learn how to:
Pick up your copy of Just Walk Across the Room, and accompanying participant's guide, and join us!
Location: In the Upper Room (balcony room)
Time: Sunday after worship at 11:00
2) The Truth Project: Begins Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 6:00 PM in the Grange Hall (right next to the church) with a meal together.
What the Truth Project is all about: "What is truth?" Pilate cynically asked Jesus before sentencing him to the cross.
Many do not believe in truth today. We understand that. What is not understandable, is that many Christians today do not know what is truth and after the emotional excitement of coming to faith in Christ and having some prayers answered, fall away because they have no foundation in God's Word to handle the intellectual challenges that come to them daily from an unbelieving world.
Don't build your faith on feelings alone! Be discipled; become transformed in your thinking for 12 weeks as exciting teachers present what God has revealed to us in his Word!
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Rom. 12:2)
Call the church office 735-5160 for details.
3) Alpha, the internationally known basic course in Christianity, begins another season Tuesday, September 30, 2008 with the Celebration Dinner, at 6:00 PM in the Grange Hall (right next to the church).
"Answering the Questions of Life"
What is the meaning of life? What happens when we die? How do I deal with guilt Is Jesus relevant for my life? Tough questions. Good questions. Important good questions.
Alpha gives people like you or someone you know a chance to ask questions like these in a safe, non-confrontational and friendly atmosphere.
Who is Alpha for?
Alpha is for everyone . . . especially for: People interested in investigating the Christian faith. Newcomers to the church. New Christians. Christians who want to brush up on the basics. People who want to get to know other people on a more serious level.
What Happens at Alpha?
Alpha consists of 11 weekly meetings which include a dinner, a talk and small group time. Talks cover such topics as: Who is Jesus? What about the Holy Spirit? What about evil? Why and how do I pray? How do I make the most of my life?
When and Where?
It all begins with an Alpha Dinner Party to be held September 30 in the Grange Hall from 6-8:00 PM. Call 735-5160 for registration and other details.
What People Are Saying about Alpha?
"I have faith whereas I didn't before"
"I've learned that there are no meaningless experiences in my life. God even takes the painful things and brings good from them"
"I made new friends"
"I found a new level of trust in church"
"I thought it would be too basic, but it wasn't"
"Thankful for the non-threatening, open-minded group leaders"
Please contact Linda Wickstrom for details 286-8695 or the church office 735-5160.
The Andover Congregational Church, located in the village of East Andover, traces its roots back to the original community Christian church in the Town of Andover. The first minister was called in 1785 and this present meetinghouse has been used for the worship of God for over 200 years. Times have changed but human nature and need hasn't, and neither has the good news of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God.
Andover Congregational continues to be a place in the town for all ages to find God and be in fellowship, worship and service through our Lord Jesus Christ. Here, we are called to make disciples and follow our Lord in compassion and mission to the world.
As a community church we seek to incorporate the best of several Christian traditions of worship in our Sunday services reflecting the diverse Christian nature of our membership. As part of our call to be disciples of Jesus we seek to teach the essentials of the historic, biblical Christian faith, while allowing for differences among believers.
This is not a place for perfect people, but for those who admit they are sinners, need grace, and want to change and grow. Visitors are expected; believers and seekers are always very welcome!
About the Meetinghouse
The meetinghouse of the Andover Congregational Church has been many things in the past. It is an integral part of the colorful history of the town, serving as the original location for meetings of citizens of Andover - whether it was a town meeting or electioneering or debates over slavery.
The meetinghouse is also an integral part of the history of the Christian Church in Andover. Christians here from the beginning have held services of worship in the meetinghouse, while it still belonged to the town - sometimes as Congregationalists sometimes as Baptists or as simply "Christians" - but often in a spirit of cooperation and a desire for Christian unity.
Today the meetinghouse is used by believing Christians from a variety of church backgrounds to worship and be discipled as followers of our Lord Jesus Christ.
ALPHA - A ten week course and weekend away examining the beliefs of basic Christianity.
Alpha is supper, teaching and discussion for seekers and believers.
Alpha which began in England has endorsements of Christian leaders from and is now held in churches of almost every denomination and around the world.
The next Alpha Course begins Tuesday, September 30, 2008 with the Celebration Dinner, at 6:00 PM in the Grange Hall (right next to the church). See above and please contact Linda Wickstrom for details 286-8695 or the church office 735-5160.
BETA - A course run in conjunction with Alpha lasting the same length of time as the Alpha course. Believers share in the Alpha meal and then break off into their own group for discussing issues facing Christians today.
The next Beta Course, "The Truth Project," begins Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 6:00 PM in the Grange Hall (right next to the church). See above or call the church office 735-5160 for details.
GROWTH GROUPS - Home fellowship groups start up as needed, they include prayer and fellowship and discussion of the Bible in a relaxed open atmosphere.
Currently:
In addition to Sunday morning Sunday School Andover Congregational helps sponsor two very lively and faithful outreach ministries for youth in our area:
Wyldlife for Middle schoolers, takes place at Andover Middle School weekly under the direction of Cathy Ellis with other help. This includes a lot of fun and some serious times of Christian outreach and discipleship.
Once a month a huge party is held at the school. Wyldlife Club meeting is a lot of fun and a good place to bring a friend. This program is specifically designed to meet the needs of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders seeking fellowship and FUN.
Please contact Cathy for ALL the details at 735-5025.
Young Life for High schoolers at Merrimack Valley Wednesdays after School under the direction of Cathy Ellis with other help. This includes a lot of fun and some serious times of Christian outreach and discipleship. Please contact Cathy for the details at 735-5025.
Teen Alpha has been offered in the past, and there is a desire a to have a youth fellowship program at the church. Call for details
Once a month a huge party is held at the Grange in East Andover to encourage fellowship questions and FUN.
Men's Breakfast - The men of the church meet in a home for a great breakfast followed by discussion concerning various issues facing a Christian man during the course of the week. Specific issues as well as theme based discussions are put forward either by the leader Johneric Wickstrom or another group member.
Members are contacted by email to confirm the location and discussion topics.
Small groups for older women and younger women have been held and will be again.
Currently there is the Women of Wisdom (WOW) held in the home of Muriel Hichborn. The focus is on the Christian faith in relationship to the various challenges facing women who may be widowed or in need of support. Call the church office 735-5160 for details.
Operation Christmas Child: A project of Samaritan's Purse.
At the end of November the Andover Congregational Church participates in the Christmas Child Shoebox Project, which has us filling shoeboxes with a variety of gifts that can include toys, school supplies, and hygiene items. These boxes are then delivered to a regional pickup center where they are shipped to the main headquarters run by Franklin Graham for distribution to needy children throughout the world.
Angel Tree: A ministry of Prison Fellowship
In December our Christmas tree is decorated with paper angels containing a boy or girl's first name, age, and gift idea. It is then that the Congregation is able to do what they love most and become a secret Angel to these children by purchasing items in the name of a parent or family member in prison. These gifts are distributed just before Christmas to the children.
Steve & Ja Whitney: Missionaries ministering at present with New Tribes Missions in Manila, the Philippines.
Singing to folks at Peabody Home, usually the 1st Sunday of the month at 1:30 PM.
The Andover Congregational Church has a diverse and lively music program involving both a formal choir and a modern band. There is particular attention paid to traditional hymns as well as a blending of modern contemporary Christian music.
Choir & Worship Team 6:30 & 7:30 PM Wednesdays in the church - All with gifts of singing or playing an instrument are welcomed.
Friday evenings Praise and Worship services uniting area Christians in contemporary praise, music, sharing, prayer, and teaching. We have experienced God's presence among us during these times. They point to the deeper reality of our unity in our Lord Jesus Christ and in the Holy Spirit.
Praise and Worship begins at 7:30 pm on the last Friday of every month usually in the Grange Hall. Call 735-5160.
Quarterly Gospel Concerts and/or Talent Nights as announced involving great music and fun and usually food before or after. Call 735-5160.
The church is along the highway on the corner of Rte. 11 and Chase Hill Rd. in the village of East Andover. You can't miss it.
For More Information or Questions: Call Pastor John Wagner at 735-5160 or email: andoverchurch@tds.net
