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Coming Events

49th Annual Antique Show and Sale
Fri & Sat
Sept 5 &6
Complete details here.

Rally Day
The First Congregational welcomes the kids back to Sunday School.  Join us and then stay for the pizza party and fellowship afterwards.
Sun Sept 14
10am
More information.

Santa Lucia Festival

Santa Lucia Festival

Come to the Parish House on Sunday December 9 from 3pm to 5pm for the traditional Swedish celebration of Santa Lucia day.  Hear the legend of Santa Lucia, see the Star Boys and Tomtens, snack on Lussekatter and other traditional Swedish treats, and then join in a round of Christmas carols.

In the spirit of Santa Lucia donations will be collected for SHARE.

Hope to see you there!

Here are a few pictures from past Santa Lucia Festivals held at the First Congregational Church - Santa Lucia 2005 and 2006

The Lucia Story

In Sweden, Santa Lucia’s Day, December 13, marks the beginning of the Christmas celebration. Lucia was a fourth-century Christian who was martyred under Roman Emperor Santa LuciaDiocletian.

Born to a prosperous family, Lucia promised God that if her mother were healed of a terminal illness, she would give up her worldly goods and care for poor Christians. After her mother’s divine healing, Lucia began her life of service. Lucia’s red sash, tied over her simple white dress, was the only memento Lucia kept of her former life.

The Lucia legend tells of her bringing food each night to other Christians hiding underground in the catacombs of Rome. So her hands would be free to serve, she is said to have worn candles on her head. It is said that she continued to care for the poor and needy even after her death.

When the Christianized Vikings heard of the Lucia tradition, they pictured her as a Queen of Light surrounded by a brilliant halo. Among the Lucia sightings, one was said to have occurred in the Western Swedish province of Varmland. Legend also tells of Lucia serving food and drink to the hungry in the midst of a famine. Her kindly care endeared her to the starving Swedish people.

Saint Lucia information furnished by Emmanuel Covenant Church, Nashua, NH