What’s Happening at Federated

We Welcome Our New Music Director  Mark Polifrone

On May 19, Mark Polifrone joined the Federated Church of Marlborough as Music Director. Mark will direct the church’s choir, coordinate and manage all weekly music selections and help in organizing any additional music needs.

Mark Polifrone is a graduate of Keene State College having his Bachelor Degree in Music Education. He has been teaching music in New Hampshire public school for more than 40 years. He studied Organ with Bruce Porter and Beverly Caldon at the UCC on Keene, NH. He is also a private piano, organ, and bagpipe instructor.

“We welcome Mark to our congregation and are so glad he will be sharing his extensive musical talents with us,” said Marge Shepardson, church moderator.

Mark has lived in Marlborough for more than 30 years.

Please join us in welcoming Mark into our community.

Save the Date

Joyful Noise Cafe – A Celebration of Music

June 22, at the Marlborough Community House     160 Main St., Marlborough, NH

3-5:30 pm – Community Sing. Everyone’s invited to this Community Song Circle. Bring a song to lead that everyone knows (or has an easy, singable chorus), or just come to sign along or listen.

5:45 – 6:45 pm: BBQ Chicken Buffet

7 pm: Concert featuring Lui Collins

with opening performances by Volkert Volkersz and Andy Davis

Folk singer/songwriter Lui Collins has been performing, writing and recording for over 40 years, earning international acclaim for her music. Her repertoire, accompanied on tenor ukulele and banjo, ranges from original and traditional folk songs and American standards to bossa nova in the original Brazilian Portuguese. She’s made 16 CDs, performed on others’ projects, and shared the stage with such folk-world notables as Tom Rush, Bonnie Raitt, and Stan Rogers. Lui’s concerts today are as memorable as ever. Whether you’ve enjoyed her recordings for years or you’ve just been introduced, there’s no better way to experience Lui’s music than at a live concert. Both solo and with Anand accompanying her, Lui’s concerts are intimate affairs. She interlaces her songs with stories about their background, her life, the weather – like a conversation with an old friend…with music.

Community sing is free to all

Concert: $15 Suggested Donation

Dinner: $15 Suggested Donation

Combo Dinner & Concert: $25 Suggested Donation

Tickets sold at the door.

All-Musical Service of Parting

Sunday May 19, 10 am

A special Farewell Service for Pastor Dana will be held on May 19 at 10 am. Conference Minister Gordon Rankin will be there to officially close Pastor Dana’s time of service to the Federated Church. Special music will be performed by Lucius Parshall, the band, Kota (Laurie Donohue, Paul Belanger and Suzi Brumaghim), the church choir, and others.

Federated Church Social Justice Team

Educational Forum: Gaza, Jerusalem, and the West: A Long and Complex History

Sunday March 17th, 3pm, Zoom

What is the history behind the current conflict in Gaza? Why is this region so complicated? How do we talk about the current war without promoting antisemitism or Islamophobia? This talk will give an overview of the long history of this region, highlighting diverse perspectives to clarify why the current conflict is so fraught, in the hope of fostering more nuanced and constructive conversations across religious, political, and ideological lines.                        Our presenter is Dr. Christine Shepardson, Distinguished Professor in the Humanities, Department of Religious Studies, and a member of the core faculty in Middle East Studies program at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Shepardson (Tina) is a Marlborough, NH native.  Her presentation will be approximately 45 minutes, with questions and answers to follow.  To participate people can paste/enter this link into your browser:  https://tiny.utk.edu/Gaza.Jerusalem A link to a summarized version of Dr. Shepardson’s curriculum vitae may also be pasted/printed into your browser and is printed here: https://religion.utk.edu/people/christine-shepardson/

Joyful Noise Cafe Music Series presents Scott Ainslie along with Kota and Lucius Parshall

Saturday, January 6th, 6pm, in the Sanctuary

In the midst of these challenging times the whole community is invited to gather together around music. For details contact the church office: office@federatedchurchmarlborough.org

Christmas Eve 7pm

Sunday, December 24th, in the Sanctuary

A traditional candlelight and music filled service as we anticipate new life within and among us.

Ladies Advent Soup/Bread Gathering

Wednesday, December 20th, 11:30am, in the Church Library

We’ll come to the table, break bread together and reflect on this season’s memories and hopes. 

All Community Sing Hosted by Local Musicians

Sunday, December 17th, 3pm – 4:30pm in the Sanctuary 

We’ll gather to sing and to listen to the songs of this season!

Social Justice Team hosts: Gender Identity 101

Sunday, December 10th, 11:15am in the Chapel

We’ll gather with presenter Nick Ferraiolo, who will share his own transition story in the corporate world and dispel common misperceptions about gender identity.  Participants will have the opportunity to ask their questions.