On Sunday mornings from September through May, we offer Nursery care, and an exciting, hands-on church school for those in grades K-5. Middle Schoolers meet twice a month for fun and service. High Schoolers meet throughout the year for local service, and to plan their annual mission trip. Our beautiful, fenced children’s park on the corner of Court and Vernon streets is a magnet for neighborhood children and families. All our programs adhere to safe spaces policies, including background checks for volunteers. Children and Youth programs are open to all!
Nursery Care
Sunday mornings from 9:00-11:00 a.m. (10:00 – 11:00 a.m. in summer) in our first floor “East Room.” Available for children aged 6 months – Kindergarten. Our trained, paid, and background-checked nursery staff provide a safe and creative environment for play and care. Stop by and visit our space anytime!
Church School
Sunday mornings from 10:15 – 11:00 a.m. in our first floor Church School Room. Available for children in Kindergarten – Grade 5 (September – June). Our background-checked adult volunteers create wonderful, hands-on learning activities for our special one-room church school. Children begin in worship at 10:00 a.m., then leave for class after a Children’s Message. Our approach is inclusive and multi-cultural, conveying that God’s love is known through our hearts and deeds.
Elsie Priest Park
Located on the corner or Court and Vernon Streets, our beautiful Children’s Park is the only fenced community play space in downtown Keene. Completely renovated in 2019, Elsie Priest Park is home to two play areas, shaded benches, beautiful gardens, a Little Free library, and whimsical features like hand-painted stepping-stones and child-friendly sculptures. During the summer months, we offer free family activities on Saturday mornings from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. This spring, we are creating two pollinator gardens on the site, perfect for community environmental education. We’re open to all from dawn to dusk. Come check us out! Parking is free in the Church Lot (Vernon Street) and Downtown (Sundays).
Family “Fun in the Park” Summer Program
July-August. Saturday mornings from 10:00-11:00 a.m. from July – August in our Children’s Park on the corner of Court and Vernon Streets. Join us as volunteers lead children of any age and their adults in crafts, games, musical, and other activities.
Little Free Library
Did you know UCC Keene has not one, but two Little Free Libraries, one in our park and one nearby on Court Street? Generous donations of books fill these kiosks for readers young and old to take home for keeps!
Blessing of the Animals
Each spring, we welcome the Keene community for a Blessing of the Animals. Bring your furry friend or a photo and join us in our fenced outdoor park as we bless and honor these important members of our families!
Middle School Youth Group
Led by adult volunteers and our High School students, Middle Schoolers meet twice a month to assist with Church and community service activities and enjoy fun outings! Contact us for a schedule of this year’s events.
High School Youth Group
More than any other group, COVID has impacted our High School Youth Group. As we begin to gather again, this group will be busy planning an annual mission trip, raising funds for this adventure, serving the Church and local community, and just plain having fun!
Confirmation
Individually or as a group, high school students may elect to spend a year working with a mentor to explore the contours of their faith and whether they wish to affirm their baptism through the Rite of Confirmation. This wonderful program forges lasting bonds of friendship between mentors and students and provides a unique opportunity for spiritual reflection during these formative years.
Horton Center Camp
Horton Center Camp and Retreat Center, a ministry of the NH Conference of the United Church of Christ, is located in the heart of the White Mountains, where spectacular beauty abounds. Experience God’s creation in this “thin” place between heaven and earth. Make new friends, explore your faith, take risks, have the time of your life. Come be part of the Horton Center family! At Horton Center we believe every person is a beloved child of God. We are dedicated to building and sustaining a community free of discrimination and harassment. We believe this is key to realizing our mission of developing faithful servant leaders within and beyond Christian summer camp.
Scout Troop 302
Scout Troop 302 has served the youth of Keene at The United Church of Christ for over 70 years. More than 35 scouts have achieved the Eagle rank in our troop, the highest accomplishment a scout can earn. We currently have 22 registered scouts in the troop and are growing! While we teach leadership and problem-solving skills, we are also a public service organization. Our motto, “Do A Good Turn Daily,” is evidenced in the many service projects we undertake. In alignment with the Church’s Open and Affirming policy, we welcome all, including those of every race, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and economic status. Whether it's service or adventure, new scouts are always welcome!
