Cultural Information and Events

There is a lot going on in Manchester all year long. Below are some websites that will give you plenty of information about the city as well as a calendar of events about things that go on here.

In Town Manchester

http://www.intownmanchester.com

This is an organization that promotes downtown development and city life. They have a detailed calendar of cultural and civic events in the city.

City of Manchester NH

http://www.ci.manchester.nh.us

The official site of the city of Manchester

Hippo Press

http://www.hippopress.com

The Hippo is a free city paper that covers the city exclusively, including political issues, movies, local music and other cultural events.

New Life Home

New Life Home is a drug and alcohol rehabilitation home for women and their children. It provides a long term program in a loving, Christian environment and enjoys a very high success rate. George and Grace Rosado started the ministry in 1979 and have served there ever since. Visit New Life on the web at www.newlifehome.org. CTR holds monthly music classes for the children of New Life Home. This is an opportunity for the children at New Life to relax and have fun with their moms and/or children from other homes (aka, ours). It is also an opportunity for the moms to have a short break from their demanding schedule or to enjoy some time in a relaxed environment with their children. For more information on this ministry, call the church office at 603-622-1881.

History of Manchester, New Hampshire

Manchester was incorporated in 1810 as a textile center on the Merrimack River. The Amoskeag Manufacturing Company opened its first mill here in 1836. The company (and the city, which depended on the mills) thrived over the next 75 years. At its peak in 1915 when the last mill was built, Amoskeag was the largest manufacturing facility in the world, covering eight million square feet of floor space--equivalent to the World Trade Center. Unfortunately, after the first World War a combination of Southern competition, bad management and lower demand for textile goods cut into the company’s profits. A series of strikes drove the company into bankruptcy in 1936. From 1936 until the early 1980’s, the city was in serious decline. The mills stood largely empty, a silent testimony to thousands of shattered dreams.

Challenges

There are several elements contributing to a need for the gospel in Manchester at this time in history.

Population growth -

Manchester has grown more in the past 13 years than it did in the previous 50. There are relatively few evangelical churches in this city of 107,000. The gospel provides the answer for those searching for purpose in a new and strange place (Hebrews 11:8-9).

Religiosity -

Manchester is heavily Roman Catholic, but disenchantment with the church over recent scandals is high. Many Catholics do not attend mass regularly, if at all, and are searching for authenticity. The gospel takes us beyond religiosity and transforms us through a living relationship with Jesus Christ (Galatians 4:4-6).

Financial Struggles -

Because the median income is low and the cost of living is high, most households have dual breadwinners. This creates stress as families attempt to balance work, school and relationships. The gospel can break the desire for “upward mobility” that destroys families, the fabric of the city (2 Corinthians 8:1-4).

Racial and Economic Diversity -

In a city that was 91% white as recently as 2000, there are rapidly growing ethnic minorities; there are over 70 languages spoken in Manchester schools. Many established European ethnic groups have struggled to accept the changes. In addition, there is a division between the “old economy” blue collar manufacturing population and the “new economy” white collar professionals and executives. The gospel reveals that through the redemption offered by Christ, we can truly be one people in Him regardless of race, gender or economic status (Galatians 3:28).

Need for Mercy and Justice -

Despite the economic transformation of the city, many people have been left behind. There are illiterate adults and children, unwed mothers, families in crisis and a severe shortage of decent housing. The gospel sounds the call to God’s people to demonstrate the love of Christ through long-term relationships of mercy and justice to the poor (Micah 6:8).

Where to Go if You Need Help

If you are in need of financial or other help, please feel free to call our office 603-622-1881. The Salvation Army also has a vital role in meeting tangible needs in the name of Jesus Christ. Through programs like Kids' Café, Club 316 and seasonal outreaches, the Salvation Army is recognized widely as a charity that provides for the spiritual and physical needs of people in Manchester NH. 603-627-7013.