About Us

 A Multi Denominational Christian Community Church

Progressive. Inclusive. Affirming.

The foundation and history of NCC is formed by three Protestant denominations: The United Church of Christ, The United Methodist Church, and the American Baptist Church. We welcome and affirm all people, regardless of denominational affiliation. As a community of faith we learn from one another and grow in our faith, acknowledging we are not all at the same place on our individual journeys of life.

We do life together; finding meaningful connection and purpose, building relationships that matter, serving others with love, and following the teachings of Jesus. We center on the “good news” of Jesus, with the knowledge that God is love and the awareness that faith is a journey that takes time.

Watch a Welcome from Pastor Patty!

Guiding Principles of Faith at NCC

  • God creates, seeks, and affirms all people with perfect, unconditional love.

  • God is still speaking through the Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church, and connecting a great diversity of faithful people.

  • God promises forgiveness and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, the presence of the Holy Spirit, mercy in trial and rejoicing, and life everlasting which has no end.

  • Holy scripture guides our faith and is taken seriously, but NOT literally.

  • We hold a deep belief in the centrality of the instruction to love one another, (John 15:17) within the teachings of Jesus Christ and promote values such as compassion, justice, mercy, inclusion, and tolerance in all workings of the church.

The NCC Covenant of Membership

We the congregation of Newmarket Community Church

Believing that we are called to experience and share the abundant love of God, as revealed in Jesus Christ, to seek the renewing presence of the Holy Spirit, and to manifest our faith according to the declaration of our own conscience, we join with one another in this sacred covenant.

Holding to the truth that we are all God's children and though we may differ in age, race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental abilities, theological perspective or any other distinction, we welcome all into membership.  We celebrate the sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism which serve to unite us as a community of faith.

We will endeavor to watch over one another with unconditional love, to remember each other in prayer, to aid each other in sickness and distress, and to cooperate in our spiritual efforts as we grow in our own faith journeys.  We further commit, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to contribute according to our abilities toward a faithful ministry and living our faith out into the world.

The NCC Constitution

NCC is a Christian church which operates for the people by the people. The NCC Constitution includes the church covenant, governance, and organizational structure which guides church leaders and members in all transactions of the church, with the help of God. 

You are invited to review the church constitution here. 

Inspired by God, NCC…

  • Creates Community by welcoming and affirming all people and sharing life together.

  • Brings God’s love into the world through community service, Sunday worship, and actions and words.

  • Offers praise and gratitude to God through faithful worship, fellowship, service, and stewardship.

  • Cares for and Serves each other, the community, and the world as a community of faith.

Our History

Newmarket Community Church (NCC) has been a fixture in Newmarket since its construction in 1828. The Church has been in continual use ever since as a house of worship, a sanctuary for celebrations of life and marriage, and a provider of vital community services.  It stands today as one of two churches in Newmarket, and the only Protestant church. The Church is deeply rooted in spiritual, social, and civic life in Newmarket, hosting the town’s food pantry, support groups, human services agencies, and community events.  The building, steeple, and town clock, which chimes every hour, make the Church a prominent downtown landmark and an integral part of Newmarket’s very identity.

The First Congregational Church  

Established in 1828, NCC was the First Congregation Church and Reverend David Sanford served as its first pastor. At inception the building had neither steeple nor vestry. Though humble, 400 citizens called it home. In 1840 the church steeple was added and in 1855 the building was raised and the the Fellowship Hall was added underneath.  Later that same year the organ was installed into the larger sanctuary. Its beautiful stained glass windows you see today were purchased in Portland, Maine and installed in 1928.

Read more about the early history of NCC and the mystery of the steeple tower at the Newmarket Historical Society website.

Meet The Team

  • Patty Mardsen

    Senior Pastor

    603-659-3892

    pastor@newmarketchurch.org

  • Dave Talmage

    Music Director

    603-659-3892

    oldtimedave@newmarketchurch.org

  • Deb Grochmal

    Moderator & Thrift Shop Coordinator

    deb.webstergrochmal@gmail.com

  • Elaine Pratt

    Worship Coordinator

  • Dan Bilodeau

    Treasurer

  • Venus Dempsey

    Financial Secretary

  • Steve Doherty

    Chair of Trustees

  • Bob Selfe

    Chair of Missions

  • Toni Weinstein

    Food Pantry Co-Coordinator

  • George Willant

    Food Pantry Co-Coordinator

  • Colin and Shirley White

    Church Sexton Team

  • Hillary Donnell

    Technology Specialist

  • Cole Hartnett

    A/V Technician

Planning an Event? Need a meeting space?

Let NCC be your host!

Located at 137 Main Street, Newmarket, the church has a full kitchen adjacent to a gathering space for about 200 people as well as three other meeting rooms and the church sanctuary.

To inquire about planning your event at NCC, please call the office at 603-659-3892 or email the church office at office@newmarketchurch.org.