KeeneFBC

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, KEENE, NH

On Yom Kippur 2005, the members of Congregation Ahavas Achim met to observe the Jewish Day of Atonement in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Keene, NH.

Heavy rains and damaging floods had forced the congregation from the synagogue just before that High Holy Day this year. Water rushing over a dam destroyed much of the state’s infrastructure in the area surrounding Keene and killed a number of the area’s residents, resulting in the declaration of a state of emergency. Among flooded properties the synagogue building was inundated.

Worshippers from Vermont and across southwestern New Hampshire gather at Ahavas Achim. This year when the flood forced them from their building, at the invitation of First Baptist Church they gathered for Yom Kippur at First Baptist in front of the cross. Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein said, “It is strange for the Jewish community to be in the church. I said we need to look at it as a blessing."

“People were overjoyed to feel that this space could be used for other folks," said Pastor Mark Ferrin. "I said we could learn from our Jewish sisters and brothers to worship a little longer and they got a good chuckle out of that."

Congregation Ahavas Achim: http://www.keene-synagogue.org/

First Baptist Church of Keene: http://www.firstbaptistkeene.org/

Church World Service: http://www.keene-synagogue.org/

Pastor Mark Ferrin

First Baptist Church

105 Maple Avenue, Keene, NH 03431

Church Office: 603-352-0340

[ivymark@yahoo.com]