Eastern Regional Association

August 2025 Newsletter

Pastor Spotlight

Rev. Tom Loghry (MA Theology; MA Ethics & Society, GCTS) is the pastor of Rockland Community Church in North Scituate, RI. He spent the first part of his childhood at RCC, returned as a member of the pastoral staff in 2014, and was called to the position of senior pastor in 2021. Tom also serves as the ACGC Recording Secretary, chair of the Heritage Conference ministerial committee, and is counted among the leadership of the Restoration Network. 

I think there might be no temptation more covert than despair. It so easily creeps alongside both those young and old in the faith whenever discouragement arises. In those moments our hopes are laid bare. You have certain hopes for your family and your church, some innocent vision of their future good. But then things don’t turn out as you hoped; in some cases, circumstances become truly awful.

It is then that despair crouches by your side – despair, the complete evaporation of any and all hope. To despair of hope is to despair of happiness; hope is the anticipation of greater and eventually complete happiness. In such moments, we come to truly know ourselves. If the frustration of these varying hopes leads to despair then we know that our hearts are convinced that our happiness is determined by these things; good things perhaps, but not God.

We do hope for a world made well (e.g. Romans 8), but there can be no happiness for us even under perfected terrestrial conditions until our hearts find their eternal joy in God himself. While we must await a new earth, nothing prevents us from seeking this happiness in God even now in the face of disappointment. In his Confessions (10.22), St. Augustine explains the substance of the happy life in God,

“For there is a joy not granted to the wicked but only to those who worship thee thankfully – and this joy thou thyself art. The happy life is this – to rejoice to thee, in thee, and for thee.”[1]



It is one thing to understand this and another to actually believe that our happiness is found in rejoicing in the Lord. Of all your pursuits, none will actually bring you a happy life except worshipping God – do you believe this? Open your heart and mind to Paul’s example in Philippians 4 [ESV} as he tell us, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice”, and then says of himself, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” We turn back the tides of despair and come to share in Paul’s contentment when we join him in rejoicing in the Lord - not just in the good times, but always.

[1] St. Augustine, The Confessions, 2004 Hendrickson Publishers, p. 208

BICS Update

The Berkshire Institute for Christian Studies is thrilled to welcome the Class of 2026, who arrived in the Berkshires on Sunday, August 24. This year’s cohort – our largest in more than a decade – consists of 14 students (6 women and 8 men) from as far away as Georgia and northern Maine. We’re especially grateful to see the legacy of BICS continue, with 5 students who are children of alumni and 6 who have siblings that previously attended.

Our theme for the year is “Take Heart,” drawn from Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” This theme calls students to a confident trust in God, even in the face of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. Despite the ever-changing circumstances of life, God invites us to find strength and courage in Him and in the promises of His Word.

We are confident that, as with every class before them, the Lord will use this year of discipleship in community to be profoundly transformative for each student. Through their time at BICS, they will be grounded more deeply in the truth of God’s Word and better prepared for Kingdom service in whatever way God leads them.

Ordination of Rev. Ciprian Droma

Ciprian Droma, missionary, was ordained into Christian ministry on August 23, 2025, by the New Life Conference. Ciprian and his wife Eve (Kulberg) are currently in the United States in order to pursue their doctorates (Eve, in language studies & Ciprian in music) and to secure medical care for their Downs Syndrome daughter. Ciprian is interim pastor at the United Church in Blandford, MA. Ciprian and Eve are members of the Vernon (VT) Advent Christian Church.

Rev. Dr. Jim Caron, pastor of Faith AC Church in Plainville, CT, and Chairman of the New Life Conference Ministerial Committee, emceed the meeting & led the time of laying on of hands & prayer for Ciprian (& Eve). Ciprian played and sang the hymn, “How Great Thou Art.” Rev. Derek Irvine, pastor of Vernon AC Church and President of the New Life Conference, gave the charge to candidate from II Timothy 2. Rev. Bruce Burks, a member of the Ministerial Committee, gave the keynote address, from I Peter 4:11.

All ordained clergy present, including a Romanian pastor from Enfield, CT, joined in the ordination prayer, with each one taking his turn to pray for Ciprian and Eve.

Rev. Ciprian Droma closed the service with a few remarks & the benediction. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

2025 ERA Convention

ACGC International Missions Update

Manna in Maneadero

Craig Libby, Latin America Area Director

MEXICO – Just outside the main area of Maneadero, Mexico, along a dusty road, sits a small building with an attached porch—a humble place that brings healing and hope to some of the community’s most vulnerable residents. That small building is “Torre de Salvación,” an AC church started by Pastor Jaime. Although Pastor Jaime passed away a couple of years ago, the church continues to thrive as it is led by his wife, Pastora Theresa, and their son Omar. The church’s heart has always been to share the gospel of Jesus Christ...(read more)

ACGC Updates

ACGC Kids and Teens Story Contest

Encourage Young Writers in Your Church!

Do you know a young writer with a big imagination and a heart for God? We’re excited to announce our Kids Story Contest! Children and teens can submit a short story for a chance to be published in our 2026 magazine.

Two categories are available:

• Ages 8–11: Animals of the Bible – Tell a Bible story from the perspective of an animal.
• Ages 12–16: Following Jesus When It’s Hard – Share a story about choosing to follow Jesus even when it’s difficult. (More Info)

Christmas In October

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). Each fall, ACGC invites churches to take part in a special fundraising effort to bless those who serve Christ around the world — our missionaries and global ministry partners.

Through Christmas in October, we have the opportunity to express our gratitude and encouragement with tangible gifts. The financial support collected during this campaign provides Christmas gifts for active and retired missionaries as well as partners in ministry. It’s a powerful way to say “thank you” and remind them they are not alone in the work God has called them to do.



Many of these faithful workers labor in challenging environments, sacrificing time, comfort and resources to bring the gospel to others. Your church’s participation helps sustain and uplift them in their service.

Click the link for more information and to order material for your church. (More Info)

Explore Missions Coming to New England

Ministry Training Institute Seminar

HELP THE GRIEVING



You're invited to attend MTI's Fall Seminar, sponsored by the Ministry Training Institute, on November 6 at 6:30 pm. This fall's topic will focus on how to walk alongside grieving families and navigate the practical and pastoral aspects of funerals. While geared towards pastors, this seminar will also be valuable for elders, deacons and church leaders who assist with pastoral care. The session will be led by MTI Year 2 Coordinator Matt Rice and his father, Rev. Glenn Rice. Matt has served in ministry nearly five years, and Glenn brings over 40 years or pastoral experience from churches across New England. The evening will include dialogue, Q&A and personal stories that make the topic both practical and relatable. Topics will include:

• Meeting with families during the grieving process
• Planning a meaningful funeral service
• Navigating relationships with funeral homes
• Involving the broader church in care and follow-up
• How Advent Christian distinctives inform our approach to death and hope

Whether you're regularly involved in funerals or want to be prepared to serve well when the time comes, we hope you'll join us. Email Mike Alix at malix@acgc.us to register.

Free Hymnals

Free hymnals for the taking. Meetinghouse Village in Kittery, Maine has about 55 to 60 Sing to the Lord hymnals and 1 accompanist hymnal. They are in very good condition. If you are interested in having these hymnals please contact Penny (207-439-7280) at Meetinghouse Village.  

ANTIOCH BASED LEADERSHIP TRAINING FUNDS AVAILABLE

The ERA has available funds to aid our churches in their Antioch Based Leadership Training. These funds are available for attending the BILD International in Ames, Iowa, purchase BILD curriculum, and First Principles. If these funds can be of help to your church please send a request for funds to the ERA Treasurer, John Jones. His email address is: pastorjoj@gmail.com.

Eastern Regional Association

P.O. Box 214 Winchester, NH 03470