Conference Minister Corner

Rev. Sara Marean, Assoc. Conference Minister

Last Tuesday morning the texts started to trickle in. ‘How are you?’ ‘Thinking of you’ ‘Sending love’. At first I was confused. Why, suddenly, all the love? But then I saw the news of an Executive Order called ‘DEFENDING WOMEN FROM GENDER IDEOLOGY EXTREMISM AND RESTORING BIOLOGICAL TRUTH TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’.

Many of us, probably most of us, either identify as trans or non-binary or are closely connected to someone who does. And this order denying our trans community dignity, recognition, even existence, in the eyes of our government is a deep personal blow.

Yet, as lovely as all those text messages were, it wasn’t until I heard a sermon by the Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, who shared a simple plea, that the tears began. “In the name of our God” she said, “I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now”. It was her display of courage, her strength in reminding those in authority of the Christian virtues of compassion and mercy, that gave me hope. I know many of you followed her lead this past Sunday.

Friends, if there ever was a doubt in your mind, I hope you know now that what you do matters, deeply, to families like mine and to millions and millions of others across the nation. I, for one, am incredibly grateful for your courage and commitment, for the gospel message of inclusive love that you share each and every Sunday. And my door, as well as my heart, is always open to you.

With you on this journey,

Sara Marean, Associate Conference Minister

IRSG Statement In Response to DHS Actions

Boundary Awareness Training for Retired Ministers -- Wednesday, March 19, 1:30 – 4:30pm ET, Maintaining healthy boundaries is challenging at any stage in ministry and it is particularly tender and difficult attending to boundaries as we transition out of our last call, and while in retirement. "A Sure Foundation", "The Ministerial Code" and Rev. Dr. Bruce Epperly's new book, "The Jubilee Years" along with case studies, will provide the content of this training. Join Rev. Tara Barber and Rev. Melanie Oommen for this focused Boundary Awareness Training for those entering and living in retirement. Note - Participants must be able to use zoom chat and breakout room functions.

January 2025 - Christian Formation Ministries News 

Read the 2025 edition of Christian Education News, Meet our team and peruse the carefully curated faith formation resources here.

The CFM team is excited to support churches throughout the NHCUCC community to inspire and provide opportunities for children, youth and adults to nurture and grow their faith. We recently shared our belief that it is important for all church attendees, regardless of their age, to have multiple opportunities to explore and learn about their faith.

We have a monthly newsletter that will give your ideas, curriculums, and a variety of other resources. Please subscribe by clicking here.

With all that in mind, a visual of Christian Formation Ministries' purpose came to mind and we brainstormed together and designed a logo that demonstrates our vision.  

CFM - Christian Formation Ministries is rooted in faith; our responsibility, as Christian Educators, is to plant seeds, provide opportunities and to inspire others to fly and spread those seeds of Christ’s love far and wide. Thus our logo. A seed of faith is planted in faith then nurtured and with faith and love the bird takes flight sharing Christ’s love far and wide. 

All are invited to stop by our table at Prepared to Serve. Give us your ideas, your needs, what you need from us. We are creating a contact list of people we can send notices and our newsletter to - please come sign up and see ways you and your church can plant a few seeds and share Christ’s love. We have ideas and would love to hear more about individual churches' needs. Look for our logo!

The Rev. Dr. Deborah Roof has announced her resignation as Senior Pastor and Teacher of First Parish Congregational Church, UCC in East Derry and her retirement from active ministry. Her last day in East Derry will be May 18, 2025. There will be a celebration of her ministry on May 4 from 2-4 at First Parish.

The Rev. Dr. Dana Mann has been called to serve as Pastor and Teacher of First Parish Church, Congregational, in Dover. The Carroll-Strafford Association will hold a Service of Installation for Rev. Dr. Mann on February 9, 2025.

The Rev. Rachelle Eaton has been named Transitional Pastor of First Congregational Church, in Wilmot. Rev. Eaton began her ministry in Wilmot on January 19, 2025.

February 2nd, 2025

Rev. Rankin will be preaching at the Congregational Church of Hooksett.

Rev. Marean will be preaching at the First Congregational Church of Walpole, UCC where the Rev. Richard Malmberg serves as Pastor and Teacher.  

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