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| Lois Happe |
In the Eastern Region, 15 of the 50 churches are being served by part-time pastors - some bivocational, some by choice. These congregations are challenged to engage in ministry that is more than maintenance or survival. The pastors of these churches are challenged to help their flock find their particular gift of faithfulness that meets their circumstances.
Members of Scotland Congregational Church have joined their pastor, Paul Doyle, director of Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic, by contributing hours of volunteer service to the important ministry there. First Congregational Church, UCC of New London has focused its efforts to minister to and with the homeless of that city, opening their doors to host weekly meals, welcoming their guests into their fellowship. Cathy Zall, their pastor, is also part-time director of Homeless Hospitality Task Force of New London. The gift of faith shines through the courage of the many churches that participate in ministry beyond their doors.
For more than ten years, Korean Christians on the University of Connecticut campus have gathered for Bible study, prayer, worship and fellowship in facilities provided by the Storrs Congregational Church. Serving mostly graduate students and their families, this new church start provides a haven for strangers in our midst. Through the inspired leadership of their pastor, the Rev. Hojun Chang, and committed lay leaders, the Korean UCC welcomes, supports, nourishes and educates those who come to their door, many new to faith, some with no faith at all. Theirs is a ministry of hope, sowing seeds of the gospel by demonstrating God’s love for each other and the wider world.
As a preface to the booklet that recounts the church’s journey toward the adoption of an Open and Affirming declaration, the First Congregational Church of Griswold cited Mark’s gospel: “The first commandment is, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31) With that text to undergird their discussion, the congregation concluded that love of God and love of neighbor meant adopting a policy of hospitality that included all who came to their doors. The statement they adopted on April 29, 2007 ends, “We promise to support one another in our personal struggles to understand and accept differences in one another and pray to strengthen our love and acceptance.” The gift of love shines through this church’s commitment to gracious hospitality.
In the past year, the gift of grace has been evident throughout the region. The graciousness of individuals who serve their churches, their associations, the Conference shines brightly and strongly. Graciousness is a gift I experience again and again in those who serve on the region’s Committees on Ministry. Through their caring, their diligence, their attention to the deep currents of the Spirit’s moving, they help shape and guide future leaders of our churches, sustain and support the clergy of each association, and encourage and celebrate the ministries of our congregations.
The gift of grace shines through the many persons who love and serve our churches and the Church. Thanks be to God!
