We have just celebrated the holiest week in the Christian calendar and it was spectacular! From Palm Sunday to Maundy Thursday and then Easter morning– We followed the events of Jesus’ last week, coming to the tomb together then to the open garden tomb on Easter morning. The music was even more joyful than usual (thanks to Geneva and singers,) the children were lovely (thank you Susan & Dana for your careful planning for them.) Sunday we celebrated Jesus’ resurrection and the promise for each of us and all of creation. (More pics below.)

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Our abiding prayers are with the Massey family on the death early Sunday morning of their 38 year-old son, Matthew. May they know the love and grace of their community and of God’s presence in these first days of grief. We also hold close the Nottingham police officer shot in the line of duty. For the dozens of departments — municipal, state and federal that worked to keep our town and neighborhood safe we give thanks. They worked tirelessly throughout Saturday night and into Sunday.

If you know anyone in need, please be in touch. As always, we welcome long-time members and visitors into the warmth and fellowship of our sanctuary every Sunday at 10:30– broken hearts, healing hearts, searching hearts. Music, prayer, friendship and joy await them. There is always time of fellowship time to follow (with excellent goodies.) And please note that 211 NH is available for non-emergency assistance to find resources in your community for food, housing and more.

We present our newly adopted church mission statement: Our foundation is built on faith in the grace and love of God as revealed in Jesus Christ. Our mission is to engage in joyful worship, reach out in service to an ever-widening community, and to foster an open and welcoming fellowship for all.

+ Several community groups meet in our building each week: AA groups, Adult Children of Alcoholics, and a Sunday afternoon craft group are all open to newcomers. Be in touch with Lisa for details at lstorck0789@gmail.com.

+ We also have selected an Easter Outreach Ministry for this year. We assembled 15 Women’s Health Care Packs that will be distributed to those who have faced natural or human- made disaster. How welcome these are to those who have– in some instances — lost everything.

Thanks to all who donated goodies and packed!

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+ We officially entered into covenant by the NH Conference of the United Church of Christ, and were joyfully welcomed at the statewide Prepared to Serve event in Pembroke on Feb. 28th (a wonderful day of worship and workshops) Our pastor and four of our attendees assisted with Communion in the morning. What a joyful occasion!

The NH UCC will assist the congregation’s pastoral search team in securing a new (permanent) pastor as well as be available now to provide other resources our congregation may need or want. We will also offer our gifts to our partner churches throughout the Conference. On March 15th at a special congregational meeting the following nominations were voted to serve on the Pastoral Search Committee: Mike Mertinooke, Dana Zulager, Sharon Soles, Rob Roy, & Susan Bruhmuller.

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We would love to have you join us any Sunday morning at 10:30. Our choir sings! The congregation sings and prays (and sometimes laughs a little,) scripture is read and reflected on– and then we spend time over goodies visiting, listening and getting to know each other.

Consider this our heartiest invitation. Please feel free to bring a friend or family member. Every guest is welcomed with open arms. Worship lasts for about an hour.

Jesus depicted carrying home a single lamb, the centerpiece of our beautiful sanctuary stained-glass.

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WHO WE ARE

If this is your first visit here we offer a little background on who we are.

My name is Rev. Linda Lea Snyder and I serve this wonderful little church as part time interim pastor. Originally from Providence, RI I attended the University of RI and then, Andover Newton Theological School, receiving my Masters of Divinity degree in 1981. I now live happily in Nottingham on Lake Pawtuckaway. Kayaking, reading, my 3 grown children (and 2 wonderful grandsons) are, with ministry, my chief joys.

A little about the congregation…

The Congregational Church of Raymond (CCR), UCC is a small and growing community of faith made up of long-time members and new members as well as a number of guests. Together we find supportive fellowship, a place to use our gifts to make a difference, and to explore what I call “holy questions.” Worship is traditional and innovative. We offer a big tent and welcome different perspectives– believing each person explores and discerns their own path to faith. (Important note: our coffee/tea time after worship is one of the best parts of Sunday morning.)

  During this interim period between settled pastors CCR we are interested in learning the needs of our wider community. We are asking, “What are some of the ways our congregation might use its gifts to help in practical and spiritual ways right now? (If you are reading this and have an idea please be in touch with Pastor Linda, contact info below.) We are also enjoying a process of discovering our personal spiritual gifts– some we’ve known, others come as a lovely surprise.