We hope you are staying warm and safe in these often-frigid winter days. If you know anyone in need, please be in touch. And as always, we welcome into the warmth and fellowship of our sanctuary every Sunday– music, prayer, friendship and joyfulness. There is always time of fellowship time to follow (with excellent goodies!)

On Sunday, February 8th we will gather after worship to consider our long-standing mission statement asking if it ‘fits’ us today. We will be together for about an hour. I hope you will make time to come– we need many perspectives! Members and friends welcome.

These have been hard times financially for some as the cost of groceries, health care and other necessities increase– often dramatically. This is a list of resources for food and services that might be helpful to you or someone you know. Please be in touch if you are interested or know someone you know might be.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our beautiful Valentine’s Day gift bags which we will bring to Wellstone House this month.

+ Finding Grace – Our monthly support group for caregivers and those who grieve, Finding Grace, meets on the 2nd Thursdays. Our next gathering is Feb. 12th, 10:30- noon. This is a place to share stories in a confidential and safe setting, to pickup hints of grace and help others have found. It is a casual, ‘come as you are and when you can.’ Facilitated by Pastor Linda.

+ Our monthly worship with Wellstone House is held on the first Friday of every month. Our next visit will be on Feb 6th. Anyone who is interested in coming (we always need additional singers, even if like me you’re not very good), a scripture reader and just folks willing to show up to be with residents. Meet there at 1:45– we are usually gone by 3.

+ Several community groups meet in our building: AA groups, Adult Children of Alcoholics, and a Sunday afternoon craft group are all open to newcomers. Be in touch for more details.

+ We offer regular Bible study and fellowship activities. Our next study will be offered during the season of Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 18th. We have usually gathered on Wednesdays at 3:45, breaking for a simple supper together at 4:45. Watch for additional details.

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We have been officially welcomed into the NH Conference of the United Church of Christ, a decision voted positively upon at the congregation’s Annual Meeting Nov. 23rd. The UCC will assist the congregation’s pastoral search team in securing a new (permanent) pastor. In the meantime we are all invited to be formally welcomed at an event on Sat, Feb. 28th in Pembroke, 209 Academy Rd., NH. Our recognition will take place at opening worship at 9 AM and we are invited to help serve communion. A great day of workshops follows along with table fellowship and displays. AND, THERE IS NO REGISTRATION FEE, a welcome gift given to us this year! You may register now at: NH Conference of the United Church of Christ (tab Prepared to Serve) or you may call the office at 603 225-6647.

Elder members Mike Mertinooke, Marge Desjardins, Dana Zulager, Cilla Clements, and Lisa Storck always welcome feedback and input from the entire congregation.

We’d 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 warmest 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.

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.

                                                               Wellstone Worship is a blessing for everyone!