Pastoral Ministry

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2021-present Senior Pastor

First Congregational Church of Hanover, Mass.

In my tenure as Senior Pastor, with the help of the congregation, I was able to accomplish several important developmental projects which have stabilized the church and furthered the growth of the church in faith and numbers:

 

Worship -  attendance remained steady over the four years I served in Hanover. In that time, we took in 31 new members. 

 

Teaching Parish - instituted a teaching parish program. I successfully trained and supervised three theological students, two of whom are now ordained and serving SNEUCC churches. 

 

Technology - with the help of Rev. Eric Elley, installed a state-of-the-art livestream studio with 3 remote cameras and a new sound system. We have about as many people tuning in as we have in person.

 

Accessibility- raised funds and installed a new wheelchair lift for the education building, refurbished wheelchair ramps, and installed handrails to the chancel. 

 

Social Media and Publications - revamped and rebranded church publications and hired a public relations firm to handle social media.

 

Congregational Care - reconstituted the Called to Care team to assist with visitation. Also instituted a behavioral covenant for the church. 

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2018-2021 Pastor and Teacher

First Church of Monson, Congregational, UCC, Monson, Mass.

In June of 2017, a week before my ordination, I was called by unanimous vote to be the Pastor and Teacher of First Church of Monson, Congregational, UCC. In my first two years, in addition to preaching and pastoral care, I set about some developmental projects. These included revamping the website and new pew materials. Community engagement was a priority. These included making connections with the other 3 churches in town, the school system, and the town administration. The church grew a bit, taking in 14 new members. 

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In March of 2020, Covid19 became a thing. Click here to find a description of how the ministry of First Church changed.

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In the midst of this, the historic Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island conferences became the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ. I currently serve on the personnel committee of the conference, and as Moderator of the Pilgrim Association. 

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2014-2017 Minister

Quincy Point Congregational Church, UCC, Quincy, Mass. 

During the summer of 2014 when I was finishing my hospital chaplaincy program, I had been providing pulpit supply at Quincy Point, where I served as sabbatical minister the summer before. The pastor took an indefinite medical leave and I was asked to serve as the pastor during her absence. This was a tenuous time for the church. I was alone in the role for seven months, then the pastor returned on a very part-time basis. I continued to do the majority of pastoral care, administration, and worship planning as well as about half of the Sunday morning preaching. During this time several staff transitions occurred across the programs of the church, particularly in facility management and the music ministry. This period provided the church with stability and me with valuable experience in the role of pastor. I feel that the church is much stronger is now in a better space to seek a settled pastor who can lead the church into its future.

 

Nursing Home Minister

Wollaston Congregational Church, UCC, Quincy, Mass. 

Commissioned by the church to lead worship, preach and administer the sacrament of communion at the Eventide Home in Quincy. Provide visitation and pastoral care to about 15 elders who cannot attend this service.