When I arrived as your pastor some six plus years ago, the church had just completed a “Star Search” visioning process. You, the members and friends of this church, identified as the top priority “Reaching out to our wider community.” The most tangible example of our implementing this vision has been our local work camps and the connections made and relationships begun with our friends at Catamount Hill Cooperative. Initial considerations have begun for once again conducting a local work camp in the summer of 2015, and a feasibility meeting will be announced soon.
While on sabbatical this summer, those attending the church picnic engaged in a visioning exercise which, among other things, reaffirmed our call to continue reaching out to the wider community. Meanwhile, during my sabbatical prayers and meditations, I felt called to reconfigure pastoral office hours upon my return so as to begin experimenting with holding office hours out in the community as well as at the church. Working with the Ministry Council and Trustees I am implementing a “trial run” of having some of my office hours held at Dunkin’ Donuts in Allenstown and at the Rock On Diner in Suncook Village this November. Ideally some of you who are available during the day might intentionally come and sit with me, as support and witness to our church’s commitment to the community. Additionally I am scheduling some late afternoon and evening office hours, so that those working can connect with me and so that I can have greater involvement and visibility in our scout programs. Finally, I have arranged the office hours to minimize conflicts with the meeting times of other regular commitments (clergy prayer, bible study, NH UCC “New thing” Task Force, Pembroke-Allenstown Clergy Assn., Pembroke Historical Society, PA Spartan Singers, Emerging Pastors, etc.) in order to increase the likelihood that I can be found in the office at the times indicated. One last thing: I am publicizing my cell phone number (603-770-7204) and I truly want you to use it to reach me whenever you have a need (including setting up a meeting time outside of published office hours).
Undoubtedly these hours will be adjusted further, but on a monthly basis. And, by the way, if you know of other spots in our community where folks regularly gather that might be good locations for community office hours, please let me know!
Let’s keep praying and continue to be searching for ways the Spirit is leading us out into our wider community!
Blessings in Christ,
Jim
And here are the New Office Hours for November:
Tuesdays
- 9:30-11 AM at Dunkin’ Donuts Allenstown
- 4-6 PM at Church
Wednesdays
- 1-5, 6:30-8 PM at Church
Thursdays
- Noon-1 PM at Rock On Diner
- 2-3 PM Church
Fridays
- Noon to 4 PM Church