Conference Minister’s Corner, November 11, 2026 Rev. Gordon Rankin, Conference Minister One of the big election surprises for me last week was the election of the Reverend Adam Hamilton of the state of Kansas. Perhaps it was my time living in the Midwest, but I was not quite prepared to believe that Kansas would elect its first Democratic senator in more than 90 years. History has yet to write how he’d be as a senator, but we already know he is an inspired preacher. Preaching at the National...

Conference Ministers Corner Rev. Linda Hirst, Acting Associate Conference Minister Anyone remember Godspell and the great song “Light of the World”? The lyrics (from the gospel of Matthew) tell us that “you are the light of the world” and “you are the salt of the earth” according to Jesus. We were reminded (exhorted?) of these things at Annual Meeting this past weekend by our keynote speaker as well. Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, speaking of the many good and amazing ways we are the...

Rev. Gordon Rankin Conference Minister This week I offer a little change of pace. October is Clergy Appreciation Month. I am endlessly grateful for, and proud of, the efforts and impacts of all our Authorized Ministers (Ordained, Commissioned, or Licensed) who serve in and on behalf of United Church of Christ in settings all across New Hampshire. I know you all are too. This week I offer a simple prayer. I hope it is used in churches over the next couple of weeks, voiced by a lay leader...