November 14 2024
Greetings NH Conference! Your Board of Directors met on November 2, 2024 in-person at the Conference Office in Pembroke. We began by welcoming new Board members Rev. Robert Vodra, Conference Treasurer; Ms. Maria Emanuel; Rev. Michelle DeCoste; and Rev. Marlyna Schmidt. Here are a few of the highlights from our meeting:
· We were introduced to and got to know our Sabbatical Bridge Conference Minister, the Rev. Dr. S. C. Campbell Lovett. He will serve while our Conference Minister completes the first part of his sabbatical (until January 7, 2025).
· We were joined by Tivve Pare, Horton Center Director and Hannah Crosby, Summer Director, for a report on the wildly successful 2024 camping season. The Board shared its appreciation for the significant increases in registrations, income, and the “good vibes” that were apparent all summer.
· We reviewed our recent Conference Annual Meeting. While the surveys had yet to go out (but now have as of my writing) feedback from participants praised the location, the relaxed atmosphere and our keynote speaker, the Rev. Darrell Goodwin.
· The Board is grateful for all the efforts to form the Granite State Association, with all existing associations that have voted so far voting “yes” to the proposal. There is much work to be done in the first half of 2025 to stand up the new Association, staff its various teams, and seamlessly support our local churches.
Thanksgiving is upon us, with Advent right on its heels. May your season of preparation for the birth of the Messiah be filled with Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
Rev. Jim Thomas
Conference President