Conference Minister's Corner 8.26.26

Acting Associate Conference Minister

Rev. Linda Hirst 08.26.26

I used to imagine retiring to western NC. My family is in Hendersonville, and I love everything about it there: the mountains, the rivers, and the slower life (which I’m sure I'm imagining). I have shared my thoughts with Brad, whose response has been decidedly lukewarm. While he loves that part of the country, he is hesitant about moving, and it’s all because of this one thing: community.

We’ve lived in Maine now for almost 27 years. Longer than either of us has lived anywhere else. He calls the seacoast home, and not just because we live here but because everything he loves is here: people, music, hiking, people, music, and hiking (you get the idea). Community is so needed and important for most folks to survive and thrive: what would we do without friends, family, church, or our people?

Which is why your Conference Local Church Support Ministry and GSA Committee on Ministry for Covenant and Connection came up with the idea of hosting several regional gatherings for people (clergy and laity) of the NH Conference. They realized we need one another to survive and thrive, to share our stories, our resources, our hopes, dreams, and challenges, and all that comes with being in covenant together.

So this is your opportunity! (Yes, it’s a shameless plug for our first of what we hope to be many regional gatherings!)It takes place Sunday, September 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Wolfeboro UCC. Hopefully you’ve seen the flyer, and if you haven’t, check the most recent NHCUCC newsletter. We will share stories, hopes, challenges, resources, and more as we continue to build and create community within the New Hampshire Conference. If Wolfeboro is not the right place or time for you, we will offer other opportunities. Community is everything. In New Hampshire, North Carolina, Maine, or wherever you call home. 

See you in church.

Linda