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Our history in this region is written in our landscape. Our forebears endeavored to worship freely here, and to provide that legacy for the next generations. That is evidenced today in the number and variety of church buildings, built to be within walking distance of community centers. Each in turn, built in response to the prodding of the Holy Spirit on specific people, at a particular point in their life together. And there are even more here that we cannot see – buildings that are now invisible, having been repurposed or removed to make way for a new iteration of calling on God’s people. I know that in every generation God calls a people to Godself. One of the things I am also learning is that every generation builds the church they need.

"Every generation builds the church it needs."

Having served in ministry in this region for 38+ years, the last 19 in Interim roles. I am honored to say that I have witnessed surprising things fall away in ministry, and other surprising things endure. Faithful transition work for churches includes prayer and reflection on questions of identity and ministry, allowing us to discern and construct the church we need today:

Who are we?

Who is God calling us to be?

Who is our neighbor?

As a church formulates their own particular answers to those questions, they become ready to identify how God is calling them to ministry today and in the future; allowing them to organize themselves to do forward facing ministry. Following that communal discernment process is a good time to look for leadership that aligns with the church’s emerging ministry priorities.

I am currently serving with dual standing at Park Congregational Church in Norwich as their Interim Pastor. Park Church is immediately across from Norwich Free Academy (NFA) and our building is 30,000 square feet. The congregation is small, but sees a future right where they are: serving in the heart of the city.

The building however, is capacious – and has been too large for the congregation as far back as anyone can remember. Right now the church is seeking to work out a space sharing arrangement with our neighbor, NFA. The goal is to bring our footprint back to a sustainable size for the church; and to allow space for the school to expand in needed ways. If we can work it out — which will require approval from our congregation, the school’s Trustees, and the agreement of the State Attorney General, among others—it will be a blessing for the church, the school, and the Norwich community. The church will not have to continue to spend so much of its resources on maintaining a building that is too large for it, and can instead devote more of its energy and resources to ministry and mission. I don’t know if it can all be made to work out, but I do know that it is worth pursuing. So here I am.

I am looking forward to being part of ABCCONN’s Covenantal Care Network, where we can share stories about what God is doing in our communities, offer partnerships, support, and pray for one another in this wondrous ministry we hold together.

Yours in Faith,

Erica