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August 18th 2010
Welcom New Senior Pastor
Congregation Calls New Senior Pastor
Over one year ago, the members of this church entrusted the Search Committee with the responsibility of prayerfully selecting a candidate for the congregation’s approval. Through cottage meetings, surveys and a potluck supper we gathered valuable input as we assembled our Local Church Profile and brochure. We carefully reviewed 41 profiles from a variety of sources including the UCC and the NACCC. We had multiple telephone interviews, four face to face interviews, checked references, and had the UCC Conference Minister complete Conference reference checks. With prayerful discernment we selected a candidate for a neutral pulpit and second lengthy interview. Through prayer, mutual consent, and great excitement, we joyfully announced The Rev. David Neil as our candidate for Senior Pastor.
Rev. Neil comes to us from Shelburne Falls, MA, where he has been the senior pastor of Trinity Church for the past 22 years. Trinity Church is an “ecumenical shared ministry” which includes four denominations; UCC, United Methodist, American Baptist, and Episcopal. David calls this church “a unique blending of denominational and liturgical traditions”. David has been an active member of his community as an EMT, High School Volleyball Coach and Official, member of the Shelburne Falls Fire Department and Military Band, CPR Instructor, and Trinity Church’s volunteer Choir Director. He also enjoys reading, history, photography, and has been active in Community Theater.
In his profile a church member writes, “David is a very passionate person who cares about our entire church community as well as our local community. He is very open-minded and compassionate. When dealing with conflict, he remains focused and will make the best decision for the situation.”
David was raised in upstate New York. He received his Masters of Divinity in Colorado and then spent 10 years in Colorado at two Methodist churches, one very small mining town church and one very large suburban Denver church. David has expressed that he has enjoyed raising his family and participating in his community over the past 22 years in Shelburne Falls, a commitment that he and his wife made when their two children were young. With those commitments fulfilled and a recent completion of a $450,000 capital improvement project to make the church building fully accessible, David has been called to search for a new church. David expresses pride and joy when speaking of his children and grandson who are very involved in his life. David also writes in his profile “I would be remiss if I did not include that the death of my wife, about 12 years ago, has had a tremendous impact on my ministry. Though I will forever cope with the implications of that loss in my personal life, I believe her death has afforded me new insights into the road those facing death and grief must travel. I would never presume to understand the grief of someone else, but, after my own experience, I am more aware of the legacy of pain and loss that so many of us bear.”
A member of the search committee states, “David exudes the joy of living the gospel.” Another adds, “He has a very strong and warm presence.” Others describe David as creative, personable, joyful, “walks the walk”, humble, very approachable, articulate, and quick thinking. David displays strong leadership skills.
A minister colleague writes, “ David has a pastoral heart, an open mind and a great sense of humor. He will be a blessing to where ever he is called.”
During the weekend of July 24th and 25th Rev. Neil visited First Congregational Church and met with several different committees, church members, and our church staff. David also led us in worship on Sunday morning. Following our Sunday service a congregational meeting was held at which time church members unanimously voted to call Rev. David Neil to be our next Senior Pastor!
Please join us in welcoming Rev. Neil on October 3rd as he begins his pastorate at First Congregational Church.
May 19th 2010
Summer Services, 9:30am Sundays
Our summer services will be at 9:30am Sundays starting June 13th through September 5th.
May 19th 2010
Summer Services, 9:30am Sundays
Our summer services will be at 9:30am Sundays starting June 13th through September 5th.
May 19th 2010
Summer Services, 9:30am Sundays
Our summer services will be at 9:30am on Sundays starting June 13th through September 5th.
May 19th 2010
Weather Update
The forecast for the summer is fellowship, family and fun.
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