Dear Friends and Members of Salem,
Welcome to the first of the newsletters for 2026. Happy New Year!
As you may know, Pastor Gary’s time with us came and went so quickly and It’s been challenging but rewarding all the same. Before I get ahead of myself, just a word on the status of pastoral leadership for the near future. We will enjoy pulpit supply for the next several months and you will find the mix to be familiar and yet different. We continue to search for what’s call a “settled pastor” and meanwhile hope to secure an interim pastor to help guide the processes already underway.
We had interviewed an interim pastor for the new year however, the pastor lined up to serve changed course and went with an offer out of state which means the interim we anticipated could not leave as planned. The good news is we have interested and inspiring pastors to assist us in the short term. I have been in regular conversation with Rev. Jane Anderson of the Conference and as well with representatives of various teams at Salem (along with the Council) as to next steps. Prayers as we search for an interim and eventually settled pastor are welcome.
Meanwhile, we will continue to carve into the “critical projects” voted on at the visioning session in November. The top 3:
1. Be Involved and Included in the community. From coordination and welcoming of guests, to hosting free meals, and being active in the network of community events e.g. Habitat for Humanity, etc.
2. Music. Inspiring and diverse music types, concerts, open mic nights, fill the accompanist position, and providing special music.
3. Intergenerational Family and Children Programming. Hosting Christian music events, mission trips, vacation bible school, adult discussion groups, and many other opportunities.
By end of January we will select three (3) from the 13 individuals that have volunteered to be primary coordinators of the above “critical projects.” They will establish planning sessions. All members and friends are expected to participate in responding to God’s call for the ministry of Salem United Church of Christ in Plymouth.
Your support and cooperation means a great deal. God is still speaking and we are listening for that small whisper of the spirit guiding us to new things. United in Christ.