Haydenville Congregational Church has called a new pastor, the Rev. Mark Seifried. 

The unanimous vote by the congregation came on the Second Sunday of Advent following a service at which Mark led worship and delivered a sermon. (Here is a video of the service.)

 Mark accepted the call as our designated-term minister and expects to begin his pastoral duties at HCC in early March. (Here is a video of church leaders announcing the vote and Mark accepting.) 

Mark is currently finishing up his term as intentional interim minister at the First Congregational Church in Williamstown.

According to our search committee, a designated-term minister is a transitional position, which allows for the possibility of calling him as a settled pastor at the end of the designated term.  

The Search Committee was inspired by Mark’s ability to lead other congregations through transition periods with skill, clarity, grace, compassion, and strongly guided by Spirit. We believe that his relationship-oriented, community-building strengths, and his ability to revitalize and heal congregations will be such a gift and blessing to our congregation. 

Mark met with members of the HCC congregation during a meet and greet Saturday afternoon and again before the Sunday service.

 To read the Search Committee’s full report, click here.
Mark’s letter of self-introduction can be found here.