As the new pastor of the church, I have been amazed by how people described their relationship with the church as transformative – that their involvement with this congregation has deeply impacted their lives and changed them for the better. Here’s just a few such sentiments I have heard:

• This community literally saved my life and got me off the streets. 
• I never could have raised my children without the help of this congregation.
• I have never felt so loved as I did after my surgery – the flowers, the visits, the cards, the meals, rides to appointments. The care from this church was more a part of my healing than the medicine.
• I have found purpose and companionship in my later years. My service here is valued.
• This was a safe place for me to come out to myself as queer and that gave me strength to come out to friends and family.
• After my spouse died, I could not have endured the months of grief without this congregation’s support.
• I was agnostic when I first came to this church and was skeptical about Jesus. I still don’t call myself “Christian,” but I now understand myself as a follower of Jesus because Jesus leads me to be more loving, compassionate, and to seek justice for others. 

I give thanks for the loving kindness and generous Spirit that is at the heart of Haydenville

Congregational Church and that together, we are helping to change lives!

Christ-love,

Pastor Mark