Our 2022 kick-off of the stewardship campaign begins Sunday, Oct. 16. Here is our first letter inviting you to participate as you are able in the miracles happening in our community.

“While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.”  

– Mark 14:22-24 

Beloved Friends,

In the last year, I have witnessed miracles happen within this fellowship. And yes, I see miracles in and through all of you who continue to be part of the First Congregational Church of Salem, NH. Miracles throughout this community who faithfully trust in God and one another – first – before we know if there are enough resources to 

• survive the pandemic. Yet, we did more and 
  • shared in regular worship through technology and in-person participation.
  • embraced old and new ministries / Mission opportunities.
  • committed ourselves to be Open and Affirming of ALL people.
• survive the diminishing participation in NH churches. Yet, we did more and
  • took on another role – ministry – Mission even when we were already exhausted.
  • gave ourselves and others permission to rest from the work without judgment.
  • continued to create new ways to learn and grow together as one people.
• survive the inflation. Yet, we did more and 
  • replaced two doors needing repair and – hopefully – our shingled roofs. 
  • painted the doors and bulletin boards.
  • granted faithful raises to many of our staff.

And each of you continue to reveal these miracles of faith by giving first before we have discovered the needed resources of time, talent, and treasure for however we wish to live out our love to the world – together.  

This faithful trust is a miracle in our world which begs for proof – first; yet, you have followed the path of Jesus. Jesus who came to save us all – first. Not just before we sinned, but before we were even born. His loving salvation for us is the greatest miracle we can imagine and it was all done because God faithfully trusted in all of us – first. It is the miracle we witness each month during communion when Jesus blesses the bread before tasting, shares thanks before drinking – gives his very life for our salvation before we are living. This miracle of faithful trust is what I witness in all of you who are part of our fellowship living out our love.

This said, our community is not done – yet – and there is more to do – more ways to live out our love – more ways to embrace the miracle of faithful trust we witness in the bread and the cup, every month. Therefore, I invite you over the coming weeks to pray, reflect, and discern how you wish to live out our love through participating in the ministries of our beloved congregation. How will you embody the miracle of faithful trust this year?  

Please share your time, talent, and treasures only as you are able and in God’s name; so, we may continue to grow the ministries and Mission of the First Congregational Church of Salem as disciples of Christ’s miracle revealed, here on Earth.