Town
I love the size of Longmeadow. It is small enough to know people and to really get involved — to make a difference. I have met with all the school principals, the town manager, the director of the Council on Aging, the veterans’ agent, other clergy, local store owners, and many of our selectmen and state representatives. We have begun to build bridges and ways to serve together our community of Longmeadow and beyond.
Our hand bells are playing at the holiday party at one of our schools. We are planning musical events with the high school. I prayed with our veterans. I have begun making inquiries about leading a class at the Council on Aging. I am the leader of an informal team — including other clergy, the town manager, the veterans’ agent, and the head of the Council on Aging — who are exploring ways to deal with the issue of isolation in our town.
St. Andrews and First Church are sharing youth group meetings once per month. Our youth need to see their faith in a larger context — how it is impacted by our town relationships. Larger numbers help us all do more outreach and mission work. The youth are learning how to live out their faith through action and building coalitions.
Like the Maori, I am looking forward at our past, with all of you. In my four months here I have learned that First Church is a wonderful church. It is a justice-seeking, life-changing, mission-focused, Spirit-loving, worshiping and praising place. All of us together are answering God’s call for our church and our lives.
We can both face our past united and move into our future — not stepping out alone but holding on to each other. We are stronger and wiser together, and we fortify each other to help create an exciting future.
—Rev. Pam
Note: Office Closed
The Church office will be closed December 25–January 1.
Rev. Ute Schmidt will be on call for pastoral care from Decmmber 26 – January 1. Reach her by phone: (413) 364-3643.
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