From the Vicar...

A great story of how one small church reversed its death spiral

Just before they left to take up residence in New York's Adirondacks, Paul and Linda Seward of Christ Church (who I deeply miss!) gave me a wonderful little book about a small church somewhat like ours that found a way to turn around after a long march toward ecclesiastical death.

The book, Real Good Church by the Rev. Molly Baskette, offers a look at everything First Church Somerville UCC, a progressive Christian church in the shadow of Harvard, MIT and Tufts Universities, did to reverse their death spiral and become the healthy, stable, spirited and robust community it is today.

The triumphant renewal is highly visible in the increased presence of children and young adults in the church, a six-fold increase in pledged giving in the last decade, and most importantly in the spirit of joy that pervades the community.

The strategies they used can work in almost any church, in any setting: regardless of denomination, demographics, or, Baskette believes, political landscape. The book addresses topics like outreach and growth strategies, finances and giving, creative worship, church conflict and change, anxiety and laughter, and much more - all treated with humor and offering real, practical, immediate steps for getting started.

In the book, Baskette tells the story of how First Church transformed from a community of 35 worshippers on a financially dismal trajectory into a thriving, fiscally stable congregation four times that size in one decade. In twelve chapters with multiple subheadings, Baskette, the congregation's pastor, addresses what worked and what didn't (the last chapter is entitled "Epic Failures"), covering how she and her church leadership addressed such issues as property, pastoral care, outreach, stewardship, conflict, and more.

Throughout the book, key themes get repeated mention: celebrate, bless everything, communicate an open and affirming welcome, spend money to grow. Sound, practical advice on everything from coffee hour to electronic giving, along with an appendix including recommended reading, sample job descriptions, liturgies, guest cards, and sermons makes this an invaluable, accessible resource for clergy and laity passionate about church revitalization. 

If anyone would like to borrow my copy, they may (provided they promise to give it back!). If you'd like a copy of your own, it is easily available on Amazon and through other online booksellers. There is much we can learn from it - even if not every prescription it offers fits our less urban setting. The principles are sound and "translatable."

- Fr. Chip

Joint picnic set for Saturday, August 8

Liz Malone and Lynda Swartz have graciously offered their spacious backyard in Hampton Falls for a joint picnic for both our congregations on Saturday, Aug. 8 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

We'll need some help getting six tables and at least a few chairs from Trinity and everyone should bring a lawn chair. As for food, we'll need rolls, and the usual pot luck food - side dishes, salads, beverages or desserts. The Bishop's Committee will take care of hot dogs and hamburgers. We'll also need some help getting things set up - so any who can come early to help out with that are welcome to do so. 

The address is 14 Kensington Road (Route 84), Hampton Falls, and their telephone number is 603-929-1719. If folks are unsure what to bring, they can call Lynda and Liz for suggestions.

Another thing is if people have lawn games like badminton, volleyball or other, they can bring them. Come join us for a fun day!