Greetings,
I am thrilled and honored to have been called to serve Second Congregational Church of Palmer as a Bridge Minister for the next six months. “Bridge Minister” is a new term in the UCC lexicon, so it does require an explanation. The term is sometimes referred to as a “glorified supply pastor.” The idea is to have a regular minister in the pulpit each Sunday to bring some continuity to the church’s ministry.
But a Bridge pastor is also called to provide pastoral care to the spiritual needs of the congregation. To that end I have already started offering a daily “Pastoral Care Moment” on the church Facebook page. I have also begun posting a weekly Pastoral Care video message on that page. If you do not already visit our Facebook page, I hope you will do so. We’re working on getting these on the web site as well.
We will be experimenting with office hours, which will be from 10am-1pm on Tuesdays. I know that’s a very short window and the hours will not be convenient for those who are working “day jobs.” But at least I will make myself available for those who have a need for any kind of pastoral service. I am hoping folks will let me know of their own needs and the needs of others in the church community. I will need to rely on all of you to make me aware of those needs so I can address them. If you cannot come in person, you can call the church office during those hours to speak with me. I will also be on call for any emergency needs outside of those hours. Please let me know of any such needs either through the church office or by calling or emailing me. In most cases, non-emergency needs will be referred to the deacons.
The church may have only one pastor, and my role is quite limited, but the church has many ministers. Indeed, all members of the congregation are active parts of the church’s ministries.
You can reach me by e-mail at scc1847pastor@gmail.com, and by phone or text at 315.569.9150.
I look forward to serving Second Congregational Church and worshipping with you each Sunday.
Blessings,
Pastor Stephen