Education/Ministries
Youth Ministry
Annual Report 2008
Since I began my position here at First
Church in Glastonbury in early July 2007, things have been going quite
well. I have found this congregation to be very welcoming and eager to
help a new person learn the ropes. My call to this church is primarily
focused on youth ministry, which has certainly occupied the majority of
my time thus far. I have been able to provide worship leadership
approximately once per month, and frequently participate in some portion
of the liturgy during the weekly services. So far, my time here has been
remarkably pleasant, and I anticipate a solid relationship continuing as
time goes on, even with this first year coming to a close and through
whatever challenges and changes may come along.
I have been blessed to be working with
highly talented and committed colleagues, and have benefited greatly
from the tutorage of Senior Pastor Rev. David Taylor. Additionally, I
have great respect for the diversity of ministry and leadership styles
present through Rev. Ruth Martz and Rev. Gordon Bates, with whom I have
also worked closely.
With this first year of programming
coming to an end, there is much to reflect upon. I will continue to work
with my colleagues and lay leadership to grow the youth ministry
programs in our junior and senior high age groups, as well as work
cross-programmatically with the Christian Education area on our
overlapping students and families attached to the 6-8th grade programs.
The confirmation process brings me inspiration and challenge, as I
continue to develop my teaching and curriculum writing skills. I am
eager to embark on my first travel mission/work trip with the Senior
High Fellowship in February 2009, and am looking forward to the "trial
run" with the Heads Up! Hartford summer camp this June.
With no exaggeration, this job would not
be possible without the tremendous commitment of the good people that
have volunteered for the Youth Board and as Fellowship advisors. Though
many folks come to mind, I want to particularly thank Lynne Montgomery
as a great leader, as well as the members of our board who stepped
forward to lead and staff our fundraisers: Amy Potter, Kim Rettstatt,
Melissa Clair, Nanci Licinsky, Dave LaFargue, John McNab, Jean Linderman,
Jeff Dowd, Gary Hokunson, Tammy Cloutier, Will Bancroft, and Jessica
Sit. Our fellowship advisors help to make our youth programs meaningful
and safe: John McNab, Dave LaFargue, Meg Fleckenstein, Lesley Munshower,
Danae Dwyer, Bob Ferrante, Judy and Dave Harding, Tashia Small, Lauren
Haines, Tara Conway, and Chris Hernandez. Thanks as well to those
friends, spouses, parents, and others who joined in to take leadership
and ownership of our fantastic youth ministry programs here at First
Church!
Outside of youth ministry, I have been
working with Rev. Taylor and have consulted with the Board of Deacons on
starting a mid-week worship service that would exist as a venue for
varied styles of worship. Beginning in the new program year, I will
start to work with the Adult Education Committee as I add that ministry
area to my portfolio.
On a personal note, this past year has
been a happy whirlwind of life-stage markers: I was married in July,
bought a home in August, and became ordained in September. As if that
was not enough, I will become a father in October with the birth of our
first child. To say these are exciting times does not do it justice.
I would like to say a special thank you
to all of you who called me to be a pastor with this great congregation.
My thanks go to the search committee: Doug Hobbs, Amy E. Thompson,
Jessica Sit, Katie Baronas, Lesley Munshower, Lynne Montgomery, Bruce
Fleahman, Peter Charles, and David Taylor. Thank you for giving a guy a
chance!
Peace,
Rev. Chris Mereschuk
