This Sunday ~ Dec. 21st ~ is CHRISTMAS SUNDAY! Come and worship in our beautifully adorned sanctuary. Poinsettias, wreaths, trimmings and candlelight offers the warmest welcome. Christmas carols, the Gospel of Luke and you will make the morning joyful and uplifting. Let’s celebrate it ~ Christ is born!
CHRISTMAS EVE Worship is at 6 PM. A traditional service of Lessons and Carols with a special time for the children makes this one of the Highest Holy Nights.
Do you or someone you know n
Community Action of Raymond, 55 Prescott Rd., Tu, Wed, Thurs 10- 4:30
Providence Baptist Church, 410 Pleasant St., Epping. Tuesdays 6:30 PM
The Baptist Church of Raymond, 145 NH 27. Mondays, 1 PM
Lamphrey Health Care — special mobile office, fresh fruits & veggies, pantry staples, local and seasonal goods. 128 NH 27. Tuesdays, 1- 2.
News and Notes
This is an exciting interim time as we build into a future God is calling us to– let me say what a privilege to serve as your interim pastor. Thank you for being such and open and welcoming congregation.
Our monthly worship with Wellstone House is on Friday, Jan 2th. Anyone who is interested in coming (we always need additional singers, even if like me you’re not very good), a scripture reader and just folks willing to show up to be with residents. Meet there at 1:45– we are usually gone by 3.
Our Annual Meeting was uplifting! It began on Nov. 16th, and continued at a specially called meeting following worship on Sunday, Nov. 23th. Upon the Elders near unanimous recommendation it was voted to have CCOR become part of the NH Conference of the United Church of Christ (UCC). As we share our gifts with others, this affiliation will impart important gifts to us. Most immediately the UCC will assist the congregation’s pastoral search team in securing a new (permanent) pastor. Elder members Mike Mertinooke, Marge Desjardins, Dana Zulager, Cilla Clements, and Lisa Storck always welcome feedback and input from the entire congregation!
December 21st – Christmas Sunday worship Theme: Peace! December 24th – Christmas Eve Service, Lessons and Carols. 6 PM. If you would like to read contact Rev. Snyder
December 28th – Let the season linger with this fun and worshipful service of singing carols and hearing their stories. 10:30. Bring a friend or neighbor.
We’d love to have you join us any Sunday morning at 10:30. Our choir sings! The congregation sings and prays (and sometimes laughs a little,) scripture is read and reflected on– and then we spend time over goodies visiting, listening and getting to know each other.
Consider this our warmest invitation. Please feel free to bring a friend or family member. Every guest is welcomed with open arms. Worship lasts for about an hour.
Jesus depicted carrying home a single lamb, the centerpiece of our beautiful sanctuary stained-glass.
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WHO WE ARE
We are so glad you have stopped by. If this is your first time- a special welcome.
My name is Rev. Linda Lea Snyder and I serve this wonderful little church as part time interim pastor. Originally from Providence, RI I attended the University of RI and then, Andover Newton Theological School, receiving my Masters of Divinity degree in 1981. I now live happily in Nottingham on Lake Pawtuckaway. Kayaking, reading, my 3 grown children (and 2 wonderful grandsons) are, with ministry, my chief joys.
About the congregation.
The Congregational Church of Raymond (CCR) is a small and growing community of faith made up of long-time members and new members as well as a number of guests. Together we find supportive fellowship, a place to use our gifts to make a difference, and to explore what I call “holy questions.” Worship is traditional and innovative. We offer a big tent and welcome different perspectives– believing each person explores and discerns their own path to faith. (Important note: our coffee/tea time after worship is one of the best parts of Sunday morning.)
During this interim period between settled pastors CCR we are interested in learning the needs of our wider community. We are asking, “What are some of the ways our congregation might use its gifts to help in practical and spiritual ways right now? (If you are reading this and have an idea please be in touch with Pastor Linda, contact info below.) We are also enjoying a process of discovering our personal spiritual gifts– some we’ve known, others come as a lovely surprise.
I believe God is seeking us out and travels with us in times of great joy and deep sorrow. God’s grace is abundant and always available, made possible through Jesus Christ. We find our truest selves in him; in him we find what the Bible calls ‘eternal life’, a quality of life that begins now even as we live.
On a practical faith level, we share our building several times a week. We welcome an open Community Craft Group (Sunday afternoons, 2- 5, everyone welcome,) AA, an Adult Children of Alcoholic group, a morning exercise group and both Girl and Boy Scout Troops* (to name a few.)
We enjoy fun events– an annual silent auction and a summer BBQ, ecumenical worship on the Green, and with our United Methodists friends, various meals, an Advent wreath-making workshop and ecumenical summer worship on the Green. We enjoy an outreach ministry at Wellstone House with a monthly music and Communion service and with Raymond Middle School to offer teacher & student support.
Please, don’t hesitate to be in touch!
Blessings to each of you,
Pastor Linda, Interim Pastor
Rev. Linda Lea Snyder, LindaLeaSnyder@gmail.com
* Know someone who may be interested in joining? Boy Scouts have resumed meeting in our church building. BSA Troop 3B for boys meets on Wednesdays, 7- 8:30 PM. The Scoutmaster is Jamie Loving. (603 718- 0077.) Scouts BUS Troop 3G for Girls also meets on Wednesdays, 7- 8:30. Their Scoutmaster is Raelean Nielsen. (603 389- 4980.) Both Jamie and Raelen can be reached online at: Troop3Raymond@gmail.com.
Our mission is to teach the truth in love, welcoming all
to worship our Holy Sovereign God, through his Son, Jesus Christ.
Wellstone Worship is a blessing for everyone!
Congregational Church of Raymond 
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