A Time of Transition, but Great Joy.

(Sunday August 16, 2026) We are “under construction”, so to speak, as we are in the search process for our next permanent, settled minister. Pastor Linda Snyder served as interim for the past three years, and we couldn’t be more jubilant for all that she brought to the Congregational Church of Raymond! She guided us through the transition, so we would be ready to make a call to a new settled minister. We wish her every joy in her retirement.

Our doors are still open! We look forward to Sunday worship services and serving our community. With open arms of invitation, we welcome one and all to come for fellowship and praise God’s goodness and provision set before us, centering His light of our gatherings, testimonies, celebrating and ever-changing season, anchoring in His Hope with our pastoral search, and upholding His unfailing love to each and everyone. Wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here.

Please join us for worship! Summer services are 10:30am.

Blessings to our Congregation and Community, The Elder Board (Mike Mertinooke, Margie Desjardins, Lisa Storck, and Dana Zulager)

Psalm 148:13. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

A Goodbye Note.

(Saturday July 25, 2026) My dearest friends and co-workers ~ as most of you know this Sunday will be my last one with CCOR. After many years of public ministry I am retiring. Though I look forward to all the things retirement brings, I am also sad for I will deeply miss each of you. I have grown to love all of you who make up this little strong and beautiful and congregation. Serving you and working together these three years has been a great personal gift. Throughout we have sought God’s direction as God unfolded a new plan for us. We have prayed and worshiped together, dreamed and imagined together, worked hard and even had fun! Our center is Christ — and the secret of flourishing is loving and serving him. As I leave I offer my profound thanks not only to God, but to you and to the community. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Every blessing, Pastor Linda

More thanks! To you for the lovely sendoff retirement celebration last Sunday. Worship was even more joyful than usual– with our dear Sally and Geneva present– eight singing in our choir! My family was ‘secretly’ invited. At a brief meeting led by Dana immediately following you enthusiastically voted to confirm a new Mission Statement and Pastoral Relations Committee nominees. Still more. Following, we moved into Fisk Hall. Thank you for the beautiful butterfly bush (one of my favorite colors) and the lovely, engraved picture with more flowers- so pretty. And of course, the kitchen team (and everyone else) put together a delicious and so plentiful luncheon. Even the tableware was gorgeous. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard, who said lovely things, and who came to celebrate, sing, and give thanks.

News ~

It with deep sadness that we shared the passing of Roger Paradis on July 9th at Exeter Hospital. While Roger was a beloved long-time attender at CCOR he was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Epping. His funeral was held there on Thursday, July 16th at 11 AM. A burial date for family only will be held this Friday, July 31st. Our prayers and love continues to surround Roger’s wife Sally, to his daughter Jane and son-in-law Don. May they know the solace of God’s peace.

We have been graced with a new chancel rail thanks to Cam Loving, who took on the project to achieve the level of Eagle Scout. This railing is simply beautiful and a compliment to the pulpit, communion table and lectern. Thanks to Jon McCosh and Mike Mertinooke for their valuable assistance! A plaque detailing the interesting history of this rail will be affixed when the rail is dedicated on Sunday, August 13th. All invited then (but take a peek sooner if you get a chance.).

THE ANNUAL Annual Chicken BBQ IS SATURDAY, July 25th, 4:30- 6:30. The church and Tucker Lodge #99 ARE PREPARING A FABULOUS MEAL FOR US TO ENJOY. THERE ARE JUST A FEW TIX LEFT– PLEASE CALL MARGE OF DANA IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO COME! $18 OR 2/$30.

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~ Regina with her lovely granddaughters Katherine and Alexandra! ~

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If you know anyone in need, please be in touch. And as always, we welcome long-time members and visitors into the joy and fellowship of our sanctuary every Sunday at 10:30. No matter where you are on life’s journey you are welcome here. Music, prayer, friendship and joy form the foundation of our life together. There is always time of fellowship time to follow (with excellent goodies.) And please note that 211 NH is available for non-emergency assistance to find resources in your community for food, housing and more.

+ Several community groups meet in our building each week: AA groups, Adult Children of Alcoholics, and a Sunday afternoon craft group are all open to newcomers. Be in touch with Lisa for details at lstorck0789@gmail.com.

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+ We officially entered into covenant by the NH Conference of the United Church of Christ, and were joyfully welcomed at the statewide Prepared to Serve event in Pembroke on Feb. 28th (a wonderful day of worship and workshops) Our pastor and four of our attendees assisted with Communion in the morning. What a joyful occasion!

+ Pastoral Search Update: The NH UCC is assisting the congregation’s pastoral search team in securing a new (permanent) pastor as well as providing other resources we may need or want. We will also offer our gifts to our partner churches throughout the Conference. Those serving on the Pastoral Search Committee include Mike Mertinooke, Dana Zulager, Sharon Soles, & Susan Bruhmuller.

STOP BY FOR WORSHIP! We would 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 heartiest 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

If this is your first visit here we offer a little background on who we are.

My name is Rev. Linda Lea Snyder and I serve this wonderful little church as parttime 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.

A little about the congregation…

The Congregational Church of Raymond (CCOR), UCC 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.)

 As our 3-year interim season draws to a close I am filled with profound thanks– for you and to God– for all that taken place. Truly the Holy Spirit has been with us– healing, growing and organizing us, revealing our gifts and a new direction– daring us to live into God’s new thing for CCOR.