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About Our Church Family
The Congregational Church and her copper steeple have been "hanging out" across from the South Common for 171 years with roots as long-standing as the community itself. We'd like to think that we've seasoned enough over the years to reveal a practical wisdom, an enthusiastic inclusiveness, and a joyful desire to serve God at the heart of the community. Situated at the crossroads of Mansfield you might think of us like the leaven in the loaf that Jesus mentioned. The yeast enhanced the dough lending it depth, flavor and texture. We strive to be that leaven, utilizing our many gifts for: the up-building of community, the fostering of understanding, and the bearing of light to lives darkened by a host of circumstances. We are conduits of God's love overflowing to the community and world.
Whether it's wrestling with theological controversy that gave rise to our origin, gathering together those who shared abolitionist sentiment during the mid-19 th century, serving as a hospital setting for the care of souls during the 1918 influenza outbreak, forming a Community Food Pantry in the late 1990's, sending a construction team to New Orleans to aid hurricane recovery in 2008, or simply providing a welcoming, progressive Christian witness as a sign of how God has touched our lives and calls us to mission...well...these are a few of the historic pieces that shape our identity and character.
Our 260 members and friends are thankful for the journey that has brought you here as, even now, God prepares to write the next chapter of the mission and ministry entrusted to us. Together we strive to faithfully embody the discipleship to which Jesus calls us. Then we become his hands and heart in our world today.
God is Still Speaking in 2009...to us...and through us! Welcome to this wonderful adventure in faith. |
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Meet Our Staff |
| Rev. Ted Newcomb, Pastor |
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Pastor Ted arrived in November 2004 to serve as the church’s 18th called pastor since it’s formation in 1838. A native of Braintree, MA, he is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts (Amherst) and Andover Newton Theological School (M.Div. ’80). Ted has served churches in Michigan, Vermont, and Pennsylvania before returning to Massachusetts for a one year interim in Amesbury prior to being called to Mansfield. He brings a love for outdoor ministries, a strong interest in intercultural and interfaith dialogue, continues a life-long involvement with model rocketry, delights in kayaking and has a passion for woodworking. He and his wife Betsy have 3 grown children and are currently building their eventual retirement home in Vermont near Mount Snow. Ted believes it is highly important to fashion a cohesive, caring, inclusive community at the heart of our church life with a very strong commitment to “hands on” mission as we strive to be the hands and heart of Christ. In addition, he understands that worship and church life in general must be flexible and adaptive as we meet, greet and welcome others into the body of Christ. |
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| Annette Valentine, Administrative Secretary |
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Annette has been with us since December 2007. She is in charge of communications in the church office which involves correspondence, bulletin & newsletter preparation, e-news and database management. While maintaining regular morning office hours during the week, she also serves as receptionist sharing a warm and welcoming presence to all who visit the church. Annette works four “half days” per week (Mo/Tu/Th/Fr) from 9:00am-1:00pm and enjoys the hustle and bustle of being at the communications hub of church life. She regularly participates in both our youth ministry and outing club programs and is a regular worshipper in the congregation. She and her family are avid lovers of camping and kayaking with many a good story to share from their journeys together. |
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| John K. Read, Director of Church Music |
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John began his music ministry among us at the dawn of 2009. As he launched into his opening prelude, the sight of spiders and cobwebs fleeing the pipes gives every indication that our church instruments will be pushed to their limits in 2009 and beyond! He brings a passion for choral directing having served churches in multiple denominations over the years. He also possesses a broad interest in multiple musical genres which affords the church diversity in its offerings as we reach out to additional seekers. His exuberant personality and tremendous versatility with traditional, jazz, taize, and contemporary music greatly enhances our worship experience. John is also the consummate team player and we are most pleased to welcome him to the staff as the music ministry interfaces with the wider worship life of the congregation. Be forewarned, he may toss a pun your way! |
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| Pam West, Custodian |
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Pam holds the distinction of being the longest term member of our ministry team as she moves toward her 8th year. She provides all around custodial work in a church that has watched the activity level in our struckture positively sky rocket. This, of course, poses a challenge when trying to keep a busy facility clean. But Pam manages her tasks well with a rather “unorthodox” schedule that molds itself to the abundant weekly activities filling the building.
As a mom who balances multiple jobs with parenting, she is a great member of the church staff who keeps everything in order. |
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Our staff believes in teamwork where each person’s duties contribute to the upbuilding of the Body of Christ. They are always here to assist you and to help you be involved in the wider ministry of the church. |
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