12/12/2023
In my eleventh year of service to the Holden Congregational Church, my time as Pastor and Teacher .is coming to an end. On Sunday, December 17th at 10:00 am, I will preach for the last time in Holden. Worship will include a Release of Covenant, acknowledging all we have accomplished together, with a blessing for that which is next to come. EVERYONE IS WELCOME AT THIS SERVICE, AND AT THE REFRESHMENTS FOLLOWING.
Much is alive and happening at the Church. The Parsonage has been sold, making it possible to make major repairs to the Church building. We want our building to be a resource for the Holden community. Addressing flooding, landscape, roofing, electrical and other issues will make the building available for expanded use and more mission opportunities (like being a warming center when power is out or it is particularly cold, game nights, or community meals). Please support the Church by attending worship, events, financially, and by volunteering to assist in Church endeavors. Through all of this time of tough decisions, we have continued to feed the hungry, provide fuel for the needy, meet the other needs of families and the elderly in the community. Your support will be needed to continue our mission of service for the glory of God.
Please remain engaged with the Holden Church by Following the page Holden Congregational Church, UCC (instead of my PastorLinette George page). Many of you will stop receiving invitations and notices of events if you do not follow the Holden Church Page. I will begin unfriending you from my page before December 28th,, which is my final day serving as Pastor and Teacher.
Our denomination requires specific boundary rules when a covenant of ministry ends. I am no longer able to interact in any manner with anyone I have met through my time serving the Holden Church. This means I cannot officiate at your weddings, funerals or baptisms. I will likely see you around, as I will be living in Glenburn for a while. I’m permitted to say hello, but I cannot discuss anything further. These boundaries assure that you are able to develop a good relationship with the next person who serves as pastor at the Holden Church.
I have been blessed beyond measure that I was welcomed so graciously into the Holden Community. I appreciate the many opportunities to engage in blessing Wreaths Across America, new Fire Engines and the new Station, participating with any request from our Police Department, honoring our Veterans at the Memorial, working with our Scouts, celebrating your successes and walking with you in your grief. You are my treasure.
John Robinson told the Pilgrims that “I am verily persuaded that the Lord hath more truth yet to break forth out of his Holy Word.” I encourage you to pay attention to what GOD IS STILL SPEAKING on the Church Road in Holden.
Yours in Christ,
The Reverend Linette C. George, M.Div.
https://www.maineucc.org/.../Ethical-Guidelines-for...
