Submitted by Jennifer Munroe-Nathans
Photo by Kelly Small

The Federated Church of Warren sits on a raised perch above the town common. A casual observer might well assume that the large, historic, well-maintained building was the home of a large, vibrant congregation. However, on most Sundays, the building is nearly vacant. Money, attendance and energy levels were all low; but there remained a desire and a commitment from the congregation to the mission work that occurred weekly from the church.

The dedicated group who had been working to discern the direction for the congregation was presented with the option of calling a student pastor in order to keep the church open.

“In February I began serving the church,” explains Jennifer Munroe-Nathans, Student In-Care, Central Association, MACUCC. “With an eye on the energy level of the congregation I questioned what could be done to help this congregation feel that they were not forgotten. Beginning ministry with a tiny, struggling church in a rural area can feel a lot like being adrift on the ocean: alone.”

“I began to wonder about the idea of covenant within our United Church of Christ congregations. What difference would it make to know that someone else cares? I theorized that if people are called to minister to one another, then maybe an entire congregation could minister to another congregation.”

“As I met with my supervisor, the Reverend Steven Small at the First Congregational Church of West Boylston, we began to voice some ideas of how the covenant between UCC churches might operate in this situation. From our discussion of small church ministry and covenant, the idea of the Federated Church of Warren and the First Congregational Church of West Boylston becoming partners was born.”

“After the governing councils of the two churches approved this novel idea, the two congregations immediately began praying for each other in corporate and private prayers. The chairperson of the Federated Church’s leadership committee, upon finding himself in West Boylston one evening drove to the church and, sitting in his truck, prayed for their pastors and congregation.”

“The leadership committees from the two churches met and one thing became clear. It was important to the Federated Church that the relationship be a true partnership. The question was asked of the First Congregational Church of West Boylston, ‘What can we offer you?’ Other than the need for continued prayer, the question seemed to stump them. The question was left to be pondered by both groups.”

“One of the things both congregations hoped for was to worship and share a meal together at least once a year. A June date was chosen and the arrangements were set into motion. In Warren, the excitement was building about the possibility of having the sanctuary full, the organ played and a large choir singing. Permits for the Warren town common were procured and grills were gathered. Sheet music and practice tapes were delivered and the three dedicated members of the Federated Church’s choir were joyfully practicing their parts. The week of the event, the food was purchased, the communion silver was polished and the sextons worked long hours to make sure that all was ready.”

“On a warm morning on Sunday, June 26, the two churches gathered together in worship. As the historic tracker organ was making joyful noise, I realized it was the first time I had heard the instrument played in worship. It felt like the beginning of something big.”

Since that first gathering, Warren and West Boylston have had several joint ventures, including a prayer shawl ministry and a pulpit exchange last Fall. The Minister of Education in West Boylston conducted a session in Warren to train potential Sunday School teachers so the School could be re-opened. Now up to eight children attend Sunday School each week. When Warren's pianist could not play on Christmas Eve, the West Boylston organist taped the chosen music so it could be played during the service.

And the partnership continues to grow. In March, the two congregations will be worshipping together in West Boylston, and following up service with a luncheon. It can certainly be said that God is Still Speaking to the members of the Warren and West Boylston congregations as they nurture the covenant between the churches.

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