New Pastor At First Congregational Church of Reading

A news release from the First Congregational Church of Reading:

The First Congregational Church of Reading United Church of Christ, 25 Woburn Street, Reading, is pleased to announce that church members have called Emelia M. Attridge as their new Pastor.

Pastor Emelia led her first worship service at First Congregational on July 21st. Emelia is a New Hampshire native where she is a member of the First Congregational Church of Manchester. Emelia holds a Master of Divinity from the Boston University School of Theology.

Most recently Emelia served as Acting Minister for the Hancock United Church of Christ in Lexington. She has worked in other areas of ministry including volunteering and employment with Horton Center in Gorham, NH (a New Hampshire UCC summer camp) and as Youth Director at First Parish Congregational in Manchester-by-the-Sea.

The First Congregational Church of Reading is excited to have Emelia join the congregation as its new Pastor. The church has been active in the Reading community for more than 250 years.

“We are so excited to welcome Emelia. Our church is rooted in history, and Emelia brings a fresh approach to worship, integrating creative and alternative worship practices,” said Barbara Philbrick, Moderator.

“When I considered the new role, I was drawn to the location in the center of town, a congregation so invested in their church, and a sanctuary that is so welcoming, open and affirming,” said Emelia. “As all churches wrestle with what it means to ‘Be the Church’ in the 21st century, I’m passionate about doing that work in the community. What do we offer to one another and the community? I was drawn to this congregation because it has a grasp on exactly that.”

Emelia describes her approach to ministry as about “making meaning” in life. Everything from engaging in community, to incorporating different learning styles in worship services helps us to make meaning of life around us, she says.

“Emelia is smart and thoughtful; passionate about spiritual life; energetic and has a good sense of humor about church life…and life in general,” said Reverend Anna Kidd, a member of the church.

“Those who encounter her know that her empathy is not posturing; she is a genuine spiritual leader. I highlight this strength because it is the foundation of her leadership. Whether she is planning or leading worship, teaching children or adults, organizing fellowship gatherings, or witnessing for justice; all these activities flow from her deep and abiding love for each person and all people,” says Rev. Paul Shupe, Minister of Hancock United Church of Christ.

Please help The First Congregational Church of Reading welcome Emelia Attridge to the community. All are invited to greet Pastor Emelia and attend worship on Sunday, Sept. 15th in the Sanctuary. This is the church’s Welcome Back Sunday featuring special music from their Handbell Ensemble. Emelia will lead in a worship service on the theme of Celebrating Joy. The service will be followed by a coffee hour for visitors and church members to connect in fellowship.

In addition to Worship every Sunday at 10 am, First Congregational Church runs many community events including the Olde Redding Faire (this year, Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28);Cookies and Cocoa after the annual Tree Lighting (Sunday, Dec. 1st); community dinners and many ways to give back to the community. These include collecting socks in October for the Outdoor Church in Cambridge, partnering with Reading Cares for Thanksgiving dinners, collections for the Reading Food Pantry, and more.

First Congregational Church became an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ in 2003. Typically, the welcome greeting during worship on Sunday includes the phrase “This means our welcome mat is as wide as it can be … no matter where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”

Come visit the First Congregational Church of Reading and join in its new spiritual journey!