Pastoral Search Committee

As you are probably aware, the Congregational Church of Hollis is preparing to call a new Senior Pastor to lead the congregation.  The members of the congregation have entrusted the Pastoral Search Committee with the responsibility of selecting a pastor for your approval.  During the past few months, we have carefully reviewed the professional profiles of 37 candidates.  We conducted interviews with six finalists.  After careful consideration, through prayer and mutual consent, we are pleased to introduce The Rev. Larry W. Smith as our candidate for the ministry of our church.

The committee was very impressed with Larry’s personal strengths and his warm Christian spirit.  He has many years of experience in New England Churches; yet, he also has a youthful energy that will connect with all ages of our congregation.  His compassion and joyfulness are apparent upon an initial meeting.  Those of us able to attend his sermons were impressed with his inspirational and faithful message delivered with humor, emotion and a connection to everyday life.  We feel that Larry will provide exceptionally effective ministry to our congregation.

We invite members of the congregation to meet Larry and his wife Laurie at an all-church ice cream social Saturday evening, June 21, 2008 anytime between 5:00pm and 7:00pm.  On Sunday, June 22, you will have another chance to meet over coffee at 9:00 a.m. and then be able to worship with Larry in our church.  Following this service, there will be a specially called congregational meeting for the purpose of voting on this recommended candidate.  We urge you to attend both of these events and to share in this important decision.