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by Diana Schoberg
December 2006 / January 2007
Three years ago, Wollaston Congregational Church barely had a congregation. Down to just 25 members, it was on the brink of extinction.
Today, thanks in part to a student preacher program it operates in conjunction with Andover Newton Theological School, the 130-year-old church has 75 members.
‘‘They’re rejuvenating us,’’ said member Marge Schwendenman, as she chatted with others in the social hall after yesterday’s service. ‘‘They’ve brought new ideas. It’s like new energy.’’
Sitting at a nearby table, Marie Baker agreed. ‘‘We gain a new perspective,’’ she said.
The Rev. Mary Louise Gifford, a graduate of Andover Newton who is pursuing a doctor of divinity at the school, began bringing student preachers to the church when she became pastor three years ago.
‘‘It was at a point in 2003 where it was a make-it-or-break-it situation,’’ the Rev. Gifford said. ‘‘We really needed some help. It was a lot of work. I needed to rebuild the church. Having students gave new energy.’’
The Rev. Gifford went back to Andover Newton to take the necessary coursework to supervise students. But one other piece was missing - money.
Enter the [former] United Church of Christ Central Congre-gational Church of Newtonville. After its membership fell [the church building was sold and a trust fund was established through which proceeds were donated to other churches and charities.]
The Newtonville church [trust] has funded the Wollaston church’s field education students for three years now. The Rev. Gifford writes a grant application every year.
At a commissioning service yesterday, five students from Andover Newton – including the Rev. Gifford – promised to serve the church for the next year.
Andover Newton is the oldest graduate school of theology in the country, with 400 students from 35 denominations enrolled. Two students will be completing the field education component of their master of divinity studies. While at the Wollaston church, they will be teaching Sunday school, preaching at the pulpit and focusing on their areas of academic interest.
‘‘It’s very exciting for me to be a part of this church,’’ said Estelle Ruzensky, who worked in media relations before becoming a seminarian and hopes to be able to share her advocacy skills with the church. ‘‘It’s got a lot of vitality, a lot of oomph.’’
Ann Aaberg, another student commissioned yesterday, did her field education at the church last year and will serve as its minister of Christian education.
‘‘What the church brings to the student is a wonderful mirror for your ministry,’’ she said. ‘‘They’re on a journey with you and there to give you support and feedback.’’
Committees guide the field education students. ‘‘Each of them brings different skills,’’ said Lois Root, who sits on the teaching church committee. ‘‘I think it definitely piques the interest of just about everybody (in the congregation).’’
While students and the congregation are working to make their community more vital, they are making strides on building maintenance. In a recent capital campaign, about $125,000 was pledged to update the building.
‘‘The members of this church have really worked hard in the past three years to start something new,’’ said the Rev. Gifford. ‘‘We have been truly feeling inspired to carry on the work of this church.’’
Copyright 2006
The Patriot Ledger, Quincy MA
Reprinted with permission
[words in brackets indicate updates from the editor ]
[Note: The Central Congregational Church of Newton Legacy Trust awards grants to deserving non-profit organizations. These grants are to fund special projects in the areas of human services, education, religious life, and the arts in Newton, MA, and surrounding communities. Grants are made twice yearly, in the Spring and in the Fall. Grant proposals are solicited from non-profit organizations year round. To apply for a grant, go to http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeoxprh/id3.html and download the trust guidelines and an application form. Or you can contact CCC Legacy Trust at P.O. Box 600772, Newtonville, MA 02460-0007.]