Board of Directors Report | April 13, 2025

Easter Blessings NH Conference! Your Board of Directors met via Zoom on March 29, 2025. We had originally planned to meet in person, but the weather compelled us to change our plans. Here are some highlights from our meeting:

·         The beginning of the Granite State Association was a significant topic of conversation. On the day of the meeting, we were only a couple of days away from the sunsetting of our seven associations and the beginning of a new era of covenanted ministry in New Hampshire. We marveled at the quality and body of work done by the Association Capacity Task Force which brought us to this point. We are grateful for their efforts. Likewise, the Granite State Association Nominating Committee has filled nearly every anticipated position in the new structure, and they have our thanks as well. Marcie Miller joined us for a part of our discussion and gave us an overview of the nomination process.

·         The Board reviewed and discussed a new Conference Communications and Media Policy. We affirmed the policy in concept, while asking for minor adjustments after which we will likely vote to endorse the policy. In a time when the ways in which we communicate are rapidly changing, it is important that our policy ‘keep pace’ and facilitate good communications while protecting the Conference ‘brand.’

·         Following a very successful 2024 at The Horton Center, registrations year-to-date are up for 2025. The offerings this summer are varied and we look forward to another great season of camp!

·         We had a wide ranging conversation about changes in the federal government’s stance since January 20th on everything from loss of protections and the dehumanizing of LGBTQ+ folk, to broadening ICE power and enforcement, and the gutting of all things DEI. We are seeking to be proactive in our response to these unprecedented times, and to continue to offer safe spaces and protection for those who are marginalized or outcast.

·         The new Anti-Bias Training Policy is moving into implementation, with the first seminar scheduled for this May.

·         The lack of a fully functional Conference database is a continuing concern, as several possible resolutions have not brought us to a better place. We are now in conversation with a national entity which specializes in churches and denominational settings which we hope will meet the Conference’s needs. Stay tuned for more.

The Easter season offers to each of us a time of new life, a fresh start, and a renewed appreciation that for our Creator, all things are possible. Your Conference Board of Directors seeks to be on our toes rather than our heels as we live into the opportunities before us to serve our God and each other.

Nominating season will be upon us soon. I hope that you find a place to follow your passion in the life if your local church and the wider church as well.

Peace,

Rev. Jim Thomas

Conference President