Conference Minister Corner | April 7, 2025

Rev. Sara Marean | Associate Conference Minister

On Sunday I participated in the Service of Installation of the Rev. Dr. Tanya Sadagopan as Pastor and Teacher of the South Congregational Church, UCC in Concord.  The Rev. Andrew Warner was the preacher and shared a profound message.  One point in particular struck me. 

He said, “All around, we see a Christianity centered on rules. On whom fits in. And these rule-based Christians want to make ever more rules. About bathrooms. About their control of our bodies. Even about which books one can read. Rules on rules…

Rules determine who fits. If you follow the rules, you fit. But relationship declares you belong, no matter what. Brene Brown once described the difference between fitting in and belonging. “True belonging never asks us to change who we are. It demands that we be who we are. If we fit in because of how we changed ourselves, that’s not belonging. Because you betrayed yourself for other people. And that’s not sustainable.””

Rev. Warner’s words resonated with me and made me wonder, what can we do to create an environment here in the NH Conference where people don’t just fit in, they belong?  What should we be doing, or not doing, to make belonging possible?  In a world where even fitting in is becoming increasingly impossible, how do we hear from those who feel like they don’t belong? 

These are some questions I will be pondering and I look forward to hearing your ideas!  Feel free to email or set up a time to chat, and as always, thank you for your ministry. 

Peace,

Sara