New Ordained Role Will Support and Expand Growing Ministry to Youth, Families
Sudbury, Mass. — In support of its strong commitment to youth and intergenerational ministries, Memorial Congregational Church (MCC) has named Sandra Summers its new Pastor of Youth and Families.
In addition to holding a Master of Education, Summers received a Master of Divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological School in May 2016 and will be ordained by the United Church of Christ this fall.
For the past three years, she was Minister of Christian Discovery at MCC, developing an original Christian education curriculum for weekly services and invigorating the church’s growing population of children and their families.
“The congregation had many conversations about expanding the responsibilities and hours of the youth minister to meet the needs of more families and children. Church members recognize the importance of investing in the next generation.” said Rev. Tom O’Brien, MCC’s Pastor and Teacher. “We’re excited that Sandra will continue leading our Christian Education ministry to provide a loving environment where children can discover and explore their faith.”
In her new role, Summers will increase opportunities for intergenerational ministries and programming, grow community outreach to connect with new families seeking a church community, continue to develop the church’s original Christian education curriculum, and increasing pastoral care for children and families. She also plans to add a high school Sunday School class, and offer more mission work outings for MCC’s Youth Group.
“It’s an exciting time for the ministries at MCC. Every week I’m amazed at how well our youth and children engage with their faith, and ask big questions about how to live in this world – they know there are so many mysteries to uncover together,” said Sandra Summers. “It is a blessing to be a part of a growing community of faith, rooted in love, where all are welcome to join in the discovery, ask questions, and live boldly.”
Summers said she is most immediately looking forward to the annual “Blessing of the Backpacks” on September 11, an MCC tradition where children bring their backpacks to worship services for a special prayer as they embark on a new school year.
On that same day, MCC will hold its fourth annual “Sundae Sunday” after worship, a universally-popular tradition that features the different parts of an ice-cream sundae located in different rooms of the MCC’s Sunday School wing.
“Sandra has been instrumental in growing and inspiring MCC’s vibrant youth and pre-teen community,” said Rev. O’Brien. “We’re excited to see where God is leading us next.”