About Union Congregational Church

Welcome

The people of Union Congregational Church, United Church of Christ (UCC) invite you
to worship with us. We appreciate our connection not only to those who have worshipped
here in the past, but to all of you who choose to enliven our worship now and in the future.
We trust that you will find this community of faith to be warm and welcoming and our
worship filled with the Spirit of Christ. If we can be of help in any way, please let us know.

Our Mission Statement

The mission of the Union Congregational Church, UCC, is to gather around the teachings
of Jesus Christ and to proclaim the Gospel to all people in word and deed. We strive
to live out these teachings in the contemporary world with a wholesome, nurturing,
God-centered faith.

We are a friendly, family-oriented church growing spiritually and alive with a
strong sense of tradition. We welcome people of all ages, abilities, and
life experiences.

Outreach to the Community

We have several ongoing mission projects that the church supports with time,
talent and treasure:

The Balm in Gilead Ministry International which supports education for girls in Zimbabwe
Boston Mission Society
C. R. O. P. Walk for Hunger
Plus many projects through the United Church of Christ

We make our facility available for use by non-profit groups
within our worshipping area:

Alanon and Alateen
Boy Scouts, Troop 130
The Community School, a preschool and daycare facility
Depression Anonymous
Maynard Community Band
Maynard Senior Drop-in Center
Open Table of Maynard, free community meal and groceries

A Brief History

The Union Congregational Church, UCC was Maynard’s first parish. It was founded on
July 23, 1850, when eight men met at the newly built railroad station and voted to
organize a Sunday school. Amory Maynard was the first Superintendent. The Evangelical
Union Society was incorporated in 1852 with the first parish being called the Union Church.
On August 10, 1927, a constitution and bylaws were adopted and the church renamed itself
The Union Congregational Church. Lorenzo Maynard donated the funds for an additional educational building in the 1890’s to house the growing Sunday school, outfitting it with a
beautiful stained glass window visible from Main Street. In the 1960’s, the church became affiliated with the United Church of Christ.

Boards and Standing Committees at Maynard UCC

Church Council
Board of Deacons
Board of Trustees
Christian Education Committee
Altar Committee
Mission Outreach Committee
Growth Committee
Investment Committee
Finance Committee
Nominating Committee
Stewardship Committee
Music Committee
Decorating Committee
Church Management Committee

Church Staff

Co-Pastors – Reverends Hannelore and Tom Nalesnik
Hannelore and Tom began their ministry with our church on July 27, 2008. Tom grew up in Linden, NJ and is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. Hannelore is a New England native, having grown up in North Andover, MA and is ordained in the Moravian Church. Both feel God has called them into ordained ministry and it brings them great pleasure and joy to be able to offer themselves and their gifts to a church family as pastors. .

Minister of Music – Roy Helander
Roy has been our organist and choir director since 1963. He accompanies the
children’s Church School Chorus and many other church related events.

Church Administrator – Ruth Carney
Ruth has been with our church since 1997. In addition to her administrative duties,
Ruth writes and edits our monthly newsletter.

Sexton – Nyomi Corriveau
Nyomi has been with our church since March of 2008.
She is responsible for the cleaning and upkeep of our building.

Laura Doucette – Nursery
Laura has been with the church since 2007. She provides consistent care on
Sunday mornings for our littlest ones. She is assisted by a volunteer each week.