Rev. Philomena Hare called as Pastor of Linden Ponds Community Church

On Sunday, May 3, the Linden Ponds Community Church (LPCC) unanimously called Rev. Philomena Hare as its next settled pastor. LPCC is a satellite church of UCC Norwell, and Rev. Philomena will be an employee of UCC Norwell. At their meeting on Tuesday, April 28, Church Council received, and affirmed by vote, the recommendation of the Linden Ponds Community Church search committee to call Rev. Philomena Hare as Pastor of the Linden Ponds Community Church. Rev. Hare led worship and preached at the LPCC on Sunday, May 3. Following worship, the LPCC voted to call Rev. Hare as its next settled pastor, joyfully affirming this new chapter in the life and ministry of the Linden Ponds Community Church.

Rev. Hare writes, “My personal identity is shaped by three commitments: steady pastoral care, biblically grounded preaching, and community formation. I’m drawn to the tender and holy work of walking with people through seasons of transition: grief, illness, family complexities, and the questions that deepen as life changes. I’ve also learned that care is most faithful and sustainable when it’s supported by shared rhythms, so that no one person carries it alone and no one is missed.” The Pastoral Search Committee recommends Rev. Hare because the Holy Spirit has led them to affirm that this self-appraisal is true.

Rev. Hare also writes, “What draws me to LPCC is the opportunity to serve a community where relationships truly matter…I’m energized by congregations that want to grow in faith in every season of life."

Many at UCC Norwell know Marshfield Hills resident Philomena Hare because she was a longtime member, first finding her way here through the choir, where she sang for more than ten years, then with her service in Mission + Outreach, before discerning a call to ordained ministry. She currently serves as Pastor of First Congregational Church of Wareham UCC and will begin her ministry with LPCC in late August.