The Search Process Is Over! Permanent Minister Elected By The Congregation!

In December of 2009, the Church Council unanimously supported the recommendation of the Search Committee (pictured left) that Reverend Rushan Sinnaduray be approved as the permanent minister by vote of the Congregation at a Special Meeting. 

On Sunday, January 17, 2010, the Reverend Sinnaduray was present for the service and gave the children’s and regular sermons.  During a vote at a Special Meeting held immediately after service, Reverend Sinnaduray was approved by a vote of 196 yes to 6 no; or 97% + in favor.  Reverend Sinnaduray will begin his pastorate on May 3rd, 2010 with his first sermon on Mother's Day, May 9th.

The Search Committee reviewed dozens of profiles of qualified candidates and, after long consideration, visits to churches and interviews decided unanimously that Rushan Sinnaduray was the most outstanding candidate.  The Committee was delighted when Rushan accepted the "Call".  Rushan is an ordained UCC minister currently serving as Associate Minister in the First Congregational Church in Exeter, New Hampshire.

January 16 & 17, 2010 was “Candidating Weekend" during which a Saturday afternoon social greeting session and Saturday evening Pot Luck Dinner were held; both were well attended.  The Pot Luck Dinner included the largest number of people anyone can remember, around 150.  Everyone had a chance to meet Rushan and his wife, Arushini .

Rushan and Arushini are looking forward to moving to Canton and living in the Parsonage.  They expect to arrive in late April, after they close up their affairs in Exeter, New Hampshire.  The Parsonage is now under renovation by members of the Congregation.  Many people are volunteering to handle jobs from demolition to painting.  We look forward to providing a clean, renovated home for Rushan, Arushini, and the baby, expected in July.

The photographs below were taken during "Candidating Weekend" and include scenes from the Saturday afternoon Social, the Pot Luck Dinner, and the Sunday service and vote.  Also included on the website is the church profile (click HERE to view) which was compiled by the Hartford Seminary, from the data gathered from the questionnaires filled out by individual church members last spring.

This is an exciting time!  It was wonderful to see over 200 church members attending Rushan’s service on January 17.  Everyone is looking forward to a new period of growth.