Page 10 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2024 A new church year with new Pastor at Melrose Highlands Congregational Church Special to Th e Advocate W ith enthusiasm, Melrose Highlands Congregational Church (MHCC) welcomed Reverend Chris Lyman Waldron as its new pastor in late March. “I am excited to return to Melrose. I did my fi rst pastoral internship 17 years ago at First Congregational and was impressed by the tight knit spirit of the city.” Chris immediately embraced life at the Highlands Church starting with Easter, the annual Melrose Beer + Bites fundraiser, the Blessing of the Animals, hiking in the Fells, and Sunday School programs. “There’s so much happening in this church and a willingness to try new things and to reach out to people of all ages and from all walks of life. It’s fantastic to step into such a dynamic community!” After growing up in Vermont and New Hampshire and going to college in Florida, PasPastor Chris Lyman Waldron blesses a pet at the Blessing of the Animals at MHCC in June. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Tallman) tor Chris returned to New England to earn a Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School. Since then, Chris has had a wide variety of experience in diff erent church settings, including intentional interim ministry, church planting, Christian Education, youth ministry, and camp ministries. He is particularly invested in faith development and helping individuals and communities fi nd their connection to the Spirit. Chris feels most connected to the Spirit in the outdoors and spends his free time hiking, dabbling in photography and (very noncompetitively) running. He also enjoys music, playing the guitar and building electric guitars from parts. Chris lives in Arlington with his wife, Leah, who is also a minister, and their two children. He’s excited to jump into a new church year at MHCC. Many beloved church traditions and activities will return throughout the upcoming year: the Fall Fair; the Thanksgiving ingathering service; an all-included, no rehearsal pageant; Christmas Eve candlelight service; birthday cake Sunday; middle Pastor Chris Lyman Waldron blesses stuff ed animals at the Blessing of the Animals at MHCC in June. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Tallman) school and senior youth group events; and more. This fall, Pastor Chris will lead a fi ve-week adult study series on “Images of God,” featuring diff erent ways of looking at God through art, stories, poems and scripture. Pastor Chris also plans to continue newer traditions of movie nights and “Messy Church” with arts and crafts for younger children. “Churches are one of the rare places in our society where people can come together across generations. The Highlands Church has been a place where kids can feel that they are able to participate, and we’re looking to build on that in the coming year.” The fi rst Sunday of every month will feature an all-ages intergenerational service with communion and moments for kids to participate in the service. Regular worship resumes on September 8 at 10 a.m. with a welcome back intergenerational service; Sunday school begins on September 15. The church offers childcare each Sunday for preschool children and younger. All are welcome to visit MHCC VETERANS | FROM Page 1 * 70% of area median income is $79,800 for one person; $91,175 for a family of two. * 80% of area median income is $91,200 for one person; $104,200 for a family of two. Additionally, homebuyers must (1) qualify for a FHA, VA or Fannie Mae or Freddie Macconforming fixed-rate mortgage loan, (2) provide a minimum 3% down payment or qualify for an approved Down Payment Assistance program, (3) pay closing costs, and (4) on welcome back Sunday or any other day of worship to learn about the church’s community. The “Images of God” series takes place on Sundays after the worship service starting on September 22. Located at 355 Franklin St. in Melrose, MHCC is an Open and Affirming congregation that seeks to extend God’s love into the world. It welcomes all persons, including those of all races, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, family structures, faith backgrounds, abilities and economic circumstances, into the full life and ministry of the church. Visitors will fi nd the church strives “to ‘Love our Neighbor’ by building caring community, connection, and acceptance,” and “by sharing God’s love, nurturing youth, and serving those in need,” as the mission statement notes. To learn more about the church, visit its website at www.mhcc-ucc.org or its Facebook page at www.facebook. com/MelroseHighlands or visit in person on an upcoming Sunday. complete homeownership counseling by the time of purchase. Interested applicants can apply online at https://www. northstrandcondos.com/newapplication You may also pick up an application at the Revere Department of Planning and Community Development (781-2868181), or email Joe Gravellese, chair of the Aff ordable Housing Trust Fund Board, at jgravellese@revere.org, to request an application via email or ask questions about eligibility.
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