2000’s
May 7, 2000: At coffee hour we view a UCC video which explores “open and affirming” as a
concept, statement, and as a practice.
June 25, 2000: In a special corporate meeting, Rev. Stephen Butler Murray is called as Associate Pastor. Rev. Murray serves until June 2002 when he accepts a call from Skidmore College to serve as College Chaplain.
February 11, 2001: With a performance of Durufle’s Requiem, John Schuder and the Chancel Choir bring to a close 25 years of Music Series concerts.
April 16, 2001: Phil and Nancy Washburn fly to Crete as the beginning of Phil’s sabbatical. Upon their return, Nancy is diagnosed with cancer which takes her life January 11, 2002.
September 11, 2001: Terrorists attack. We gather in worship on September 14 and 16 to grieve the losses.
October 27, 2002: Bulletin Notice: “The General Board has appointed a committee of Phil Washburn, Bonnie Mitchell, Diane Foster and Farley Baker to explore the development of a Memory Garden.” Named the Phillip and Nancy Washburn Memory Garden, it is dedicated on June 4, 2006.
February 5, 2005: The Youth Action Committee (YAC) bakes cookies for the Open Arms Shelter. On Souper Bowl Sunday they collect $1,439.90 for the Ecumenical Emergency Food Pantry in White Plains.
March 19, 2006: Phil Washburn announces his last Sunday in the pulpit will be June 3, 2007.
May 7, 2006: At a special corporate meeting the congregation votes to be “An Open and Affirming Church – Warmly Welcoming All of God’s Children.”
June 20, 2006: John Schuder advises the General Board he will be leaving at the end of December 2006.
July 2006: Liz Gombach Junod announces she will continue as Minister of Christian Education through Church School Sunday, June 10, 2007, after which she and her family will move to New Jersey.
October 22, 2006: At a corporate meeting we call Frances Wise Grenley as part-time Associate Minister effective January 1, 2007.
January 1, 2007: Dr. Arthur Lawrence begins his term as Interim Music Director.
March 7, 2007: Fran Grenley reports she is arranging for students to go to the Lakota Indian Reservation in Pine Ridge SD – a response to students asking for a Spring Break service project.
May 27, 2007: Rev. Sally Norris is appointed Interim Minister of Christian Education to serve until December 31.
June 3, 2007: Phil Washburn gives his concluding sermon, “Benedictus,” after a 24-year run at the SCC and 40 years in active ministry.
October 13, 2007: The SCC hosts the Tanglewood Marionettes in a free public performance of Cinderella.
September 2, 2007: Rev. Harry J. Taylor begins his term as Interim Minister.
September 9, 2007: After a summer of extensive refurbishing, the Sanctuary is rededicated.
January 18, 2009: Rachel Small is introduced as Interim Director of Christian Education and Families. Following her ordination in November, Rev. Small is called as Minister of Christian Education and Families.
March 29, 2009: Rev. Dr. Larry R. Kalajainen is called as Senior Minister effective July 1.