A service of recognition and installation will be held for Rev. Colleen Samson

Editor's note: A service celebrating the ministry of Rev. Colleen Samson will be held on (February 17, 3:00 pm) [WNCA], at Omwake-Dearborn Chapel, Catawba College, Salisbury, N.C.

Catawba's Chapel has a capacity of 1,000 persons. Let's fill some of those pews, and demonstrate support for a next chapter of ministry in WNCA. I've heard WNCA Board members echo the words:  "God is still speaking!"

-- Written by Rev. C. L. Stumb

 Please help the planning committee:  Click here to RSVP (by Feb.14)

Rev. Colleen Samson stepped into her Southern Conference staff position, now identified as Associate Conference Minister, nearly a year ago. She follows Rev. Jerry Rhyne in the role. Asked about her vision for moving forward, she highlighted the words Covenant, Connection and Communication. "My ministry," she said, "will be to encourage clergy to be in connection with other clergy in the association."

Rev. Samson is not, however, a new person on the block. "This is my ninth year at Bethany United Church of Christ," says Samson, "and I am more excited about our ministries than I have ever been." Samson was ordained in the Central Association of the Massachusetts Conference, UCC, after graduating with a Master of Divinity from the Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, CA.

WNCA president Cheri Lovell spoke further about Samson's connectional ministry. "Even before she began serving as our Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Samson shared her gifts with our Association - and we're more effective for her insight and her perseverance. Rev. Samson's commitment to justice, to connection, and to covenant will continue to challenge and strengthen WNCA, our churches and our members."

To Lovell's assessment Rev. Samson added, "It is my hope that the association will offer programs that are relevant to churches in today's world.   And, that through my work both clergy and churches will serve as the Body of Christ in more loving and meaningful ways."

She also continues to serve as pastor at Bethany UCC (Claremont, N.C.), to the joy of her parishioners, while adding the Associate Conference Minister role to her plate. One of Bethany's parishioners - Donna Ervin -- expressed how "abundantly thankful" the Bethany congregation is for Rev. Samson's ministry when she said: "We love her compassion for justice and how her life exemplifies what she believes.  We strive to be a bold reflection of extravagant welcome, committed to justice and discipleship which has been her gift of example to us."