Father Henri J. Nouwen used to tell his students at Yale Divinity School two stories over and over.
First he would tell them of his many times of visiting people all around the third world. Everywhere he went, when he got off the plane/train/bus, people would be waiting and talking to folks as they exited the transportation, "Hi George. Hello, Mary. Welcome home!" There was never anyone there for Henri because this was not his home. What he really, really looked forward to was his entry into God's more complete kingdom where he was sure Jesus would be there to welcome him with, "Hi Henri. Welcome home."
The other story Henri told often was about a former student returning to visit him on campus. It was a nice day, so they sat crossed legged on the grass. They visited for a brief time about all the things that had happened to each one of them since their last time together. Then they just sat very quietly. After a time they rose to part from each other with Henri saying, "This has been a very good time with you. In the silence, the Christ in me has recognized and visited with the Christ in you. This will forever be "sacred ground."
We welcome you to our "home" page, Evangelical United Church of Christ, the church center of Portsmouth. We will ask your name and try to remember it as we offer words of "welcome." Our hope is that you can find the "Christ in us" as you visit our website. Perhaps He will beckon you to come and visit with us in person; we hope so.
Probably the most important page on our website is the About Us. It is brief and to the point, but there are several drop-down pages that expand on the information there. Our Pastor and Church Council are charged with giving direction, structure, and inspiriation to a church that follows a vision, so the Pastor's Message may be helpful in touching base with this journey. Ministry is the work of all members; ministries change from time to time with the presence or absence of certain gifts. We invite you to look into our present expression of ministries in the Name of Christ. Each day brings with it joy and sorrow, challenge and delight; watch our News and Events to catch where we might be on a given day. There are those who help all these things happen, so visit the Church Staff page.
At the center of the Church is Christ, the Head of the Church of Jesus Christ. We are most grateful to be a part of this Beloved Community, described in John 17:20. We invite you to join with us on Sundays in worship and at any other occasion that is appropriate or helpful for you. Welcome!