I was just forwarded this message from the New Hampshire Conference.   It seems like good material for the OMA blog.  Hope to see you in Nov!  Bryan

Important News from

The New Hampshire Conference, United Church of Christ  

Introducing the Rev. Robert Vodra                         

Director of Outdoor & Educational Ministries                                                

It is with great joy and thanksgiving that I write to announce that The Rev. Robert Vodra has been selected as the new Director of Outdoor and Educational Ministries (DOEM) of the New Hampshire Conference, United Church of Christ.  A graduate of Eden Theological Seminary, Robert was ordained by the Fairfield East Association of the Connecticut Conference, United Church of Christ in 1999.   He has worked at Silver Lake Conference Center in the Connecticut Conference, Shannondale in the Missouri Mid-South Conference, and Dubois Center in the Illinois South Conference; but Robert's primary work since ordination has been as a camp director with the Presbyterian Church USA.  Most recently, he has been the Director of Camp Albemarle in Newport, North Carolina.  He has a wife, Keri, and two young sons. The family will be moving to New Hampshire soon.  Robert begins his new ministry with us on October 15,2008.  This is a new day!                                 

Ms. Beth Martindale, who is concluding her two-season contract as our current Director of Outdoor Ministries will finish her work in the next several weeks.  Beth has done exceptional interim work for us.  We owe her a debt of gratitude for her vision and perseverance.  I am deeply grateful for all she has been able to accomplish in such a brief time and for the ministry she has shared with us at Horton Center, Geneva Point, and in the  Conference Center.                                        

Finally, you should know that we had many gifted and qualified candidates from whom to choose. The hours spent by our search committee were long, prayerful, and productive.  This work was done with the greatest care.  In the end, the committee was clear in its choice.  Our thanks to these members for the hope they hold for the New Hampshire Conference and this ministry:  Emily Clement, Paul Cullity, Luther Durgin, Janet                           Heslam, Wayne Martin, Les Norman (chairperson), and Nan Nutt.                              

--Rev. Gary M. Schulte, Conference Minister