WHO WE ARE

The Light on the Hill


We are a group of dedicated individuals passionate about serving the Lord.

Atkinson Congregational Church has been a "Light on the Hill," drawing people to worship since 1772. We welcome ALL people to our historic and very active church. It is a place of comfort and strength, reaching out to members from many communities.  We are a church of extravagant welcome, and a church where "…they may all be one" (John 17:21).

OUR COMMON FAITH

We are united through Christ


We believe in The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.

God is the creator of the universe and giver of all that is good. God is the savior—known boldly and intimately in Jesus and his life, death, and resurrection—who shows us how to live and love. God is the Spirit who enables us to make a difference in our world and in the lives of others. We believe that grace is the love, honesty, and compassion that God gives and shows us in Jesus. It’s how Jesus saves us, heals us, sets us free, and increases our capacity for love. We believe that we need each other. Whether single, married/partnered, divorced or widowed, it’s a lot easier to follow God with friends than it is by ourselves.



OUR VALUES

We are here for you



We believe in the triune God

Creator, resurrected Christ, the sole Head of the church, and the Holy Spirit, who guides and brings about the creative and redemptive work of God in the world.


Each person is on a spritiual journey

We believe each of us is at a different stage of that journey.



Each person is unique and valuable

It is the will of God that every person belong to a family of faith where they have a strong sense of being valued and loved.


We believe in the power of peace

We believe in the power of peace, and work for nonviolent solutions to local, national, and international problems.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

Come as you are


No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are always welcome at the Atkinson Congregational Church.  Join us to worship God and to celebrate the many aspects that make our church so special. Its heart and soul are the people who represent all generations. We offer church school for kids in preschool through high school. During each service, kids start off in the sanctuary with their families. After the children's message, kids walk as a group to the adjacent Tuthill House, where classes meet, separated by age and/or grade. Nursery services are also available at Tuthill House during worship. In the summer, we host a week of Vacation Bible Camp, drawing kids from our church and local communities. But we don't stop there! We host events and other educational opportunities, including those for adults. We're also proud to hold occasional services and programs in our beautiful, outdoor sanctuary.

OUR AWESOME TEAM

Get to know our dedicated church staff


Rev. Jim Thomas

Pastor Jim joined us in the Fall of 2017. He is a practical theologian, focusing on how the Bible and its teachings are relevant for us in the 21st century, while embracing service and justice as an essential part of being a Christian disciple. He is married to his wonderful wife Lynn. They have two grown children.

Mrs. Phyllis

We are fortunate to have Phyllis Hanson lead our youth programming.  She has decades of experience working with children and has led our Sunday Kid's Club since 2022.

Carol Boudreau

Our Music Ministry is led by Carol Boudreau. Carol is a long-time resident of Atkinson and member of the church. She is active in the Community Band and Kokopelli flute ensemble.

Lynn Thomas

Lynn joined us after working for the UCC Vermont Conference, where for eight years worked as the Administrative Assistant and Office Manager. We are blessed to her her expertise keeping everything running smoothly. 

Bob Hodgdon

Bob, our Sexton, makes sure everything is working properly on our campus. He is our unsung hero with the most infectious smile.