Noank Minister retires after 18 years

Dr. Paul C. Hayes, Minister of the Noank Baptist Church, will be retiring after 18 years.

There will be a special service at the church to celebrate Dr. Hayes' ministry on Sunday, April 24, 2022. The program will feature music and memories, followed by a farewell gathering with refreshments in the vestry.

Dr. Hayes initially came to serve as an interim minister 18 years ago, to allow the Board of Deacons sufficient time to locate a full-time minister for a congregation of over 100 families. It developed that the congregation wanted very much for him to stay on and become their full-time minister, and he agreed.

Both Paul and his wife, Wendy, became a major part of neighborhood life, walking their friendly dogs daily around the village and visiting with people en route. Paul became a part of some national and international organizations, primarily focused on human justice. Wendy became the Manager of Mystic River Homes, a local senior housing project started by the church years ago. Both Paul and Wendy also shared their considerable musical talents by singing and playing instruments and in the Choir.

To the congregation, Dr. Hayes gives this summary: "....We've grown to be a remarkable community of faith. We have extended our sense of ministry around the globe and remained a loving and supportive community to each other... And as I bring my time with you to a close, a grateful pastor like me has the special joy and privilege of simply celebrating it."

For those unable to attend the service, cards and E-mails can be sent to Noank Baptist Church, 18 Cathedral Heights, Noank, CT 06340, or noankbaptistchurch@gmail.com