The First Church in Stoneham Welcomes Interim Minister

The membership of the First Congregational Church in Stoneham is pleased to welcome its interim minister, the Reverend Henry Schoenfield. Reverend Schoenfield is helping to lead the Church on its journey to find a permanent minister, after its long-time Pastor Meredith Allen retired earlier this year.

Reverend Schoenfield, a resident of Lynn, is a lifelong seeker from a spiritually diverse family learning from different spiritual traditions while remaining rooted in the Christian tradition. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, he comes to the Greater Boston Area from New York City where he was a member of Judson Memorial Church. In nearly 17 years of ordained ministry, he has served people and congregations in times of transition and intentional discernment. Most recently, he served as Interim Lead Pastor at First Church in Somerville.

Reverend Schoenfield’s seminary studies, Masters of Divinity, were completed at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. He also serves as a Professional Certified Coach, having completed training through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching. In addition, Reverend Schoenfield is completing a Post-Master's Certificate in Spiritual Formation at Boston College.

“I am passionate about serving people through times of transition - helping people to ‘live alive’, as noted author, theologian and philosopher Howard Thurman might say,” commented Reverend Schoenfield.

Services at the First Congregational Church in Stoneham are at 10:00 a.m. each Sunday, One Church Street, in Stoneham. For more information about First Church please call (781) 438-0097 or visit, www.firstchurchstoneham.org.

About the First Congregational Church in Stoneham

The First Congregational Church in Stoneham was chartered in 1725. At that time, the town and the church were one entity, leading the political, social and religious life of its 300 citizens. Today, the Church continues its active role in the Stoneham community and surrounding towns serving countless families through all life events. The Church is home to The Purpose School, a well-regarded nursery school for pre-school children, wonderful musical programs, a place for community gatherings, and a host of other services for individuals and families in need, including its Stoneham Board of Health/Gods Helping Hand food pantry and weekly community dinners through an interfaith outreach program.