Dear Members and Friends,

 

I am pleased to share the long-awaited news that we closed on the sale of the Parish House on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. This milestone officially marks the beginning of the "Woodfords Church of the future."

 

As we move forward, our focus shifts to implement our Building Mission Statement:

 

"Woodfords Congregational Church, a vital part of the greater Portland community since 1872, envisions its physical building and environs to be in covenant with its core mission of creating community, championing justice, and growing with God. We offer our building and property as a community resource that incubates and nurtures neighborhood organizations and programs that align with our core beliefs—love, peace, and inclusivity. We intend for our building to remain relevant and aligned with our values long into the future, even if it outlasts our faith community’s needs."

 

Additionally, CHOM will begin mobilizing its team and contractors to bring housing for 85 low-income seniors to our immediate community. Despite various funding and construction obstacles, they are currently on track to begin demolition and construction in early 2027.

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We remain committed to our partnerships with organizations that are in our building and support our community: Wayside Soup Kitchen, Project Feed, A Company of Girls (ACOG), Stages, Maine Council of Churches, Verizon, The Bay Group, Munjoy Hill Group, Tuba Group, SSL Support, OA Support, Fresh Start, and Survivors of Suicide Loss Support. We look forward to adding to this list.

 

None of this could have been accomplished without you, members, friends, and our dedicated staff. 

 

Thank you for everything you do!

 

John England, Moderator