A Life of Faithful Service
When you spend just a few minutes with Suellen Leugers, it's easy to see that ministry isn't simply something she did. It is who she is.
Suellen's journey into ministry began during college. While preparing for a career in teaching, she had opportunities to lead groups at a nearby church. Walking alongside others in their faith journeys inspired her and helped her recognize God's call to ministry.
"I found the time with others on their faith journeys inspiring and began to feel a little nudge from God that perhaps I would be better suited to ministry rather than teaching," she shared.
After college, Suellen attended seminary and served as a Director of Christian Education in West Virginia and Ohio before becoming the Program Director at Grotonwood Camp and Conference Center in Massachusetts. She was ordained in 1989 and accepted the call to pastor the Community Baptist Church of Plainfield, New Hampshire, where she served for nearly 25 years.
Following retirement, Suellen enjoyed traveling, spending time with friends, and worshipping wherever she chose. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she began watching Newmarket Community Church online. When the church reopened on Palm Sunday in 2021, she attended in person and has been here ever since.
"I have never thought about going anywhere else. NCC is a gift that keeps on giving to me. The people who worship and serve here are some of the best I have ever known."
Before long, Suellen realized she missed the day-to-day work of ministry. Today she serves as Chair of the Deacons, provides pastoral care, volunteers with the Food Pantry, and occasionally preaches.
One of her most meaningful experiences was serving during Pastor Patty's recent sabbatical. Being involved in the daily life of the church allowed her to use her gifts in new ways while helping the congregation grow together.
For Suellen, being a deacon means caring for people through times of crisis, grief, and illness while helping make worship, especially communion, a meaningful time of reconnecting with God and one another.
She also believes everyone should experience a warm welcome. She remembers being greeted each week by Rob Sargent, often wearing his signature kilt, and says his kindness made her feel at home from the beginning.
After so many years in ministry, what keeps her serving?
"I cannot go through life without sharing my pastor's heart."
That heart continues to bless Newmarket Community Church through her compassion, wisdom, and faithful service.
"I am so very grateful to God for this place where His love pervades each and every person."
We are grateful for Suellen and the many ways she helps make NCC a place where everyone feels welcomed, cared for, and loved.
Your friendly neighborhood church administrator,
Jeremy
