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Neil "Sandy" Sweet Jr.

I was born in Taunton in 1947, part of the crest of the Baby Boom, and graduated from Taunton High School in 1965. I am a “cradle Christian” and Methodist. Baptized, confirmed, and grew up in the church. As a “Jr” I have been known as Sandy all my life. Graduated from UMass Amherst, class of 1969 with a major in Political Science with a minor in Speech & Theater.

 

During summers in college I worked at Winthrop Akkins in Middleboro as a stock boy. My dad was part of the offset press crew there, a huge press with catwalks on the side. I Attended Seminary at Iliff School of Theology, class of 1973. I did a 15 month internship at Seattle First UMC where I was the fifth full-time pastor on the staff. In 1973 I was appointed to Bryantville UMC and West Duxbury UMC.

 

In November that year my son was born and I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease, a cancer of the lymph system.  After six years at both churches, I served Bryantville for another three. Then I served UMC churches in South Hamilton, Maynard, Taunton, and East Bridgewater. I retired from full-time pastoring in June 2015. Three months later I was asked to be the interim pastor at my home church in Taunton “through Christmas”. Almost 4 years later in 2019, I retired from that position but on July 1, 2019.

 

I became part of the first Ministry Team in the then RISEM District at First UMC of Warren/Bristol, RI. I’m now in my third year on that Team.  I have always served on Annual Conference and District committees and boards. Division on Worship, Site committee at Camp Aldersgate, Registrar on the Board of Ordained Ministry where I shepherded candidates through the process.

 

Currently I am the chair of the District Committee on Location & Building, a member of the District committee on Ministry, and the District Lay Servant Ministry committee.  In the last 5 years my passion has been helping to nurture and equip lay ministry. Certified Lay Servants, Certified Lay Speakers, and Certified Lay Ministers. It is one of the most rewarding things I have done in my ministry.  The future of the Methodist Church depends not on clergy but on the ministry of all baptized Christians.

ABOUT US

Open Hearts... Open Minds... Open Doors

 

We are united by God's Love

Motivated by the Holy Spirit

Committed to walking with Christ

Our Church has been Served, is Serving and will be Serving our Community with Faith that comes from the Bible and Christian Love.

ADDRESS

(508) 947-2612

 

14 School St, Middleboro, MA ·

 

middleboromethodists@verizon.net

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