When you drive down Route 154 you may not notice anything out of the ordinary about the First Congregational Church of Haddam. But if you take a closer look you will see what makes this church so extraordinary. Reverend Michael Malone and his wife Laurie moved to Haddam five years ago. During this time, his inspirational leadership has helped create a congregation that is focused on mission work not only in our community but also abroad.
Michael began is ministry in Western New York. He served churches in California, Pennsylvania and eventually in Connecticut. Laurie grew up in Portland Connecticut. When her parents became ill, they decided it was time to be closer to them. Laurie worked for two years as a teacher at the Middletown Adult Ed and then took a position in the Haddam-Killingworth school system as a para professional.
Soon after their arrived in Connecticut, Michael’s daughter and grandson also moved to Haddam. They will be moving out of town, but will be staying in Connecticut. They have fallen in love with New England.
Most Friday’s in the summer you could have found Michael and Laurie or other members of FCCH selling homemade artisan bread at the Higganum Farmer’s Market. Over the last three years, the Bread for Fuel ministry has donated over $13,000 to the Haddam Fuel Bank. This program is designed to help heat Haddam residents homes during hard times. Hopefully this ministry will continue next summer.
Michael and Laurie will be returning to California to help take care of Michael’s 87 year old father. He will also be closer to his four siblings. The Malone’s are looking forward to taking long hikes in the desert and the mountains. When asked what they are going to miss most Michael said “We will both miss the friendships we have made here, as well as all the mission work.”
Michael’s last Sunday service with the First Congregational Church of Haddam will be this Sunday, December 21st. He will also be leading two Christmas Eve services. All are welcome to say good bye.
The Malone’s are going to be missed more than on Sunday; they have become part of the community. But even though they are going to be missed, all the work they have done in Haddam will be remembered for years. We want to wish Michael and Laurie a happy and safe retirement.