PARIS — The annual meeting of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches will be held in Omaha, Neb., later this month and Rev. Don Mayberry, pastor at First Congregational Church in South Paris, has been invited to take part in a panel on healthy churches and church growth.

“I’m not so sure there is a particular formula for church growth,” said Mayberry, “as if one church is doing something right and another is doing something wrong. What the panel will do is talk about various things that they have identified as helpful in their congregations and communities.”

Mayberry went on to say that over the past 13 years as pastor at South Paris Congregational Church he has attempted to be present in the community and that he appreciated the local church’s encouragement to work outside the confines of the church.

“As a result,” he said, “I have met so many members of the community, many with no church affiliation, and over the years many have found their way into Sunday worship and then into church membership. We have a joyful spirit, find hope in the Good News and enjoy being together often.” Sunday attendance has nearly tripled over the past 10 years.

Sunday morning worship and children’s activities are at 10 a.m. September through July and at 9 a.m. during July and August. For more information about the church visit www.southpariscongregational.com or find them on Facebook. The church is at 17 East Main St., South Paris.