My Installation as the 26th Settled Minister of First Congregational Church in Bristol took place on Sunday afternoon, October 4, and was a spirited worship service. (Feature photo: (l-r) Members of Rev. Nancy’s family—Monique Pete, Catherine Craig Soukup, Betty Soukup Blackburn, and Rev. Nancy; and the Rev. Darrell Goodwin, Executive Conference Minister, SNEUCC.)
I am very thankful for the work of the Deacons both to make possible the service and the reception.
Two anonymous donors helped to provide the catered food and beverages, and members of the church provided wonderful sweets. More people attended the service and reception than anticipated, filling the Sanctuary and the DeWolf Room for the reception.
There were surprises all throughout the afternoon. One of the most significant is that our Executive Conference Minister, the Rev. Darrell Goodwin, appeared to join the service. He had been preaching at Edgewood Congregational Church in Cranston, and my colleague the Rev. Bill Sterrett mentioned that our Installation was happening that afternoon. Darrell decided to stay in RI, along with his husband, and his 6-month old daughter, Kyrie, in order to attend our service.
Another surprise was the beautifully decorated Sanctuary and DeWolf Room. Barbara Watts surprised us with gold pennants in both rooms and other gold decorations on the tables in the DeWolf Room. Celeste Bernardino and Susan Morettini brought gorgeous flowers from their gardens to add to the decorations in the DeWolf Room.
My friend, Professor Charlotte Carrington-Farmer, provided a message that spoke directly to the need to understand our history in order to embrace our spiritual future.
Many have commented on how much they appreciated her words. Her message was recorded by Dr. David Weed of the Sowams Heritage Area Project and will be added to our website. Thanks to Nikita Zabinski and the FCC Choir; the music was amazing from start to finish, which ended with a rousing rendition of “Oh Happy Day.
“Thanks” is not enough for all that so many did to make this a special day for me and the entire church, especially the Deacons gift to me—a beautiful stole that I will wear for many years to come.
Blessings, Rev. Nancy