Author: Caroline

June 13, 2021 was “Graduation Sunday” at FCC Bristol. The in-person congregation and live-stream viewers celebrated this milestone in the lives of our five high school graduates: Ella Drawbridge, Zoe Fournier-Swire, Mikey McGowan-Roach, Alyssa Wheeler, and Erica Wheeler.

Rev. Deborah invited those present to step up to the chancel to receive the congratulations of the congregation along with gifts of shawls that had been hand-knitted and blessed by the members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Present to receive their good wishes and shawls were Zoe Fournier-Swire and Mikey McGowan-Roach. Jen Johnson, Adria Sartrys and Ruth Fisher presented the gifts from the Prayer Shawl Ministry.

Erika Wheeler was the valedictorian of the Mt. Hope High School graduating class. Several of the other FCC Bristol graduating seniors were among the highest academic achievers in the class.

Congratulations to each of these young women as their achievements are recognized and they move on to the new challenges and rewards in their lives.

After after 15 months and much work by the Reopening Committee to keep everyone safe, FCC Bristol’s doors opened up on Sunday June 6^th and we were able to come back together in person. It was a joy to just be able hear the liturgist read the scripture lesson, to listen to the minister’s sermon, and to hear friends voices and catch up on the news – in person, even if we were all still wearing masks and social distancing, in an effort to safeguard any who may not have yet been able to be vaccinated or who were concerned about COVID-19 variants.

It brought back to mind the old children’s rhyme:

Here is the church.

Here is the steeple.

Open the doors

And see all the people.

Live-stream services, available through the website home page, will continue to be offered every Sunday to anyone who wishes to join the service from home.

High Street passersby at FCC Bristol on the afternoon of Saturday, June 5^th saw children of all ages racing around the front lawn, passing through the obstacle course (including a challenging water barrier!) laid out by Susan Brosnihan, chalking up the sidewalks with artwork (I’m looking at you, Natty), practicing their baseball swing, tossing bean bags to win corn hole points, and other outdoor games. The tantalizing smell of grilling hot dogs and other yummy refreshments drifted across the lawn. The laughter and screeches of children and adults filled the air. It was an exciting start to summer on a lovely, sunny day.

This 4 minute video of stained glass colors splashed by the moving sun onto the carved stone interior of the Washington National Cathedral was sent to me by a dear friend. The sampled orchestral sound accompaniment is perfect. It touches the heart. Well worth viewing.