Author: Caroline

In a stellar group effort, the members of the FCC Bristol Facilities Committee have replaced the deteriorating wood picket fence in front of the historic stone Guiteras House that serves as the church office and manse. Many hands made light work as some bought and cut the 76 wooden pickets and panels for the hefty posts. Others painted each piece — twice! — in the original forest green. Still others came to screw and nail all the pieces together. The only task remaining is to renew the railing along the steps.

Many thanks to Jim, Peter, John, Michael, Chuck, Ron and Caroline. Let me know if I left anyone out.

“No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” This is the guiding light of the congregational family at First Congregational Church in Bristol. To signal our open embrace of diversity to the greater community, our Deacons recently met to gaily spray 7 huge flower pots with all the colors of the rainbow. You will soon see them, filled with brightly colored flowers and prominently placed in front of the church building.

On a showery Sunday morning, the congregation of FCC Bristol came to church in their work clothes, ready to dust and clean and sort and sweep. On April 23, Clean-Up Sunday was the theme of our Spring service project. With so many helping hands, much was accomplished in one short hour. Even better than the bright and clean building was the fun and friendship experienced by everyone who shared in the event.

We give thanks, O God, for this day of resurrection, this time of joy, this celebration of your loving power. Christ is risen! The tomb of death could not contain the Redeemer of life, and hallelujahs rise from our lips to greet the risen Christ. We sense with our spirits that Easter is an opening day for faith.

The burdens that seemed immovable as boulders are pushed aside. The anxieties and animosities sealed within us are released. The impossibilities that constrain our imaginations and actions are transformed. With the resurrection of Jesus, faith becomes the way of life.

Open us, gracious God, that we may receive the good news and that we may proclaim it through our faith, in our very lives. Hallelujah and Amen!

On April 4 and 5, the New Outlook Window Restoration team started reinstalling several of the repaired sanctuary windows, starting with the two smaller windows on the South side nearest to the front doors of the church. Then they started installing some of the large sashes on the South side, near the Chancel. As you may have heard, the big delay was procuring the acid etched glass.

If you get a chance, go by the Church and take a look. The newly preserved windows look terrific. We are happy to have some windows installed for Easter. New Outlook will soon remove, repair and reinstall the remaining large sashes on the South facade. Then we will move on to Phases 2 & 3: the windows on the North facade of the sanctuary and on the West facade where the front doors are located.