Church Family News & Photos 2023
Have you seen our Labyrinth since it was refurbished? See it next time you have a chance or when snow melts, whichever comes first.
We had a good turn out to help decorate the Meeting House for Advent 2023! Thank you to all who showed up.
New Members November 26, 2023
Yvonne Tafuto is a retired licensed clinical social worker. She is married to Lou and they have two sons and four grandchildren. Yvonne and Lou will celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary next month. She has worshipped in several different denominations; has studied Buddhism; and has felt a strong calling back to her Christian roots over the past year. She’s still exploring…just like the rest of us.
Sara Thompson grew up in Newington; loved church early in life; then left for a time; then restarted her spiritual journey. Which has led her to First Church. Finding First Church has deepened Sara’s faith and helped her to be more hopeful. She is moved by the music and the people — the pastor not so much. Sara lives in West Hartford with her spouse; and she has two adult children.
Christine Thomson (no “p” and no relation to Sara) grew up in Philadelphia; and has worshipped in a variety of churches through the years on her way to finding First Church. She moved to Connecticut to be close to her son and daughter-in-law and her three granddaughters. Christine considers herself a lifelong student. She enjoys books about spirituality, religion, political science and also poetry and memoirs.
Liz Murray is originally from the Boston area; but came to Connecticut to attend UConn. She has been married to Dan for 11 years – they are parents to three daughters: Julia, Scarlett, and Bridget. Liz has been involved with First Church for quite some time and currently serves on the Business Team. She recently decided to make membership a more “official” matter.
Ray Epps has been attending First Church for 30 years with his wife, Carolyn Joy. They were married here in 1993; their two children were baptized here and attended the First Church Academy. Ray currently serves as a deacon. He is an insurance defense attorney; and enjoys books, movies, and music.
Kathryn Joy is Ray’s mother-in-law. She has been a members of the Methodist Church for almost 40 years – sang in choirs and participated in the women’s circle and so forth. She worked for the New Mexico Department of Education for almost 20 years in special education. She enjoys knitting and reading.
Dale Comstock has been a regular visitor and decided to become a member just this past week (after we had printed the bulletins). He has been involved in the church most of his life, most recently at Covenant Congregational Church in Cromwell. Dale celebrated his 86th birthday earlier this month; and has been married to his wife for 65 years. He is still looking to get involved in church life…and looking for his tribe!
Nicole Jackman and Nina Lawrence
Nicole is originally from New Jersey. She grew up in the Presbyterian Church. Nicole and Nina met in Hartford; moved to San Francisco together for Nicole’s residency; and returned to Hartford (during the pandemic) to be closer to family. Nicole says that there are many things that signal that they have found the right church, including the fact that Nicole’s favorite hymn was part of the service on Nina’s initial visit.
Nina is originally from Bloomfield. She grew up in the Episcopal Church and was very involved as an acolyte and choir member. She is mom to Noe and Naomi (baptized at First Church earlier this year). Nina has worked as an event planner for 18 years and recently started a small company that produces events for mothers.
Maria Soaft and Miles Lawrence live in Berlin. Their first visit to First Church was the Sunday that Naomi was baptized – they’ve been attending ever since. Maria is a recreation coordinator at a nursing home. She enjoys singing in various settings, including rock bands, community theater, and our choir.
Miles is Maria’s partner in music and life. He is also Nina’s brother! He is a lifelong DJ and musician. In fact, he teaches DJing and music production at a music school called Bach to Rock. Miles enjoys playing bass guitar; watching the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia 76ers; spending time with family and their dog, Gunner.
I think we had a record turnout to Coffee and Conversation on Wednesday November 15, 2023!
Amy Melvin and Doey Barnett helped with Days for Girls sewing at the November work day. Find out more on Simsbury Methodist website.
Joy Taylor surprised us at Coffee and Conversation recently when she brought mother-in-law JoAnne Taylor seen here chatting with Rev. Fredd.
Architect Hugh Schweitzer and Bob Cave are all smiles at the Oct. 29 Steeple dedication reception.
On Sunday, October 22 an enthusiastic community of clergy colleagues from the Barnstable Association of the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ and beyond gathered to celebrate the Installation Service of our former Acting Associate Pastor, Amie Giguere, to the position of Pastor and Teacher of the Pilgrim Congregational Church in Harwich Port, MA. Amie is seen here in the middle with a glow of pure joy! Just to the left is our Pastor Emeritus, Geordie Campbell, who preached the sermon which he entitled “The Hopeful Baton.” Jim Boratko was the music leader for the occasion.
A group of hearty cheerleaders from FC made the journey to be with Amie. Al Day and his companion Joanne, Bob and Nancy Ball, Bob and Jane Cave, Doug and Charlotte Evarts, Abby Perkins, Margaret Coles, Lindsey Day, Jimmy and Dawne Quinn, Judy Labadia and Mark Swanson. Jim and Kathi Boratko not pictured.
Shepherd Moffitt Vichot, son of Andrea Moffitt and Dr Alfred Vichot, and grandson of Linda Moffitt was baptized on October 20 by Reverend Fred Ward. Also in attendance was Shep’s big sister Nora, and his paternal grandparents from New Orleans, Dr Alfredo and Dagmar Vichot.
Youths Lily Nguyen and Joey Carbone, and a great group of friends held a very successful Drive-by Food Drive on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Collections will go to the West Hartford’s Food Pantry & Loaves & Fishes in Hartford.
Youths Lily Nguyen and Joey Carbone, and a great group of friends held a very successful Drive-by Food Drive on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Collections will go to the West Hartford’s Food Pantry & Loaves & Fishes in Hartford.
New Members joined on October 8, 2023
Aldona Siuta lives in Unionville. She played basketball in the Senior Games and that her team qualified for the National tournament in 2000. She is the mother of two sons and eight grandchildren – seven boys and 1 girl. Her favorite hobbies are double bridge and Scrabble.
Brenda LaFazia moved to West Hartford just this past May. She previously lived in Rhode Island. She is the mother of two daughters and four grandchildren – the youngest being 18 months-old. Brenda enjoys walking, yoga, swimming, reading, and crafts.
Peter and Jill Jelley live in West Hartford. Peter grew up in Guilford and has an art history degree from Harvard University and a master’s degree in architecture from University of Pennsylvania. He currently works as a job coach for Options Educational Services in Hartford. Jill grew up in Maine and has an accounting degree and an MBA degree from Thomas College. Jill is employed as an assistant controller for an engineering and consulting company in Windsor.
Michelle Kayser is a West Hartford native, and just moved back to the area. She is a pediatric endocrinologist in Springfield, MA. She has singing with the First Church choir since 2009. In her free time, she enjoys baking, gardening, anything nature-related, and spending time with her husband, Mohammed, and their 18-month-old daughter, Amelia…and two cats, Sherlock and Watson.
Brady Broker, son of Julie (Bohman) and Keith Brocker, grandson of Diane and Larry Bohman and nephew of Molly Bohman, was born on Sept. 18, 2023 weighing 8 lbs. 1 oz.
Brady lives in Norwalk with his parents and big sister Noelle who is awed by her baby brother!
Geordie Campbell, our Pastor Emeritus, and Pam at the marriage of their son, Tim, to his beloved bride, Anna. Geordie had the honor of officiating.
Among the words of blessing Geordie offered to Anna and Tim: “A marriage made in heaven is one where, by the mystery and power of love, two souls become more richly themselves together than the chances are either of them could have managed to become alone.” (Frederick Buechner in Beyond Words.)
The wedding was held in Brooklyn on September 24 at a lovely garden venue called “Milk and Roses.” The cameo appearance of the evening, second only to Anna and Tim, was 18-month-old Wilder Charles Campbell who was the ring-bearer. Once in front of the gathered guests, he gleefully pointed to his grandfather saying: “Opa!” “Opa!” “Opa!” So sweet!
Kelly and I are delighted to share that our firstborn son Nolan Richard Munro was born on 9/20/23. Mom and baby are both doing great, and excited to see everyone soon. –Tyler and Kelly Munro
Nancy Ball with former associate pastor Henry Millan. Taken at the memorial service for Ann Hempel on September 16, 2023. Come back again anytime Henry!
Rev. Susan Izard Celebrates New Book
Rev. Susan Izard is pleased to announce the release of Granny’s Garden, her first children’s book. Illustrated by Susan’s sister, Carroll Semmes Schenck, the book celebrates one women’s dedication to a community garden in her local park. It engages readers in the story of organic gardening while teaching the value of friendship and community involvement. Told in the voice of her young granddaughter, Granny passes on the joys of gardening and neighborliness to the next generation.
We had a fun filled family gathering on June 25 to celebrate Ralph’s 80th birthday and my upcoming 75th. 45+family members were in attendance. For the first time, all 11 of our grandchildren were together, plus 2 great grandson twins!
—Brenda and Ralph Worth
We had a fun filled family gathering on June 25 to celebrate Ralph’s 80th birthday and my upcoming 75th. 45+family members were in attendance. For the first time, all 11 of our grandchildren were together, plus 2 great grandson twins!
—Brenda and Ralph Worth
We had a fun filled family gathering on June 25 to celebrate Ralph’s 80th birthday and my upcoming 75th. 45+family members were in attendance. For the first time, all 11 of our grandchildren were together, plus 2 great grandson twins!
—Brenda and Ralph Worth
Always fun with former members come for a visit! Helen Garman (second from left) was in town to see Kathy Horner (far right). With Joy Taylor and Amy Melvin.
Carole Carter and Jeanne Warner holding a special quilt made for Linda Dore. June 16, 2023
New member class of June, 2023.New Members joined on June 11, 2023
Tom Thomson and Kathy Flynn were part of the New Member group, June 11, 2023. Welcome to you both!
Welcome Candith Pallandre who joined with our New Member group, June 11, 2023.
Hide Inga and Nisha Mungroo, with baby Francis joined with our New Member group, June 11, 2023. Welcome!
Al and Tara Zayac with baby Grant, joined with our New Member group, June 11, 2023. Welcome!
Cindy and Dallas Dodge renewed their membership on June 11, 2023. Welcome back!
Rev. Jane scootered into worship to invite us to “Boldly go where no-one has gone before!” June 11, 2023
Julia Rosa and Jenny Clark were just two of the volunteers who helped at the “Save the Steeple” booth during Celebrate West Hartford, June 10-11, 2023. (Mini steeple created by Terry Schmidt, and table cloth by Carole Carter).
Bob Cave on the top of the world! Steeple work in progress, June 8, 2023.
First Church Academy for Young Children: The 3’s releasing the butterflies they raised into the Memorial Garden.
First Church Academy for Young Children: The 3’s releasing the butterflies they raised into the Memorial Garden.
First Church Academy for Young Children: The 2’s class doing yoga in the hallway! They had to be awfully creative when the poor air quality kept ’em in!
First Church Academy for Young Children: The 2’s class doing yoga in the hallway! They had to be awfully creative when the poor air quality kept ’em in!
Geordie Campbell, Pastor Emeritus, is delighted to announce that his third book was just released from the publisher! It’s called “Glimpses Beyond ~ A Poetic Collection” and offers 55 of his poems accompanied by 45 of his photographs. Most of them bridge the years from his tenure with us to his still-new experience of retirement.
Several copies of this new addition to his collection of writings are available in the JPW library, along with his earlier books, “Tell Me with a Story ~ Narrative Prompts for Seeking Souls” and “As You May Become~ Living into Faith.” Our archives of his years with us also contain copies of all three of these.
Interested in knowing more, or purchasing a copy? He’d be happy to hear from you!
cgc.pastor.emeritus@gmail.com, 860-878-4197
Celebration of Life for Nan Streeter
Nan Streeter, an amazing servant of church and community, died on May 22nd. Her memorial service will be held in the Meeting House and interment in the Memorial Garden. A memorial service celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, July 8, 10:00 a.m. at First Church of Christ, Congregational.
Bob Cave and Court Lewis as part of Steeple Repair Inspection Team — 9 stories up: Looking over West Hartford and picking a location for the banners on May 30, 2023.
Enjoying the 2023 Memorial Day Parade from the church lawn.
Enjoying the 2023 Memorial Day Parade from the church lawn.
Wen Wen Van Der Wende, child of Bob and Laurel Van Der Wende, is finishing up four years of making music at the Hartt School. They will graduate this spring with a bachelor’s in music composition. In the fall they will begin their master’s, also in music composition, at Binghamton University.
Amy Melvin, Rev. Fredd Ward, Jim Warner, Dave Simpson and Martie Taylor at a recent “Coffee with Clergy”. I see a hat theme here with one particularly awesome hat!!New Members joined on March 26, 2023
Susan and Peter Bigelow were part of the New Member group, March 26, 2023. Welcome to you both!
Welcome Sheila Hassan! New member, March 26, 2023.
Martie Taylor renewed her commitment on March 26, 2023. Welcome back!
Sandy and Fredd Ward were part of the new member group, March 26, 2023. Welcome!
Linda crossed “skiing out west” off her bucket list in March! Photo courtesy of Linda Moffit.
Geordie Campbell, Pastor Emeritus, is delighted to announce that his second book is hot off the press and was just released from the publisher. It’s called “As You May Become ~ Living into Faith.” Several copies are available in the JPW library, along with his earlier book, “Tell Me with a Story ~ Narrative Prompts for Seeking Souls.” Interested in knowing more, or purchasing a copy? He’d be happy to hear from you! cgc.pastor.emeritus@gmail.com
Many may not know that Rev. Jane Willan has a sermon-writing “helper”, Winifred.
A spontaneous parade at Shrove Tuesday Pancake supper, 2023.
Molly Bohman, Jennifer deSimas, Barbara and Charlie Goodwin, and Ed Lennig and his grand daughter at Shrove Tuesday Pancake supper, 2023.
Ed Lennig with his grand daughter at Shrove Tuesday, 2023.
In honor of the memory of long-time church member Esther Spaford who passed away on January 29, 2023, we went into our archives for this image of Esther and Rev. John Webster meeting The Pope: St. Paul VI! Obituary and memorial plans to come.
From the archives. Homecoming 2022, JoAnne White greets Esther Spaford on the lawn.
Good news from former Associate Pastor Rev. Amie Giguere: “I am writing to share the exciting news that I am officially the new pastor of Pilgrim Congregational Church in Harwich Port, MA. I will begin on Ash Wednesday, February 22. God is good! In good faith, Amie” photo 1 of 2
Good news from former Associate Pastor Rev. Amie Giguere: “I am writing to share the exciting news that I am officially the new pastor of Pilgrim Congregational Church in Harwich Port, MA. I will begin on Ash Wednesday, February 22. God is good! In good faith, Amie” photo 2 of 2