Archive for the 'The Hearts of the Church'

Thanks to Judith Garfunkel and Margaret Suby, our church yard is full of beautiful blooms!

We all admire Abby as the confident woman who can speak to the congregation without a microphone. It was as though Abby’s early life prepared her for service to First Church. Abby was raised on New York’s Upper West Side the youngest of three daughters. Abby’s dad was an academic; her mother a high school and elementary school math teacher, and amateur musician. As a teenager Abby attended an all-girls private school where she was expected to speak convincingly. During her teen years Abby also worked as a stage manager for “Off-Off” Broadway productions. Think about how efficiently Abby organizes vendors for the Christmas Fair in the limited space of the Parish Hall and makes it look like fun. Early in her first year of college at the University of Chicago she met Neil whom she married following graduation. In 1986 the young couple came to the Boston area where Neil pursued a doctorate at Harvard University. Though Abby toyed with going to social work school, she entered the insurance industry. For the past twelve years Abby has worked as a risk management advisor for insurance consulting firms. She helps assess and address dangers to client’s assets. Abby has been an active member of First Church since 1998. She has served in a variety of leadership roles: Chair of the Standing Committee, member of the Welcoming Committee, member of the Strategic Planning Committee and member of both the fair committees as well. On Sundays she is ubiquitous: welcoming, making announcements, and helping in the kitchen. Abby describes her years at First Church: “Being a member here is an integral part of who I am as an adult.” As a member of the welcoming committee she is enthusiastic about spreading the good news about First Church to prospective parishioners.

Lyra O’Brien, the lady with the clipboard, has toiled tirelessly to organize two small but important functions: before each Sunday service a couple of volunteers arrive early to greet church members and visitors as they arrive. During the service, one or two members of the congregation leave their pews to deliver the readings selected for that day. Organizing these activities is a small ministry that Lyra, a pillar of the Welcoming Committee, has selflessly contributed to the church for some time. We thank her for her service.

“Spotlight on the hearts of the Church” aims to shine a light on members and friends who help us quietly and behind the scenes. Today’s spotlight is on Alex Pelletier who has been working behind the scenes for two years to help us consolidate our phone service with Verizon. Many many calls later her patience has paid off and our regular bill has been reduced by at least half. Thanks for your patience and persistence, Alex!