Member Stories

Alison Couture and her family have been coming to First Church since 2013.

Alison has been involved in teaching Church School, participating in our Mother’s of Faith in Action group, hosting families at church for Family Promise of Central Connecticut (supporting those experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity), baking cookies for Mobile Foodshare and serving as Chairperson on the Board of Children's Ministries. Their family has enjoyed building new friendships through the Harvest Supper, Homecoming picnics, Bloomfield Backpack Project and First Church Outside hiking groups. Their children love Church School and Choir at First Church. They look forward to our Messy Church events during the Advent and Lenten seasons, and have a great time each summer during Vacation Bible School.
 

She loves our church’s commitment to giving back to the community and making our world a better place. "This church truly offers something for everyone at every stage and strives to meet each individual where they are in life and on their faith journey. It is easy to say ‘welcoming, open, affirming,’ but our pastors and each member of this church family truly live into that promise in their actions, both great and small," said Alison. She is grateful for the sense of community and family at First Church!
 

For Alison, three words to describe First Church are: Vibrant…Welcoming…Community-focused.

John and Becky Glezen began worshipping at First Church in 1965.

Between the two of them, the Glezens have taught Church School and served on most of the Church’s boards and commissions, including Deacons! More recently, they have been involved with Family Promise and with occasional ushering during worship services.
 

"In these turbulent times, when all-important values such as compassion, decency and honesty seem challenged at all levels, we love being reminded, by words and deeds, that we are a part of a family of faith where justice is done, where kindness is loved and where Christ’s teachings are followed," they said.
 

For John and Becky, three words that define First Church are: Open…Welcoming…Affirming.

Judy Rozie-Battle and her husband have been members of First Church since 2016.

Judy was drawn to the church by its inclusion, music and respect for all people. Since joining the church, she has been a member of the Board of Christian Service and been a co-leader for the Hands on Hartford luncheons. She has recently been involved with the Micah Children's Initiative.
 

"The passion and dedication to serving the wider community is one of the things I love most about First Church," Judy said. "I also appreciate the thoughtful and meaningful sermons which provide guidance as we head into a new week of our lives."
 

For Judy, three words that describe First Church are: Engaged...Open/Receptive...Committed.

 

Bruce Sill and his family have been coming to First Church since the early 2000s, when they moved to Glastonbury from Ohio.
 

Bruce has served on the Board of Christian Service, the Board of Youth Ministries and on the Church Growth & Membership Committee. Their family has participated in Mission Immersion Days, which have been a great way to spend time together.

He says, "There’s so much to love about First Church! The Music Programs is amazing. Children's Ministries and Youth Fellowship programs have been really great for our kids, and the mission work the church and membership undertakes is truly inspiring." The sense of community within the church is really special to Bruce.
 

For Bruce, three words that describe First Church are: Welcoming...Generous...Community.