Alison McCaffrey

“Connection” is one dimension of parish ministry that I highly value and seek to nurture in all that I do; connection with God, with one another, and with one’s own being. It’s important to me to know names and remember stories. I love connecting members and friends with similar interests, helping you to discover your gifts and then encouraging you to find ways to share them for the blessing of others. It blesses me to provide opportunities where each one can experience the sacred in our midst, whether that is through a walk on our Holy Week labyrinth or while on the week-long Adult Mission Trip. Bringing God’s beloved ones together that they might know and be known brings me deep joy. I have had the joy of serving as Associate Minister since January 6, 2002, the day the church celebrates Epiphany, the arrival of the Magi at the manger. My journey to this church and to ordained ministry was one long trip. In 1984 while being mom to my three children, I began working in different churches and going to school. I worked as Sexton, Secretary, Youth Minister and Director of Christian Education while attending and graduating from Housatonic Community College, Southern Connecticut State University and Andover Newton Theological School. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the reality that our busy lives can often have us feeling fragmented and disconnected. I hope that through being a part of First Church, you will have an experience of God’s welcoming, transforming, and all-embracing love.