Lucy Page

On my first Sunday at the First Congregational Church in the fall of my freshman year at Williams, somebody stood up during the community prayer and raised a joy for my presence. That Sunday, and every Sunday after that, I felt like a valued member of the church community. It was hard to leave with so many people to say hello to after church! College was the first period of my life where I was challenged to develop an adult faith, and First Church showed me the type of Christian that I want to be. Mark was a huge part of that: besides leading a Lenten discussion group that was so good it brought out at least five busy college students each week, his sermons both were anchored in faith and took on the questions that I care most about. He somehow always said just what I needed to hear. But First Church truly is congregational, and I learned so much from my fellow members as well. Whenever I describe the church to my friends, I say that it was the most energetic, purpose-driven community that I’ve ever been part of. Every week, my fellow church-goers modeled what it looks like to be a Christian who gives of her time, energy, and love to work for LGBT justice, environmental protection, an end to poverty, and so much more. I looked forward to church every week as a time to fill myself back up with purpose and hope. I chose to become a member of the church just before graduating my senior year, and I still consider it to be my faith home. I love First Church, and I miss it dearly.