Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 2/3/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD – Chontell Washington has been named the new pastor for First Congregational United Church of Christ in West Springfield.
According to Washington, she has officially been voted in as the 39th pastor of the church, and began her duties a couple of weeks ago.
Washington has been under this church denomination for around 10 years now, and this will be her first experience as a full-time pastor.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know the people, and their hearts,” said Washington. “I’m also interested in learning, and seeing where the ministries will go in the future.”
Prior to becoming a full-time pastor, Washington worked as a part-time pastor in other congregational churches, and was also a Christian Education Minister for several years. She has been ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she gained a lot of ministry experience.
As a resident of Rhode Island, she has also governed on the Rhode Island State Council of Churches, and worked for local non-profits for a number of years in the Rhode Island community. She has contributed to the Christian education efforts of Rhode Island adults and children for over 15 years.
“In my role with the [Rhode Island] State Council of Churches, I learned the true importance of finding the commonalities of one another, and lifting those things up higher than our differences,” said Washington.
Washington said that she is just starting to get a feel for her new duties. Her goal right now is to prepare for lent, and offer worship through livestream. The church plans to only have liturgists in-person for worship days.
“We’ll move along with whatever the safety standards are,” said Washington. “When we’re allowed to do things in public more safely, we’ll do that. But I think moving forward, we’ll always have an option for virtual worship.”
All livestreams for worship days can be found on the church’s Facebook page. First Congregational also has a Worship page on their website that features health and safety procedures for worship in their large sanctuary. All of this information can be found here: https://www.firstchurchws.org.