MEET OUR STAFF
First Baptist Church of West Hartford
| Dedicated to bringing Christian Faith and Life together through Worship, Outreach, Education and a Caring Community |
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| First Baptist Church of West Hartford 90 North Main Street West Hartford CT 06107 |
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Tom has been Senior Minister of First Baptist since 1992.
He is a 1985 graduate of Colgate Rochester Divinity School
and prior to coming to West Hartford, served churches in
Ohio and Rochester, New York. In Rochester he was on the
staff of the Divinity School recruiting students and
administering a project to study healthy congregations.
His primary interests are in preaching, worship leadership,
teaching and spiritual growth, and his hope for people,
inside the church and out, is for deeper spiritual lives.
“God has gifted all of us with hearts, minds, souls and
bodies, to drink deeply from the Source of life. At First
Baptist, we understand that the disciplines of worship,
study, prayer, meditation and small group conversation can
prepare the soul for deeper encounters with God through
Christ.” He is available for pastoral care and to assist in
your spiritual life.
For many years, Tom has been deeply involved in issues of
environmental justice and care of God’s creation and is the
co-founder of the state-wide, interfaith Inter-religious Eco-
Justice Network He and his wife Peg have two children,
Geoff and Sarah.
He is a 1985 graduate of Colgate Rochester Divinity School
and prior to coming to West Hartford, served churches in
Ohio and Rochester, New York. In Rochester he was on the
staff of the Divinity School recruiting students and
administering a project to study healthy congregations.
His primary interests are in preaching, worship leadership,
teaching and spiritual growth, and his hope for people,
inside the church and out, is for deeper spiritual lives.
“God has gifted all of us with hearts, minds, souls and
bodies, to drink deeply from the Source of life. At First
Baptist, we understand that the disciplines of worship,
study, prayer, meditation and small group conversation can
prepare the soul for deeper encounters with God through
Christ.” He is available for pastoral care and to assist in
your spiritual life.
For many years, Tom has been deeply involved in issues of
environmental justice and care of God’s creation and is the
co-founder of the state-wide, interfaith Inter-religious Eco-
Justice Network He and his wife Peg have two children,
Geoff and Sarah.
Senior Minister
Tom Carr
Tom Carr
Amy Hollis, our Associate Minister for Christian Formation,
Spiritual Development and Church Growth. She began her
ministry with us in the middle of July 2007.
Amy is a high energy, very organized person with a keen
intellect and many ideas for new ways of ministry in and
beyond the congregation. For her field education last year,
she worked with the Reverend Cal Lord at the First Baptist
Church of Norwich. She has worked for many years as a
volunteer in her local church in the area of children’s and
youth ministry and served as the chair of the program
committee for the ABCCONN annual meeting that was held
in April.
She is passionate about helping people discover their
connections: with God, other people and the rest of
creation. “To tell and know our stories, is to begin to
discover our connections with God and life.” Her
responsibilities as Associate Minister will include worship
leadership, Christian education, Growth and Outreach, and
spiritual development.
Amy lives in Westbrook with her husband, Scott and their
two daughters, Katie and Sarah.
Spiritual Development and Church Growth. She began her
ministry with us in the middle of July 2007.
Amy is a high energy, very organized person with a keen
intellect and many ideas for new ways of ministry in and
beyond the congregation. For her field education last year,
she worked with the Reverend Cal Lord at the First Baptist
Church of Norwich. She has worked for many years as a
volunteer in her local church in the area of children’s and
youth ministry and served as the chair of the program
committee for the ABCCONN annual meeting that was held
in April.
She is passionate about helping people discover their
connections: with God, other people and the rest of
creation. “To tell and know our stories, is to begin to
discover our connections with God and life.” Her
responsibilities as Associate Minister will include worship
leadership, Christian education, Growth and Outreach, and
spiritual development.
Amy lives in Westbrook with her husband, Scott and their
two daughters, Katie and Sarah.
Associate Minister
Amy Hollis
Amy Hollis
Covenant of the
First Baptist Church of West Hartford
We do now in the presence of God and this congregation, joyfully and
responsibly enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We agree, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to
work for the advancement of this Church, its purpose and world wide
mission; to participate in Worship, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper; and to
contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of its ministry.
We agree that it is our responsibility to bear witness to the Gospel to our
family and friends, to help one another grow spiritually, to educate our
children in the Christian faith, to maintain family and personal devotions, to
be exemplary in our conduct, to be fair and just in our dealings, to be faithful
in our commitments, and to work together to advance the Kingdom of God.
We further agree to watch over one another in Christian love, to remember
each other in prayer, to aid each other in sickness and distress, to cultivate
a Christian attitude in feeling, to be courteous in speech, to be slow to take
offense but always ready for reconciliation, and to be ever mindful of the
teachings of Jesus.
We also promise that, should we leave this Church, we will unite with
another congregation where we can carry out the spirit and principles of this
covenant.
Adopted June 26th, 2005
First Baptist Church of West Hartford
We do now in the presence of God and this congregation, joyfully and
responsibly enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We agree, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to
work for the advancement of this Church, its purpose and world wide
mission; to participate in Worship, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper; and to
contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of its ministry.
We agree that it is our responsibility to bear witness to the Gospel to our
family and friends, to help one another grow spiritually, to educate our
children in the Christian faith, to maintain family and personal devotions, to
be exemplary in our conduct, to be fair and just in our dealings, to be faithful
in our commitments, and to work together to advance the Kingdom of God.
We further agree to watch over one another in Christian love, to remember
each other in prayer, to aid each other in sickness and distress, to cultivate
a Christian attitude in feeling, to be courteous in speech, to be slow to take
offense but always ready for reconciliation, and to be ever mindful of the
teachings of Jesus.
We also promise that, should we leave this Church, we will unite with
another congregation where we can carry out the spirit and principles of this
covenant.
Adopted June 26th, 2005
Music of many musical periods and types is
offered at First Baptist in song, choir and
instruments, including Bell Choir.
The First Baptist Choir is open to all interested
in sacred music. Professionally trained choir
section leaders encourage lay participation in all
sections. Special music is presented each
Sunday and on special occasions. Seasonal
concert presentations are a part of the music
ministry. Active children’s music education is
part of the program.
offered at First Baptist in song, choir and
instruments, including Bell Choir.
The First Baptist Choir is open to all interested
in sacred music. Professionally trained choir
section leaders encourage lay participation in all
sections. Special music is presented each
Sunday and on special occasions. Seasonal
concert presentations are a part of the music
ministry. Active children’s music education is
part of the program.
Accompanist: Bruce Hector
Choral Director: Mindy Shilansky
Choral Director: Mindy Shilansky
Bruce attended Westminster
Choir College, for two years.
Graduated from NYU , BS in Music
Education. Graduate Seminary
School of Sacred Music, Masters
in Sacred Music. He served on the
board of the Hartford Guild of
Organists, and has directed the
Music Ministry of First Baptist
Church of West Hartford, for over
forty years.
Choir College, for two years.
Graduated from NYU , BS in Music
Education. Graduate Seminary
School of Sacred Music, Masters
in Sacred Music. He served on the
board of the Hartford Guild of
Organists, and has directed the
Music Ministry of First Baptist
Church of West Hartford, for over
forty years.
Mindy is a graduate of the Hartt
School of Music, University of
Hartford. Mindy's role as choral
director includes selection of
music for Sunday services and
other special services. She
prepares the Chancel Choir for
its role in worship, this includes
soloists and instrumentalists.
She lives in Bloomfield with her
husband, Neil and her daughter,
Lauren.
School of Music, University of
Hartford. Mindy's role as choral
director includes selection of
music for Sunday services and
other special services. She
prepares the Chancel Choir for
its role in worship, this includes
soloists and instrumentalists.
She lives in Bloomfield with her
husband, Neil and her daughter,
Lauren.
EXCERPTS FROM THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES USA
WEBSITE
American Baptist tradition has emphasized the Lordship and atoning sacrifice of Jesus
Christ, believers’ baptism, the competency of all believers to be in direct relationship
with God and to interpret Scripture, the influence of the Holy Spirit on individual lives
and ministries, and the need for autonomous congregations free from government
interference or hierarchical polity.
Today hundreds of American Baptist home and overseas missionaries serve in
partnership with others in a variety of ministries designed to strengthen spiritual,
physical and social conditions in the U.S. and in more than 20 other countries.
Throughout their history American Baptists have been led by the Gospel mandates to
be directly active in the institutions of society to promote holistic and healing change.
The tradition of social outreach and ministry extends back to the enfranchisement and
education of freedmen following the Civil War, through frontline advocacy of the Civil
Rights Movement, the empowerment of women in church and society, ecological
responsibility and the many contemporary issues of justice. Because of the
longstanding commitment to outreach to and fellowship with all persons, American
Baptist Churches USA today is the most racially inclusive body within Protestantism
and will within the next few years be comprised of no racial/ethnic majority group.
In consideration of Christ’s call to worldwide ministry (Acts 1:8) American Baptists
always have been actively engaged in ecumenical ministry, both locally and in such
bodies as the National Council of Churches of Christ, World Council of Churches and
Baptist World Alliance.
[Excerpts from the American Baptist Churches USA history statement. The entire text
is available by “clicking” on the BAPTIST HISTORY link. ]
WEBSITE
American Baptist tradition has emphasized the Lordship and atoning sacrifice of Jesus
Christ, believers’ baptism, the competency of all believers to be in direct relationship
with God and to interpret Scripture, the influence of the Holy Spirit on individual lives
and ministries, and the need for autonomous congregations free from government
interference or hierarchical polity.
Today hundreds of American Baptist home and overseas missionaries serve in
partnership with others in a variety of ministries designed to strengthen spiritual,
physical and social conditions in the U.S. and in more than 20 other countries.
Throughout their history American Baptists have been led by the Gospel mandates to
be directly active in the institutions of society to promote holistic and healing change.
The tradition of social outreach and ministry extends back to the enfranchisement and
education of freedmen following the Civil War, through frontline advocacy of the Civil
Rights Movement, the empowerment of women in church and society, ecological
responsibility and the many contemporary issues of justice. Because of the
longstanding commitment to outreach to and fellowship with all persons, American
Baptist Churches USA today is the most racially inclusive body within Protestantism
and will within the next few years be comprised of no racial/ethnic majority group.
In consideration of Christ’s call to worldwide ministry (Acts 1:8) American Baptists
always have been actively engaged in ecumenical ministry, both locally and in such
bodies as the National Council of Churches of Christ, World Council of Churches and
Baptist World Alliance.
[Excerpts from the American Baptist Churches USA history statement. The entire text
is available by “clicking” on the BAPTIST HISTORY link. ]
| RESOURCES FOR AMERICAN BAPTIST HISTORY BAPTIST HISTORY CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CHURCHES [ABCONN] |
| ******************************************************************************************* WE ARE INVOLVED IN OUR COMMUNITY AND THE WORLD |
WE WILL BE PUBLISHING more INFORMATION ABOUT OUR
HISTORY, ASSOCIATIONS, and ACTIVITIES HERE SOON
HISTORY, ASSOCIATIONS, and ACTIVITIES HERE SOON
We are delighted to WELCOME 5 people into the Membership of the First Baptist
Church. The Deacons met and affirmed these people who have many gifts to bring to
our congregation, including their deep faith in the God of Jesus Christ. Please
WELCOME: The Reverend Luz Celenair Tirado, Rose & Ismael Santiago, Lois
Elsesser and Marvin Klash.
Church. The Deacons met and affirmed these people who have many gifts to bring to
our congregation, including their deep faith in the God of Jesus Christ. Please
WELCOME: The Reverend Luz Celenair Tirado, Rose & Ismael Santiago, Lois
Elsesser and Marvin Klash.
A SHORT HISTORY OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
In 1818 the new Constitution of the state of Connecticut was adopted. The important
change for religious groups was the disestablishment of religious organizations, which
separated the Puritan state-tax supported Congregational church, and allowed all
religious groups to gather, organize and worship in public according to their beliefs
and polity. Many Christians of Baptist persuasion who were worshiping in homes
began to formally organize. Several Baptist churches established in the early colonial
period gave support and encouragement.
In the “Western Lands” of Hartford several Baptists gathered in homes to worship and
fellowship. In about 1845 a hall was rented for regular Baptist worship. In 1858, four
years after the state legislature separated the “Western Lands” from Hartford, forming
the new town of West Hartford, “Twelve faithful men and women passed a resolution
creating the West Hartford BAPTIST CHURCH. Several members bonded together to
purchase a plot of land in the center of town on the north side of Farmington Avenue.
In 1859 the first church building was constructed. Slowly the congregation gained in
numbers and witness in the community. In 1937, the opportunity arose to acquire a
more spacious site with the purchase of the North Main St. plot from Charles
Griswold, a senior church member.
In the same year, the current Church Building was constructed on the North Main St.
site at Fern St. A duplicate of the original steeple replaced the old. The original
weather vane adorns the current steeple. The original front pillars, front stone steps,
bell, and corner stone of the first church are incorporated into the current building.
Some of the original furnishings are in the church. In 1959 the Educational building
was added to the rear of the church and parking expanded. The church is free of debt.
The membership is active in worship, spiritual enrichment, education, community
ministry, and ecumenical cooperative programs.
Throughout the years, much guidance, leadership and financial support has been
provided by the Connecticut Association of Baptist churches (established 1823; now
the American Baptist Churches of Connecticut-ABCCONN). Some pastoral services
were provided through the Hartford Seminary. From the first gathering of Baptist
Christians in the “Western Lands”, there has been a close association with ABCCONN
and the American Baptist Churches, USA.
change for religious groups was the disestablishment of religious organizations, which
separated the Puritan state-tax supported Congregational church, and allowed all
religious groups to gather, organize and worship in public according to their beliefs
and polity. Many Christians of Baptist persuasion who were worshiping in homes
began to formally organize. Several Baptist churches established in the early colonial
period gave support and encouragement.
In the “Western Lands” of Hartford several Baptists gathered in homes to worship and
fellowship. In about 1845 a hall was rented for regular Baptist worship. In 1858, four
years after the state legislature separated the “Western Lands” from Hartford, forming
the new town of West Hartford, “Twelve faithful men and women passed a resolution
creating the West Hartford BAPTIST CHURCH. Several members bonded together to
purchase a plot of land in the center of town on the north side of Farmington Avenue.
In 1859 the first church building was constructed. Slowly the congregation gained in
numbers and witness in the community. In 1937, the opportunity arose to acquire a
more spacious site with the purchase of the North Main St. plot from Charles
Griswold, a senior church member.
In the same year, the current Church Building was constructed on the North Main St.
site at Fern St. A duplicate of the original steeple replaced the old. The original
weather vane adorns the current steeple. The original front pillars, front stone steps,
bell, and corner stone of the first church are incorporated into the current building.
Some of the original furnishings are in the church. In 1959 the Educational building
was added to the rear of the church and parking expanded. The church is free of debt.
The membership is active in worship, spiritual enrichment, education, community
ministry, and ecumenical cooperative programs.
Throughout the years, much guidance, leadership and financial support has been
provided by the Connecticut Association of Baptist churches (established 1823; now
the American Baptist Churches of Connecticut-ABCCONN). Some pastoral services
were provided through the Hartford Seminary. From the first gathering of Baptist
Christians in the “Western Lands”, there has been a close association with ABCCONN
and the American Baptist Churches, USA.
