Thank You Kristy

Like everyone here at Central Square Congregational Church, I was saddened to hear of Reverend Kristy’s resignation as Associate Pastor.  I am convinced that Kristy’s decision was part of God’s plan for her to grow and continue on her faith journey.  We join in celebrating this new chapter in Kristy’s life.

It is only natural for each of us to reflect back on what Kristy has meant to this Congregation.  During her time here, Kristy has woven herself into the very fabric of this Church Community.  Her ability to touch us through her enthusiastic personality has been evident each Sunday.  We have been witness to Kristy’s special relationship with her family; the touching moments with her little girls that she adds into a sermon or the playful banter with her husband Ken.  We also have shared in her sorrow as she leaned on her unyielding faith in God and this Church to deal with tragedy.  She has been our teacher, our friend, our Pastor; she has been our Reverend Kristy.

Thank you Kristy!

I would like share a few recent observations that in my opinion summarize Reverend Kristy and her tenure here in this Congregation.

On Sunday’s when Kristy beckons her flock of children to the altar, I can see their eyes scanning the front pew for the magic bag that usually contains some unique props to help Kristy emphasize the lesson of the day.  Children possess the special gift to view the world through eyes that are not yet clouded with the cynicism and doubt that unfortunately creep in with time.  They simply look into the heart seeking trust, kindness and love.  That special bond happens each Sunday between Kristy and the children as she attempts to spark the flame of faith within them and sends them off to Sunday school class.  I am certain they will carry these lessons with them always, and they will keep Kristy in their memory for the rest of their lives.

Thank you Kristy!

Last year, on Memorial Day, my wife Paula and I walked up to the Bridgewater Common to witness the rededication of the War Memorial monument.  It was gratifying to see so many people gathered on the Common to observe this special occasion.  Among the crowd were the usual representation of politicians, Veterans Groups and Service men and woman.  One of them was Reverend Kristy.  To honor the occasion, Kristy was dressed in her uniform as Naval Officer and Chaplin.  She was serving two roles that day.  One by one, speakers’ from the various organizations came to the podium and spoke about the importance of the day and keeping alive the memory of those who had made the supreme sacrifice in serving this country.  Then finally, it was Reverend Kristy’s turn to offer prayer and preside over the unveiling of the monument.  Like those before her, Kristy emphasized the importance of the day, but her voice rang different.  There was no stumbling of words, no pause to find her place on the scripted paper, no inaudible whispers from someone overwhelmed by the moment.  Rather the crowd heard a clear message honoring the day and acknowledging Gods hand in all of it.  As I glanced at Reverend Kristy at the podium, the outline of Central Square Congregational Church came in focus behind her.  It struck me how proud this congregation should be of its Associate Pastor.  She had drawn upon her faith, and through it, had risen to the occasion, again.

Thank you Kristy!

A year ago this February, the tragedy of war came home to this community.  One of Bridgewater’s sons had been killed in Afghanistan.  Lance Corporal Kevin Preach lost his life serving his country in that far off land.  The numbing responsibility fell to Reverend Kristy to comfort a grieving mother and family while attempting to answer the unanswerable….Why?  As the pews in our Church filled with family, friends, dignitaries, and as hundreds of others gathered on the Common and beyond to see and listen, Reverend Kristy celebrated the life of a young man too soon gone.  Her eloquent eulogy resonated with the sacred theme of “Semper Fi”, “always faithful”.  The service was befitting a fellow soldier, a fallen Marine.  I sat there in one of those pews, my own emotions stretched, and wondered how she was doing this.  She was leading everyone through this. The answer was obvious.  Once again Reverend Kristy had drawn on that unshakable faith in God and risen to the occasion.  Once again she had proudly represented the best of this Church Community, her Church Community.

Thank you Kristy!

A final thought.  I believe that as we come into this world, God reaches out his divine hand and touches our soul.  In this brief moment, he empowers each of us with a measure of His love, understanding, compassion and all those attributes that make us human and in His image.   Every so often, in His infinite wisdom, God holds that divine touch for an extra heartbeat, an extra measure.  It is in this way, I believe, that Reverend Kristy has been blessed.

We thank God for your time here at

Thank you Kristy!

Rich Sullivan

Board of Deacons