First Church of Christ, Congregational Welcomes New Pastor, Other Changes

Submitted by First Church of Christ, Congregational

On April 22, 2013, the First Church of Christ, Congregational welcomes a new pastor, the Rev. John Castricum.  A seven-member Search Committee spent twelve months reviewing 100 applications for the senior pastor position.  The Search Committee is unanimously enthusiastic in supporting his candidacy.  “We had many qualified applicants with interesting and diverse backgrounds,” said Peter Gerrish, a member of the Search Committee.  He added, “We wanted a pastor whose ministry comes from both the head and the heart, and we could not be more pleased with Pastor John’s warmth, integrity, scholarship, and ministry skills”.        

The Reverend John Castricum

Rev. Castricum was born in Williamstown, MA and spent most of his childhood in Simsbury, CT. He graduated from Babson College in 1984 with a degree in Investments and Quantitative Methods. After college, he spent seven years working as a pension consultant. After graduating from Andover Newton Theological School in 1996, he has served as the Associate Pastor at Old South Union Church in Weymouth MA, and at South Congregational Church in Centerville, MA.  He is leaving his pastorate at Houghs Neck Congregational Church in Quincy MA to come to Bedford.

Rev. Castricum writes “A large part of my ministry is to be an enthusiastic presence that spreads a positive spirit to all parts of the church.  Sharing my faith, day-by-day, to all people I meet, in all situations, is at the core of my ministry.  Being a faithful and faith-filled presence to people is a challenging call.  It takes a lot of work and prayer, but it is the most worthwhile and joyful call I can possibly imagine.”

First Church also welcomes Dr. Sarah Castricum, John’s wife, and Emily, their young daughter. “Finding John is great good fortune, but also being able to also welcome Sarah and Emily to the Manse is also wonderful,” said Lisa Sackett, a member of the Search Committee.   Dr. Castricum has a Masters degree in medieval church history from Andover Newton, and a doctorate in theology from Boston College.  She currently works at Boston College as an instructional designer.

Other Changes

Founded in 1730, First Church of Christ, Congregational serves the Bedford community with a variety of programs and groups, including youth programs, study groups, religious education courses, childcare, and more.  Services are held every Sunday morning, and are aired on the Bedford Religious Access Station on television.  The church performs baptisms, weddings, and funerals, and also has a library and a music ministry.  Visitors are always welcome.

The First Church of Christ enjoyed the long-term leadership of Rev. Jamie Howard from 1980-2010.  During her 30-year tenure, the church offered joyful worship services, a variety of fellowship and community activities during the week, and many opportunities for children and adults to participate in all aspects of church life.  “Rev. Jamie was at First Church for so long, and she was so well-loved, that it was hard to imagine what the future might be after she left,” said said Dick Axtell, a deacon whose boys were baptized and married by Rev. Howard.

First Church of Christ called interim minister Reverend Betsy Waters to assist in a period of self-examination and transition.  The congregation examined how churches in America are changing, and how First Church might blend tradition with changes that enrich worship and invite all to deepen their spiritual lives.   They also clarified their missions and ministries, and discerned the type of leadership needed to bring the church through a period of growth and revitalization.  “We worked to understand the role progressive Christian churches will play in the future while also remembering our history,” said John Guetersloh, co-chair of the Search Committee.  With these goals in mind, the Rev. Castricum was unanimously called by First Church members on January 27, 2013.

The First Church music programming has been reinvigorated by Ms. Susan Capestro, the Director of Music.  Her blend of traditional and contemporary music is new and refreshing.  There are adult choirs, children’s choirs, bell ringers, a brass ensemble, pageants, and other dramatic presentations.  Instruments include the traditional organ, piano, guitar, and percussion instruments, and musical selections are taken from hymnbooks, folk music, popular music, and rap.

First Church also hired Reverend Gail Wright, as acting associate pastor and Director of Christian Nurture.  “She creates interesting and meaningful Sunday school experiences for all ages.  We can share our questions about God and faith together,” says Chris Majoros, who served on the Search Committee and enjoys singing in the choir.  Rev. Wright and Ms. Capestro will work with Rev. Castricum to create inspiring worship services for all ages.

In 2012, parishioners spearheaded a major sanctuary renovation.  Contractors removed and replaced pews, refinished the wood floors, replaced the carpet in the sanctuary, repainted, and hung beautiful new chandeliers.  Electrical systems were upgraded and readied for new technology that will be used in the sanctuary.  The Manse, which is the house in which a pastor’s family lives, was deleaded and renovated as well.  “We  wanted to create spaces that are not only beautiful, but functional for worship,  church events, and community gatherings,”  said Claire Maxon, who led the renovation effort.  “We think the renovations make a big difference,” she said.  

The Castricum family moves to Bedford in mid-April.  Reverend Castricum begins his tenure at First Church on April 22, 2013.  He welcomes visits, phone calls, or emails.  He can be reached through the church office at 781-275-7951.