First Church Welcomes Pastor Andrew, Focused on Family & Inclusion

Reverend Andrew Wicks showed up at First Church of Christ in August ready to get to work. As the newly arrived 51^st pastor of the historic congregation in the center of Woodbridge, he knows that he is stepping into big shoes. “This congregation goes back to 1784 and the founding of the town,” said Wicks, “We have an important history here, and we also have an important role in the present and the future of this community.”

Reverend Wicks, who prefers a colloquial “Pastor Andrew” arrived at First Church after ministering in other Congregational churches in Glastonbury, East Granby and Coventry. At 37, he’s a busy new father with a one-year-old but says that being a parent helps him connect with other families in town. 

“I understand why getting up on a Sunday and trying to get everyone out the door to worship is a challenge. I want church to be a place where parents find a community of support, get some rest and sabbath, and find a home for their children to learn and grow.” 

Recognizing that churches are competing with sports, brunch and wanting to sleep in on Sunday mornings, over the last few years First Church has begun to offer free family events on Saturdays, and they are starting a Friday night childcare program soon to help busy parents who need a night off. 

“This church called me here in part because I have a long history of ministering to families and children. It is really hitting home for me as a new parent myself. We are envisioning big new things focused on families at First Church for every day of the week – opening a new community preschool, programs to get kids and parents volunteering together in New Haven, a teen center, and more.”

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First Church is part of the United Church of Christ (UCC), a Protestant tradition in New England that dates back to the Pilgrims on the Mayflower. They have been known for their progressive theological positions, including affirming gay marriage and taking social action to fight poverty. 

Pastor Andrew describes First Church as a place of radical welcome to all. “We’re a great place for families, but that’s not all we are,” he claims. “Our motto is ‘No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here’. I start every worship service by reminding the congregation that this is a place of inclusion where we work together for a better world, regardless of age, race, gender expression, sexual orientation, affluence or anything else. Many of our members have left other traditions and found a home here because they disagreed with exclusive theologies. Others come for the music by our internationally recognized organist, or perhaps because they just want to find a community where they can volunteer, or heal, or grieve, or be loved.”

“I hope folks who read this will come and visit First Church if they are curious,” said Pastor Andrew. “We worship at 10 am every Sunday. Even if you’ve been here before, things are different today. We are under new management... or at least new middle management” he said with a laugh and a nod towards the heavens.