By Ben Rayner, Sound Senior Staff Writer:
NORTH BRANFORD:
Whether it’s in their backyards figuratively or literally,
some people just have to be there for their neighbors. Deborah Roy, the newly
installed reverend at North Branford Congregational Church, has dedicated her
life to bringing comfort and aid to her neighbors, be they across the street or
across the sea.
Deborah spent more than 13 years in Haiti working on a wide variety of social,
environmental, and health projects in the proud but distressingly destitute Caribbean nation. Deborah worked for several different
non-govenmental organizations (NGOs), an orphanage, and even in reforestation
projects.
The island has a long and distinguished history—it’s the
only nation to gain independence by a slave rebellion (1804) and was the first
post-colonial black-led nation—but a series of 20th century criminal dictators
left the country deforested and its economy and infrastructure in shambles. The
United States and France have
intervened in Haitian affairs with positive and negative impacts, leaving a
once-proud people at the mercy of political and economic uncertainties.
“I was in Haiti
from 1985 to 1998 and found it very satisfying,” says Deborah. “Spending time
with all the different types of people was just great.
"Working there is such an adrenaline rush because there is
so much to do. You learn to think on your feet,” she continues. “I truly love Haiti. A
ministry is kind of like that. You deal with emergencies, car accidents,
deaths, and you need a minister to be calm and level headed. You need them to
be present. Nonprofit work is all about serving; I think ministry is the same
way.”
After her Haiti
experiences and with her young son in tow, Deborah decided to attend seminary
school in Boston
and continue to serve her community, no matter where she ended up. After a
stint with a small rural church in Vermont,
Deborah found out about the North Branford
position and thought it was a perfect fit.
“The church denomination in Vermont just didn’t have sufficient funds
and couldn’t afford to remain open,” says Deborah. “I knew I wanted to stay on
the east coast. North Branford Congregational had been looking for a minister
for a long time, so I had a feeling about this one.”
The North Branford Congregational Church has a long history
as an important spiritual center for residents. First established in 1727, the
church has been witness to joy and sadness. A fire destroyed the church in
February of 1908, but members had the structure ready for dedication by Easter
of 1909.
For close to two-and-a-half years, the church has been without a
permanent reverend to lead the congregation and the search at times seemed to
be at a dead end, according to members. Although she does not officially start
until September, Deborah has been settling in.
“I really enjoy just getting to know members of the church,”
says Deborah. “Everyone has been so friendly and warm. The congregation has
gone out of its way to make me feel comfortable and welcome. This is a group of
people that instantly made me feel like I had known them their whole lives.”
The social activism of the denomination is what attracted
Deborah to the job and the town.
“This denomination has always had a social conscience and
been ready to help with a community,” says Deborah. “It was one of the first
denominations to ordain women and they have always involved with peace and
justice efforts and the social equality movement. The church is very involved
with charities and helps with organizations like the Community Dining Room and
the Midnight Run efforts. It is an unbelievably warm congregation.”
Deborah says that getting to know the town and her
congregation will be top priority, but she is also working on long-range plans
that fit in with the church’s vision. She hopes to one day sponsor trips with North Branford youth to developing nations.
“I think the church continues to identify itself with the
needs of the community,” says Deborah. “I hope to get out and encourage those
members who may have stopped attending to come back, especially youth. I like
working with teenagers, and we have someone at the church that I’m excited to
work with on that issue. If possible, we would like to eventually sponsor
overseas trips for youth.”
The North Branford Congregational Church UCC is located at 1680 Foxon Road.
For more info about the NBCC, visit www.northbranforducc.org or call 203-488-8456.
Pictured: Deborah Roy may be a newcomer to North
Branford, but with a lifetime spent in service to others, her
dedication and volunteer spirit will fit right in with her new position as
reverend for the North Branford Congregational Church.
Photo by Ben Rayner