The FPCNC second mission pillar is “Love Inclusively.” As a congregation of inclusivity, we strive to welcome all people into the life of our church. We are a friendly and caring church where people of all ages, backgrounds, and life situations are always welcomed, and where our differences are celebrated and respected. We encourage the openness and authentic humanness that breaks down barriers of fear and builds bridges of trust and love.
To help us reflect more deeply and in a way relevant to this time and place, we have the privilege of welcoming The Rev. Dr. Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones to preach on Sunday, October 16th, then lead a workshop following the service from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Common Room. Please rsvp as a light lunch will be provided. Mark’s talk will be appropriate for Middle School students through adults of all ages! Childcare will be provided.
Mark is an Episcopal priest at Trinity Church Wall Street in New York City. He serves as the Priest and Director of Spiritual Formation of Trinity’s Retreat Center in West Cornwall, CT.
A former Jesuit priest from Jamaica, Mark has missionary experience in Belize, Brazil, and Guyana. He believes that prayer, silence, and rest deepen our connection to God. Prayer and silence help us to name the pain, face the realities of our time, and claim the Way of Love for all people. At the Retreat Center, Fr. Mark fosters an environment suited to prayer, silence, meditation, rest, and reveling in the beauty of nature.
He is an avid reader, award-winning author and international speaker, and has taught at elementary and university levels. He has a passion for cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean. Fr. Mark’s intellectual interests include the impact of social issues on faith and spirituality, racism, and the impact of poverty. He is passionate about the inculturation of religion. Mark loves flowers, Brazilian and Reggae music, and is currently working on a book of poetry.
He is an award-winning author; recent books for children include: God Thought of You, God Created, Jesus the Word, The Gospel of Barack Hussein Obama According to Mark, Never Said a Mumbalin’ Word, The Womb of Advent and The Rastafari Book of Common Prayer. Two new books in 2021 include Absalom Jones: Leader and Guide (CPG) and one on the Spirituals called, Face to the Rising Sun: Reflections on Spirituals and Justice (Forward Movement).
Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to reflect more deeply on what it means to “love inclusively”!
