By Liz Ricketson
Associate Pastor Elaine Gaetani blesses the recently purchased defibrillator (AED) at the Congregational Church of Westborough – United Church of Christ Sept. 8.
Photo/Liz Ricketson
Westborough – Senior Pastor Paul Sangree and Associate Pastor Elaine Gaetani greeted each parishioner as they entered the Congregational Church of Westborough – United Church of Christ (UCC) for the Launch Sunday service, Sept. 8, marking the beginning of the new church year.
The congregation also celebrated the 310th birthday of Reverend Ebenezer Parkman (born September 5, 1703), the first minister settled in Westborough, the blessing of a new automated external defibrillator (AED), and a celebration of first responders. The celebration took place accompanied by a piano, saxophone and the church choir.
Representing the first responders were firefighters Carl Roche, Lt. Brett Borglund, and Bart Temple; and police officers Alan Hutchinson and Chip Dapolite. Pastor Gaetani asked that the congregation “keep emergency responders in our thoughts and prayers.”
The pastor delivered this dedication during the service: “We thank You, O God for the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to bring a better life, a safer life to all…our police officers, our firefighters, and our EMTs.”
The AED was purchased by the church’s Women’s Fellowship, using proceeds from the group’s annual Evergreen Fair, held on the first Saturday of December.
Member Donna Morgan, who initiated the idea, researched and purchased the device, a state-of-the-art unit also used by the Westborough Fire Department.
“The AED is something we needed and we felt it was necessary,” Deacon Nancy Cook said. “This is a big congregation; the church is also used by various organizations and concerts are also held here.”
The church is used by groups such as the Women’s Club of Westborough, Weavers’ Guild of New England, and Boy and Girl Scouts, so purchasing an AED made sense to the Women’s Fellowship members.
In October, an AED demonstration will be held for parishioners.
“The more people that get to feel comfortable using the AED, the better,” Cook said, noting that the machine is very user-friendly.