Oxford United Church of Christ Congregational Plans Ceremony

The Oxford United Church of Christ Congregational will celebrate and witness the covenant between the Church, Reverend Jerry Smith and Reverend Karen Jodice on Sunday, September 15 at 3 p.m. The Church is located at 3 Academy Road in Oxford. The public, friends and family are invited to attend the event.

Reverend Smith and Reverend Jodice were called as co-pastors in March. This service formalizes the relationship between the two ministers and the Church. According to historical records, they are the 44th and 45th pastors to serve there and the first co-pastors.

A number of United Church of Christ Clergy will participate in the ceremony. Others have been invited and may process with their colleagues. Reverend Kim Wadhams from the Naugatuck Valley Association will present the prayer of invocation and Reverend Suzanne Wagner from the Connecticut Conference will offer the blessing of the covenant. A charge to the congregation will be given by Reverend David Peters, the pastor of the Roxbury Congregational Church and Reverend Cynthia Carr, senior minister from the First Congregational Church in Watertown, will give the charge to the co-pastors . Reverend David Buchan will preside during the offering which will benefit the Seymour-Oxford Food Bank.

The service will be highlighted by a number of special musical presentations including choral numbers by the church choir and classical music selections performed by friends and family of Reverend Karen Jodice. The special musicians are her spouse, Helen Falcone, mezzo-soprano; her son, Joshua Peiffer, flutist; and her friends Karen Lampiasi, soprano; and Jenny Li, soprano and organist.

Representing the congregation are Al Woodin and Deborah Zeichner, ushers, and readers Karan Schmelzle and Martha Lubowiecki. Karen Kurimsky will administer the rite of joining in ministry.

A reception in honor of the new covenant in ministry between the Oxford United Church of Christ and Co-Pastors Jerry Smith and Karen Jodice will be held directly after the ceremony. Those seeking further information may call 203 888-6186.