First Congregational of Spencer parishioners to meet Sunday at Leicester church

LEICESTER - In the wake of First Congregational Church in Spencer being destroyed by a lightning strike fire, one of its sister’s churches, the First Congregational Church of Leicester, has opened its door and its collective heart by offering a place to conduct Sunday service for the parishioners who’ve lost their church.

The Rev. Bruce MacLeod, who is the current pastor of both churches, posted an announcement on social media that they will “gather” at 10 a.m. Sunday at the First Congregational Church of Leicester, 1 Washburn Square.

According to the Southern New England Conference, United Church of Christ, the congregational churches in the neighboring town have been sharing worship and alternating buildings.

“I have been inspired by the immediate outpouring of concern and offers of help being expressed by churches, Pastors, congregations, friends and neighbors from all over our conference. I have asked Bruce to share with his churches on Sunday that they are not alone. We are all on stand-by waiting to see how we can best help them in the difficult days and months that lie ahead,” the Rev. Carol Steinbrecher, area conference minister, North Central Region, said in a statement. “For now, please know that everyone is safe. Pray for the firefighters, EMTs and the members of the Mass. Corps of Fire Chaplains who raced to the scene to help. Pray for Pastor Bruce as he leads his people through this time of loss. Pray for the congregation, the town, the many people who have history and connections to this community of faith. Pray and give thanks for this church that has been a beacon of light for decades in their community.”

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: First Congregational of Spencer members to meet at Leicester church