This page was last updated on: October 17, 2009
In a Chinese Restaurant
on Park Avenue in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1993. I made two promises to my friend Daniel. First I promised him that I would not let him die alone. Second I promised him that I would not forget him and never stop telling his story
Music By
Judith Hanlon
Songs about love. A pastor’s love for her confirmation class. A love song for a divorced Christian’s second wedding. A love song sung by two moms to their children on their wedding day. A love song sung between two gay men. A church’s love song to the whole world inviting them to share these pews and more---woven amidst old gospel songs like "God’s Eye is On the Sparrow" and new music by Judith Hanlon.
Our pastor, Judy Hanlon, came to us on a fluke, or maybe the “master design” of God? You can decide.
She was raised in Indiana, the second child of seven, born to a Pentecostal minister. Raised in church all of her life, she played the piano at 5, sang harmony with mom and siblings, and taught Sunday school when she was 12. She claims that “ecclesia’ (Greek for ‘church’) is in her GENES (jeans!)
However, she grew up and married a man from the Worcester area and left Indiana for the East Coast. She became successful as a marketing rep at Verizon from where she retired at the age of 45. Pastoring may be her second career, but she feels as though she finally ‘came home’ to what she was ‘called’ to do all of her life.
Pastor Judy Hanlon
July 2, 2006
Pastor Judy Hanlon has two daughters, Amy and Carrie. For 25 years she and her family were active at, Salem Covenant Church, where she directed and accompanied a singing group called, “Passages,” for 25 years. She has been writing music since the age of 9, and has produced two CDs, “The Color of Grace” and “The Colors of Love.” Hear some of her original music as well as old time hymns at: www.passagesmusic.com
Upon retirement, she began Seminary and, in 2000, found her way to our life, our arms and our love. Quite frankly, she was called to come and “candidate” ONLY because she was put on the wrong list. She was only supposed to provide “pulpit supply” for the summer. Once she came, we all fell in love. A mistake? A fluke? The will of God?
She will tell you that Hadwen Park Church and her are in “good covenant, we make a good team.” Hadwen Park has been a loving, faithful congregation since 1911 providing community outreach and service with grace and mercy. Pastor Judy comes with the spunk of her Pentecostal heritage, and a radical welcoming spirit that comes from her commitment to the United Church of Christ, our denomination.
She loves to preach and we love to hear her. She loves kids and teases the older folk. She is passionate about justice and brings varied music into our worship service.
Pastor Judy’s two daughters, Carrie lives in the Florida. Amy is married to Kelly Devlin, and have a son, Jack and are a daughter, Roxy, they live in Worcester.Carrie is the proud auntie extraordinaire and the best shopper on the continent. Kelly Devlin is a flooring contractor and put the carpet down in our new sanctuary as a gift to the church. Give him some business!
Copyright 2009 - Hadwen Park Congregational Church, UCC
The information, graphics and photographs from this website may not be copied, archived or captured in any way aside from normal browser caching and printing in the course of using the site for intended purpose. Some photographs, website features are displayed here with written permission or by licensed contract.
Pastor Judy came to us as a single woman and we heard many stories of being divorced and raising children in that environment. It was helpful to many of our single parishioners to hear that others go through lonely times, even ministers! But, on November 10, 2006, Pastor Judy married Glenn Richards who she met on the dance floor in 2003. She asked HIM to dance and the rest is history. Glenn is a Congregationalist from the GET-GO raised in the Paxton Congregational Church. Glenn even understands the need to ask for pledge cards and knew that Pastor Judy would be at church meetings nearly every night of the week! I wonder what her sermons will be about now!
Pastor Judy and Glenn's Wedding Day
Glenn raised his four athletic children, Brett, Melissa, Lindsay, and Adam, in West Boylston where they attended the West Boylston Congregational Church. Glenn's daughter Melissa is married to Jim Barbieri and they are raising three children, Kyle, Courtney and Johnny. Brett is a chimney contractor. Lindsay is the activities director at a nursing home. Adam is the center for Anna Maria basketball team where he attends college.
Glenn has been competing in triathlons for over 20 years. Pastor Judy was attracted to Glenn because he was a dancing Congregationalist, but fell in love with him because he loves to hear her preach and can cook!
Active members of Hadwen Park were invited to the wedding and the reception. The stories are still surfacing of dancing, eating, laughing, joy and MORE dancing!
Pastor Judy and Hadwen Park Congregational Church are a good team. Recently, we have even seen dancing in the services! Please come and see for yourself!
HADWEN PARK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
United Church of Christ
6 Clover Street Worcester, MA 01603
Telephone: 508-752-7489
Sunday Worship Service - 10 AM
Serving Greater Worcester and Auburn, Massachusetts
Join Us For Sunday Worship Service at 10 AM
Judith Hanlon, Pastor Email: gracelift@aol.com
Toni DiPina, Pastor Email: metrepwar@prodigy.net
