From the pulpit with love
By Nora Cardec

Rev. Robert E. Duebber stands in the sanctuary of The First Congregational Church.

Transitions are never easy but Rev. Robert E. Duebber said he is starting to feel at home at The First Congregational Church.

He started as pastor for the church a little over two months ago.

The pastor has settled at the parsonage with his wife, Diane, and has redecorated his office at the church.

"I've been received by a very open and welcoming community," he said.

Unlike other churches where pastors are appointed, Duebber said he was voted favorably by the congregation after he preached to them back in April.

Duebber said he loves the enthusiasm of his church members and their commitment to outreach.

The church has close to 300 members, he said.

A variety of projects and programs are run or are hosted by the church including the narcotics anonymous, senior lunches, the town's food pantry and the Heifer project.

Duebber said the church is donating $5,000 to Heifer International, a worldwide organization that ships animals to help people in other countries.

"It's a real community church, very active. This is a much more dynamic church with some very committed people who are very hopeful about the future and so am I," said the pastor.

Duebber said what he brings to the church is his ability to work with people; to relate to them.

"I love people and I've always have great relationships with the people of my churches."

The First Congregational Church is the seventh church the reverend will be leading since he was ordained 31 years ago.

Duebber has a history of staying long at the churches he serves because, he said, he loves people and likes to make a difference wherever he goes.

He came from Thompson, Conn., after serving nine years at the Thompson Congregational Church.

He previously served at churches in Bloomfield and Hartford, Conn., Jamaica, Queens, N.Y.; Falls Village, Conn., and Marion, Mass.

Duebber was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio where he learned early on about the importance of faith and spiritual life.

"I grew up and was always very active in church. Church was an important part of my life and my family," said Duebber.

After college, he worked as a social worker in Ohio and later on worked in the business industry in New York City. Both of these experiences, he said, have helped him in his ministry as he helps men and women with their daily struggles.

While in NYC, Duebber said he had the opportunity to reconnect with his childhood pastor and pursue his spiritual calling.

"Ministry is not always easy - weddings are great, but then there are funerals - but it's a really rewarding life," Duebber said. "It's a real honor and a privilege to be a minister, and help people deepen their spiritual life."