[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 17247-17248]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO REBECCA SPENCER

 Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, for the past 25 years, Rev. 
Rebecca Spencer has provided parishioners at the United Church of 
Christ's Central Congregational Church in Providence, RI, with 
thoughtful, dedicated, and selfless leadership.
  I have been blessed to experience Reverend Spencer's inspiring 
stewardship firsthand. As a member of the Central Congregational Church 
for the years that I lived in Providence, I saw her regularly touch the 
lives of her parishioners by providing the spiritual guidance sought by 
so many in today's fast-paced and sometimes lonely world. And as the 
first woman in the United Church of Christ's history to become a senior 
minister without first serving as an associate of the congregation, 
Reverend Spencer has been a role model for the young women of her 
congregation who aspire to follow in her footsteps and one day take on 
leadership roles of their own.
  Outside of church, Reverend Spencer has been a leader in Rhode 
Island's close-knit community. From her work to prevent domestic 
violence, to her service to our children through the United Way of 
Rhode Island, to the counsel she provides the Bioethics Committee at 
Women & Infants Hospital, Reverend Spencer has demonstrated a deep 
devotion to public service. Her contributions have made our State a 
better place for all.
  Last year, I had the privilege of bringing Reverend Spencer to the 
Senate floor to deliver the opening prayer as a guest chaplain. Her 
invocation reminded each of us, particularly those us of elected to 
represent our fellow citizens, of our responsibility as members of the 
national and international community:

       Gracious and loving God, we thank You for Your presence 
     with us. You offer wisdom and

[[Page 17248]]

     perspective and grace. We ask Your blessings to be upon these 
     elected representatives. May all that we do reflect Your 
     purpose that we live together as Your children in harmony and 
     freedom. May Your blessings and our work bring real hope to 
     those who may be struggling or oppressed.
       We do ask for Your special blessings to be with those who 
     serve our country in the military--at home, at sea, in the 
     air, and foreign countries. Shield them from danger as they 
     work for peace.
       This is indeed a gift of a new day You have given to us. 
     May all our endeavors honor You and may we all serve the 
     cause of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in this 
     beloved land of ours. May we truly do justice and love 
     kindness and walk humbly with You, our God.

  Congratulations to Reverend Spencer on her 25th anniversary at the 
Central Congregational Church. Rhode Island is proud to call her one of 
our own, and I am proud to call her a friend.

                          ____________________