Personal Vision: My life is about letting my light shine and helping to kindle the divine spark in others, so that, together, we’re helping God mend the world.
The Reverend Lauren L. Ostrout is an Ordained Minister in the United Church of Christ and has served as the Pastor of Colchester Federated Church in Colchester, Connecticut since 2017 (a congregation affiliated with both the United Church of Christ and the American Baptist Churches). Originally from Wadsworth, Ohio—Rev. Ostrout grew up in the UCC and she’s passionate about preaching the Gospel, teaching the stories of the Christian faith, and serving others as Christ calls us. Rev. Ostrout graduated magna cum laude from Elon University with a Bachelor’s Degree in History, and with honors from Andover Newton Theological School (now Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School) with a Master of Divinity Degree. She previously served as the Solo Pastor of a UCC congregation in Massachusetts for six years.
Rev. Lauren Ostrout is part of the Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI) of the UCC, a program that seeks out promising young clergy for leadership learning and development to build up the Church of the future. She appreciates being involved in the wider church and being part of such an historic, dynamic, and welcoming congregation at Colchester Federated Church. Rev. Ostrout’s husband, Neill Ostrout, is the Managing Editor of the Journal Inquirer. She knew that he was truly “the one” when he became a fan of the Cleveland Browns for her. Just for fun, Rev. Ostrout enjoys traveling, reading, watching movies, and cheering for her beloved Cleveland Browns.
*Most of the photos found on this blog come from Unsplash. Though some photos were taken by Rev. Lauren L. Ostrout, and are noted as such. Here’s her Unsplash page should you like to see her photography: https://unsplash.com/@laurenostrout
*Quotations from Rev. Lauren Ostrout’s blog may be used in worship settings without requesting permission, provided that you include a brief credit line in your sermon or worship bulletin. Thank you so much for reading!
on being made well 
Hello,
My name is Bruce Robey and I live in a suburb of Grand Rapids, Michigan. My wife and I go to First (Park) Congregational Church – UCC. A few years ago, our church started some small groups that get together to have dinner, and a bible discussion. I typically pick the scripture that was used in church the previous Sunday. To help facilitate the discussion, I look for sermons on YouTube and I am so happy when I am able to find one that you have preached. Yesterday we listened to your sermon on John 20:1-18 that you preached on March 31, 2013. You were a big hit, a bigger hit than usual! I just thought you would like to know that your sermons touch us here in Michigan.
What a gift to the world you truly are!. Thanks!
Bruce Robey
Find me on face Book also if you like
LikeLiked by 1 person