The Bristol Fourth of July Interfaith Service takes place at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 3. The Interfaith Service brings together the clergy from Bristol’s houses of worship in a patriotic, multi-denominational prayer gathering. The Bristol County Chorus together with the host church’s choir provide the music and a speaker gives a talk about a relevant topic.

This year’s speaker is Rev. Burton Bagby-Grose, senior minister of the First Congregational Church, at 300 High St., where the service will take place.

“I am inspired by First Congregational Church’s welcoming spirit and deep commitment to including children and youth in all aspects of church life. I’m passionate about our dedication to be the hands and feet of Christ here on earth by serving our community in Christ’s name. And I’m passionate about interfaith dialogue. Jesus calls us to love ALL of our neighbors,” the Rev. Bagby-Grose said.

“And I’m passionate about sharing with today’s youth that God loves everyone: gay, straight, black, white, pink, or purple …”

Paster Burton grew up in Houston and attended Howard Payne University, majoring in public relations and speech with a minor in radio/television. He attended Andover Newton Theological School, the oldest graduate school of theology in America. He majored in pastoral counseling and preaching for his Master of Divinity degree from Andover Newton, a covenantal seminary of the United Church of Christ. He has completed additional studies at Harvard Divinity School and Yale Divinity School.

Prior to coming to First Congregational Church, Pastor Burton served as a United Church of Christ pastor and teacher in South Texas after serving the South Central Conference of the United Church of Christ as Minister for Communications. He has also served as CEO of several non-profits and worked for the United States Congress.

A descendant of colonial clergy, Pastor Burton loves American history, both early and recent.

Pastor Burton and his husband Ron have a daughter, Rosalee. They enjoy travel, hiking, gardening and playing with their three Scottish Terriers, Angus, Duncan, and Louisa.

The Interfaith Service will be streamed live on Facebook and archived on the First Congregational Church website. The link can be found on the Fourth of July Committee website at: fourthofjulybristolri.com/interfaith-service.