|
For over three centuries, First Church has been a beacon of hope and love thanks to dedicated pastors, loving church members and talented staff; we truly have the talents to do almost anything. During this time of transition, we continue to be a community of radical welcome, providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. We are grateful for the myriad of ways so many of you have stepped forward to offer your help.
As we’ve learned over the years, there is no one way to staff our beloved church. There are many facets to the First Church staffing plan for the upcoming program year. Here at First Church we are happy to report that the core of our staff team remains the same, and we are grateful for that stability.
One of our wonderful team members, Nicole Struth, joined the First Church staff two years ago and quickly became an invaluable member of the team, acclimating swiftly to any assignment she is given, engaging and supporting various boards, committees and teams and building relationships with church members. Nicole is a Member in Discernment (MID) with the Hartford East Association, and we are hopeful that Nicole will be approved for ordination in late 2026 or early 2027. First Church has a history of being an integral part of the spiritual journeys of people who are entering ministry and that is a great privilege. Your church leaders have spoken with Nicole, and she would like to continue to grow and work here at First Church and discern where our paths might lead us. Nicole is increasing her role in Sunday worship services and will be providing more pastoral care to our church members.
| | |
We are excited to share that Steve Pozzato, another MID with the Hartford East Association, has joined our staff as Coordinator of Partnerships, Outreach and Fellowship. Among other responsibilities, Steve works with our Micah Children’s Initiative (O’Brien Elementary School partnership), Board of Lay Life & Ministry, Micah Moments, Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance and Social Justice Team. Steve resides in Marlborough with his wife, Jessica, and their two grade-school children, Jude and Lucy. His background is in education, having worked as a special education para-educator at RHAM High School in Hebron for the past eleven years. Like Nicole, Steve’s home church is Marlborough Congregational Church. He also works part-time as the Director of Pastoral Care at First Church, Congregational in East Haddam (FCCEH), and that’s where he will be on most Sundays. Hartford East just granted Steve Lay Ministerial Standing at FCCEH to expand his training and service.
| | |
Rev. Peggy Allen has been on First Church’s team for the past few years providing part-time pastoral support to members of our congregation. She is working one to two days per week.
In our youth world, we are blessed by so many amazing lay people. We thank Jenny Giguere for leading the youth programs this past year. She is now returning to her previous role as the church’s full-time Administrative Assistant. She welcomes the opportunity to continue her involvement as a volunteer Senior High Fellowship Advisor, and she will mentor our new SHF leader.
| | |
Recent Board of Youth Ministries member Chris Stone coordinating the overall youth program and is liaison to Pastor Kate. Chris is a familiar face around First Church as he is one of our Chancel Choir section leaders. Chris and his wife, Catherine, have two daughters, Anna and Cate, who are active in our youth and music programs. Chris works full-time in the stormwater program at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. He loves our church community and working with youth and volunteers. We will all be enriched by his wisdom, steadiness, compassion and faith.
| | |
Church member and Roger Williams University graduate, Sean Donovan, is leading our SHF program. He is a Glastonbury native, a GHS graduate and a Financial Services Representative with Barnum Financial Group. Sean’s involvement at First Church began as a preschooler and has continued throughout his life; he was active in Church School, choirs and the youth program. Sean’s mother, Leslie, is our current Church President, and we obtained the overwhelming approval of Church Council for his employment on June 16, in compliance with our Church By-Laws. Sean’s experience in SHF was especially meaningful and formative, and he is eager to lead our amazing group of young people and advisors and to bring them the same traditions and experiences from which he benefitted. Two of our experienced SHF advisors, Bob Inderbitzen and Jenny Giguere, are excited to work with and mentor Sean.
| | |
Karen Prager is a familiar face around church – singing in the choir, lay preaching, leading children’s messages in Sunday worship and running our Vacation Bible School program last summer. We are thrilled that Karen is leading Junior High Fellowship (JHF) for this program year. Karen and her wife, Emma McCandless, have sons Teddy and Eli, who are active in our youth and children’s programs, respectively. She teaches AP World History, Sociology, and other social studies courses at Capitol Region Education Council’s Academy of Aerospace & Engineering school and serves as Social Studies Department Chair. Anyone who knows Karen knows she loves our church, loves God and loves young people!
Pastor Emeritus David Taylor will lead our Confirmation Class again this year, with periodic assistance from Pastor Kate and adult volunteers. In addition, Pastor Kate will invite David to preach and assist in worship. We are thankful for David’s compassion and commitment to our church community and willingness to say, “Yes!”
Faith Ferrall will continue in her roles as Program Administrator for our youth programs and as our Facilities Manager. We are grateful for Faith’s dedication and her deep love of our church community.
Over the years, we have had all sorts of staff configurations – full-time folks, part-time people, lay and ordained. Through it all, we have always shared God’s love, hope and justice near and far. Many of you have inquired about when we will form a search committee to fill the Associate Pastor role following Pastor Andrew’s resignation. At this time, after much discernment, we believe the staffing model that has been created, along with the continued dedication of our other faithful staff members and volunteers, is the best path forward for the upcoming program year.
First Church is a strong and wonderful community, and we appreciate your support as we move through this time of transition. We are blessed to belong to a dynamic and compassionate church community, and we look forward to the years ahead!
| | | | |
