Home About Us Youth Worship
Contact Us Education Fellowship Links
History Outreach Virtual Visit Calendar
|
Home About Us Youth Worship Contact Us Education Fellowship Links History Outreach Virtual Visit Calendar |
 |
 |
About Us: Staff Officers Council Boards Committees |
Senior Minister – Reverend Paul Veldman Paul began serving First Congregational UCC on August 1, 2003. He is a graduate of Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, WI and Marian College in Fond du Lac, WI holding the following degrees: AA Supervisory Management, BA Business Administration and MS Quality, Values and Leadership. He also holds a Master of Divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster, PA where he received the Jacob Deitz academic award in Pastoral Theology. He was a manager with Sargento Foods in Wisconsin for 21 years and a Safety Compliance Coordinator with Keen Transport in Pennsylvania for 8 years. He served a church in Pennsylvania before being called to First Congregational UCC. Director of Family Ministries – Linda Buchs-Hammonds Linda started a second career on October 1, 2007 when she began her position as Director of Family Ministries at First Congregational United Church of Christ. Linda grew up in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. She received her Bachelor’s Degrees in Sociology and Psychology from Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota. Linda has enjoyed 35 years in the social work profession, the past 25 years as a therapist in outpatient mental health. Linda is thrilled to bring her professional skills to this position of Family Ministries. Linda is happiest when it is snowing! Church Secretary – Sharon Heckendorf Sharon is a graduate of Merrill High School and a Certified Daycare Provider. Prior to starting the secretary position at First Congregation Church UCC, on July 3, 2006, she operated her own In-Home daycare for three years and then served as an Office Operations Associate for the State of Wisconsin for four years. Sharon loves softball, boat rides, camping, biking, taking walks and quilting. Fall is her favorite season with the smell and the sound of the leaves when walked on. Sharon's gentle spirit and varied skills compliment that of the entire church staff. Minister of Music – Judy Urban Judy has served since 1956 beginning as pianist and organist. She majored in music at the University of Wisconsin Madison and Stevens Point. She has also specific studies in church music at UW Madison. She has demonstrated her musical talent throughout the community over the years as an instructor, pianist, organist and leader. She has organized organ recitals and served as accompanist for vocal recitals, weddings, Monteverdi Master Chorale and Central Chamber Chorale. Judy also organized and directs the Seasoned Sabbath Singers, a retired people's choral group. Choir Director – Josh Ulrich Josh has served as the Choir Director since November of 2001 and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point with a Bachelor in Vocal Music Education. Josh is the recipient of the Eunice DeBaker Vocal Scholarship 1997-2000, the Frame Presbyterian Memorial Church Vocal Scholarship 1998-2001 and the Berkshire Choral Festival Scholar of 2001. Josh is a member of the Monteverdi Master Chorale and is active in Wisconsin Rapids Community Theater and Central Wisconsin Area Community Theater. Josh works as the Band Sales and Print Music Representative for Heid Music in Wisconsin Rapids. Handbell Director – Judy Wagner Judy began serving as Bell Choir Director in 1999. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Instrumental Music, and certification for Special Education LD/ED from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. She is also employed as a Special Education teacher at Amherst High School. She was previously employed as band director at both Wittenberg and Waupaca Middle Schools. She has 3 daughters, 3 grandchildren, and is married to Roger. Treasurer-
Jeffrey Heckendorf Jeff began his term on Sept 1, 2005. Jeff began his work career as a Legal Specialist and worked full-time in the Wisconsin Army National Guard from 1989 - 1992. In 1992 Jeff began his career in the State of Wisconsin where he presently works. During his employment with the State of Wisconsin Jeff held the position of Treasurer for the Local Union until his promotion to a supervisory position. Jeff has 3 children and is married to Sharon.
Financial Secretary – Mary Wright |
||
