Pastor & Staff

Secretary, Music Director & Organist

Barbara Connelly was the Secretary for North Congregational Church from 2004 through the merger of North and South churches. She presently works in the office on Tuesday through Fridays. Barbara Connelly has been the organist and/or choir director for North Congregational Church since 1980 when she and her husband, Jim moved to the St. Johnsbury area. Since the formation of United Community Church, she has been music director as well as organist and choir director. Barbara graduated from Westminster Choir College, summa cum laude, with a Bachelors of Music, concentration in Music Education, with her primary instrument as organ. She has continued her education with various workshops and college courses over the past years. Barbara began teaching in 1976 and retired from public school music teaching in 2020. In her spare time she enjoys square and round dancing. She has two grown children, Paul and Crystal, and lives in Waterford, VT with her cat Wolfgang.

Secretary

Erika Thompson was the Secretary for South Congregational Church from 2015 through the formation of United Community Church. She presently works in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Erika received her Bachelors in Human Services and Counseling from Lyndon State College and her Masters in Mental Health and Counseling from Springfield College. She has worked several years in the human services field. In her spare time she enjoys participating in theater. She lives in East Haven with her three children, Victoria, Ashley, and Elijah.

Bookkeeper

Melanie Fox-McGregor is our Bookkeeper. Melanie keeps the books for various organizations in the St. Johnsbury area. She lives in St. Johnsbury with her husband and twins.

Worship Technology Coordinator

Chef & In-House Caterer

Josh is the chef for our weekly community lunches. Josh is also our in-house caterer for special events.

Handbell Choir Director

Phil Brown, served as music director at South Congregational Church in St. Johnsbury, VT, where directed the choral, handbell and instrumental ministry for over 30 years. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Boston University. Phil has been involved in various aspects of church music his entire life. Phil is manager and music director for St. J. Jazz and performs across many genres including classical tenor soloist, jazz bassist and vocalist with Maple Leaf Seven, Swing North Big Band and his own jazz trio; folk guitarist and vocalist; and music director for the Danville Town Band. Phil represents Malmark Handbells in VT and NY and has been a frequent clinician and instructor at local, state, regional, and national handbell workshops and festivals. In his “spare” time Phil helps create the music files for Sunday worship. Phil lives in St. Johnsbury with his wife, Kathy.

Cleaning Specialist