Rev. Caroline is excited to be a part of the Wilton Congregational family, though it feels very much like coming home, as she grew up just across the border in New Canaan. She served dynamic and diverse congregations in Fairfield County, New York City and Tokyo, Japan before being called to Wilton in 2019.
Rev. Caroline attended seminary at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey and was ordained into ministry in 2020. At Princeton, she participated in and completed a certificate program in Theology, Ecology and Faith Formation, while enjoying time spent on the seminary’s farm. Rev. Caroline is convinced that we are all youth ministers at heart and believes that spiritual care of children and youth is shared across the entire congregation.
She is married to Jake, who works as a high school English literature teacher, and frequent Vacation Bible School counselor. They are parents to Henry, the chatty and energetic worshipper in the back of the sanctuary, and new baby Julian, born in 2023.
As a skilled choral conductor, pianist and organist, Eugene brings the joy of music into our lives each Sunday morning – all kinds of music, from classical to contemporary. A man of deep faith, he reaches into our hearts through musical praises to God. Eugene has been at Wilton Congregational Church since 2016, where he directs the singing choirs and the English handbell choir, and participates fully with our contemporary worship band. A native Russian, Eugene received his Masters in Choral Conducting and Organ from the St. Petersburg Conservatory. In addition, since coming to the United States in the 1990s, he studied organ performance at Oberlin College and orchestral conducting at Mannes College in New York City. Eugene is also the long-time Music Director and Conductor of the Hudson Valley Singers. Eugene lives with his wife and two young sons in Manhattan.
Pam’s contributions to Wilton Congregational Church are many. As Executive Administrator, she oversees the numerous details inherent in the smooth operation of the church’s landmark 1790 sanctuary and building complex, historic parsonage, and grounds. Pam strives to implement environmentally sustainable best practices within our church. Additionally, Pam manages Hillside Cemetery, including its maintenance, perpetual care, sales, burials, and community outreach projects. Pam also manages the historic Sharp Hill Cemetery. She is a graduate of the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association University (ICCFAU). Pam is a Certified Celebrant; she received her training through the InSight Institute to meet the needs of families during their time of loss.
Coleen is responsible for day-to-day office operations and provides administrative support to the co-pastors, professional staff, and lay leadership. Coleen happily helps all – congregants, staff, visitors – and balances everyone’s needs gracefully. With experience in marketing and events, her warm and welcoming voice brings a smile to anyone’s face, in person or on the phone.
Kenny is a long-time resident of Wilton and graduate of Wilton High School. With extensive construction/maintenance experience gained from many years working for Mercer Builders, Kenny has an enduring relationship and familiarity with both the town and, most important, Wilton Congregational Church. He can fix, clean and help out with just about anything. Kenny is also an accomplished musician and plays the drums in our contemporary worship band, and he brings to our church community his deep knowledge about music production.
Long-time church member Laurie Mapes manages Church School programming for our elementary school children and coordinates the volunteers for both our Church School and Crib Room. She also supports Rev. Caroline in teaching Confirmation class for our 9th graders, and does the planning and logistics for youth group events, including the Youth Mission Trip, as well as supporting all our children’s and family events. Laurie grew up in UCC churches, is passionate about youth ministry and holds a Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School. We’ve been fortunate that Laurie has served in a number of board and committee positions at Wilton Congregational Church, and she sings in the choir and rings in the English Handbell choir.
Haley adds her special touch with children to almost everything we do. She helps run our youth groups, she teaches Church School on Sunday mornings, and she very ably steps in to help with any of our youth or family activities, such as the Christmas Pageant and Bingo Night. Haley grew up in Wilton, graduated from Wilton High School in 2017, from Penn State in 2021, and is hoping to go to medical school. She’s loves engaging with the youth of our community as they grow up – and we’re lucky to have her!
Jennifer fills a crucial role in the life of the church on Sunday mornings, watching over our youngest – infants and toddlers from birth through age 4. Jenn is a certified special education teacher with 13 years in the Connecticut Birth to Three system and more than 10 years of classroom teaching experience. Among Jenn’s many roles at her home church was that of part-time church school coordinator. You’ll find Jenn in the Wilton Congregational Church Crib Room every Sunday at 9:00 a.m., always with a second adult there to provide additional support and to comply with our Safe Church policy.
Our Associate Minister opening is a full-time settled pastoral position. The ideal candidate is someone who approaches the role of pastoral ministry with deep faith, energy, enthusiasm, compassion, humility and an entrepreneurial spirit. This ministerial position will have high focus on adult faith formation, preaching and pastoral care. This position reports to the Senior Minister and will work in close ministry partnership with the Senior Minister. Together the clergy team will provide care for the entire congregation.
Qualifications include a Masters in Divinity from an accredited seminary; ordained or seeking ordination in the UCC or a denomination that shares privilege of call.
Wilton Congregational Church is an open and affirming congregation and an equal opportunity employer. Click above for full job description.
Resumes (with cover letter) and inquiries should be sent to: associateminister@wiltoncongregational.org.
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