First Congregational Church

The Reverend Vicki Kemper, Pastor:

A former journalist with the Los Angeles Times, Common Cause, Sojourners, and other publications, Vicki comes to Amherst from Washington, D.C.  Her father, grandfather and great-grandfather were fundamentalist preachers, and her Texas roots run even deeper than her ties to the pulpit (though she usually manages to keep “y’all” out of her sermons). She holds degrees from Northwestern University, the University of Michigan and Wesley Theological Seminary. Vicki's commitments to spirituality, social justice, reconciliation, Christian community and truth-telling have taken her from the American Southwest to Nicaragua, the Middle East, South Africa, urban slums, rural outposts, wilderness outposts, the White House, and the District of Columbia jail. Vicki enjoys hiking, travel and all things out-of-doors, as well as music, poetry, gardening and time with friends. First Church’s first bungee-jumping pastor, she lives with her dog, Emmylou, in Belchertown, just steps from the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail.

Open office hours: Monday-Thursday, 10-1. Appointment for other times can be made by calling the church office, 413-253-3456

email: pastor_firstchurch_amherst@comcast.net

Richard S. Matteson, Organist and Choir Director:

Richard S. Matteson is a graduate of Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford. Prior to moving to Western Mass in 2006, Dick served as Minister of Music at a variety of Hartford area churches for 39 years. He was Director of Music at Old First Church, Springfield, until its closing in December, 2007. As a performer, he is known for his solo organ, two-piano and organ with orchestra concerts. In addition to his position at First Congregational, Dick is accompanist at Western New England College and Director of one of the Honors Choruses at the Community Music School of Springfield.

email: rsmatteson@comcast.net
Phone: 1-413-315-3440

Lydia Vernon-Jones, Director of Children and Family Ministries:

Lydia joined the First Congregational Church with her family in 1982. She and her husband, Russ, have a son and a daughter who are now young adults. Lydia has a masters in social work from Boston University and currently works part-time in the field of early intervention with children 1-3 yrs. old and their families. She was hired as the part-time Director of Programs for Children and Families in 2005. She also teaches peer counseling and is an active participant in the local shape note community.

email: firstchurch_amherst@comcast.net

Ruth Morse, Administrative Assistant:

Ruth is a member of First Congregational Church in Hadley. There she chairs the Music Committee and directs the bell choir, and her husband, Kurt Betchick, is a deacon. Ruth is active in Girl Scouts --- after leading her daughter's troop for 12 years, she now leads outdoor activities with high school troops and is a trainer of leaders. A former gymnast and coach, she is now a judge, and spends many of her weekends judging gymnastics meets of all levels. She has recently taken up figure skating and ice dance; she now competes both individually and as part of a Theater on Ice team. An accomplished seamstress, she currently uses her talents to make costumes for her skating team. Ruth and Kurt have a 22-year-old daughter, Rachel, who attends art school in Nova Scotia.

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00-1:00
email: firstchurch_amherst@comcast.net

Andrew Chartier, Sexton:

Caretaker of the First Congregational Church building: Andrew has been taking care of the building since 1996. He is a landscaper, carpenter, painter, and architectural designer. For 25 years, in addition to caring for the First Church building, Andrew has created his own HomeCrafters business.

email: firstchurch_amherst@comcast.net

Jerry Provost, Lockup:

Cathy Kay, Moderator:

After practicing law on behalf of low-income people in southeastern and western Massachuestts for 15 years, Cathy left the active practice of law in 2000 to revitalize her life as a musician. She is the Assistant Choral Director at Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Mass. and is also on the faculty of the Northampton Community Music Center. Cathy lives in Florence with her husband, Rich Cooper and their children, Rebecca, Ben and Andrew.

Joan Langley, Clerk:

After retiring from teaching elementary school, I became involved with the Emily Dickinson Museum, where I am a guide for both adult and school groups. I also do outreach programs to schools in the area. My husband and I have two children and two grandchildren in Washington State, so have a great incentive to travel to the beautiful Northwest regularly. I enjoy singing, reading, cooking, traveling, walking, cross-country skiing, and kayaking. I invite you, not only to visit us at First Church, but to take a tour of the Museum as well. emilydickinsonmuseum.org

Doris Peterson, Treasurer:

My "day" job is as a computer support person with the University of Massachusetts Amherst's Academic Computing group. I help faculty integrate technologies into their teaching. Most days I learn something new and work with terrific folks too.

email: dorisdpeterson@gmail.com

Charlie Camp:

Charlie retired after teaching Physics and Survival Living at Amherst Regional High School for 30 some years. He enjoys hiking, camping and canoeing. If you want to go White Water Canoeing, he's the one to call.

email: ccamp@psych.umass.edu
Phone: 1-413-374-6167

Nancy Haffey:

I am a psychologist in private practice in Amherst, and live with my husband Mark and 20-year-old son Eric, who is working and going to college. I enjoy music, reading, traveling, kayaking, gardening, and learning new things.

David Jean:

David Jean teaches Culinary Arts at Amherst Regional High School and also has his own cleaning service, with customers throughout the Pioneer Valley. He studies singing, is a member of the First Church choir, and is the father of four adopted sons.

Gale McClung:

For 10 years I was a systems and methods analyst for IBM in New York, then editor of the Mount Holyoke Alumnae Quarterly for 27 years. A member of First Church since 1962, I've been a choir member for 40 years and, in 1972, was the first woman moderator. I was co-founder of the Merry Musical in 1966, and have held a number of other leadership positions. At the drop of a hat, I play my uke for singalongs, or to promote church events, and I've recently co-edited/authored two published books.

email: gmcclung@crocker.com

Savanna Ouellette:

Savanna was a founding mother of the womins' music movement and plays a "mean" bass. She's also a grandmother, a mediator, and knows the lyrics to more songs than most people. Her spirituality is earth-based and universalist.