Our Staff
First Church Amherst Staff
Pastor: The Rev. Vicki Kemper
Maybe you’ve seen her at the local Pride Parade, or down the street from the church, or even in Jerusalem or Washington, D.C.: smiling and standing silently beside a sign that says “Blessings to Go” on one side and “Ask me for a blessing” on the other. Blessings to Go is a thing—and just one of the ways that Vicki takes the love of God outside (sometimes far outside) the walls of the church. If you haven’t seen her offering blessings, you will.
You might have also seen her participating in ecumenical services and leading interfaith prayer vigils. She believes strongly that all people are beloved of God, and she is committed to drawing people of faith together during times of crisis and celebration. If you haven’t seen her leading a public action, you will.
You may have also seen her writing on the UCC website—or in your email inbox. Since January 2016 Vicki has been a writer of the UCC’s Stillspeaking Daily Devotionals.
At First Church you’ll see and hear her planning and leading moving worship services; preaching powerful sermons that encourage us to make connections between the life of Jesus, the gifts and challenges of our own lives, and what’s happening now in the world; hosting an annual church campout in her backyard, welcoming the homeless and the hungry into the hospitality of our building; leading Bible study and book groups; and otherwise ministering to the young and old, the sick and the hurting; the unchurched, the doubters, and the so-called pillars of the church.
A former journalist for the Los Angeles Times and other publications, Vicki came to First Church in February 2008 by way of generations of fundamentalist preachers in Texas, intentional Christian community and house church in Washington, D.C., and a long and rich spiritual journey that continues still. She holds degrees from Northwestern University, the University of Michigan, and Wesley Theological Seminary.
Vicki loves travel, music, words, fun times with friends, and all things out of doors, especially hiking, rowing crew and training with the Northampton Community Rowing Club, kayaking, and cross-country skiing. She and her rescue dog, Scout, live just over the Amherst line in Belchertown, steps away from the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail.
Minister of Music: Anthony Tracia
Anthony Tracia is an eager music teacher, church organist, choir director, and pianist in the scenic Pioneer Valley. He holds a Master of Music in piano performance and music education from UMass Amherst, as well as a Bachelor’s of Music in piano performance and music studies from UMass Lowell. He currently serves as Music Director for First Church Amherst, and works as a PreK-6th Grade general music teacher during the school year.
As a pianist, Mr. Tracia has 20 years of experience collaborating as an accompanist for soloists and choruses. He has worked as a chamber musician in various ensembles, including four-hand piano duets, piano trios, and special works arranged for piano and traditional Chinese instruments. Since starting his career as a church musician, he has added organ playing to his skill set and enjoys playing First Church’s beautiful Allen organ!
Anthony has served as the former Vice President and Co-Founder of the Five College Chinese Music Association. His interest in Chinese music began in 2008, when he began studying erhu, a two-stringed fiddle similar to the Western violin, and dizi, the Chinese bamboo flute.
Aside from his musical expertise, Mr. Tracia is an avid hiker and linguist. He can be found exploring the beautiful mountains of Western Massachusetts during the summer recess.
email: anthonytracia@gmail.com
Robin Santiago brings years of experience working with children and families in Amherst, MA, from kindergarten through high school. She is a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ families, children, and those with disabilities.
Ben Coakley is the administrative assistant at First Church Amherst. He is originally from Chicago, Illinois and now resides in Amherst.
Ben currently serves as conductor of the All Campus Choir at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and the choir of the First Congregational Church of South Hadley. He is also the assistant conductor of the Queer Joy Chorus. Ben holds a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from North Park University, where he graduated with the highest GPA in his class. He has presented workshops on Early Childhood Music and on Singing for Transmasculine Singers on Testosterone.
Ben also performs as a banjo player with the Expandable Brass Band.
e-mail: firstchurch_amherst@comcast.net
