Bruce A. Miller
Pastor
(retired  from First Church after 10+ years on 9/11/22)
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Bruce Miller assumed the role of Pastor of the First Congregational Church on June 4, 2012.  

Education: Springfield College. Springfield, MA
> Bachelor of Science, Community Recreation
> Masters of Education, Community Development
> In Process: Master in Divinity, Hartford Seminary Co> op Program

Experience:
Support Services, Cromwell High School, 2007 > 2012
> created and implemented In> School Suspension Program, EIP trained
> developed and implemented Credit Recovery Program serving 183 referrals in year one
> co> authored two articles for Principal Leadership and Board of Education journals
> created and initiated Student Recognition program, PBIS trained
> initiated and developed Freshman Academy year> long transition program
> created in> service learning program
> supervised online learning pilot program via Odyssey> Ware
> created and managed Safe School Climate Plan for high school

Executive Director. Meriden YMCA 1989 > 2007
> developed strategic plan for decaying inner> city YMCA
> capital campaign and program grants total over $10,000,000
> managed design and construction phase for new YMCA facility
> recruited, trained and supervised staff of over 100 employees
> wrote state grant for child> care facility, $500,000

Director of Christian Education, Center Congregational Church, 2005 > 2012
> bring leadership to Sunday> school teachers and curriculum
> supervised teen youth group and developed family programs
> wrote two successful grants supporting Parish Nursing program
> led worship in pastor’s absence

Mahackeno Director, Westport YMCA 1977 > 1989
> strategic planner for day camp operation transformed to year- round outdoor center
> budget growth from $250,000> $l,100,000
> sustained program growth for day camp, teen trips, family services and outdoor education

Activities and Honors:
> 1986 YMCA “Program Director of the Year”
> “Builders Beyond Borders,” 20 year mission trip leader and advisor
> Ed Walsh Little League and Meriden Girl’s Softball League Coach

Barbara Mase is a native Pennsylvanian. She has degrees from the Boston Conservatory of Music (BMusEd), the University of Hartford (Masters in Public Administration) and Hartford Seminary (Master of Arts: Congregational Studies). She has served as Minister of Music in churches in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Barb worked in the Music Industry in Nashville as a Concert Manager and has performed with such Christian recording artists as Tom Netherton (with the Lawrence Welk show), Cynthia Clawson, and Ralph Carmichael (author of “Pass It On”). She also worked as consultant with the Bill Gaither Music Association. Barb has been the Director of Music here at First Church since 2005 and has loved every minute of it!

Kristen Bucholz
Director of Youth Christian Education

Kristen has been the youth programs director at First Church since Summer of 2012. She holds a special education teaching degree and has a masters from Southern CT State University in emotional and behavioral disorders. You can find Kristen teaching in  the STARS program at Maloney High School. This program is specifically designed for students with intellectual disabilities with a primary focus on students with Autism. 

With the help of her amazing CE committee, Kristen runs the youth programs on Sundays, monthly group activities, fundraisers, and fun outings! You will see Kristen’s family in and out of the church and hanging out at church events! Kristen is married to her husband Kris and they have a young daughter named Isabelle. Kristen’s favorite thing about being a part of all the amazing things happening at First Church is the community of people the church brings together. First Church is full of wonderful families who are always there for each other. Come see what we are all about!

Meg Hamilton
Office Administrator

A Connecticut shoreline native, Meg moved to Meriden upon marrying her husband, Marcus.  She has spent all of her professional career managing either retail establishments or offices when she wasn’t stage managing community theater productions. 

Meg now spends most her free time helping out at her daughters’ school or on many of the church committees. 

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