Staff
Pastor
Rev. Amy Davin
Hi! I am so happy to be here at the Brick Church. I received my call to be the pastor here in the Summer of 2020, and I was so excited to join this amazingly warm, open-minded, vibrant congregation that walks in peace and justice with Jesus, doing so much for this community and the wider world.
Before settling down in Vermont, I had been living in Philadelphia (where I met my husband Chris) for 6 years, where I worked as a hospice chaplain. But before my move to Philly, I was a lifelong New Englander (as well as a lifelong UCCer!), growing up in Salem, MA. I received my BA from Hampshire College in 2009 and my MDiv from Harvard Divinity School in 2013.
Outside of church, I’m a voracious reader, a low-key hiker, a very messy amateur baker, a lover of good beer and good coffee; I’m a lover of folk, post-punk, roots and country, and all different kinds of music, and last but not least, a perpetually frustrated Red Sox fan.
I live right here in the beautiful boonies of Hartland with my husband Chris, our baby daughter Frances (Frankie), our two cats Tortilla and Coach, and our dog Junior.
I have drop-in office hours on Tuesday mornings from 10am-12pm; if you’d like to meet at another time, e-mail me at revamydavin@gmail.com.
Christian Education
Mary Jo Ramsey
I grew up in Wisconsin, the third of seven children. My husband, Tom and I moved our family to Hartland in 1990. I was hired as the Program Director for the Hartland Adventure Club, an after school childcare program. I continued working with children in many capacities until my retirement in 2019.
We joined the Brick Church in 2002. It was at this time that I found a new way to connect with children. I volunteered in the Sunday School Program for several years and became the Director of Christian Education in August 2016. I genuinely love walking with the children on their spiritual journeys and sharing time with them every week. I am blessed to have this opportunity!
Choir Director
Becky Wood
Hello!
It is a great joy to be the choir director here at the Brick Church. I grew up in Hartland, and when I moved back after undergrad in 2013, was hired as choir director. It has been nothing short of lovely working here!
I received my B.S. in Music Education from the University of Vermont, (concentrations: classical saxophone, voice) and more recently, my Kodály certification from the Hartt School of Music.
Currently, I teach K-12 general and choral music at Windsor Schools, another joy, as I graduated from Windsor High School, and it's so wonderful to be able to give back to a music program that directly influenced my life path.
I'm also rather active in our community: in the summer, I direct the community band for Old Home Day festivities, and in the fall, I co-direct the community chorus for our Winter show. Additionally, I serve on the board of Hartland Community Arts.
When not directing or teaching, I currently sing professionally in Counterpoint, and Vermont Chamber Artists. I have also sung with Bel Canto Chamber Singers.
When I'm not happily immersed in something musical, I quite enjoy reading, coffee, crocheting, growing garlic, and hanging out with my cat, Leonard Bernstein.
I'm hugely grateful to be a part of this church community and I certainly couldn't do it without our dedicated singers and accompanist.
We would love for you to sing with us, you're welcome any time! Feel free to contact Amy and she'll put us in touch!
Administrator
Hi my name is Rachel I grew up in Hartland and have always been drawn to come back to Hartland. I am excited for the chance to give back to my community through my work here at the First Congregational Church.
When I am not here, I enjoy hanging out with my dogs, working in my Etsy shop, or heading off on a crazy adventure!
Organist
Janet Hewes
I was invited to replace longtime Hartland UCC organist, Virginia Dow, who retired in the Summer of 2020. I play our church's wonderful Clavinova and the challenging Baldwin organ as church musician.
My organ-playing career began at the age of approximately 13+, playing at a service here under the tutelage of my piano teacher, Arlene Mayhew who was organist/choir director prior to longtime organist, Virginia Dow.
My parents, Hial and Evelyn Lobdell, longtime Hartland residents/Brick Church members, encouraged education, musicianship and community involvement in their children. My brother Scott and I have performed with our instruments in many public/private events and in bands for many years. With my former spouse, Roy Hewes, we raised two daughters, Meg H. Walker and Kelly H. Corbin.
I appreciate that Rev. Amy Davin realizes the integral importance of music to worship. I am happy to be welcomed back "into the fold" of the Brick Church after 47+ years as organist in Woodstock, VT!
Treasurer
Linda Genovese
I have served as church Treasurer for almost 10 years, previously serving as Clerk, a Member of the Board of Trustee (chair for 6 years) and Director of Vacation Bible School. But most notably, I am known as the welcoming hostess at the Famous Roast Beef Suppers.
I have been a tax preparer with four different local firms over the past 45 years. Throughout the years, I have enjoyed skiing, tennis, gardening, cooking, dancing and am a die heart Red Sox fan. I have been a resident of Hartland since 1972 living in the same house my husband and I purchased that year after moving North from Connecticut to raise our 2 children in this beautiful country setting adding raising a few cows, some sheep, honey bees, various breeds of dogs, a vineyard and acquiring a treasure of friendships. I think I have settled in to stay!