Reverend Kristie Rubendunst, Designated Term Minister

In March 2022, we welcomed the Reverend Kristie Rubendunst as our Designated Term minister.  A native of North Guilford, Connecticut, Reverend Kristie for many years was a successful corporate paralegal living and working in New York City.  Following a call to ministry, she returned to Guilford, started her formal studies, eventually graduating with her Master’s Degree from Yale Divinity School in 2020.  Reverend Kristie also has a Diploma in Congregational Ministry from Andover Newton at Yale Divinity School, and a Certificate of Professional Ministry from Hartford International University (formerly, Hartford Seminary).

Reverend Kristie is overjoyed and honored to be a part of NCC and is looking forward to walking with NCC and its members on their spiritual journey. She invites New Hartford and the surrounding community to join NCC in this mission of carrying Christ’s Hope, Light, Forgiveness and Love into the world.

Shirley McCunn, Music Director

Shirley McCunn has been the North Church organist and choir director for over 10 years. She had a minor in music in university and has sung in choirs and played the flute in orchestras and bands most of her life. She has taught piano and flute for many years.

Shirley was an elementary school teacher in England where she also taught music, and a Special Education teacher in the US. In recent years she has taught ESL to immigrants. Currently she plays her flute in the Farmington Valley Band and in the Torrington Ecumenical orchestra.

Suzanne Czerwinski, Secretary

Suzanne Czerwinski joined North Congregational Church as the Administrative Assistant in September 2018. For five years she has also been the Education Assistant in the Art Department at Northwestern Connecticut Community College. Suzanne has years of experience in Customer Service and office operations.

In 2014 Suzanne earned her Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design along with a Certificate in Photography. She is a professional Nature Photographer and has a website. Suzanne is also a Certified Medicinal Aromatherapist, an Advanced Reiki Practitioner and a Certified Auriculotherapist. In her spare time Suzanne loves vegetable gardening, drawing, painting and cooking.

Brian Sabia, Sexton

NCC is happy to welcome Brian Sabia as our new sexton!  Brian brings a wealth of experience to the job, having worked in maintenance at a CT retreat center for over ten years.  He is enthusiastic about serving our faith community and ready to roll up his sleeves to keep our church buildings in tip-top shape.  Thanks to the Trustees and other volunteers who have kept NCC clean and orderly in the absence of a regular sexton, and to the Personnel Committee for working through the hiring process.