| We are pleased to welcome Amber Scovell to the First Congregational Church family in the newly created position of Director of Family and Youth Ministries. Amber recently graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary with an M.A. in Christian Education and Formation. Her previous work includes teaching preschool and kindergarten preparation and her most recent job was as interim director at a childcare facility where she trained and led staff, and was responsible for parent outreach. Children’s ministry has been a part of her life since she was young – she volunteered in church school and then wrote curriculum and planned for Vacation Bible School whenever she had the chance. While in seminary, she had the opportunity to serve as a volunteer youth leader and this led to a passion she hadn’t yet fully realized – planning lessons, forming relationships with students both inside and outside of the church and planning youth events. Amber was born and raised not far from here in Clinton, CT, growing up in a nondenominational faith setting, and has lots of family nearby. She met her husband Steve at Messiah College in Pennsylvania. Steve has just begun his first call as the Senior Pastor at the United Presbyterian Church in Milford. Steve grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary in the spring of 2020 with his M.Div. He has also served as a youth director/contemporary music director and has a passion for music and sports. Amber will be reaching out to families, youth, and young adults throughout July, August, and September to meet them where they are. We have a wonderful onboarding team in place to support her in the first year and help stand up all of our exceptional programs. The Search Committee that recruited Amber was chaired by Karen Brennan and included Jeanine Bortel, Katherine Boulier (Chair of Christian Education), and Eric Voigt. Special thanks are due to the children, youth, young adults, and parents who participated in the search process and met the Scovell Family. |