Rev. Dr. Brian C. Hardee, Senior Pastor
Rev. Hardee joined the staff of West Avon Congregational Church in August of 2006. He was previously the Pastor at Shenkel United Church of Christ in Pottstown, Pennsylvania from 1996 through 2006. While at Shenkel, Brian obtained his Doctor of Ministry from Lancaster Theological Seminary in 2005. He obtained his Masters of Divinity from Yale in 1996, receiving the Mersick Preaching Prize. Brian's undergraduate work was done at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he graduated in three years summa cum laude as a Caldwell Scholar.
As the son of a career Army officer, Brian has had the opportunity to live in various areas throughout the country and spent five years in Germany. He has also traveled to Puerto Rico, India and Israel. Brian and his four daughters live in West Simsbury.
Pastor Brian can be reached at 860-707-4340 or RevHardee@gmail.com.
Mary Scripko, Director of Religious Activities and Education
Mary has a shining enthusiasm, relates to children and teens exceptionally well, and has a good sense of humor. She is so excited to be a part of the community at WACC and genuinely looks forward to getting to know you.
Mary originally hails from Southeastern Pennsylvania. She holds her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Performance in Viola. Mary has a passion for music and loves to integrate it into any teaching and community involvement she has. She has previously worked as a Christian Educator at St. John’s Episcopal Church, West Hartford. She has always felt at home being involved with the church and looks forward to doing what she can to help others feel the same welcoming atmosphere in the WACC community. Mary lives in West Hartford with her husband, Kevin, son, Artie, and their cat, Mitzy.
She can be reached through the church office at 860-673-3996 or by email at wacc.christianed@gmail.com.
Mary has a shining enthusiasm, relates to children and teens exceptionally well, and has a good sense of humor. She is so excited to be a part of the community at WACC and genuinely looks forward to getting to know you.
Mary originally hails from Southeastern Pennsylvania. She holds her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Performance in Viola. Mary has a passion for music and loves to integrate it into any teaching and community involvement she has. She has previously worked as a Christian Educator at St. John’s Episcopal Church, West Hartford. She has always felt at home being involved with the church and looks forward to doing what she can to help others feel the same welcoming atmosphere in the WACC community. Mary lives in West Hartford with her husband, Kevin, son, Artie, and their cat, Mitzy.
She can be reached through the church office at 860-673-3996 or by email at wacc.christianed@gmail.com.
Lisa Schadler-Alessio, Church Publisher
Lisa graduated cum laude from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a degree in Fine Arts and a concentration in design. She adds her art and design background to our church's published materials. Lisa and her family are members of the West Avon Congregational Church.
Contact Lisa with any bulletin or newsletter announcements at lisawacc@gmail.com.
Lisa graduated cum laude from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a degree in Fine Arts and a concentration in design. She adds her art and design background to our church's published materials. Lisa and her family are members of the West Avon Congregational Church.
Contact Lisa with any bulletin or newsletter announcements at lisawacc@gmail.com.
James Minnix, Music Director
James brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He grew up heavily involved in church music programs as a youth in Pennsylvania United Methodist churches with his father as Pastor. He has served as a Director of Contemporary Christian Music, a high school band director in Virginia, a worship performer, a sound and light volunteer, a member of or music director of several acapella groups, and a tenor with the Richmond Symphony Chorus.
James received his bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and his master’s degree from University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is currently a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate at Hartt School of Music.
James may be reached at minnix@hartford.edu.
James brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He grew up heavily involved in church music programs as a youth in Pennsylvania United Methodist churches with his father as Pastor. He has served as a Director of Contemporary Christian Music, a high school band director in Virginia, a worship performer, a sound and light volunteer, a member of or music director of several acapella groups, and a tenor with the Richmond Symphony Chorus.
James received his bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and his master’s degree from University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is currently a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate at Hartt School of Music.
James may be reached at minnix@hartford.edu.
Donald Funk, Organist
Don has many years of experience as a church musician. Churches he has served include Bristol Congregational Church, Grace Congregational Church in Framingham, and St. Patrick– St. Anthony Church in Hartford. He received a Bachelor of Music degree from the Hartt School, and has a Master of Sacred Music degree from Boston University.
Don has many years of experience as a church musician. Churches he has served include Bristol Congregational Church, Grace Congregational Church in Framingham, and St. Patrick– St. Anthony Church in Hartford. He received a Bachelor of Music degree from the Hartt School, and has a Master of Sacred Music degree from Boston University.
