Rev. Nada Sellers grew up in Philadelphia, PA and is a graduate of Germantown Friends School and Yale University, where she played field hockey and lacrosse at the collegiate and national levels. After several years working as a legal assistant, she felt a call to study theology and pursued her Master of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. She entered into pastoral ministry in the denominations of her family heritage – the Church of the Brethren and Mennonite traditions – and served three churches in Southern California. Returning to the East Coast in 2002, Nada pastored UCC congregations in North Amherst, Northampton, Ashfield, and Granby, MA, as well as CT churches in Glastonbury, Branford, Hartford, Rocky Hill and most recently, Orange. She received full standing as an authorized minister in the United Church of Christ in 2011. Rev. Sellers is passionate about the spiritual growth of all ages and stages within the church, recognizing that deepening faith means learning through active participation, as well as by listening and learning. The joys shared as churches live into reclaiming their mission of extravagant welcome in Jesus’ name – in all aspects of life together – remain a deep inspiration for Pastor Nada as she enters her 28th year of ordained ministry. Nada can be reached through the church office at 860-673-3996 or by email at waccpastor@gmail.com.
Mary Scripko, Director of Religious Activities and Education
Mary joined the staff at WACC in late summer, 2019, right before COVID took over our world. She loves being a part of the community at WACC and genuinely looks forward to getting to know you. Mary is in charge of Christian Education for ages 0-100, and does her best working with Outreach and Membership and Community boards to keep our church active as a congregation and within the community of Avon.
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 grew up in a UCC congregation, and has always felt at home being involved with the church. Mary lives in West Hartford with her husband, Kevin, son, Artie, and their cat, Elmer. Mary can be reached through the church office at 860-673-3996 or by email at wacc.christianed@gmail.com.
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 is enjoying the newlywed life with his lovely wife, Sara.
To find out about how to join choir or be involved in our music ministry, contact James at minnix@hartford.edu.
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.