Meet the Staff

First Parish Of Westwood, United Church
Celebrate the Spirit at the Crossroads

Meet the Staff

	David Stryker, Interim Pastor Office: 781-326-0135 Email: revstryker@firstparishwestwood.org Rev. Stryker joined the First Parish community on August 15, 2006, as Interim Minister following the resignation of Pastor Peter Lovett. David lives in North Weymouth with his wife Gail. He has a son and a daughter, as well as two dogs and a cat. Rev. Stryker received his Masters of Theology degree from the University of Winnipeg in 1975, a Doctorate of Ministry in pastoral counseling from Boston University, a Masters of Science degree in clinical counseling from Suffolk University in Boston, and a Doctorate in Education in educational psychology from Boston University. He was Associate Pastor at Wellesley Hills Congregational Church from 1992 through 2004, and interim pastor at Second Church of Plymouth. Rev. Stryker has trained extensively in interim ministry, bereavement counseling, and mediation, and is a licensed marriage and family counselor. David is especially known for his work in group ministry, and is skilled in directing individuals toward groups, teaching people the necessary skills to facilitate groups, and empowering them to lead on their own. His talents will be most appreciated at First Parish as we continue with our reorganization efforts!
	Donna Bertazzoni, Director Christian Education Office: 781-326-3141 Email: dbzoni@firstparishwestwood.org Long-time member Donna Bertazzoni is now the Director of Christian Education at First Parish. Having served the church in a variety of ways during her 20+ years at First Parish, Donna is now focusing her energies on insuring that First Parish's church school runs smoothly and provides interesting and challenging programs for both youth and adult members. Donna has recently returned to school, entering the ordination track at Andover Newton Theological School
	Joshua Nannestad, Music Director Office: 781-326-5344 Email: nannestad@gmail.com Joshua Nannestad is the son of a full time Minister of Music and an Air Force officer; as a result, Josh has worshipped and made music in a variety of congregations, denominations, and geographical areas. Most recently, he served as Choir Director for Salem Lutheran Church in North Minneapolis, MN. Josh holds a Bachelor of Music from Saint Olaf College, where he sang in the Saint Olaf Choir. Recently, he earned a Master of Music Education degree at Gordon College. Josh has been a teacher in the Milford Public School system since 2000; he directs the high school choirs, teaches kindergarten and first grade music, and is the music director for the MHS Theater Workshop. He directs the junior and senior choirs at First Parish, and ably oversees First Parish's "Music in the Meeting House" annual concert series.
	Karen Westerfield Tucker, Organist Karen Westerfield Tucker joined First Parish in 2005 upon the resignation of Eric Larson. Her skill and dedication are a greatly appreciated facet of First Parish's music program, and we have come to rely on her depth of knowledge and professionalism.
	Josh Gray, Assistant Minister Office: 781-326-3997 Email: jgray@firstparishwestwood.org Josh Gray joined First Parish in September, 2004, and has contributed most ably to the life of our community in a variety of ways. His particular gift is youth ministry, and over the past two years he has worked hard at establishing a vital fellowship program for junior and senior high youth. He also preached on selected Sundays, served as a facilitator for adult education opportunities, and helped lead the confirmation program. We are happy that Josh has agreed to remain at First Parish during the interim period, while he awaits graduation from Andover Newton Theological School in the spring. Josh will assume an expanded role at First Parish, assisting Rev. Stryker in worship, visitation, youth activities and other important tasks. He and his wife Annie have taken up residence in the parsonage.
	Margery Eramo, Faith Community Nurse Office: 781-326-3997 Email: meramo@firstparishwestwood.org Marge is a registered, professional nurse who serves as a member of the ministry staff to promote health and healing within the context of the values, beliefs and practices of the First Parish faith community. She serves through the independent practice of nursing, adhering to the the Scope and Standards of Practice of Parish Nursing. She is members of: MA Association of Registered Nurses; American Nurses Association; Greater New England Health Ministry Association, Treasurer; National Health Ministry Association. As First Parish's Faith Community Nurse, she acts as a liaison for parishioners in crisis, provides educational and resource materials for the congregation, and oversees a number of enrichment and outreach programs, including First Parish's Prayer Shawl ministry and the Walk To Jerusalem fitness program.
	Denis Wholey, Sexton Denis Wholey oversees the care and maintenance of First Parish's grounds and facilities, ensuring that our buildings are clean and accessible to all. Without his cheerful and competent presence, First Parish could not function!
	Cathy Ellis, Treasurer Office: 781-326-5344 Email: treasurer@firstparishwestwood.org Cathy joined First Parish as Treasurer in June, 2006, following the resignation of Karen Mollor. She oversees all aspects of First Parish's finances, assists with First Parish's annual Stewardship Campaign, and supervises the financial roles of the Collector and Church Administrator.
	Shirley DeFeo, Collector Office: 781-326-5344 Shirley DeFeo is in charge of tracking the Sunday offerings and parish contribution information. Her hard work and patience is MUCH appreciated!
	Judy Holbrook, Administrator Office: 781-326-5344 Email: parish1st@firstparishwestwood.org For the past 12 years, Judy has taken care of the secretarial and administrative needs of the church. A long-time First Parish member, she enjoys the variety of duties and challenges her job entails. The office is open from 9AM to 3PM, Monday through Friday. Please contact her should you have any questions.

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