Rev. Estelle Margarones, Interim Pastor
WELCOME to Rev. Estelle Margarones who will be with us while Rev. Leanne is on maternity leave. Rev. Estelle received her Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School. She's a dynamic speaker who enthusiastically illustrates the practical application of spiritual truths. As a pulpit-supply minister, she's worked as far southwest as Anaheim, California and as far northeast as Saco, Maine. A strong sense of call to reach those who don't attend church prompted Rev. Estelle to start the inspirational web ministry, www.AllThingsArePossible.org (named for Matthew 19:26, “With God, All Things Are Possible”). She shares daily motivational messages at www.Twitter.com/PR4God. Rev. Estelle is a member of the New England Women Ministers Association and the Braintree Clergy Association. She can be reached through her email revestelle@firstchurchbraintree.com.
The Rev. Leanne Sterio Walt, Pastor
A life long member of the United Church of Christ, Leanne earned her B.A. in Religious Studies from Bowdoin College and her Masters of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School. The time she spent working in orphanages in Sri Lanka and Nicaragua solidified her call to serve God through Christian ministry.
Ordained to her call as Pastoral Resident for Turnaround Ministry at Wollaston Congregational Church United Church of Christ in Quincy, MA, Leanne brings particular experience and interest in rousing congregations to become more vibrant, energized, loving, welcoming, Spirit-led communities of faith. Leanne serves on the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ (MACUCC) Commission for Evangelism and Congregational Vitality and has led workshops throughout the Conference on MissionInSite Demographics Research and the latest trends in Congregational Growth and Vitality.
In her free time Leanne enjoys golf, running, cooking, and spending time with her husband Bill and boxer Dempsey. Originally from the North Shore, Leanne and her family are proud to now call Braintree their home.
Ordained to her call as Pastoral Resident for Turnaround Ministry at Wollaston Congregational Church United Church of Christ in Quincy, MA, Leanne brings particular experience and interest in rousing congregations to become more vibrant, energized, loving, welcoming, Spirit-led communities of faith. Leanne serves on the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ (MACUCC) Commission for Evangelism and Congregational Vitality and has led workshops throughout the Conference on MissionInSite Demographics Research and the latest trends in Congregational Growth and Vitality.
In her free time Leanne enjoys golf, running, cooking, and spending time with her husband Bill and boxer Dempsey. Originally from the North Shore, Leanne and her family are proud to now call Braintree their home.
Dr. Paul Kaatrud, Director of Music
A resident of Quincy, Dr. Kaatrud holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music as a Major and Religion as a Minor from Pacific Lutheran University, a Master's Degree in Organ Performance from Northwestern University, and a Ph.D. in Music History from the University of Minnesota. He is certified as a Fellow and as a Choirmaster in the American Guild of Organists. In addition, he brings a wide range of experience in the church musician setting.
Carole Morse, Administrator
Carole was born and brought up in Braintree, now living in Weymouth, and is an active member of Heritage United Methodist Church here in town. She is married with two daughters, two granddaughters, and one grandson. She served many years as church secretary for Quincy Community United Methodist Church in Wollaston, was Senior Executive Secretary to an Executive Vice President at Bank of Boston, and most recently was an Executive Assistant with Fidelity Investments in Boston.
Molly Nason, Director of Children's Ministries
Through her work at various camps and retreat centers, a Latino community development agency, and as a Senior Resident Assistant at Boston University, Molly comes to First Church with nearly ten years of experience working with youth and children, particularly those with special needs. She is American Red Cross adult and child CPR/AED plus First Aid certified and has served as a facilitator for children and youth grieving a loved one. Recognizing that children’s inquisitive minds often asking the questions of faith that we, grow-ups overlook, Molly brings a special reverence and enthusiasm to her work with young people.
Last year, Molly and her husband Zach moved from Texas in order for her to attend Boston University School of Theology. She’s currently entering her second year and is excited to have this new opportunity to further discern God’s call to ministry in her life. Molly enjoys being outdoors, eating good food, college football and exploring New England.
Last year, Molly and her husband Zach moved from Texas in order for her to attend Boston University School of Theology. She’s currently entering her second year and is excited to have this new opportunity to further discern God’s call to ministry in her life. Molly enjoys being outdoors, eating good food, college football and exploring New England.
