First Congregational Church of Braintree
United Church of Christ
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Alive in faith, welcoming to all!
Minister and Staff
Rev. Michael Frady, Designated Term Pastor
Michael Andre’ Frady was born in New Orleans, LA in 1966 and raised in the nearby town of Slidell. He came to New England in 1984 when he was stationed at the Naval War College, Newport, RI.
After meeting his wife, Joyce, Michael made his home in Portsmouth, R.I. He and Joyce raised their two daughters in the home they built in Little Compton, R.I. Joyce and “the girls” have maintained membership at The United Congregational Church of Little Compton, where the family has attended worship for over 20 years.
A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Pastor Michael spent a full career as “Chef” Michael. He was a banquet chef for Marriott hotels, and worked as sous chef, executive chef, and restaurant manager at various R.I. and MA restaurants. He now enjoys cooking for his family and friends.
Rev. Frady earned his Master of Divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological School, where he also had a concentration in Spiritual Care. His call to ministry is one that he considers to be “a lingering call I’ve had most of my life; one that began when I was an Altar Boy in the Catholic Church. God’s call persisted, and grew stronger, especially through the years I served as a Deacon.”
He has served as Student Minister of North Congregational Church in Middleboro, MA, and at Old South Church in Weymouth, MA. Pastor Michael was Associate Minister at United Congregational Church in Little Compton, and served as Pastor of North Congregational Church in Fall River, MA.
“I love sharing the joy of Christ-filled living with others. I treasure the relationships we build in Christian community. It’s a pleasure to teach our Children, to sing with our choir, to hear the stories and advice of our seniors, and to journey with all who come – those who have followed the way of Christ for years, and those who have just stepped onto the path.”
Pastor Michael believes: “A vibrant church is one that embodies the teachings of Jesus Christ by welcoming all who come, and empowering each individual to participate in the life of the church as they become more fully alive in spirit.”
When asked about his sense of call to serve as pastor of The First Congregational Church of Braintree, Rev. Frady replied:
“I’m fascinated by the church’s rich history and feel I have the gifts to help First Church continue making history by resuming the transformative work started by Rev. Walt. Mainline Protestant Christianity is in a state of transition, and each individual church is exploring creative ways to be relevant in the lives of a new generation. Those that don’t take risks and allow for significant change are dying at an alarming rate. Judging by the members I’ve met, it appears First Church has the desire and willingness to not only survive, but to thrive in the 21st century. I offer leadership that is God-centered, faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and receptive to guidance from the Holy Spirit.”
*A Designated Term Pastor is called for 3-5 years after which he may continue as the Called or Settled Pastor if mutually discerned by the Church, the Pastor and the Association.
Mattie Gietman, Director of Children's Ministry
Mattie provides engaging long-term and weekly projects for the Sunday school program and will be hosting the summer church camp. As a child, she was involved in the Sunday school program, youth group, church camp, children's choir, teen choir and the adult choir here at First Cong. She graduated from the New England School of Photography in 2010, majoring in advertising with a double minor in digital arts and fashion.
Before coming on board as the DCM, Mattie homeschooled her son from 2014 until 2018 when her family finally settled down in Weymouth. Although attending Weymouth Public Schools was an excellent opportunity for her son to make some roots in the town, Mattie really missed the hands-on learning experience that homeschooling allowed. As the Director of the Sunday school program, she really looks forward to the opportunity to continue expanding young minds on a larger scale!
Keith Ciccone, Director of Music
Keith J. Ciccone has been the Director of Music for First Congregational Church of Braintree since February 2017. Prior to arriving here, Keith was Minister of Music at Glendale United Methodist Church in Everett for over 23 years and before that, he was the Co-Director of Folk Liturgy and Organist at Star of the Sea Church in Marblehead as well as the Folk Group Director at St Joseph's Church in Lynn. While completing an internship, Keith was the Organist and Choir Director at two Methodist churches in Durham, North Carolina. He has sung in the Choir at Star of the Sea Church in Squantum as well as St. Gregory Church in Dorchester during special occasions. He served as the Co-Director of Music Ministry during his senior year in college. Keith has been in involved with Music Ministry since the age of 14.
Keith J. Ciccone works full time as the Nurse Specialist and Executive Director of Movement Disorder Programs for at SMG/St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Outpatient Neurology Department in Brighton, MA. Keith serves as co-facilitator for a monthly support group for Parkinson's patients with Deep Brain Stimulation in Boston, MA . He also serves yearly with a program called" When Patient's Heal You", working in collaboration with patient from Boston Medical Center Department of Neurology, Boston University College of Fine Arts Initiative Program and the Office of Diversity at Boston University Medical Center where he has performed annually with talented patients giving back to the Medical Community. Keith has previously volunteered and performed annually at Boston University Medical Center Neurology Global Health Program to help raise funds to send Nurses and Physicians from Neurology to Haiti to provide Neurological care. Keith is the Past President for the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association and currently volunteers at special programs.
Keith received his Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy with a minor in Psychology from Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA and his Nursing degree from Chelsea Soldier Home School of Nursing. He was the recipient of Outstanding Young Men in America Award, Student Nursing Leadership Award, and the recipient of the Salvatore A. Esposito Award, Sr. from the American Parkinson Disease Association in New York.
Keith is excited to be part of First Church working with Pastor Michael, the choir, Soloist and our youth. You can reach him at keciccon@aol.com.
Deb McMartin, Administrator
Deb Gillis McMartin was born and raised in Braintree; left for a while to live in Hartford, Boston and the San Francisco Bay Area; and returned to Braintree to raise her family. In her former life (before kids), Deb was an Arts Marketer working at institutions such as Hartford Stage Company, Huntington Theatre Company and as a Consultant in the Bay Area. Deb and her husband Paul moved back to Braintree in 2001 after the birth of their son, AJ. In 2006, daughter Keira joined the family. The McMartins are known around town as "the soccer family" since all four family members are deeply involved in the sport. Deb is a coach, director and the league registrar for Braintree Youth Soccer. She is also involved in the Highlands School PTO and is a member of the Friends of Hollis Field Playground, a small group of parents who worked to rebuild the playground adjacent to Hollis School. She loves reading, watching soccer, playing with her dog, Chelsea, finding fun adventures in and around Boston and just relaxing with friends and family.