Meet the Staff of First Congregational

First Congregational United Church of Christ
54 So. Jackson St, Janesville, WI 53548

Church Office: firstcon@tds.net

(608) 752-8716

Rev. Wesley Bixby: firstconpastor@tds.net

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

"A Caring Church for Thinking People"
Since 1845

External Links

UCC Web Site

WI Conference UCC

SW Wisconsin Association UCC

United Church Camps

Meet Our Staff

	Rev. Wesley Bixby Pastor firstconpastor@tds.net Reverend Wesley Bixby was called to become our spiritual leader and teacher in September 2006. Prior to coming to First Congregational UCC, Rev. Bixby served the Smith Memorial Congregational Church UCC in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. Rev. Bixby is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he earned a B.A. degree. Following graduation he spent a few years working in a private sector job in finance. Hearing God’s call, following a
period of prayer and discernment, Rev. Bixby attended United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities graduating in 2001 with a Master of Divinity degree. Rev. Bixby and his wife Gina are the proud parents of Ethan and Olivia. Rev. Bixby says "Gina, Ethan and Olivia are an indescribable joy, a favorite topic of conversation for me, and always bring a smile to my face." When not spending time with his family, Rev. Bixby enjoys running, watching movies, and taking walks with his dog Sammy. He also loves reading all kinds of books.

	Jamie Dieckhoff Christian Education Coordinator firstconce@tds.net Jamie Dieckhoff serves as the Christian Education Coordinator for the church. She grew up on Cape Cod, Massachusetts and moved to Wisconsin to attend Ripon College in 1991. She earned a B.A. in English and took extensive coursework in Elementary/Middle Education. While at Ripon, she met Tony, her husband. They spent time in Madison and Arena before settling in Orfordville. Jamie & Tony have been blessed with two sons- Ethan & Carter.
A long time stay-at-home mom, Jamie is eager to play an active role in the education of our church youth.In her freetime she serves as the Secretary for the Parkview Elementary P.T.O. as well on the Board of Directors for the Orfordville Christian Preschool. She enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, and working to renovate & preserve her older home.

	*Carrie Kolanda* Administrative Secretary firstcon@tds.net Carrie serves as our Administrative Secretary. She is the first point of contact with our church for most visitors and callers. Her outgoing personality and warm smile make her a natural in this role, as does her training and work experience. Carrie has had extensive technical college coursework in computer applications and communications. She has also had experience working as a church secretary.
When not at work, Carrie's life revolves around horses. She lives with her parents and ten horses and ponies on a 40 acre farm. Carrie is Key Leader of the Walworth County 4H Horse and Pony Project. She is also Coordinator of the Walworth County Horse and Pony Ambassador Program. Carrie can often be found participating in horse shows and carriage driving. Carrie has four older bothers and nine nieces and nephews who share a bit of her time.

	*Pam Rucker* Financial Secretary firstconbkpr@tds.net Pam serves as the church's part-time Financial Secretary. She also volunteers part-time as a bookkeeper for Habitat for Humanity. Pam grew up in Wisconsin. She is a single parent who is also a part-time student in Accounting at Blackhawk Technical College.

	*Pat Scott* Parish Nurse Pat Scott is the Parish Nurse at First Congregational UCC. She is an RN, BSN who received her Parish Nurse training at Marquette University in 1999. Her work includes educating the congregation on physical, mental and spiritual health issues through the church newsletter as well as on an individual basis. Pat provides blood pressure checks the second Sunday of each month after worship. She also visits parishioners in the hospital, nursing home, or their own home.
Pat has used the UCC guide "Called to Care" to train volunteers to visit shut-ins by enhancing their care giving gifts. She chairs the Parish Care Committee which organizes volunteers to give rides and other services to parishioners as well as helping the congregation become aware of significant life events of fellow members. In addition to the time Pat works at First Congregational UCC, she also works several hours a month at Mercy Hospice.

	*Brian Knutson* Music Director Dr. Brian Knutson leads the Chancel Choir and Bell Choir at First Congregational United Church of Christ. Brian brings a diverse background in music including twenty-five years experience conducting church choirs and community choirs.
Dr Knutson also has extensive experience in collegiate teaching. Brian currently serves as conductor of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Concert Choir, an undergraduate select choral ensemble and Class Act, a select vocal jazz ensemble. Dr. Knutson is frequently in demand as bass-baritone soloist, guest conductor, adjudicator and clinician. Dr. Knutson earned a Ph.D. in choral music education from Florida State University, an M.M. in choral conducting from the University of Northern Iowa and a B.A. in music education from Luther College Brian and his wife Jane have three sons, Jeff, Jason and Matt. The entire Knutson family share a love of vocal music.

	*Karen Cypher* Organist Karen Cypher is a Janesville native and a graduate of Janesville Senior High (Craig). She holds a degree in Piano and Organ Performance from the University of Wisconsin. Karen started playing in Janesville churches at the age of twelve. She was hired as full time organist at First Presbyterian Church at age fifteen. Other Janesville churches in which she has previously held organist positions are First Baptist, Mt. Zion United Methodist and Cargill United Methodist.
Karen has also served as substitute organist at many other churches in Janesville, Madison, Beloit and Roscoe, Illinois. During 2003 and 2004 Karen was closely involved with the year long restoration of the 102 year old pipe organ which she currently plays at First Congregational United Church of Christ. One of the original founders of Janesville's Theatre Unlimited, Karen has also performed with, as well as accompanied, Janesville Little Theatre and U-Rock Players. Karen's career goal has been to teach children and adults an appreciation for music. She has been a private piano teacher in Janesville for forty years.

	Ann Huber Professional Child Care Attendant Ann provides child care for infants and children to age three during Sunday worship. She is on duty from 9:50 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Ann also provides child care for other church events.

Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
9:00 a.m-3:00 p.m.

Friday
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m

Rev. Wesley Bixby
Pastor

Jamie Dieckhoff
Christian Education Coordinatator

Carrie Kolanda
Administrative Secretary

Pam Rucker
Financial Secretary

Pat Scott
Parish Nurse

Dr. Brian Knutson
Music Director

Karen Cypher
Organist

Ann Huber
Professional Child Care Attendant

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