The Rev. Liz Garrigan-Byerly

Rev. Garrigan-Byerly provides leadership for the Area Conference Ministry (ACM) team assuring that the ACMs work as agents of transformation. ACM’s bring adaptive change by provoking and nurturing discipleship, new life, and creative partnerships in and through the love and justice of Jesus in our clergy, churches and Associations. She also provides support to the Unified Fitness Review Committees, Conference-wide Committee on Ministry Steering Team and General Synod delegation.

Rev. Garrigan-Byerly enjoys quilting and gardening, wonderful metaphors for ministry, and shares daily life with her husband, tween daughter and dog.

The Rev. Alex Shea Will

Rev. Shea Will accompanies clergy, congregations, and committees as they live the love and justice of Jesus in ways that honor their unique contexts and gifts. In this work he is guided by relationship building, traditioned innovation, and covenantal wisdom. Contact him regarding: 

• Pastoral Transitions
• The Search and Call Process
• The Discernment and Formation process

Rev. Shea Will can usually be found looking for a ball – whether it’s for rugby, basketball, or soccer. He also has a love of espresso and is always up for a cup and conversation; so don’t hesitate to reach out.

The Rev. Dr. Patty Kogut

Rev. Kogut accompanies clergy, congregations, and committees to live the love and justice of Jesus. She does so with over 30 years of parish experience, training in church vitality and conflict transformation, and as a PCC level coach.

• Support of Committees on Ministry, with particular focus on the UCC Manual on Ministry
• Support of the Search and Call Process
• Assistance to clergy in specialized settings as well as local church pastors and retired ministers

The Rev. Kogut is excited about her expanded role in the Conference and enjoys her new home, walks, kayaking, and learning new and interesting musical instruments, most recently the "Pocket saxophone."

Lynn Varney

Lynn Varney assists the ACM, Association leadership, churches and clergy with processing members in discernment, changes in standing, pulpit supply, meetings, and the Northeast and Southeast regional newsletters.  Contact her for:

• Pulpit supply lists
• Information for Members in Discernment
• Clergy information changes

The Rev. Isaac Lawson

Rev. Isaac Lawson supports and resources clergy, congregations, and associations of the South Central region in their efforts to live the love and justice of Jesus in their locale.  Contact him for support with:

• Pastoral Transitions
• Committees on Church and Ministry  

Roslynn Hooks

Roslynn assists the ACM, Association leadership, churches and clergy with processing members in discernment, changes in standing, pulpit supply, meetings, and the Southwest and South Central Regions.  Contact her for:

• Pulpit supply lists

• Information for Members in Discernment

• Clergy information changes

The Rev. Terry Ogawa

Rev. Ogawa accompanies clergy and churches through adaptive change; times of transition; and discerning God’s call to meet the needs of their congregations and communities. Rev. Ogawa resources Committees on Ministry in the Northwest Region of the Conference.  Contact her for:

• Assistance with pastoral transitions.
• Discernment about next steps in ministry.
• Healthy solutions to challenges in congregational life.
• Preaching engagements and celebrating milestones in the life of your congregation.

Rev. Ogawa has always worked at the intersection of land, culture, and spirituality, which is evidenced in her pursuit to explore the hills and valleys of her region and learn regional food traditions—she welcomes your recommendations!

The Rev. Sam Houser

Deb Holmes

Deb Holmes supports the Area Conference Ministers for the North Central and Northwest Regions of the Southern New England Conference as well as supporting the Association leadership, churches, and clergy. Contact her for:

• Pulpit supply lists
• Member in Discernment information
• Transfers of standing
• General inquiries 

Jill Ford

Jill Ford supports the Area Conference Ministers as they assist our churches seeking new pastors and ministers seeking a new call.  Contact her if:

• You are an ordained UCC minister or Member in Discernment seeking a pastoral call
• You are a church Search Committee member needing assistance with administrative matters related to your search

Jill Ford also supports various programs funded by the Trust for Ministers (TFM).  Please contact her for information about:

• Programs that provide financial support for clergy retired from service in CT who may benefit from financial assistance with the cost of supplemental health insurance (for those most in need)
• Clergy Enrichment Grants for clergy serving CT churches
• Continuing legacy scholarship programs from the historic Connecticut Conference