Leadership Team

The Rev Kristen J. Kleiman was called to the First Congregational Church in the fall of 2008 and began her ministry here on January 1, 2009.

Kristen has her Masters of Divinity from Boston University School of Theology, and her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Psychology from the University of Michigan.  She also has a Certificate in Youth and Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary.

Kristen and her husband, Stuart, were married in 2011 at The First Congregational Church.  They have one son and two cats.

Kristen is a life-long member of the United Church of Christ and has felt called to ordained ministry in the local church since the age of 18.  She preaches and believes that there is a place for all people within the Christian community, a place for them to be nurtured body, mind, and soul and a place for them to share their God-given gifts.

Her first interview with FCC’s pastor search committee was “love at first sight” and not just because they served cheesecake.  Kristen knew that this was a community that loved God, followed Jesus Christ, and was ready to transform the world with Christ’s love.

Bill Degan began his ministry at First Congregational Church in October, 2017.   He plays the organ and piano, and directs the Adult Choir and the Youth Choir.  Bill is a member of the Waterbury Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.  Bill is also a retired physics teacher, a ski instructor, and sings with groups beyond the church.  His wife, Jean, is a piano teacher and also an organist.  Bill and Jean have three grown children who are also musicians.   They also have five grandchildren.  Bill has served as organist and music director for local churches since coming to Connecticut in 1981, and is happy to have found a “home close to home.”