Meet Our Church Leadership Team!
Rev. Stephen G. Berry is the pastor of the church. Stephen and his wife Brenda planted the New Covenant Church in December of 2002. The official launch date for the church was September 7, 2003. Stephen and Brenda have 4 children and 2 foster grandchildren.
Pastor Stephen has a Bachelor of Science and a Masters In Education from the University of Vermont. He also has a M. Div. Equiv. from Ashland Theological Seminary. Stephen has been pastoring since 1998. Prior to pastoring, Stephen founded and was the Ex. Director for Family Life Services of New England (FLS) for 21 years. FLS was an interdenominational Christian therapeutic foster care agency and cared for hundreds of children and families while Stephen was the director. During his 21 years at FLS, Stephen acted in a variety of roles such as caseworker, counsellor, foster parent trainer, ex. director, etc. Although his role has changed, he still stays involved in human services by participating in the Citizens Advisory Board for the Vermont Department of Children and Families and other advisory boards in the community.
Stephen and Brenda were approved as church planters by the Northern New England District Council in 2003.
Brenda Berry is a graduate from Champlain College where she received her Associates degree and her Bachelors of Arts Degree. Brenda leads the worship team and oversees the administration and coordinaion of curriculum for the children's church (The Construction Zone) and the nursery.
The Berry's children include: Joelle a graduate of Evangel College, Springfield, MO. and a graduate from Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA. Joelle is married to Eric Gilbert also a Regent University Graduate. Joelle and Eric married on September 8 of 2007. They make their home in Virgina Beach, VA, where Eric is employed by Liberty Tax Services.
Jared, their son graduated from Central Bible College in May of 2007. He is married to Jen (Nieto), also graduate of Central Bible College. Jared is the youth pastor at the Island Park Full Gospel Church in Island Park, NY.
Sheridan Berry is a graduate from Randolph Career Techinical Center in Randolph, VT. She obtained her LNA certification and has enjoyed working in this field. Sheridan lives in Roxbury. VT
Cheyenne Berry attends Southern Maine Community College(SMCC) in Portland, ME and is majoring is early childhood education. She enjoys working with young children and plans to pursue a career in early childhood education upon graduation from SMCC in May of 2008.
From Left To Right: Cheyenne, Joelle, Brenda,
Pastor Stephen, Jared, and Sheridan
Colleen Fugere is a founding member of the New Covenant Church and has served on the church board in the role of deacon, and as the board secretary since the churches beginning. Colleen was part of the team of people, who laid the foundation for the church plant, by helping to develop and define the church's mission and vision statements, the core values, the name of the church and by faithfully praying and serving the church ever since. Colleen works as a dental hygenist and lives in East Brookfield with her husband Steve, who is also a founding member of the church. Steve and Colleen have two married daughters (Collette Leonard and Kristen Bolio) and three grandchildren (Joshua, Colleena Mae, and Dillon).
Ed Neas is a board member for the church and lives on East Hill with his wife, Marti. Ed and Marti have three adult daughters, who live in Massachusetts, Florida and California. Ed brings a variety of skills and talents to his role as a board member. He has served on other church and mission boards before and is a multi-talented craftsmen and business man. Marti works as an emergency room nurse in Boston, Ma. Ed and Marti have been on the mission field in Haiti and have led the men's and women's ministries at the church.
Kathy Bonic of Brookfield, serves as the church treasurer. Kathy and her husband Chuck are active members in the church. They have 3 children, Stephanie, Melanie, and a son, Brian. They are also blessed with many grandchildren. Chuck Bonic works for Green Mtn. Power Co. and Kathy has a variety of work experiences that she brings to her role as the church treasurer. Chuck and Kathy have been active in the church both in the women's and men's ministries and also in volunteering in a variety of work and support roles.
Picture Is Coming!
Rev. Beth Butler serves on the church board and also is the Director of the Prayer Team. Beth lives in Hardwick, VT and has one daughter, Jessica and a grandson. Jessica resides with her husband in San Diego. Pastor Beth works at the Teen Challenge Center in Johnson, VT.
Articles & Resources for Church Workers
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Starting a Greeter Program
Four years ago I accepted the challenge of evangelism chairperson for our church. One of the first programs the pastor and I developed was the Sunday morning greeter program. -
Motivating the Right Person into the Right Ministry
One of the greatest challenges for most leaders is selecting and motivating the right people into the right ministry positions in hopes of minimizing turnover and frustration. Even in the smaller church with limited personnel, it is important to coordinate people and ministry as much as possible. -
“I TRIED, BUT NO ONE EVER CALLED ME”
“I tried, but no one ever called me” are painful words for a leader who has much work to do and not enough people willing to do it. These words are painful for the person who wanted to contribute, but was never called. These are also painful words for a person who is committed to helping people connect and contribute in meaningful ways within the church.
