Merri Carlson, Christian Education Director, Certified in Christian Education by the NH UCC
Merri’s passion for Christian education began when a fellow parishioner asked her to teach in the church school. She was surprised that they chose her. “That was the moment when God started to plant the seed,” she says. “I realized having the responsibility to teach also gave me the opportunity to learn, strengthen, and deepen my own relationship with God.” In a world, whose moral compass is amiss at times, she hopes that in the small amount of time that our church family has together each week, we give the children and youth time to explore their faith, to see how it works in their own lives, so that when they are faced with decisions, or problems, that they will have an unshakeable faith in God. Her personal goal is to provide a place for the children and youth to have fun, while learning about God, what he is calling each of them to be, how he wants us to live our lives, and to love each other as he loves us.

Jeongweon “John” Lee, Music Director, Jeongweon “John” Lee is the music director at the First Congregational Church of Salem, NH, where he oversees the church’s music ministry, directs the choir, and serves as the principal pianist and organist for Sunday worship services. His work focuses on creating meaningful worship experiences through music, blending traditional hymns with contemporary expressions of faith. A native of South Korea, Lee began studying classical piano at the age of nine, inspired by his mother, a professional soprano, and his engineer father. He holds a Bachelor in Music degree in jazz piano performance from Berklee College of Music and an Master in Music in sacred music from Boston University’s School of Theology, where he studied organ repertoire ranging from Baroque to 20th-century works under Prof. Peter Sykes. During his graduate studies, Lee was awarded a full scholarship and served as a graduate assistant for the seminary choir, gaining extensive experience in conducting and coordinating sacred music. In addition to his work at the church, Lee is a full-time piano instructor at Creative Arts for Kids in Reading, MA, where he teaches students of all ages and skill levels. His teaching philosophy integrates a strong foundation in classical technique with opportunities to explore contemporary music and personal expression. Lee’s professional experience also includes composing and arranging music for theater productions, and he has served as music director for Creative Arts’ spring and summer theater programs. Reflecting on his work, John shares, “Music has always been a way for me to connect with God and others. It is a privilege to serve the church through music, bringing people together in worship and offering healing and inspiration through song.”

Bridget Detollenaere, Administrative Assistant has always had a passion for secretarial work. First working as a clerk at Wang Labs and moving up to Secretary to the Plant Manager in Methuen. After taking time off to raise her two daughters, she returned to the work force in 2000, working for Pinkerton Academy, a regional high school, as a food service worker. Six years later she began work as an Administrative Assistant in the School Counseling department. She retired from Pinkerton Academy in 2021. She says “Full time retirement was boring so when the opportunity came to apply for the Administrative Assistant job for FCC, I decided to go for it”. Bridget’s willingness to give her best and her attention to detail has made her perfect for the job. “It helps that I’ve been a church member for over 30 years. I know a lot of the ins and outs of the church, its members and its history.” She can be found in the office most Tuesdays and Thursdays.