21 Meeting House Hill Road, P.O. Box 126 | Sanbornton, NH 03269 | (603) 286-3018
OUR STAFF
Rev. Paula Gile, Interim Minister
Rev. Paula Gile is the intentional Interim Minister of the Sanbornton Congregational Church, UCC.
Pastor Paula joined us on January 1, 2021, after the retirement of Rev. Ruth Martz. Pastor Paula served as the Associate Pastor of the Congregational Church of Laconia, NH UCC for almost ten years. She graduated from Andover Newton Theological School with a Master of Divinity in May 2010. Paula also has a Master of Education with a concentration in counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Paula has over 60 continuing education credits specifically in Interim Ministry training. Previous to ordained ministry, Paula worked as foster care case manager, guidance counselor, and substance abuse prevention specialist in the state of Vermont.
If you have a need for pastoral care, please contact:
Rev. Paula Gile at (802) 310-4598
Dennis Akerman, Minister of Music
Dennis has been a member of the Sanbornton Congregational Church, UCC since 1966 and choir director since 1967 (excluding several years in the 1970's when he sang bass in the choir.) He is a native of Lakeport, a graduate of Tilton-Northfield High School and Bates College. Music has been a life-long avocation, with a special interest in choral music and opera. He was commissioned a Minister of Music in the United Church of Christ on February 8th, 1998. Dennis leads the Senior Choir.
Laura V. Belanger, Organist
Laura V. Belanger is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music where she was a student of Bronson Ragan and Frederick Swann. Laura holds an AAGO and ChM from the American Guild of Organists. She continues to be an active member of the AGO and is on the executive board of the New Hampshire Chapter.
Laura has been and continues to offer her talents as an organ recitalist in the New England region, and now resides in New Hampshire. She has previously served as the organist for the Plymouth Congregational Church, and is currently accompanist for the Pemigewasset Choral Society, both in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Laura has been our organist since September 1st, 2017.
Mary Ruth Scott, Junior Choir Director and Backup Organist
Mary Ruth has sung in church choirs all of her life. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a Bachelor’s of Music in Education degree. Mary Ruth’s music background has included serving as the Organist and the Choir Director with the Squantum Congregation Church in Massachusetts. She has also taught Choral and Classroom music in both Elementary and Junior High schools over the years.
Mary Ruth is happily married with two children, and four grandchildren. Mary Ruth and her daughter sing in the local Pemigewasset Choral Society.