First Church Windsor

We are now open for in-person worship. We will continue to broadcast the service on Facebook LIve and on WIN-TV.

107 Palisado Avenue , Windsor , CT 06095
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(860) 688-7229

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The United Church of Christ

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Church Staff

NicoleGrant-Yonkman

Nicole Grant-Yonkman

Senior Pastor

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Pastor Nicole grew up years in Maine, where her extended family has called home for many generations. She is a graduate of Colgate University, with degrees in Religion and Women’s Studies, and the University of Chicago Divinity School, with a Master of Divinity. She also did extensive coursework toward a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies at UChicago. Pastor Nicole met her husband, Todd Yonkman, at UChicago and they married in 1996, sharing a life of ministry. Nicole has served churches in the Chicago area, Dayton, OH, and Providence, RI for over 20 years.
   
The common theme for all of the ministry settings for Nicole has been church renewal, and reimagining the next step for the organization as the church grows and changes. All of the churches Nicole has served have experienced significant numerical and spiritual growth.   Nicole is the first woman senior minister at First Church in Windsor, founded in 1630.  She thrives on getting involved in the wider community, like hosting a community-wide discussion series called “Love your Muslim Neighbor,” serving on the Windsor Hunger Action Task Force, and guest speaking at Windsor Human Relations Commission social justice events. She is the recipient of the Windsor Bridge Builders Award and the Windsor Phenomenal Woman Award.   
 

Nicole and Todd are the proud parents of 2 young adult daughters; Fiona is a software engineer and Olivia is a student at Occidental College. Nicole is a very active person, enjoying various fitness activities like hiking, and gardening. This past summer, she hiked the 250-mile section of the Maine Appalachian Trail for part of her sabbatical. Her hiking buddy is a black lab named Mayleen. Nicole lives in Windsor, CT. 

Pastor MayraMelecio

Pastor Mayra Melecio

Pastoral Associate

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In May of 2023, First Church welcomed Pastor Mayra Melicio as our new Pastoral Associate. Pastor Mayra will work with a diverse group of church members, including youth and older people. We are excited to have her on our team!
ErinNewcomb-Moore

Erin Newcomb-Moore

Director of Children’s Ministries

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Erin is our new Director of Children’s Ministries and will be working with our young children and families to provide community and faith formation. Erin was previously an Associate Minister at Trinity United Methodist Church in Springfield, MA, and has a Master of Divinity from Boston University. She brings with her lots of experience with children’s education, vacation church school, after-school programs, and summer camps. She has a passion for this work.
 
Erin grew up outside Boston, has a Bachelor of Music degree from Gordon College with a specialty in voice. She is also a violinist. In her interviews with us, she stressed the importance of conversations with families about their children and their lives and needs. She has significant experience in working with and supporting volunteers. Her creativity stands out among her attributes and she loves collaboration.
 
RoseFisher

Rose Fisher

Communicationsand Operations Manager

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Rose joined the FCW team as Operations and Communications Manager in December of 2016. With a background in political organizing and non-profits, Rose is responsible for the FCW's day-to-day operations and manages the church's online presence and social media platforms. Rose also acts as our in-house tech support and provides help and advice to members to ensure they can confidently access our online spaces. Rose works remotely in Vermont, living with her husband and two small children. She is delighted still to be a part of the First Church community!
JaneFrogley

Jane Frogley

Music Director and Organist

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Jane grew up in rural Wisconsin, and she received her bachelors degree in piano and music history from the University of Wisconsin. She also has graduate degrees in music history from the University of California and Oxford University. Although her primary training is in classical music, she loves music of all eras and backgrounds, and one of her favorite things is finding a great new piece to share!
 
Jane has been a church musician for 20 years now, having served in Congregational, Episcopal, and Catholic parishes before coming to First Church in autumn of 2015. She is so glad to be here! Jane plays the organ and the piano for services, and she directs and accompanies the choir. She also directs the bell choir, which is a new and fun skill!
 
Jane met her husband, Alain Frogley, when they were in graduate school together. After 11 years in England, Alain was hired by the University of Connecticut School of Music in 1994, and the Frogleys have lived in Storrs ever since. Alain is a tenured professor at the music department, and he is also Associate Dean of the School of Fine Arts. Their son, Nicholas, works for an internet company based in Storrs, and is studying for a computer science degree.

McKoiBrown

McKoi Brown

Audio Visual Technology and Design Specialist

McKoi is a Windsor resident with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. She has a passion for creating social media campaigns, writing, and graphic design. She is responsible for orchestrating the livestream of our Sunday service.
KenBaranoski

Ken Baranoski

Church Sexton

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Ken is our Church Sexton, which means he's the one who keeps everything running smoothly on the church campus! Ken cares for and maintains all of our church buildings and grounds, as well as dealing with vendors and fixing just about anything that breaks! 

First Church Windsor

(860) 688-7229 Click to email