Leadership

Our Elders

Elders, elected by the congregation, lead the congregation by exercising both discernment and compassion. In addition, they are called to assess the congregation’s fidelity to the Word of God, and strengthen and nurture its faith and life.

  • Matt Watson is the Clerk of Session, which means he wears many hats.  He organizes and records session meetings, assists in Baptisms and Membership services, and is at times a right hand for the pastor. Matt, Marianne, and their two sons Casey and Carter have been members of WPC since 2008.

  • Tracy Johnson, a Lifelong member of WPC, serves as an Elder and chairperson of the Nominating Committee, which   She has been a devoted leader in the Ladies Benevolent Society and more recently at GriefShare as well. She enjoys her loons and eagles on Canobie Lake, as well as gardening and yard sales! 

  • Michele (Mike) Hutchings chairs the Connections Committee, which plans gatherings for fellowship and outreach. She can be found in the choir, the Fellowship Hour after church, GriefShare, and the Christmas play.  She volunteers teaching ESL in Manchester, has a Masters in Education, and raised her four wonderful children at WPC.

  • Joanne Vignos (vin-yo) chairs the Personnel Committee which handles staff issues including contracts, health and other employee benefits, hiring, performance reviews, and more. She has very much enjoyed being part of the WPC church family for more than 20 years, and feels fortunate to have raised her children (Rachel and Sarah) here. Joanne is a marketing consultant and writer, but prefers to spend her time hiking, skiing, golfing, playing pickleball and walking her dog, Riley.

  • Marjorie Burdette is the former Elder for Missions and current Elder for Finance, which records, maintains, and manages all finances of the church. Marjorie is a sewing aide at Lazarus House, helps lead the Women's Bible Study, and is chair of the Team for the Interim Pastor Search. She has four grown children, four son/daughters-in-law, and ten very special grandchildren.

  • Jack Merriken chairs the Spiritual Formation Committee, which oversees four ministries: Nursery, Children, Youth Group, and Adult Christian Education; he also chairs the Mission Study Committee, and serves on the Finance Committee, co-chairing the annual Stewardship Campaign. Jack is a retired USAF officer, taught high school AFJROTC for 14 years, refereed youth, adult, and high school soccer, and served on the NH State Referee Committee for nearly 20 years. He has three adult children and three grandchildren (soon to be four!) who all live nearby.

  • William (Bill) Miller chairs the Missions Committee, which supports ministry partners both locally and around the world through prayer, volunteer involvement, and financial support.     He also serves in other activities of the church, where and when needed.  Bill is a retired attorney; he and his wife live on a farm in Hudson and have been members of WPC since 1995.

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Our Deacons

Deacons are elected by the congregation for a ministry of compassion, witness, and service. They are called to exhibit spiritual character, honesty, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, and sound judgment as they attend to the needs of members and friends of the congregation.

Those who currently serve as Deacons are: Anna Bradley, Melissa Bristol, Marilyn Dube, Jonathan Eckerman, John Goudreau, Barry Hebsch, Sandee Hebsch (Moderator), Lavinia Miller, Jim Morton, Jennifer Rettig, and Kristen Sudati.

Our Trustees

Trustees are elected by the congregation to manage the resources entrusted to the church. They are called to oversee all issues regarding the building and property, assuring that proper maintenance and issues of safety are addressed.

Those who currently serve as Trustees are: Bill Bristol, Ken Daley, and Glenn Watson (Chair).