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Rev. Brian Russell, Pastor
Rev. Brian Russell is married to his wife Elizabeth and they share a grown son, Brian. They previously resided in North Carolina before moving to Ohio to join Community Congregational UCC. Brian earned a Masters of Divinity from Wake Forest University as well as holds a Graduate certificate in Spiritually and Health from Wake Forest School of Medicine. He has worked with a Lutheran Church as a Director of Contempory Worship and as a Pastoral Associate. While at the Lutheran Church, he wrote and published a book, "The Complete Contempory Worship Handbook". Before moving to Ohio, he served as a Senior Pastor at Unity UMC in Thomasville, NC.
Emily Marty, Music Director
Emily Marty took piano lessons as a child, and her dad would bring her to church choir practice at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. There she met and got to know their organist, Pat Cooley. The summer Emily turned 16, Pat gave her organ lessons so that she could start subbing for her when needed. Since then, she’s been filling in at churches all over northeast Ohio until she took on the role of Music Director at CCUCC in 2023.
Emily is a full-time high school Social Studies teacher. She most recently taught American History, AP Human Geography, and college-level World Civilizations. She’s able to find time for music because her husband, Russ, and kids, Crosby and Marylen, all enjoy music, so practicing and playing are just part of their family’s routine. She’s been really enjoying learning the ropes from Pastor Brian and working with Max, the Bell Choir Director, and all the musical participants who share their talents from week to week. It’s a team effort. She fully believes that “music is medicine” for not only those who play but for anyone who listens. 🎶
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Shelly Hoffman, Office Manager
After graduating from college, Shelly worked as a Registered Nurse in Labor and Delivery for several years before deciding to stay at home with her children. She is married to her high school sweetheart and shares a home with her husband, Tim and their four children, dog Freya and cats Remi and Kiera. She continues to provide nursing care for the public through volunteering with the Parish Nursing Program.
Melissa Thompson, Christian Education Director
Melissa Thompson serves as Community Congregational UCC’s Youth Director and oversees our Sunday School and Youth programs. Melissa works to share love, peace and kindness in all of our youth programming. Her favorite time of year is Christmas when she enjoys all fo the wonderful family traditions that share God's love.
A mom of two boys, Ben and Jonah, and wife to Brett, they love to travel, play soccer, host family movie nights and they enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities. Each day, Brett and Melissa try to follow this simple yet motivational bible verse: "Love one another deeply. Honor others more than yourselves." Romans 12:10.