Staff/Parish for First Congregational United Church of Christ, Manhattan, Kansas
The
Rev. R. Kent Cormack has served as Pastor and Teacher at First
Congregational since 2000. He is responsible for preaching, teaching,
worship leadership, pastoral care, and oversight of the church’s
ministries and missions.
A native of Kansas, Kent grew up on a farm south of Abilene. He received a Bachelor of Music in organ/church music from the University of Kansas, and Master of Divinity from Yale University Divinity School. He has served United Church of Christ congregations in various capacities for over 20 years and is active in Association, Conference, and national church activities.
When he finds the time, Kent enjoys working in the garden (a latent farmer gene, perhaps), restoring furniture, and studying and collecting books on historic architecture. Kent’s spouse, William T. Pugh, serves as organist at First Congregational, and together they enjoy travel to any place with great architecture, great music, and great scenery.
Tracey
Weston coordinates the Youth Ministry program at First Congregational
UCC. She works with junior and senior high youth to build connections
with the congregation, awareness of social and justice issues, and
deeper spiritual connections.
Tracy grew up in McBain Michigan where (sssh! She doesn’t share this with just anybody) she was a cheerleader! She attended Central Michigan University. In her “real job” these days she is responsible for laboratory services at the Kansas State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Her husband Craig teaches composition at Kansas State. They have three children and various pets. Tracey enjoys reading, sewing, and crafts, but dreams of having more free time to do her hobbies and help other people.
Sandy Nelson is our Administrative Assistant, which means she is the friendly face or voice you encounter when you contact the church office on weekdays. She is responsible for maintaining the church database and records, publishing the bulletins and newsletters, tracking financial contributions, and holding the loose ends together. So if you have a question, give her a call—if she doesn’t have the answer, she will try to put you in touch with someone who does.
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Sandy has been living in Manhattan for more than 30 years. She comes to First Congregational UCC after retiring as the Publications Director for the International Association for Jazz Education. She has a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology from K-State and enjoys interacting with people from all walks of life. Sandy and her husband Dave Colburn have three very active daughters.
Mariana Mancera cares for our littlest members as our
nursery attendant. She will be glad to show you around the nursery and
visit with you about any special needs or concerns of your young children.
Mariana is a student at Kansas State University, majoring in cultural anthropology. Born in Celaya Guanajuato, she grew up in the United States. She enjoys cooking, running and spending time with her family and friends.
William
T. Pugh is the church organist and resident organ technician.
Bill leads congregational singing in worship, provides organ and piano
music in worship services, accompanies the choir, and works with handbell
groups that play for special occasions.
Bill is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he received a Bachelor of Music in organ performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He is the owner of Top Rung Tower Chime and Organ Service, which specializes in the service and restoration of Deagan Tower Chime systems nationwide. Closer to home he cares for pipe organs for many area churches. Two of Bill’s hobbies are jigsaw puzzles and the music of his favorite obscure composer, Charles Valentin Alkan. His husband is First Congregational UCC pastor, Kent Cormack.
Gretchen
Lewis describes her role at First Congregational UCC as a
music and fellowship facilitator. She directs the church choir for
Sunday and special services, serves as the primary pianist for Taizé services,
and is an occasional substitute organist. She is always glad to welcome
new members to the choir—no auditions required!
Gretchen claims no hometown. As the daughter of an American Baptist pastor, the family moved several times while she was growing up. She did her undergraduate work at Oberlin and received her Masters of Music from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Gretchen is an instructor for Barton County Community College at Ft. Riley where she teaches developmental math, the occasional writing course, and music appreciation. Gretchen and her husband Jim have two adult children, a violinist and a historian. Four years spent living and working in Japan gave their family a new world perspective. In addition to music, Gretchen enjoys reading, vegetable gardening, and baking bread.
Nancy
Holmes is proud to be a part of the First Congregational family
because it does so much good for the community. Nancy and her crew
keep our building clean and functioning, with the goal of making anyone
who comes into the building feel welcome and comfortable.
Nancy is a native of Chicago, but grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, and later attended Kansas State University. Nancy and her family own and run a cleaning service that specializes in carpets in churches.
When they are not cleaning, Nancy and her husband Don enjoy their two adult children, their grandchildren and a variety of pets including a horse, 3 birds, an iguana, and four cats. In addition to cleaning, Nancy enjoys reading, cross-stitch, sewing, and knitting. A perfect day is when she can ride her horse, Baron.