Meet Our Church Leadership Team!
Rev. Stephen G. Berry, Pastor
Pastor Stephen and his wife Brenda planted the New Covenant Church in December of 2002. The official launch date for the church was September 7, 2003. Stephen and Brenda have 4 children and 3 grandchildren.
Pastor Stephen has a Bachelor of Science and a Masters In Education from the University of Vermont. He also has a M. Div. Equiv. from Ashland Theological Seminary. Stephen has been pastoring since 1998. Prior to pastoring, Stephen founded and was the Ex. Director for Family Life Services of New England (FLS) for 21 years. FLS was an interdenominational Christian therapeutic foster care agency and cared for hundreds of children and families while Stephen was the director. During his 21 years at FLS, Stephen acted in a variety of roles such as caseworker, counsellor, foster parent trainer, ex. director, etc. Although his role has changed, he still stays involved in human services by participating in the Citizens Advisory Review Board for the Vermont Department of Children and Families.
Stephen and Brenda were approved as church planters by the Northern New England District Council in 2003.
Brenda Berry
Brenda Berry is a graduate from Champlain College where she received her Associates degree and her Bachelors of Arts Degree. Brenda leads the worship team and oversees the administration and coordinaion of curriculum for the children's church and the nursery.
The Berry's children include: Joelle a graduate of Evangel College, Springfield, MO. and a graduate from Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA. Joelle is married to Eric Gilbert also a Regent University Graduate. They make their home in Conneticut.
Jared, their son graduated from Central Bible College in May of 2007. He is married to Jen (Nieto), also a graduate of Central Bible College. Jared is the youth and young adults pastor at the Island Park Full Gospel Church in Island Park, NY.
Sheridan LaFountain is a graduate from Randolph Career Techinical Center in Randolph, VT. She obtained her LNA certification and has enjoyed working in this field. Sheridan is married to Joseph LaFountain and has a daughter, Joyce. The LaFountains live in Roxbury. VT
Cheyenne Gordan graduated from Southern Maine Community College(SMCC) in Portland, ME majoring in early childhood education. She enjoys working with young children and is married to Joe Gordon. They maker their home in Wilder, VT
From Left To Right: Cheyenne, Joelle, Brenda,
Pastor Stephen, Jared, and Sheridan
Colleen Fugere
Colleen Fugere is a founding member of the New Covenant Church and has served on the church board in the role of deacon, and as the board secretary since the churches beginning. Colleen was part of the team of people, who laid the foundation for the church plant, by helping to develop and define the church's mission and vision statements, the core values, the name of the church and by faithfully praying and serving the church ever since. Colleen works as a dental hygenist and lives in East Brookfield with her husband Steve, who is also a founding member of the church. Steve and Colleen have two married daughters (Collette Leonard and Kristen Bolio) and three grandchildren (Joshua, Colleena Mae, and Dillon).
Rev. Beth Butler
Rev. Beth Butler serves on the church board and also is the Director of the Prayer Team. Beth lives in Hardwick, VT and has one daughter, Jessica and a grandson, Cooper. Jessica is a recent Law Graduate of The University of San Diego. Jessica and her husband Brooks and their son, Cooper currently live on
Pastor Beth works at the Teen Challenge Center in Johnson, VT. is currently working as their office manager and as a support for Rev. Richard Welch, the Teen Challange Director.
Pastor Beth spent several years working within the Foster Care system. When that time ended the Lord gave her a vision of “Stephens House”. “Stephens House” provides a safe spiritual and physical haven for those who can’t make it on their own financially. She opens her doors to both the saved and unsaved. God has sent many diverse people to her home and has exposed them to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the living testimony of God’s faithfulness and love.
Life Scripture: Philippians 1:6 – “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Claude Druhen
Claude Druhen and his wife, Pam live in Northfield, VT. Claude is an electrician and operates his own business, Druhen Electric from Northfield, VT. As you can see from the above picture one of Claude's passions is photography.
Pam, who leads our women's ministries is also a very talented artist, who creates paintings and landscapes from fabric. God has blessed Pam with artistic giftings. She believes that her work is a reflection of Him as seen through the landscapes.
Both Claude and Pam have been very involved with the New Covenant Church since they began attending. Claude is very involved in the men's group and with the Tuesday night Bible study and is acting as a trustee for the church property. Both Claude and Pam serve on the Steering Committee for the long-term development of the church property. Pam oversees the church's women's ministry and leads a women's Bible study. Claude and Pam have a heart to reach the world for Christ and believe in the power of small group ministry.
Articles & Resources for Church Workers
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Starting a Greeter Program
Four years ago I accepted the challenge of evangelism chairperson for our church. One of the first programs the pastor and I developed was the Sunday morning greeter program. -
Motivating the Right Person into the Right Ministry
One of the greatest challenges for most leaders is selecting and motivating the right people into the right ministry positions in hopes of minimizing turnover and frustration. Even in the smaller church with limited personnel, it is important to coordinate people and ministry as much as possible. -
“I TRIED, BUT NO ONE EVER CALLED ME”
“I tried, but no one ever called me” are painful words for a leader who has much work to do and not enough people willing to do it. These words are painful for the person who wanted to contribute, but was never called. These are also painful words for a person who is committed to helping people connect and contribute in meaningful ways within the church.
