United Congregational Church Staff

Staff

The Reverend R. Joseph Tripp, Jr., our Pastor and Teacher, began his ministry with the United Congregational Church in July of 2000. Prior to this he served churches in Fall River, Massachusetts and Falls Village, Connecticut. Joe grew up in Central New York and graduated from Hobart College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1983. He attended Andover Newton Theological School and graduated from there in 1987 with a Master of Divinity degree. Joe is well known for his ability to build and maintain relationships as well as his organizational skills. Joe likes to be involved in denominational and community activities. He is an avid traveler and a fan of Charles Schultz’s Peanuts gang.

Megan Weymouth has been a member of United since she was a child. She was appointed Coordinator for Children and Youth Ministries in 1986, which became a full time position in 2000. Megan is active in the Christian Education community throughout New England. She is a "Partners in Education" representative for Rhode Island and consults extensively throughout the New England area on puppetry and Christian Education methods. Megan is a Certified Christian Educator in the United Church of Christ.

Peggy Matteson PhD, RN, CMCH became the Rhode Island Conference’s first Commissioned Minister of Congregational Health in April 2006. The Health Ministry Program organizes a team approach as together the people of United Congregational Church respond to one another’s needs whether they be physical, spiritual or emotional. The Health Ministry Team offers programs, information and individualized support that encourages positive health behaviors while integrating spiritual care with care of the body and mind. In her spare time Peggy chairs the Department of nursing at Salve Regina University, serves on the Health and Human Services Task Force of the Rhode Island Conference, and collaborates with other churches and Faith Community Nurses developing programs around the state.

Derek Levesque worked for and owned a church secretarial service company from 1987 to 1997. Since then he has worked in the mental health field, teaching office skills to people with mental health issues for both Riverwood MHS and The May Institute. Derek hopes to return to college to finish his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science at Bridgewater State. Derek shows off his creative side by writing songs and performing in a few music endeavors. He also builds and repairs PC's in his spare time, as well as consulting work for individuals and companies with computer or software related problems.

Jeffrey Kerr is the Director of Vocal Music and Music Technology at Bacon Academy in Colchester, CT. He received his Bachelor's in Music Education from Ithaca College in New York and recently received his Master's in Oral Traditions from the Graduate Institute in CT. He has been a music educator for 14 years, and has taught at all levels in MA, RI & CT. Jeff is also a performer, and has performed with The Jamestown Community Theatre, Operafest and the BSO's Tanglewood Festival Chorus.

Verna Westhaver, Organist, studied at Ithaca College. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Sacred Music from Boston University and pursued graduate work at Westminister Choir College. She has served as a church musician, recitalist, and accompanist, in churches from Rhode Island to Alaska, for fifty-seven years. Locally she was the accompanist for the Navy Choristers. She is a member of the American Guild of Organists and a mentor with The American Guild of English Handbell Ringers. Verna is a world traveler who enjoys learning about different peoples, terrains and cultures.