Church Staff
Allison Smith, Senior Minister
Phone: (207) 829-3419 Ext. 4
Allison is happy to serve as the Senior Minister at the Congregational Church in Cumberland, United Church of Christ! She is a graduate of Union Theological Seminary in NYC and is originally from North Carolina where she graduated from NCSU. She has served churches in Bethesda, MD and Wilton, ME and most recently as interim pastor in Newcastle, Phippsburg, and Kennebunk. She loves working with congregations who are listening for the Spirit and seeking to live out Jesus’ “extravagant welcome.” She believes worship should be welcoming, engaging, challenging, joyful, and full of hope! Passionate about social justice and change, and our power to make a difference in the world, Allison convened and serves on the Anti-Racism Resource Team for the ME Conference UCC.
She is married to Gregory Greenleaf, a teacher at Greely HS, and they are blessed to have three daughters whose ages range from middle school to college. They live in Harpswell with their black lab, Echo, and cat, Firefly. Allison enjoys hiking, gardening, photography, and being near the ocean.
Feel free to reach out--she’d love to meet for a cup of coffee!
James wes nga, Music Director
Jim is an accomplished musician with considerable experience in both organ and piano as well as experience leading youth and adult choirs. Originally from Malaysia, Dr. Nga came to the U.S. after completing two music performance diplomas from the Trinity College of Music, London. At California State University he graduated Magna cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and obtained his Master of Music in Piano Performance from the Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont, California. While in California, Jim served as Church Musician and Director of Music at the First Christian Church in San Mateo for eight years.
Jim obtained his Doctorate in Musical Arts in Piano Performance from Texas Tech University and was an active pianist and instructor in the San Francisco Bay Area before relocating to New England. Pleasant and unassuming, Jim has lots of ideas about building our music program and its presence as a music ministry.
susan novak
Business Manager/Bookkeeper/ Director Main Street Children’s Center
Phone: (207) 829-3419 Ext 1
Susan Melcher Novak is a Cumberland native and 1972 Greely graduate. After graduation Susan moved and attended college in Southern California. After 28 years there she moved back to Cumberland in 2004 with her husband Dan and 2 of her 3 children, Hannah and Zakary, Her son Tanner lives in California. In May of 2005, Susan came on staff as the Business Manager and Bookkeeper. In 2008, Susan founded for the church, Main Street Children’s Center, a preschool for children ages 3-5, and is the Director, part-time, as well as the office manager/bookkeeper part-time. When time permits Susan’s passions include being in the out of doors: walking, hiking, swimming and biking. In the fall Susan brought the concept of the StoryBook Walk© to the town and now volunteers with the library changing out the story each month.
Joy Toll-Chandler
Bell Choir Director
We are very fortunate to have found such an able replacement in Joy. As I said to someone, it's almost as if she were heaven sent. She has served as both a minister and director of music at various churches from Florida to Massachusetts where she is currently serving as the Pastor of Hope Unified Methodist Church in Belchertown. She will be retiring from ministry at the end of June and moving with her husband to their retirement home in OOB. What stood out for us in her experience and her references is her passion for bells and bell ringing. She even possesses her own set of bells. She exudes enthusiasm and a willingness to try new things. The group looks forward to working with her. Since she won't be able to start full time until September we are planning a workshop with her on May 7 and will record the result to be shared with the congregation during our last performance on May 22.
Danielle Keller
Youth and Families Outreach Director
It is with joy that we introduce Danielle Keller, our new Youth and Families Outreach Director! Please say hi and introduce yourself and don't forget to wear a nametag as we welcome each other!
Danielle Arnett Keller is in her final year at Boston University School of Theology pursuing a Master’s of Divinity with a concentration in Global and Community Engagement. Her previous ministry was at East Woodstock Congregational Church where she served as the full time pastor for four months while their minister was on sabbatical. Danielle is fed by church, by feeding people, as well as growing food and flowers in her garden. Danielle delights in sharing the numerous stories of Jesus breaking bread; she believes that breaking bread together is a holy and beautiful way to bring people into a closer community with one another and God.
She looks forward to sharing monthly family meals with the members of Cumberland Congregational Church as one way to do just that. Danielle feels at home in her garden, where growing things and quiet contemplation bring her closer to God. She loves planting seeds to grow beans, tomatoes, and basil. She also loves to plant the seeds of faith in young and old. In addition, Danielle enjoys the diverse faith questions that arise around the dinner table with her eleven year old and fourteen year old at home. She typically spends summers camping and hiking while winters find her snowshoeing, baking, or playing board games with her family. She is excited to serve the community of CCCUCC as the new Youth and Families Outreach Director.
Alison Stark
Communications Coordinator
Phone: (207) 829-3419
Welcome Alison Stark, our new Communications Coordinator! Alison Stark made Maine her home in 2017 and wishes she had done so much sooner. She is an avid painter, gardener, photographer and reader. She loves to hike the many trails and skate the frozen ponds of Maine.