Rev. Dr. Lise Sparrow

Interim Pastor

Rev Dr Lise Sparrow comes to us after having retired from a twenty year ministry at the Guilford Community Church, UCC, in Southern Vermont. Previously she was a professor at the School for International Training In Brattleboro, Vermont, for 25 years where she served as a professor of intercultural communication and as director of the Master of Arts in Teaching Program.

Her doctoral work at the University of Massachusetts focused on the identity development of multicultural women and her seminary work at Harvard Divinity School focused on feminist theology and faith development. The latter was the basis of her work with youth in the Brattleboro Area Interfaith Youth Program which she founded in 2002. Youth and elders served the homeless in Brattleboro and also traveled: to Biloxi after Hurricane Katrina, to New York City to work in the Bowery, to South Dakota to work with the Cheyenne River Sioux and to Kenya where they established a secondary school for AIDS orphans.

Very active statewide in advocacy for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, Lise serves on the Justice and Witness Committee of the Vermont UCC. She is married and has four children, a dog and eight grandchildren- with one on the way.

Lise works at FCCT three quarter time, primarily as pastor, but also in helping us reestablish our church structures and processes and by helping us reconsider our calling as a church community for these times, as we seek a settled pastor.

Charlie Buttrey

Theologian in Residence

Charlie Buttrey is a graduate of Princeton University and recently earned a Master of Theological Studies degree from Boston University, where he focused on New Testament scholarship. Between those academic experiences, Charlie dedicated his professional career as an attorney advocating on behalf of indigent clients and ensuring access to justice for those most in need. Based in Thetford, Vermont, he is widely known throughout the Upper Valley for his tenacious advocacy, civic leadership, and longstanding commitment to restorative justice.

Charlie is also a beloved track and field coach who has mentored generations of young people throughout the Upper Valley. Known for his encouragement, kindness, and steady presence, he helps youth not only develop as athletes but also learn the values of teamwork, perseverance, mutual care, and joy.

He brings to his teaching and leadership a rare combination of legal insight, theological depth, intellectual curiosity, and a deep commitment to the life of faith.

Mark Tecca

Music Coordinator

Mark Tecca serves as Music Coordinator for Thetford Hill Church, helping to shape a vibrant and welcoming music ministry. A lifelong choral musician and choral director, Mark is a graduate of Harvard University and serves on the Board of Directors of the Harvard Glee Club Alumni Association. He brings a deep love of music, community singing, and collaborative worship planning to the life of the church. Mark and his wife, Martha, have been active members of the Upper Valley community for many years.

Maureen Burford

Church Musician

Maureen Burford is a versatile performing musician with a passion for piano and violin that began in childhood. She has showcased her talents as a concerto soloist, accompanist, recitalist, and chamber musician, and has honed her conducting skills under the guidance of Valerie Miller, along with vocal coaching from David Gay. For 12 years, Maureen served as the Artistic and Music Director of Revels North in Hanover, New Hampshire, where she expanded the children’s and adult choruses and established a new teen ensemble. Her experience also includes six years as the Church Musician for the Stratford United Church of Christ in Vermont and her current role with the Thetford Hill Church Choir. Maureen’s musical education includes studies with esteemed instructors such as Adolf Baller, Malcolm Bilson, Jeffrey Kahane, and Edwin Flath. She holds a bachelors degree in piano performance from Cornell University. She deeply embraces the beauty and spiritual essence of a wide variety of musical genres, from classical to global folk traditions. As a composer and arranger, she has created numerous pieces tailored for worship, reflecting her commitment to enriching the musical experience within her community.

Eleanor Zue

Calling and Caring Coordinator

Amanda Helali

Administrative Assistant

Our Administrator acts as our liaison between Pastor Robin, the community, and our committees. Amanda has over 15 years of administrative management experience, ranging from marketing to finance to general management. In addition to her work at FCCT, she’s spent the last 7 years at Dartmouth College, currently as the Program Coordinator for the Quantitative Biomedical Sciences graduate program. For general inquires regarding the church or to be directed to an appropriate party, email Amanda at office@thetfordhillchurch.org or call (802) 785-2915

Meg Darrow Williams

Building Use Coordinator

Helen Wilson

Financial Administrator

If you have questions about your pledge or other financial matters, please contact Helen Wilson by email at: Treasurer@thetfordhillchurch.org. If you have incurred expenses on behalf of church activities, please fill out and submit a Reimbursement Form and attach all invoices. You may submit the form by putting it into the Treasurer’s mailbox or mailing it to the church.