Meet Reverend Abby Gackenheimer
Reverend Abby Gackenheimer was raised in Montana, where the sweeping beauty of the Flathead Valley and the snow-capped peaks of Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness helped shape her love of both faith and the outdoors. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Visual Arts and began her professional life as a teacher.
After a few years in the classroom, Abby discerned a call to ministry and entered seminary, initially preparing for a vocation in Christian Education as a Pastoral Studies student. Through a season of deep prayer and discernment, her sense of call broadened toward parish ministry. Rev. Abby graduated Eden Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity degree in 2008
Rev. Abby was ordained in 2009 in the United Church of Christ.. Since her ordination, she has served UCC congregations in Vermont and Connecticut. Rev. Abby began her ministry with BWUCC in November 2021.
She finds joy in reading, painting, and spending time outdoors, especially with her family: her husband, Rev. Ryan Gackenheimer, pastor of First Congregational Church of Bethel, UCC, and their son, Keadyn.
Meet our Office Administrator Ashli Feather
Ashli has been part of BWUCC since October 2019. She is the welcoming face you’ll see Tuesday through Thursday, greeting visitors to both the church and the Food Pantry. Ashli also serves as the primary contact for building rentals and is happy to help coordinate your event at the church.
With a long career in customer service, Ashli brings warmth and care to her work. In addition to her role at BWUCC, she also serves at Community Caring in Bridgewater.
Meet our Music Director Maggi Heiweil
Meet our Organist Larry Deming
