STAFF
Rev. Marissa van der Valk
Marissa was born and raised in California and attended California Lutheran University where she attained her B.S. in Biological Sciences and Computer Information Systems. Previous to hearing her call to ministry, she worked for fifteen years as a molecular biologist. She received her M.Div. From Drew Theological Seminary. Marissa is passionate about mission and helping congregations connect with their communities. In her free time, she likes to find and try all of the hiking trails in the area and beyond. If you would like to contact Pastor Marissa please click here.
Barbara Bradley – Director of Music
Barbara has been the Director of Music at our church since 1980. In this capacity she plays the organ and piano for services, directs the choir and the bell choir with extraordinary devotion to her members, and organizes concerts. On occasion she gives solos. In the past Barb helped direct “Heart and Soul Productions” which performed concerts to raise money for various causes, as well as to bring pleasure to senior citizen groups around New Jersey. In her spare time, Barb loves reading, crocheting, spending time with her friends and rooting for the New York Mets! A graduate of Centenary College with a degree in secretarial science (1979), Barb has worked for the past 38 years for the company that was first known as Bell Labs in Whippany. Presently she works for General Dynamics in Florham Park as a member of the Quality organization.
Connie Keller – Lay Leader
Connie likes to call herself the ‘magic behind the scenes’. She has been involved is our church for over 25 years. She is a member of the choir, bell choir, Board of Trustees and United Women of Faith. Connie grew up in a little town called Turtle Creek, just outside of Pittsburgh PA (Go Steelers!) She moved to New Jersey with her late husband, Bob Keller in 1975; he was her high school sweetheart. Bob passed away 12/21/2019; they were married 45 years. Connie has an Associates Degree in Business Management. Through her working career her background includes experience in accounting, marketing, licensing and administrative support. She has been Office Manager of Millenium Home Mortgage in Parsippany for the past 23 years. Around town Connie is also involved in the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and the Lake Parsippany Vol Fire Co Auxiliary. Connie has two grown sons: Jonathan and Michael. One of Connie’s favorite quotes is from Dr. Seuss “Don’t Cry because it’s over, Smile because it happened.”
Steve Blake – United Methodist Lay Servant
Steve was born in Providence, Rhode Island before moving with his family to Livingston, New Jersey when he was five years old. Steve was nurtured in the Swedish Covenant Church. Steve’s love of the outdoors which was a big part of what led him to become an Eagle Scout. A graduate the Newark College of Engineering (now NJIT) Steve and his wife June – an artist – have lived in East Hanover for twenty years. They have one grown daughter, Kristen. Steve made a career in the business of large commercial and manufacturing property, mainly in the Highly Protected Risk arena. Steve’s love affair with the outdoors has continued throughout his life and particularly enjoys kayaking with June. He delights in learning about the nature world as well as about human history. “If you pay attention,” says Steve “you will feel God’s grace in your interactions with other people and other living things on this Earth.” Steve is a frequent substitute teacher who enjoys working with all ages of children and youth. He enjoys music, fishing, golf, and cooking.
Eric Christiango
Webmaster
Joanne Rich – Church Photographer
Elizabeth Polen, Pat Winz, and Betsy Adams
Office Staff
