Our Staff
Our staff enjoys serving our congregation and community.
Rev. Kate Walsh (Bridge Pastor)
Rev. Kate Walsh has served as an ordained minister with the United Church of Christ for over 25 years. During her tenure, Kate has served local parishes as Pastor, Associate Pastor and Christian Educator. Kate has also served the Living Water Association as Council moderator. She is currently a Council officer serving as secretary.
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At the national level, Kate and her husband Mike were youth co-leaders of General Synod 2015. Kate’s other professional ministries include serving as a chaplain for the Cleveland Clinic, Akron Children’s Hospital and Serenity Hospice. Director of UCC summer camps for both children and youth, retreat leader, and short and long-term Supply Pastor.
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Other specialized training and certifications include Interim ministry, local church revitalization, Family Process and Natural Systems counseling, Christianity as a minority religion, chaplaincy, and Progressive Christianity. Kate holds degrees from The Methodist Theological School in Ohio, The Ohio State University and Teaching certification from Cleveland State University.
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Kate and her husband Mike live in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. They have been married for 42 years. Together they enjoy outdoor adventures of all kinds, book clubs, movies and their dogs, Keesha and Archie. They have two adult children. Jake lives in California and their daughter Jessie, and her husband, Kent live in Athens, Ohio.
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Kate says, “I can’t wait to get started as your Bridge Minister. I’m looking forward to returning to Newbury UCC. Mike and I have fond memories of the first church we joined as a married couple. I also have good memories of serving as a supply pastor on a few occasions at Burton Congregational Church. Both churches are filled with good people, sharing the love of Christ in profound ways.”
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To listen to Rev. Kate's sermons visit our Worship & Sermons page.
Dan Berman, Choir Director
Dan has been the choir director for Burton Congregational Church since 2006. Born and raised in the Burton community, Dan was baptized, went through confirmation, and was married in the church to his wife, Jaime. He graduated with honors from Berkshire Jr./Sr. High School in 2005 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hiram College in Music Education.
Dan was a music and theater teacher for the neighboring Cardinal Local School district for two years before becoming a CAD designer and Fabrication Manager at Geauga Mechanical Company, where he continues to work today.
Joanne M Rought, Organist
Joanne has lived in Burton since she was 5 years old. She has four children, eleven grand-children, and five great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. She was confirmed and baptized in Burton Congregational Church in 1954. Joanne was organist at Claridon Church for 11 years before coming to Burton Congregational Church in 1994.
Her hobbies are playing golf, solving crossword puzzles, and reading. She also enjoys being with her children and grandchildren. Joanne is very proud to be a member of our great church for all these years.