Pastor Bob Richardson

Bob was born and raised in the west side suburbs of Cleveland. He graduated from Valley Forge High School, and then headed off to the University of Akron on a full basketball scholarship. (He is 6’11’ after all!) Unfortunately, an injury to the arch in his left foot sophomore year brought that part of his life to an end. Bob continued at Akron, graduating with a degree in sociology, which he took with him as he headed off to the Louisville (KY) Presbyterian Theological Seminary where he earned his Master of Divinity degree. 

Over the course of the past 33 years, Bob has served as an Associate Pastor, Pastor, and Interim Pastor in both the United Church of Christ and Presbyterian Church (USA) denominations. (He holds active standing in both.) He is now is our Designated Pastor, being shared with the UCC Church in Newbury. 

Bob has two young adult children, both living in Philadelphia, PA. He is married to Karen, who has young adult twin sons, one serving in the US Army at Ft. Stewart, GA; the other living in the Akron, Ohio area.

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To listen to Pastor Bob's sermons visit our Worship & Sermons page.

Beth Cupp, Bell Choir Director

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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.

Kay Palivec, Secretary

Kay has been married for 50 years with 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren. Kay and her husband recently moved from Newbury to Auburn Township, to the house she was raised in. They are in the process of remodeling this house to include new siding, windows, kitchen, plumbing, and electric.

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Kay served as church secretary at the Newbury United Community Church of Newbury for 23 years before joining the Burton Congregational Church 4 years ago. She enjoys reading, crafting, scrapbooking, refinishing furniture, spending time with grandchildren, and much more. She also enjoys working part time at the Burton CC, serving our congregation.