The church staff
First Baptist affirms that all members of the congregation are 'ministers', keeping with the historic Baptist conviction that God works through all of the gathered people, not just a select few. The church staff are therefore persons who implement the ministries of the church on behalf of the whole congregation. Our coordinating minister is full-time, and our support staff are employed at quarter time, all working together to help First Baptist congregants bring about their vision for ministry and mission.
THE PASTORAL STAFF
THE COORDINATING MINISTER
The Rev. Jerrod H. Hugenot serves as coordinating minister. Since March 1, 2006, Jerrod has been part of the congregation's ministry, helping with the church's transition into a new day for ministry.Initially called as "intentional interim minister", Jerrod's time was extended so that the congregation could continue their new day for ministry.
A native of Kansas, Jerrod is a graduate of Ottawa University (B.A., religious studies, Ottawa, KS, 1997) and Central Baptist Theological Seminary (M.A. and M.Div, 2002). He has served congregations in rural Kansas, metropolitan Kansas City, and now here in Bennington.
An ordained American Baptist minister (ordained July 2004), Jerrod has served on a variety of regional and national denominational boards, including the General Board of the American Baptist Churches/USA (2002-2007). Since 2007, Jerrod has participated in the annual meetings of the Baptist World Alliance, serving as part of the Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) from 2007-2010, and as a member of the Commission on Christian Ethics (2011-2015). He is a member of the Academy of Parish Clergy.
He has previous experience as a manager for Cokesbury Bookstores. He has served as an adjunct instructor in theology for his alma mater, CBTS, and adjunct faculty in religious studies/humanities at Southern Vermont College (Bennington, VT).
Locally, Jerrod serves on the Greater Bennington Area Interfaith Council and the board of the Better Bennington Corporation. Jerrod's writings have appeared in Baptists Today, EthicsDaily.com, The Minister (journal of the ABC/USA Minister's Council), The Christian Citizen (a public policy magazine published by ABC/USA National Ministries), Review and Expositor, Baptist Studies Bulletin, Sharing the Practice, the journal of the Academy of Parish Clergy, and American Baptist Quarterly. Occasionally, short essays on religious life appear in the Bennington Banner. In 2011, the Journal for Preachers published one of his sermons as part of their Lent 2011 issue.
He resides in Bennington, Vermont, in the church's parsonage with his wife Kerry A. Shermer and their "peaceable(?!?) kingdom" of three cats (Biblia, Paige, and Codex) and one dog (Gentil).
TO CONTACT REV. HUGENOT fbpastor@sover.net
THE SUPPORT STAFF
THE OFFICE MANAGER
Melissa Hepler joined the staff on August 30, 2010. As the office manager, her duties include financial and property management and coordinating office workflow and organizational communication.
TO CONTACT fboffice@sover.net
THE SEXTON
Mr. John Harwood, III, is the sexton. The longest serving present staff member, John has been at First Baptist since 1996, providing care for the facilities and keeping the building humming.
TO CONTACT MR. HARWOOD no personal email (please contact via phone or Ms. Hepler's email)
THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Effective November 1, 2009, First Baptist welcomes Scott Smedinghoff as the new director of music. A 2009 graduate of Williams College, Williamstown, MA, Scott brings his lifelong love of music to his work as the organist and director of the choir.
TO CONTACT MR. SMEDINGHOFF:
THE DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Ms. Alycia Post serves as the director of Christian Education. Born in Revere, MA, Alycia recently relocated to Bennington from Staten Island, NY. She lives with her husband, Robert Post who works at Bennington College, her daughters, Ivy Rose E. Post and Holly Post, and their dog “Charles”. Alycia has experience working with non-profit organizations such as YouthBuild, homeless shelters, and Habitat for Humanity. She is active in the congregation’s music ministry and attends the Bennington Interfaith Council meetings as a lay representative of First Baptist.
TO CONTACT MS. POST email alyciapost@yahoo.com
CHILDREN'S PLAYROOM SUPERVISOR (Sundays and limited other occasions)
Presently, Michelle Fournier serves as our playroom supervisor. Michelle is a student at Bennington College.