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 with his assistance.

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 (churches in KS and MO alike), 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). From 2007-2010, Jerrod serves as one of two American Baptist representatives participating the Baptist World Alliance's Emerging Leader's Network (ELN). He has previous experience as a manager for Cokesbury Bookstores and as an adjunct instructor in theology for his alma mater, CBTS.  During the Fall 2009 term, Jerrod will be lecturing as part of a team-taught course on religion at Southern Vermont College (Bennington, VT) alongside with area local clergy and faith community representatives.

Locally, Jerrod serves on the board of directors for the Greater Bennington Area Interfaith Council, the Better Bennington Corporation, and Catamount Access Television (CAT-TV). Jerrod'swritings 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 the American Baptist Quarterly. Occasionally, short essays on religious life appear in the Bennington Banner.

He resides in Bennington, Vermont, in the church's parsonage with his wife Kerry A. Shermer and their "peaceable(?!?) kingdom" of two cats (Biblia and Paige) and one dog (Gentil).

TO CONTACT REV. HUGENOT fbpastor@sover.net

THE SUPPORT STAFF

THE OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Ms. Donna Sprague serves as the office administrator. She has been part of the church staff since 2004.

TO CONTACT MS. SPRAGUE 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. MORE TO COME.

TO CONTACT MR. HARWOOD   no personal email (please contact via phone or Ms. Sprague'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:   __________

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 daughter, Ivy Rose E. 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

THE MANAGER OF BUILDING OPERATIONS

Ms. Cindy Marsh is the director of building operations.  A lifelong member of the congregation, Ms. Marsh also serves as the church treasurer.  She lives in the Bennington area with her husband Bob, and enjoys involvement with various organizations, including the annual Relay For Life held each June in Bennington.

TO CONTACT MRS. MARSH fbcbldco@sover.net

CHILDREN'S PLAYROOM SUPERVISOR (Sundays and limited other occasions)

We are in the process of restaffing this position.