Our Staff

Brendan Jorgensen

Pastor

Pastor Brendan is married to Jackie, and they have three children: Addie, Ollie and Gracie. He spent the last several years in campus ministry and church planting in New Hampshire, where he was born and raised. He attended seminary at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and is now pursuing a doctorate of ministry there.

In his free time Brendan likes to run, hike NH’s four thousand footers with his family, and explore the outdoors. Brendan and his family enjoy having meals with people, and look forward to welcoming you to FPCC. Feel free to contact him at pastorbrendan@fpccwakefield.org.

Julie Bohn

Believing that the family is a fundamental spiritual unit, Julie seeks to get families connected to each other, the church, and to Christ. She works to help children and families grow spiritually and form a solid foundation in Jesus. She recognizes that gaining and maintaining this foundation is needed now more than ever, and that this can be achieved much more successfully with the support of a strong Christian community.

Julie is originally from Colorado where she loved going hiking, she loves writing novels that she hopes to one day publish, is the aunt to an adorable niece and nephew, and loves playing volleyball!

A former nanny and creative writing teacher, Julie has worked with children for many years. She began working with the First Parish youth group in 2018 before her role expanded to include children, youth, and families in 2023. Julie received her BA in English Language & Literature from Southern New Hampshire University.

Courtney Hatheway

Children’s Ministry Leader

Courtney Hatheway has been a member of First Parish Congregational Church since moving to Wakefield in 2002. She and her husband, Mark, have four children—Rachel, Jayna, Lilah, and Ben—who keep their home full of energy and joy.

As the Children’s Ministry Leader, Courtney is passionate about teaching children about God in ways that connect with their age and stage of life. She ensures lessons are engaging, meaningful, and rooted in faith. Her fun and creative spirit shines through in everything she does, making Sunday School a place where kids feel excited to learn and grow.

In addition to her work at FPCC, Courtney recently began teaching Kindergarten and First Grade at Grace Prep in Wakefield. Her heart for children and her gifts as a teacher continue to bless both the church and the wider community.

Ruth Ross

Office Administrator

Ruth works in the church office during the week and is likely to be the voice you hear when you call the church’s phone number. She provides operational and administrative support to the Pastor, church staff, and volunteer-based boards and committees. She also manages our many building-users. Ruth is a longtime member of the church and has served First Parish on various committees over the years. And, she loves celebrating Christmas!

Jayna Hatheway

Social Media Communications Director

Passionate about creativity, community, and connection, Jayna Hatheway serves as the Social Media Communications Coordinator at First Parish Church, helping to share the church’s mission and events in meaningful and engaging ways.

Jayna is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in marketing at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. With a strong background in social media, digital design, and communication, she works to create content that reflects the church’s values and fosters engagement within the community.

Outside of her role at First Parish, Jayna spends her summers leading children on extended canoe trips, guiding them through the wilderness and teaching outdoor skills. An artist at heart, she loves painting, graphic design, and any opportunity to bring creativity into her work. With determination and a strong work ethic, Jayna is always looking for new ways to connect, inspire, and share through social media.

John Whitney

Building Supervisor

John Whitney serves as the Building Supervisor at First Parish Congregational Church, where he combines his professional expertise with his commitment to the church community. Being a contractor for over 20 years, John has specialized in bathroom and kitchen remodels as well as a wide range of interior projects within the home. He holds a Business degree from Newbury College and brings both practical skills and organizational knowledge to his role.

John has been a member of First Parish for five years and is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the church facilities. Outside of his work, he is a proud father of three sons—Joseph, Steven, and Tyler.

Joo Hye Kim

Director of Music Ministries

Joo Hye Kim joined First Parish in January 2025 as Interim Contemporary Music Leader with the Cornerstone band and stepped into the role of Music Minister in May 2025. Originally from South Korea, Joo Hye earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano from Ewha Womans University. She continued her musical journey in the U.S., completing both a Master of Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Later, she pursued theological studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where she earned both a Master of Theology and a Master of Divinity.

Joo Hye and her husband, Kangpyo (K.P.) So, are parents to their son, Haim. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, especially at the beach, and exploring new coffee roasters.

As Director of Music Ministries, Joo Hye prepares and leads the worship music for First Parish, training and equipping singers and musicians. She leads both the Cornerstone band and the Choir with the vision that the entire congregation, from children to adults, might lift their voices together as one heavenly choir.