Our Leadership
Church Council
A leadership team elected by the congregation who oversees the life and ministries of the church.
Members
Barb Babler
Jayne Campbell
Kathryn Fox
Connie Geier
Rodger Goke
Shawn Gratz
Stacy Heller
Shawn Kippley
Sandy Van Kleeck
Jayne Campbell
Church Council President
Jayne has been a member of First United Church of Christ for almost 50 years. She is currently a member of the mission group and serving her 2nd term on the church council. Jayne and her husband James have two adult children and recently moved to a new home west of New Glarus. She retired in January after working at CUNA Mutual Group for over 35 years and is looking forward to traveling.
Rodger Goke
Church Council Vice President
I’m Rodger Goke and I have been a lifelong member of First Church along with my wife Kim. Our three children were all baptized, confirmed and raised here as well. It is home for us and I am currently serving my third stint on the Council. Welcoming, connecting and reaching out perfectly describes what I believe our congregation stands for and I am grateful to be able to lend a hand.
Sandy Van Kleeck
Church Council Secretary
My name is Sandy Van Kleeck. I became a member of First UC in 1988, a few years after moving to Belleville. I served on the Church Council when Beil Hall was added to the building, and am currently serving until my term ends in February 2023. I am mostly retired but still do contract assignments in the health insurance industry. My husband, Kerry and I live a few miles out of Belleville along the bike trail. I enjoy bicycling and walking on the trail, along with hiking, gardening and sewing. I am passionate about the stewardship program at First UCC. We have many generous people here who share their gifts in many ways. Serving on the Church Council has shown me the financial side of running the church and given me an appreciation for the many ways people spread love with volunteering.
Church Staff
Rev. Laura Davison Kolden
Pastor
My name is Rev. Laura Davison Kolden and every day begins with a prayer of joy and gratitude for the opportunity to serve among this loving congregation! I am an ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ and was called to this church in February of 2019.
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Office Phone: (608) 424-3572
Cell Phone: (608) 220-4983
Kathy Stenseth
Office Administrator
After college I worked at the Wisconsin Conference UCC office for a few years, then taught first grade for 27 years, retired, and am now back working for the UCC at the local level – in the church I grew up in! I have wonderful memories of First UCC and am creating special new ones with our current members as I manage our church office. I’m proud and blessed to be part of the life and work of the United Church of Christ!
Barb Babler
Church Musician
I grew up in First United Church of Christ and started performing music for church services in 1964. I studied the piano with a local piano teacher and at the Wisconsin School of Music. I learned to play the organ under the instruction of Rev. Pautz at Salem UCC in Verona. After First UCC was given 3 octaves of handbells, I began leading members to add another source of music for Sunday services.
Kim Goke
Church Musician
I started playing organ at our church in high school, took a break, and started playing again around 1990. There have been many church services, choir rehearsals, special music performances, Christmas programs, and more, and I have enjoyed them all. My husband, Rodger, and I have three children and two grandchildren. I am retired from WPS after a 36+ year career.
Brenda Gehin
Church Treasurer
I have been a member of our church since 2012 and have held the Treasurer position since 2019. I work in Monroe as a Controller for a private company and previously spent 15 years in public accounting. I live in Belleville with my husband, Neal, and our 3 boys.
Juanita Harbort
Church Financial Secretary
I have been a member of First United Church of Christ my entire life. I was baptized, confirmed and married in our church. I am the Financial Secretary and on the Finance Committee and Fund Raising Committee. I am an active participant in our church activities, especially the annual church dinner and the annual garage sale. I have been a widow since 2010.