Our Leadership

Church Council

A leadership team elected by the congregation who oversees the life and ministries of the church.

Members

Ron Babler
Paul Campbell
Jeff Christen
Kathryn Fox
Paul Hodel
Lori Lazarescu
DeLynn Palmer
Marlin Wild
Greg Wolff

Kathryn Fox

Church Council President

I moved to Belleville in 2012 and started attending First UCC a few years later. This is the “neighborhood church” we saw every day on walks with my son when he was a baby. As our son got a little older, my husband and I wanted to make more local connections and really put down roots in Belleville. We transferred our church membership to this congregation soon after, and our daughter was baptized here. I've enjoyed getting to know many people through involvement with Sunday School and a variety of committees. I work at UW-Madison, and I keep busy playing tuba in brass ensembles, chasing my kids, and helping my husband with home improvement projects.

DeLynn Palmer

Church Council Vice President

Belleville native, active at First UCC for many years.

Paul Hodel

Church Council Secretary

I was born in Madison, WI and baptized at First UCC - Belleville. Grew up in Verona, WI and confirmed at Salem UCC. I have lived in Belleville for 24 years. My significant other is Diane Alsmo. Retired from UW-Madison in 2025 after 31 years in Information Technology. I am currently serving on the Council, Finance and Technology teams at First UCC - Belleville. Fun facts: I have my Private Pilot License and drove long-haul semi-trucks for 13 years; racking up over 1 million miles!

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

Jean Heinzman

Office Administrator

I'm a long-time member of Bellville First UCC, and began working in the office in 2025.

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.

Jennifer Engstad

Church Treasurer

I have been an active member of the church since 2003 and started as the Treasurer in 2026. I work in Madison for a private company as an Accountant and have been there for over 30 years. I have lived in Belleville since 2003 with my husband and 2 boys. Both of our boys have been baptized and confirmed in the Belleville First United Church of Christ.

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.