Minister of Music James Barkovic enthusiastically welcomes musicians of all ages and abilities to participate in the musical life of the church. If you would like to learn more about our music program and how you might participate, please contact the church office in order to speak with him.

Jim did his undergraduate work in music history and theory at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., and received a master’s degree in piano performance from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. While at NEC, he studied organ improvisation with William Porter. He is an accomplished church musician and choral, vocal and instrumental accompanist who also serves as director of music at Holy Family Parish, a Roman Catholic congregation across town.

 

Jim is also the artistic director of the Westford Chorus, the assistant director and accompanist for the Spectrum Singers, the chapel organist at Middlesex School, and a faculty accompanist at the Indian Hill Music Center. When not making music at church, you might find Jim jogging on the roads and paths around Concord or hiking in the White Mountains.

  Marjorie Massé holds a master’s in education, has completed post-graduate coursework in special education, and has extensive hands-on experience in designing curricula for multiple age groups. She recruited and trained volunteer teachers for a Pennsylvania church, where she oversaw Vacation Bible School programs.

 

Joyce DeGreeff is the church's new part-time youth director for grades 6-12. As the mother of three children and a part-time university chaplain, she is uniquely equipped to respond to the spiritual needs and questions of adolescents and young adults. With a passion for engaging faith in the world around us, Joyce looks forward to organizing service opportunities, field trips to a variety of worship settings, and other faith formation activities that invite young people to contemplate Jesus' teachings of radical hospitality and love for all people.

 

Judy is a West Concord resident who has served as church administrator since August 2008. She manages the office, produces the Sunday bulletin for use in worship each week, and coordinates and schedules the use of church spaces by members of the congregation and outside groups. Judy is responsible for producing our weekly electronic newsletter, the “eWord,” and our monthly newsletter, “The Messenger.”

Lisa is a professional child-care worker who looks after babies and young children in our nursery each Sunday. She is employed full-time in the Acton Public Schools’ Integrated Preschool Program, where she works with children on the autism spectrum. She majored in early childhood education at North Adams State College and has worked with children for the past 35 years. Lisa has two teenagers.

Patty Lynch has been working with young children in our Christian Education program for close to 20 years. She shares the Bible and its teachings with the pre-K group, providing creative, fun, age-appropriate activities that introduce the children to God’s love and care. Patty, who works for a Boston-area financial firm, holds an undergraduate degree in elementary education from Wheelock College and a master’s degree in human resources from Rivier College. Outside of work and church, Patty enjoys being with her active daughter, son, family and friends and serving as a Princess House consultant.

 

 

 

Chris is a talented educator and musician who, when he’s not here, teaches music to elementary school children in the Acton Public Schools. On many Sundays after church, Chris can be found downstairs, strumming his guitar and directing the rehearsals of the Celebration Youth Choir for kids ages 8-18. For more information, please contact the church office.