Our Staff
Rev. Heike Werder, Minister
Rev. Heike grew up in East Germany. She studied theology at Leipzig Theological Seminary before coming to the United States in 1990. She received her Master of Divinity at Bangor Theological Seminary in 1992, and a Master of Psychology and Religion from Andover Newton Theological School in 1994.
Rev. Heike was ordained in June of 1995 and served her first church in Essex Junction, VT. In 1999 she joined the Congregational Church of Needham as the Associate Minister until December of 2018. After a short-term maternity coverage at Park Avenue Congregational Church, she served the First Congregational Church of Saugus, MA as interim minister until March 12, 2020. Rev. Heike started at FCC Sharon on March 13, 2020.
Rev. Heike has had practice in all aspects of ministry – from working with children, leading worship, support groups and retreats, visiting the elderly to cooking tasty meals for large crowds.
Rev. Heike lives with her spouse south of Boston, MA. In her free time she loves gardening, riding her bike, kayaking, reading, cooking, and traveling.
Gail Kerzner, Church Administrator
Gail Kerzner is our church Administrator. As a former medical practice manager, she has over forty years of administrative experience. She has worn many hats over the years.
Gail lives in Canton with her husband. She enjoys taking long walks on the beach, gardening and reading.
Music Director, Joan Miller
Joan received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance (voice, conducting) from Providence College and her Master of Music Degree, Choral Conducting, from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
She has previously worked with the choir at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Amherst, Massachusetts as choral director and with the UMASS Chamber Choir as director for my Masters Recital in February 2020. She also had previous experience as artistic director of the Providence College Recital Choir and assistant director of the Providence College production of Dido and Aeneas, as well as Assistant/Guest conductor with the choir at St. James Episcopal in New London, CT.
We are very fortunate to have her.
Soomi Lee, pianist
We are delighted to welcome Soomi Lee to our staff as permanent keyboardist and pianist.
Soomi Lee made her Carnegie Recital Hall debut at age 16 while attending the Juilliard Pre-College School. She earned a B.M. from Indiana University and M.M. from New England Conservatory. Soomi has performed as soloist with the Seoul Philharmonic, Korean Broadcasting Symphony, the Boston Pops, Pro-Arte, New Philharmonia, Harvard Chamber Orchestra, as well as Wellesley, Brookline, Newton, and Lexington Symphonies. Soomi has also been a faculty member at the Walnut Hill School and New England Conservatory.
Soomi Lee