Our Staff
Bruce Haapalainen
Senior Minister
As Senior Minister, my primary purpose is to be an encourager, both of the discouraged and those who are in a position to encourage others. I encourage the church to spend itself extravagantly in love for those inside and outside of our faith family. I encourage imperfect people (with myself at the top of the list) to grow in faith and action by following a perfect God. I preach, teach, and dream with the intention of maximizing the number of hearts that are touched and the number of hands that are used to help.
Brad Bunn
Senior Minister
As the Associate Minister of First Congregational Church, I get the incredible opportunity to vision, create, and oversee existing and new family ministry programs. I’ve always been passionate about faith development, especially during my seminary days as a Christian Education major. I’m fascinated with the many “leaps of faith” Christians continue to take in the pursuit of drawing closer to God. As I continue to grow in my faith, I’ve come to the realization that the Gospel is deeper and wider than I could ever imagine; I boldly step out on faith assured that God’s grace will be enough to sustain me on the journey. I love the following quote from the late Ursula K. Le Guin—an American science fiction writer: “ It is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” I invite you to journey with us at First Congregational Church of Mansfield.
Dee Vail
Administrative Assistant
Dee keeps the business of the church running smoothly by providing receptionist, secretarial and administrative services. As Administrative Assistant, she also oversees the activities of the out-sourced building services.
Emily Tackett
Youth Leader
Emily, Interim Youth Leader, leads our Jr. High and High School Youth. She teaches the Sunday School classes and plans many activities for the youth outside of church. The youth have enjoyed working in the Church Youth Garden, completing service projects, and getting together to have fun fellowship time. She also helps with planning and fundraising for the annual NAPF/HOPE Conference.
Sarah Ramos
Director of Children’s Ministry
Sarah’s role as the Director of Children’s Ministry is to organize, teach and oversee the preschool – 5th graders. She enjoys encouraging the children to make friends while studying the teachings of Jesus and the word of God. Sarah is grateful for the wonderful families who volunteer every week and bring their children to church and Sunday School. She welcomes all to join us as we grow our faith by leaps and bounds, proclaim the word of God, and serve God’s people every week.
Kim Stover
Financial Secretary
The Financial Secretary, under the direction of the Finance Committee, is responsible for all financial duties and reporting of the church including contributions/pledges, accounts payable, budgeting and payroll. Kim has a background in accounting and specifically in Church financial management.
Dirk A. Eachus
Choir Director
Currently teaching music at Mansfield City Schools. Has taught choral/general music for 37 years in Ohio public schools. Holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Bluffton College (1986) and a master’s degree in choral conducting and music education from Wright State University (2002). Former director of the Mansfield Symphony Chorus. Performs with Moonlighters Quartet. Lives with his wife, Jennifer, and twin sons, Nicholas and Nathaniel in Galion.
Susan James
Organist/Pianist
Susan first heard her call to music ministry in the mid-1970’s at her home church in Columbus, Ohio. After moving to north central Ohio, she provided special music at her home church, accompanied local theater productions and school choirs at OMEA events, and served as Church Musician at United Methodist Church in Morrow County. She believes that music is a spiritual gift and God has bestowed that gift so that she might share joy and spiritual healing through music ministry
Sarah Tackett
Custodial Services
Sarah is a mother of two who heard the call to join the church. She is passionate about her position, knowing that she is an important aspect of the church matters a lot to her. Her favorite hobby is fishing, looking out into the beautiful ocean. Despite only being in Mansfield for a year, she loves it! Sarah is also getting married in October.
Mike Murray
Maintenance Supervisor
Mike is our Maintenance Supervisor. Having retired from American Bailer several years ago, he enjoys getting out of the house and serving at the church. He has a lively past that includes being a professional race car driver for over 20 years and extensive worldwide travels. His favorite place he has traveled is Puerto Rico for the rich culture, wonderful people and great food. He is married and has 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild!
Regina Edgeworth
Video Production Director
Regina has been FCC’s Video Production Director for the past few years. Always with a smile, she is eager and willing to help make Sunday morning’s worship service the best it can be.