Cleveland Park Congregational Church, like all United Church of Christ congregations, is self-governed by our Pastor, Lay Leadership, and our congregation. Our congregation gathers for annual meetings, in which all matters are discussed and voted on directly, like an old-fashioned town meeting.
Our Pastor: The Rev. Ellen Jennings
Rev. Ellen Jennings was called to serve as Pastor of Cleveland Park Congregational United Church of Christ on April 3, 2011.
Pastor Ellen received her Master of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School in 1991 and was ordained as a UCC minister in 2007.
Prior to her call by Cleveland Park Church, Ellen spent three years serving a Unitarian Universalist Congregation as Minister of Religious Education and Sabbatical Minister. During her time there, she led worship, created a Lifespan Religious Education Program, provided pastoral care, and facilitated spiritual practice groups and retreats. From 2001-2008, Ellen served The Interfaith Families Project (IFFP), an independent interfaith community of Jewish and Christian families, as Director of Religious Education and Interim Spiritual Director. While there, she developed IFFP’s preschool through eighth grade religious education program and wrote much of its interfaith curriculum. <more>
Please call or e-mail to schedule time with Pastor EllenM, W, Th: Appointments and visits
Tuesday: Day off
Friday: Sermon and study day
Moderator: Carol L. Rogers
Carol has been a member of Cleveland Park Congregational UCC for several years, having first come to the church with her then dog Guthrie for a Blessing of the Animals service. She was delighted to find such a welcoming open and affirming congregation relatively near her home.
A native of Tidewater, Virginia, where she still has family, Carol enjoys spending time there with them and in the more relaxed atmosphere of a small town where she is close to creeks, rivers, and the bay. At the same time, she loves all that DC has to offer with its theater, galleries, restaurants, its own green spaces and Rock Creek Park, and, of course, long-time friends.
Since she retired from the College of Journalism faculty at the University of Maryland nearly five years ago, Carol has had more time to devote to a number of activities, including those at CPC. For the last year and a half, she has had the pleasure of singing in the choir and, whenever possible, participates in the spiritual practice sessions. She continues to be active on political campaigns, with Cleveland & Woodley Park Village, and in the book group that meets at the church, among other things. A DC resident for more than 50 years, she lives in NW DC with her latest rescue lab Splash.
Children & Youth Programs:
Sunday School Lead Teacher: Kimberly Cataudella
Kimberly joined us in January 2017. She’s from Long Island, New York, studying print journalism and religious studies at American University. As the oldest of four and having worked at a Christian summer camp for the past three summers, she loves cultivating relationships with the children each year.
Sunday School Coordinator: Kaylyn Hamilton
Kaylyn is a Los Angeles local new to DC since October 2018. She works in International Development, but has a background in teaching, including special education and Sunday School. She knew working in International Development was an exciting opportunity, but was sorely missing the unique fulfillment and joy that comes from working with kids. She brings her whole heart to the children’s ministry and is so excited to build relationships with every student at Cleveland Park!
Teen Group Leader: Grandon Purnell
Church Administrator: Meg House
Meg House joined the staff in April 2015. Along with her background in editing, marketing and writing, she has a Master of Arts in religious studies from Wesley Theological Seminary and is part owner (with her husband) of a wine store in Virginia. She’s lived in the DC area most of her life, and is a member, elder, and volunteer at DC’s New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. Meg enjoys singing, playing the flute, and long walks. Her work at Cleveland Park UCC allows her to combine her work and volunteer experiences with her love of the church.
Office Hours – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. (Closed Wednesday)
Call 202-363-8211 or email info@cpcchurch.org to confirm hours.
Church Musical Director: Dorothy Mora
Dorothy Mora earned a Bachelor of Music in flute performance from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Master of Music in flute performance from Peabody Conservatory.
She completed further course work in Music Education at Methodist College.
She currently is Music Director at Cleveland Park Church and has over 30 years experience teaching, conducting and performing in church and other instrumental groups. She has been a member of Cleveland Park Church since 1992 and Music Director from 1998-2005 and from 2009 to the present.
Church Organist: Harold Walbert
Harold Walbert has served as the Pianist/Organist at Cleveland Park Congregational Church since he moved to the Washington DC area in 2010. Harold has over 10 years of professional experience teaching, conducting and performing sacred music. He earned his Bachelor’s from the University of West Georgia and his Master’s from The Johns Hopkins University.