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: Lisa Jenkins
Lisa moved to DC from New York City about five years ago. Although she has lived most of her adult life in cities (first in DC, then Chicago, then New York, and now back in DC), she grew up in a small town where she was raised in the Lutheran church. While living in New York, Lisa attended the Unitarian Church of All Souls and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (also known as the “jazz church” because of its unique jazz ministry).
Lisa started attending Cleveland Park Congregational UCC several years ago and is glad to have found a home in such a caring, welcoming, and supportive church community. As a driving-challenged former New Yorker, she is also grateful that the church is within walking distance of her apartment.
Recently retired from her job as a financial analyst following freight transportation companies, Lisa now fills her time pursuing volunteer activities and other interests. She co-teaches an ESL class at the Washington English Center, gives tours at the U.S. Botanic Garden, and volunteers on the American Trail at the National Zoo. She also enjoys exploring DC’s many parks and green spaces, practicing yoga, listening to music, reading, and hanging out with her family, friends, and cat, Shelby.
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. She has a background in editing, marketing and writing 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, bike riding, and is also a part time student at Wesley Theological Seminary. 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.