NGCC Staff
​

Picture
Reverend Judith Cooke
​
Pastor Judith began her ministry at NGCC on April 13 of 2015.  She has been a pastor for 25 years, having served churches in Cincinnati, Newington, Trumbull, and Higganum.  While she is enthusiastic about all aspects of ministry, she particularly delights in helping people use their God given gifts in meaningful ways.   She enjoys writing, kayaking, and refinishing furniture.  
​
Contact: revjcooke@gmail.com

Judith's husband, Jay, works as the Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor and Chaplain at the VA Hospital in West Haven.  Since he is also an Episcopal priest, he spends many Sundays at Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford.  Jay enjoys reading and writing poetry, ice hockey, and kayaking.

​Judith's son Jamie loves dogs, video games, and Marvel superheroes.  He also is a green belt in Combat Hapkido, enjoys swimming, and socializing with his friends.
Rev. Paul F. Goodman - Sabbatical Coverage
The Rev. Paul F. Goodman was born in Berkeley, CA in August of 1952 and transplanted to Milford, CT just before Christmas of 1957.  In 1974 he earned a B.S. in Special Education from SCSC and taught for 6 years in New Haven at the Foster School (now the Lorraine D. Foster Day School in Hamden).  Received M.Div from Union Theological Seminary in NYC in 1983, returned to teaching and did stints at the National Council of Churches and the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Retardation (now Department of Developmental Services).  In 1989 his 33-year career in ministry began in Milford as Associate Pastor of First UCC, Congregational for 10.5 years.  He then began a career as an intentional interim in Saugatuck (Westport), Enfield, East Haddam, Ridgefield, Hartford, Trumbull and finally as settled pastor in Plantsville (section of Southington) for the last 8 years, retiring on March 7, 2022.

He and his husband Pat Timpanelli (owner/operator of A-1 Cleaners and A Room With A View in the Strawberry Hill Shopping Center in Guilford), and their two cats George and Elroy have taken up residence in Branford.  In his retirement he is enjoying walking, reading, knitting, riding trains and catching up with a handful of longtime friends.

The Rev. Goodman will be providing sabbatical coverage for Judith, who will be away May through July. Sabbaticals are granted to clergy to provide an intentional season of rest in order to strengthen their spiritual life and renew themselves for future service. Paul’s time at NGCC will focus on worship and pastoral care.
Hallie Sorensen is the director of the Senior Choir, Bell Choir and Children's Choir.

David Irvine lives for two things:  music and God.  As organist of NGCC, he plays the piano, the midi, the carillon, and of course the pipe organ.  In addition, David sings in a choir, directs musicals, and works with disabled children.  His hobbies include baton twirling and roller derby.



​
​Bob Hastings is the NGCC sexton.  He keeps the infrastructure running smoothly. Before joining our team he worked for Evergreen Woods.  Guilford has been his home for 40 years.  Bob and his wife Rochelle have been married for 42 years and have two children.  When he's not working he enjoys playing golf and riding his 1979 BMW motorcycle.