The Rev. Barbara Marsten Graduated from Wheaton College, Norton, Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics, and received by Master of Divinity Degree from Andover Newton Theological School.

"I have followed my calling as an Intentional Interim and have received additional training through the Interim Ministry Network, The Clergy Leadership Institute, and various other programs offered by ABCCONN and TABCOM.

I would say my “first” career was raising my three children, now all adults. My second career was teaching mathematics for a short time. Our family was always involved in church activities, and when we were members of the Episcopal Church, I became a Parish Development Consultant which required a two-year program of study and internship. A large portion of that training was similar to interim work, so when I found myself in seminary, I was naturally drawn to this unique ministry. My “third career” - and probably not my last - is intentional interim ministry. I enjoy the challenge and excitement of this important time in the life of a church.

A large part of ministry, and interim work, includes the process of grieving. Any loss in life carries with it the aftermath of grief. Sometimes grief cannot be expressed in words, and it is at those times that other forms of expression can be most helpful in the healing process. I have a life-long love of the arts and experience in many different media and I incorporate creative expression whenever possible into my interim work."

Associate Minister:

Rev. Stacy E. F. Emerson grew up in Mystic and with her family attended Old Mystic Baptist Church. She received degrees from Elizabethtown College and Andover Newton Theological School and was ordained in 1996. She previously served as Chaplain Resident for a retirement home in Concord, NH, and Associate Minster at the First Baptist Church of Branford. Active regionally and nationally, Rev. Emerson was co-director of the 2004 National Youth Gathering, is currently president of the American Baptist Churches of Connecticut and past president of the Mystic Area Ecumenical Council. She has been Associate Minister at Union Baptist Church since 1999.