Our Governance & Leadership
An Open & Inclusive Membership
At the United Church of Strafford, we believe community belongs to everyone who shares in it. Our membership includes anyone who attends our services and/or is actively involved in our church life. There are no rigid barriers or exclusive requirements to belong here—if you participate, walk with us, or support our community, you are a vital part of our church family.
The Congregation's Voice
We operate as a self-governing, democratic body. Because we are a congregational community, the ultimate human authority in our church rests entirely with the people. Every member has an active voice and a vote in shaping our annual budget, calling our pastor, managing our ministries, and directing our mission.
The Annual Meeting
We gather each September for our Annual Meeting. During this essential community event, our congregation comes together to review the past year, vote on the coming year's budget, the role of moderator, and any other important decisions. All are welcome to attend and participate.
Leadership Structure
Our daily business, property management, and spiritual ministries are overseen by a dedicated team of lay leaders and pastoral leadership:
The Church Council: The central leadership board that oversees the church's broad spiritual life, finances, and property.
The Pastor: Called directly by the congregation to provide spiritual leadership, preaching, and pastoral care.
Committees & Teams: Specialized volunteer groups—including our Deacons, Mission Committee, and Trustees—who manage specific areas like worship support, community outreach, facility care, and hospitality.
Pastoral Leadership
Rachel Guaraldi, MAR, MAT, BCC
Rachel joined us as Acting Pastor in March 2025 and became our Settled Pastor in February 2026. She is an active and devoted member of our local community who has been involved in our church in various ways over the years.
Professionally, Rachel is a practitioner and scholar of contemplative theology, peacebuilding, interreligious dialogue, and spiritual caregiving. She holds a graduate degree in teaching from Towson University and a religious studies graduate degree from the Earlham School of Religion. Rachel also trained as a Spiritual Director with the Shalem Institute. She is a member and recognized minister of the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker) and an interfaith chaplain nationally certified by the Association of Professional Chaplains.
In addition to serving our church, Rachel works from home offering spiritual direction and soul care sessions. She recently worked full-time as a palliative care chaplain at Dartmouth Health. In the past, Rachel has also worked as an interfaith staff chaplain at several Boston-area hospitals and taught Spiritual Caregiving to volunteers working with elders. She has a deep interest in pastoral care.
Rachel lives in Strafford, Vermont, with her husband Ben and their three children. In her free time, Rachel studies Spanish, herbalism, storytelling, and seasonal cooking. She also loves gardening, preserving the harvest, fiber arts, reading, taking photos, and exploring the outdoors.
Church Council and Committee Members
Trustees
Bob Bushnell*
Glenn Wylie*
Beth Randall*
Deacons
Kate Reimanis, chair*
Beth Randall
Debby Richie, treasurer
Cameron Speth
Mission Committee
Danette Harris, chair*
Maggie Hooker Christina Robinson
Cameron Speth
Sexton: tbd
Administrator: Jane Prescott*
Moderator: Joey Hawkins*
*member of Church Council
Interested in Volunteering or becoming more involved in our Church community?
Please send us an email about your interest and your gifts. We are looking for people to join our worship team, guest speakers, Deacons’ community, sing in our choir, serve as greeters, steward coffee hour and more.
If you don’t know quite what you’d like to offer or join, but feel a leading to be more active in our community, please send us an email. Pastor Rachel can meet with you to discern where you are called to serve and how you might best off your gifts.
Thank you!