MISSION / BELIEFS
First Congregational Church of Stamford (United Church of Christ), is an inclusive Christian community dedicated to following and sharing the teachings of Jesus Christ, encouraging spiritual growth through worship, education, and outreach. We welcome and celebrate individual interpretation of our faith in covenant with God.
Who we Are
We are a community of the followers of the Way. We believe that God created a world full of diverse living creatures to be loved. God created the LGBTQIA+ and the straight, the non-binary, the man and the woman…everyone! We are a congregation that practices kindness as a virtue of God’s love—loving and caring for our neighbors with dignity and respect. Our faith in God requires us to fight for justice for all living creatures. We resist what is evil and cling to what is good for humanity, nature, and the earth
Meet the Staff
Rev. Néstor Gómez
Lead Director / Pastor
I am a devoted lover of coffee, winding road trips, salsa rhythms, poetry, and—above all—books. Shelves upon shelves of them. My own journey as a Latino, Colombiano living in the United States has deepened my path, guiding me toward the sacred crossroads of spirituality and community.
Rooted in a profound belief that every human being is a divine creation of God, I have long been moved by the life of Jesus—his words, his actions, and his unwavering care for the most vulnerable. This lifelong fascination inspires my passion for building bridges across cultures and spiritual traditions. “If I approach that other person I don't know with love, I will be transformed and changed,” I often say.
As a teacher of religion and theology, I also mentor young people in discerning their vocations and navigating their careers. I currently serve as the lead director / pastor of First Congregational Church in Stamford, Connecticut, where my heart for justice, inclusion, and grace continues to guide my vocation and ministry.
Email: nestor@fccstamford.org
Benjamin Geeding
Director of Faith Formation and Connections
Benjamin comes to us from the queer community. Initially trained as a vocalist (BA, Music, Olivet Nazarene University), Benjamin has enjoyed a wide range of ministerial experiences: traveling with a singing ministry group across various US states, serving as a theology and philosophy adjunct professor for non-major undergraduates, serving as a youth and young adult pastor at a local congregation.
Benjamin is pursuing his PhD in Religion (Process Studies) at Claremont School of Theology. He holds three Master’s degrees. Two from Yale Divinity School, the MDiv and the Master of Arts in Religion degree (Philosophical Theology/Philosophy of Religion), where he also completed the Andover Newton Diploma. He holds a Master of Arts degree (Christian Thought) from Olivet Nazarene University.
Benjamin's contact info:
Email address: benjamin.geeding@fccstamford.org
Cell phone: (815) 592-5548
Tracey Marble
Music Director
In addition to being the Music Director at FCC, I am a vocalist, a songwriter, a musician, a performer, an actor, and a teacher. I am an active, deep listener. I study voices—mine and others'. I practice singing and song making. I write words. Sometimes they are reflections. Sometimes they are lyrics. Sometimes they are poetry. I build community and facilitate Divine connection through music and song.
I use knitting as a meditation and sometimes I make things that are useful. I look for the moon. I make and listen to sound as I mindfully walk with my dog every day. I cultivate art in my garden.
Sometimes the art is edible. I gather people together and make food for them. I use digital technology to record and tell stories in song, word and sometimes moving or still pictures. I help others to find their true voice so they can tell their stories, too. I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, and a sister. I am a nurturer. I am a curious dabbler. I wander with wonder.
Spiritual
The Spiritual Care Team consists of lay leaders who are here to journey alongside you throughout life's many paths, are trained to hold space, and are here to be present alongside you.
JUST AS YOU ARE!
Connections
The Connections Team consists of lay leaders who organize events in the church, opportunities to partner with our community, and who are here to show you that you are loved,
JUST AS YOU ARE!