Our Team
Rev. Jeff Gallagher
Senior Minister
Anne Marie Carlson
Volunteer from Heaven
Gwen Lawson
Assistant Minister
Allan Conway
Minister of Music
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Kelly Sorrow
Director of Community Engagement
Keri Condos
Director of Finance & Technology
Jeff Gallagher
Senior Pastor
Rev. Jeffrey Gallagher was born and raised in Beverly, Massachusetts. Living a mere two-minute walk from Immanuel Congregational, United Church of Christ, Jeff is a life-long member of the United Church of Christ. Jeff has earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree in English from Salem State College in Salem, Massachusetts; a Master of Divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Centre, Massachusetts; and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Bangor Theological Seminary in Bangor, Maine. Jeff is a nationally published poet and the author of a book published in 2013 by Chalice Press: Wilderness Blessings: How Down Syndrome Reconstructed Our Life and Faith.
Jeff believes strongly that the ministry of the church should extend beyond the church’s walls. As such, Jeff is very active in technology and media that seeks to help bring the message of the church to a wider—and hopefully younger—audience. In addition, Jeff has been active in ministerial efforts that share God’s love with those in need, such as: mission trips to Louisiana and Florida, Kittery’s Fuel and More Committee (offering fuel assistance to those in need), volunteering with the Special Olympics, End 68 Hours of Hunger (a supplemental nutrition program for school children), organizing a 5k road race to benefit local charities, and much more.
Prior to his ordination in 2003, Jeff worked as an Adjunct Faculty Member at Salem State College, Student Associate Pastor at West Gloucester Trinitarian Congregational Church in West Gloucester, Massachusetts and Assistant Pastor at Memorial Congregational Church in Sudbury, Massachusetts. Jeff was called to the First Congregational Church of Kittery Point, United Church of Christ in Kittery Point, Maine in 2003 and served as Pastor there for 11 years prior to his call in August, 2014 to become the Senior Pastor of the United Congregational Church of Tolland, United Church of Christ.
In addition to his work in the church, Jeff is honored to serve as the Chaplain of the Tolland Fire Department. Jeff enjoys running, playing soccer, reading, writing, spending time with his family, cheering on New England sports teams, and coaching with the Tolland Soccer Club. Jeff and his wife Kristen have two children.
Have a question? Click here to email Jeff Gallagher (jgallagher@ucctolland.org)
Gwen Lawson
Assistant Minister
Gwen was raised in East Haddam, CT where she attended First Church of Christ Congregational as a child. After graduating from Nathan Hale-Ray High School, she went to Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA and studied Elementary Education and Theatre. After receiving her BS, she moved to Pearland, TX where she taught 5th grade Reading, Language Arts and Social Studies and then 5th and 6th grade Theatre. When Gwen returned home to CT, she moved onto her dad’s family farm in East Hampton, CT and taught Preschool and Private Kindergarten. Gwen returned to First Church in East Haddam and after helping in the Sunday School and with Youth Group, she became the Christian Education Director. A change in career path brought Gwen away from teaching and to New England Seed Company where she has worked for the past 13 years. Gwen never completely left education. After leaving First Church, she became the Christian Education and Junior Youth Group Director of Marlborough Congregational Church and she went back to school as well! She attended United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities online. Gwen received her Master of Divinity Degree and is currently awaiting her Ecclesiastical Council. Gwen still lives on the family farm in East Hampton and is the 5th generation of her family to live in their house. In her downtime, she loves gardening, walking, music, and community theatre.
In Gwen’s role as our Assistant Minister, she will work about 20 hours a week. She will be responsible for participating in our worship services twice a month, including preaching once a month, delivering the children’s sermon, and covering Rev. Jeff’s time off. She will also assist with Pastoral Care, meet with Caring Ministries, and co-lead Confirmation Class. In addition, Gwen will work closely with the Christian Education/Youth Team to expand on our current Church School program. She will also collaborate with our Director of Children’s Ministries in order to execute the current Church School program on Sundays.
Have a question? Click here to email Gwen Lawson (glawson@ucctolland.org)
Allan Conway
Minister of Music
Allan Conway has served the church with his musical gifts during most of his life, beginning before his High School years in New Hampshire. Most recently, he was Minister of Music at Faith Lutheran Church in Middletown, CT for the past 11 years. He presently lives in Vernon, CT, near his two daughters Rachel and Christa, and his grandchildren, Odin, Eowyn, and Luna.
A 1982 graduate of the Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford, Allan is in demand as a professional accompanist and pianist. His life as a performing musician has brought him to many distinctive collaborations with singers, instrumentalists and choirs, including performances at Carnegie Hall, in Italy and Perigueux, France. His extensive experience in the vocal, choral, operatic and instrumental literature continues to inform his rich and varied musical life.
After nearly 30 years, Allan recently retired from his position as Principal Pianist at the University of Connecticut, at Storrs. Other positions include Accompanist for the Greater Middletown Chorale (since 2001), CONCORA and the New England Chamber Choir. He is also Organist and Choir Director at Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford, CT, a position he has held since 1977.
Have a question? Click here to email Allan Conway (aconway@ucctolland.org)
Keri Condos
Director, Communications & Technocology
Keri grew up south of Boston in Weymouth, Massachusetts. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Bryant College in Smithfield, Rhode Island. She had a double concentration in Computer Science and Marketing. She moved to Tolland with her husband Matt in 2003 and they both became members of the church in 2004. She and her husband Matt have 4 children; daughters Julia, Emma & Grace and their niece Kaylee.
Have a question? Click here to email Keri Condos (kcondos@ucctolland.org)
Kelly Sorrow
Director of Community Engagment
Kelly comes to UCCT with a variety of experiences in multiple settings from being a Head Teacher in a childcare center to providing direct services to diverse families within their homes. Kelly currently holds a BS in Child & Family Studies and has a unique passion for improving the community, encouraging others to become involved, and advocating for children and families. It was her role as a Family Liaison - and her continued education in family systems and dynamics - that inspired her to thwart her professional direction toward family and community engagement. Kelly is also currently working with the CT Office of Early Childhood as a Parent Cabinet Member for Region 4 (that includes us, Tolland), allowing a seamless connection between imperative state updates and developments regarding children and families, positively impacting the operations and services UCCT provides. Kelly lives in Vernon with her husband, their five children, four dogs, two cats, and over 200 houseplants. She also enjoys creating art (such as paintings and mosaics) as well as spending time outdoors, especially near water where she can practice building rock towers with her family.
Have a question? Click here to email Kelly Sorrow (ksorrow@ucctolland.org)
Kristen Gallagher
Director of Children's Ministries
Kristen grew up in Beverly, MA with her parents and sister. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in English from Salem State College. Since graduating she has taught preschool, worked in a pediatrician’s office, and directed the church school at both Immanuel Congregational Church in Beverly, MA and the First Congregational Church of Kittery at Kittery Point, ME. Since moving to Tolland in 2014, Kristen taught the 4th-5th grade church school class before assuming her current position. She is also a 1:1 paraprofessional at Birch Grove Primary school. She enjoys spending time with her husband Jeff and their children, Luna & Jacob.
Have a question? Click here to email Kristen Gallagher. (kgallagher@ucctolland.org)
Teresa Green
Director, TGLC
Teresa grew up in the neighboring town of Stafford with her family including 2 sisters and 1 brother whom she is very close with. She has been employed at Tolland Green Learning Center for over 17 years working with the 3 year olds in the "Jungle Crew”. Teresa received her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education at Manchester Community College and recently completed a Director Course through Charter Oak State College. Teresa and her husband Rob moved to Tolland this last summer. Teresa has a son Patrick and a daughter Mikayla. She is excited to lead Tolland Green Learning Center!