Staff
Meet the people who work (and play) here. Our dynamic staff is committed to crafting impactful worship, enriching educational opportunities, deep care during life's important transitions, and an environment that follows the radical example of Jesus.
The Reverend Robin Bartlett was called as Senior Pastor to the First Church in Sterling in May of 2014. She holds dual standing in the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ. Pastor Robin is a 2013 graduate of Boston University School of Theology (Masters of Divinity), and holds a Master of Arts in Counseling/Psychology from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. She believes that our shared religious purpose is to learn how to love especially when it’s hard, and to heal division in our communities and the world.
Check out Pastor Robin's sermons on her website: revrobinbartlett.com/
You can contact Pastor Robin via email: robinwbartlett@gmail.com, or, in the case of a pastoral emergency, on her cell phone: 617-717-4011.
Pastor Zach is a Texas native who moved to New England to attend Harvard Divinity School. Along with preaching and giving children's sermons, Pastor Zach leads our small group and faith formation programs, including youth group. In addition to serving First Church, Pastor Zach also serves Worcester Fellowship, a church for the homeless in Worcester. Zach lives in Sterling with his wife Kendra, daughters Amberly and Tiana, and their loyal black lab Lawrence.
Helen Hill has been our administrator since 1995, filling a varied role that includes being a receptionist, scheduling church building use, producing church publications including the newsletter and the bulletin, helping to manage budget, finances and payroll. Helen makes sure everything in the building is in working order. She is passionate about the theater, and lives in Sterling with her husband, Bob, and two sons.
You can contact Helen at: admin@fcsterling.org
Ronna Davis has served as Organist and Music Director since 1983. Through her warm, person-centered approach, she has helped First Church adapt to changing musical styles and involved many people in its music program. She encourages both children of all ages as well as adults to bring their instruments and talents to enrich the worship service experience. Ronna loves playing music and lives in Sterling with her husband, John.
You can contact Ronna at: music@fcsterling.org
Joel Hiller is a jazz musician who has written jingles, taught private piano/voice lessons at Milton Academy, played in many jazz and rock bands including the Joel Hiller Band, worked as a DJ and musician on cruise ships, and recorded several solo albums. In addition, Joel led the contemporary and children’s choirs at First Parish in Milton from 2007 to 2018. Joel loves working for an institution where music is an expression of deep relationship to the Holy, and where he can share his gifts in worship leadership and music composition. Joel lives in Milton with his family.
Tony is the kind uncle you never knew you had. A plumber by training, he can fix anything, and always greets everyone at church with a smile. If something needs fixing, Tony's your guy. Any time something is hung up, laid out, or made to look nice in the sanctuary, Tony probably did it.
If you see a picture of an event at First Church or watch one of our services online, odds are that Linda was behind the camera. She has been capturing our community with her camera for years, and she has given us the gift of documenting our church life. She also took all of the photos on this website!