
Rev. Melinda Quellhorst
Senior Minister
The Rev. Melinda S Quellhorst was called Dec. 1, 2019 as our Senior Pastor. Mindy grew up as a PK, that is preacher’s kid and teacher’s kid. She is UCC from her very beginnings; baptized, confirmed, and ordained. She attended and graduated from Heidelberg University with a Bachelor of Arts and Eden Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity. Mindy has served 4 churches: Barneveld Congregational UCC in Barneveld, Wisconsin, St. Paul’s UCC outside of Van Wert, Ohio, Mt. Olivet UCC in North Lima, Ohio, and Grace UCC in Lancaster, Ohio before becoming our pastor. She has been the Moderator of the Ohio Conference and served in other volunteer leadership positions. One of her joys is working with our German partners, Kirchegengemeinschaft (full communion). Mindy has a pastor’s heart and lives that in all she does. She stands for justice and following Christ’s call to love one another. With her spouse, Jeff Davis, they have 4 adult children, AJ and Andy/Miranda Lacefield, and Christopher Davis and Rebekah/Jesse Wissler. The new joys of her life are grandchildren, Charlotte,DJ, and Phoebe..

Ted Williams
Music Director
Dr. Ted S. Williams has been involved in church music most of his adult life for the most part at UCCC. He completed his undergraduate degree in vocal music education at Ohio University, his Masters of Music degree in choral conducting at Cleveland State University and his Ph. D. in music education at Kent State University. Ted is a life-long resident of Lorain where he lives with his wife Betsy Williams. He is retired after 35 years of music teaching primarily in the Vermilion Schools as vocal music specialist for grades 5 through 12, drama advisor and director of the school musical and show choir. Ted is active locally in community theater productions as an actor, vocal director and director, and currently serves on the board of Lorain Community Music Theater. Ted directs the Chancel Choir of the United Church of Christ, Congregational in Vermilion.

Corey Knick
Organ/Piano
Corey Knick has been with UCC Congregational since 2011. He earned his Master of Music degree from Kent State University and Bachelor of Music from the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, with additional studies at the Brevard Music Center and CCM Prague International Piano Institute. In addition to playing, Corey has appeared as an actor with French Creek Theatre, LCMT, Clague Playhouse, and LCCC. Corey enjoys reading, cooking, and sharing great music.

Judy Brizzolara
Administrative Assistant
I've worked as a legal secretary & administrative assistant in several places but none compare to my current position working here for Pastor Mindy and the UCC. I believe divine intervention brought me from New Jersey to Vermilion & I'm blessed by this wonderful church and church family. Most people know I'm a hippie at heart (have you noticed tie-dye is my favorite color?) Social justice & environmental issues have always been a mission & passion for me. I enjoy animals, crafting, reading, music, sports (O-H! I-O! #TheLand! Go Pittsburgh Penguins!) I love exploring my new state as I have become a Buckeye ... and most especially spending time at my “Lake Erie Ocean.”

Shelly Innes
Moderator