First Church of Christ in Longmeadow

Pastors

Senior Pastor Michael S. Bennett
The Rev. M ichael S. Bennett was called in 2002 as the sixteenth senior pastor of the First Church of Christ in Longmeadow. After his ordination in 1986, Mike began his ministry in the United Church of Christ as pastor of the Church of Christ in Granby, Massachusetts. He then served 12 years as senior pastor of the Ellington Congregational Church in Ellington, Connecticut, before coming to Longmeadow.

A native of Seattle, Mike graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in economics. He earned his master of divinity from Yale University Divinity School, where he also met and married his wife, the Rev. Susan Frost Bennett. Sue is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, currently on an extended family leave. Mike and Sue have two children, Beth (born in 1990) and John (born in 1993), and own a home in Longmeadow.

Mike's vision for First Church includes a commitment to the church's historic traditions of excellent worship and music, engaging adult education, and service in and beyond the Longmeadow community. Mike views the Christian Church as a community of faith and practice—offering spiritual foundations and meaningful support for the people of God in their daily lives.

In his spare time, Mike enjoys reading, walking, golf, and music. The Frost Bennett family takes part in many community activities and enjoys travel-especially to visit with their extended family on the west coast.

As senior pastor of First Church, Mike serves as head of the church staff and works with the congregation's lay leadership to continue and develop the church's long legacy of faithful ministry in Longmeadow. Mike is available by appointment (567-6287) and may be reached via e-mail at msb@firstchurchlongmeadow.org.

Interim Associate Pastor Kelly Gallagher