Church Staff
Rev. Dr. Michael W. Galica joined the Congregational Church of South Hero in November of 2025, after serving Lutheran congregations in Western Pennsylvania and Northern Utah. He is passionate about connecting the church and community together, helping Christians to bear witness to the reign of God—in which all people are loved, welcomed, and have their needs met.
One of Pastor Mike’s particular interests is in exploring evangelism in our post-Christian context. He seeks to model an understanding of evangelism as an invitation into Christian community, a space for people to find belonging and welcome through the love of God shown by the church.
Mike and his wife, Michelle, live with Archie (a spicy white cat). Outside of church, Mike reads science fiction, plays video games, and enjoys performing music or supporting it as a sound tech.
Margaret Nowak began working at the church in 2004. As office administrator she is responsible for a wide variety of managerial, technical, clerical and support tasks. Margaret is the face of CCSH, creating a welcoming environment for those visiting and reaching out to our church.
Born in Vermont, her journey has included college graduation in the 1970s, marriage, three children and now grandchildren. Margaret has resided in seven states with a varied career in clothing/textiles, stay at home mom, Scout leader, school volunteer, retail, banking, and eventually a return to Vermont as a caregiver for her mom. She enjoys vegetable gardening and cooking, reading and sewing . Recognizing the importance and need for community of family, friends and church, Margaret is dedicated to promoting the missions and goals of CCSH.
Church Boards
Different groups are responsible for day to day operation and maintenance, philanthropic efforts, worship, financial stewardship and Christian Education. We serve 3 year terms on Boards of Trustees, Deacons, Missions, Christian Ed & Treasurer. Anyone may attend a board meeting. If you wish to talk about something pertinent to that board, contact the board chair to be put on the agenda. Your thoughts & concerns are always important!
Congregational Officers
- Moderator: Gretchen Patterson
- Clerk: Mary Jane Wirsing
- Treasurer: Lucy Trombley
- Asst. Treasurer: Gretchen Patterson
Deacons
- Aimee Cochrane, Chair
- Rob Althoff
- Sharon Arthur
- Gretchen Patterson
- Cathy Rude
- Barbara Smith
Trustees
- Josie Leavitt, Co-Chair
- Dolf Wirsing, Co-Chair
- Tim Bryan
- Doug Patterson
- Carol Tremble
- Luke Tremble
Christian Education
- Kelsey Dickson, Co-chair
- Carrie Bryan, Co-chair
- Marguerite Althoff
- Michelle Galica
- Nathan Lee
Missions
- Kaight Althoff, Chair
- Art Huse
- Megan Kouns
- Barbara Purinton
- Cyndi Reynolds
- Elise Whittemore
Other Committees
- Investment Committee
- Pastoral Relations Committee
- Stewardship Committee