Rev. William B Pfohl Pastor Senior Pastor Bill Pfohl is a native "nutmegger" moving to Connecticut at the age of 8. He did his undergraduate studies at Trinity College in Hartford, and received his Master's Degree from Yale University. Bill is currently working on a doctorate at Drew University. Bill's passion for ministry has always been to encourage meaningful meetings. He believes most meaningful meetings come as we receive the love of Jesus Christ and choose to share that experience and joy with others. Helping individuals and groups to discover their joy as God equips them for the best stuff in life is the backdrop of his practical ministry. Bill has been an active participant in the Appalachia Service Project in three churches, having made the mission trip 12 times. He has served the larger Methodist church as a consultant and leader in young adult ministries, and helped to develop strategies for including diverse populations in the community of faith. Bill and his wife, Pam, have four children, and celebrate their extended families continued presence in Connecticut. Hobbies included hiking, gardening, reading, and sports.
Rev. Douglas Osgood Pastor Rev. Osgood brings a wealth of pastoral experience gained over more than 45 years of ministry in the New York Conference, and will focus his efforts in our midst on pastoral care, with special emphasis on older adult ministries. Doug was raised in Plainville and after high school attended Eastman School of Music where he further developed his skills as an oboe player. Ultimately he attended and graduated from the University of Connecticut, and then went on to receive his Master's of Divinity from Drew University. Doug was ordained an elder in the New York Conference in 1963 and before entering into a retired relationship with the conference in 1998, had served as pastor of several churches, led the Hudson West District as superintendent, and the Conference as director of outdoor ministries. Doug and his wife, Carol, have two grown children and three grandchildren. Rev. Dr. Roy Hassel Pastor Emeritus
Pastor Debbi Mygatt Director of Healing Ministries www.prayandsee.org Pastor Debbi has been leading the healing ministry at Jesse Lee Memorial since 2002, after having been a visitor and member since 1990. In July of 2008, she received an appointment by the bishop to be a licensed local pastor, and to serve here in her home church. Her ministry focus is to encourage people to grow spiritually, and to connect with the healing love of Jesus Christ. Many people have received training through the prayer and healing courses offered each year at Jesse Lee, and have come from several churches and denominations. Debbi is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received bachelor's degrees in education, and in visual and performing arts. She and her husband, Peter, have five children; Sarah, Emily, Amanda, Joe and Sean, and have lived in Ridgefield since 1980.
Maria-Pia is in her 8th year of directing the Children’s Ministry and has been a member of Jesse Lee since 1983. All three of her children “graduated” from the Jesse Lee Sunday school and youth programs. It is her joy now to shepherd a new generation of little ones and their parents. This September Maria-Pia embarked on a new journey at Yale Divinity School. She is pursuing a Masters in Religious Studies taking classes part-time over 4 years and looks forward to integrating what she learns into her ministry here at Jesse Lee.
When not working or studying, MP enjoys cooking for a crowd, sewing, embroidering and traveling. She and her husband, Peter, have a delightful granddaughter and a very friendly dog, Kiwi.
Henric Ideström
Minister of Music
Henric Ideström describes his broad objective as a music minister as one focused on "breathing life into all music and the arts in such a way that it draws men, women and children into the presence of the Lord." He brings a strong combination of spirituality, musical talents, leadership, and vision to our community of faith at Jesse Lee, and is charged with helping more in our midst develop their God-given musical gifts and passions. He holds a master of music in conducting from Azusa Pacific University, in California. His experience includes 10 years as pastor of worship and the arts at Centre Street Church (Calgary, Alberta), in addition to eight years as chair of the arts at Rocky Mountain College (Calgary, Alberta). Henric is also the founder and artistic director of The SymphoNYChorus (NYC), choral/orchestral group performing classical, contemporary, spirituals, gospel, Jazz, and Broadway productions A Canadian citizen, Henric was born in Sweden and also has lived in the United States. His wife, Robin, is from the San Francisco Bay area and recently completed her master's studies in vocal performance (Opera) at The Manhattan School of Music, NYC. Robin is a voice teacher and coach. The Idestrom’s have one son, Jeremiah.
