NORTH

Ordained in 1987, Rev. Richard A. Koenig, also known as Pastor Sandy, comes from a clergy family. He has served UCC Churches in Perkasie PA, and Plantsville CT before his arrival in Woodbury, in 2014. 

Pastor Sandy grew up in the United Church of Christ in Havertown, PA, the second son, of a second son, of a second son of a pastor. His mother was also ordained UCC clergy.  He received his undergraduate degree from Haverford College, followed by a Master of Music degree in Choral Orchestral Conducting at the University of Washington in Seattle.  Pastor Sandy received his Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Seminary. 

Since ordination, he has been active in each of the local communities where he has served.  Board Chair of the UCC CT Conference, Association CCM chair, Board Chair of the VNA, President of the Plantsville Village Association, a United Way and Community Services Council of Woodbury board member, Pastor Sandy believes deeply in the role of the church in the community.  He loves music of all kinds, and has been a UCONN Women’s Basketball fan since 1994!  Pastor Sandy and Susan, his wife of over 40 years, have a son, Bob, who lives in Norton, MA.

Becky serves as the Parish Administrator, supporting the mission and daily operations of North Church. With a focus on stewardship, organization, and service, she works closely with clergy, staff, and volunteers to ensure the church runs smoothly.

Becky is committed to fostering a welcoming, faith-centered community and is grateful to serve God’s people in this role.

During her free time, Becky loves reading and sipping a good coffee, playing with her son, or going on adventures with her family.

Martin started working at North Church in 2016.  His main duties include overseeing building maintenance, remodeling projects, painting, plumbing, cleaning, and program set-ups.  He reports directly to the Property Committee.

Martin’s background consists of over forty years’ experience as a carpenter.  He takes pride in all of his work at North Church, small or large.  

Martin worked for over twenty years in law enforcement, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant.  He is married with three grown children and three grandchildren.

Mark Focarile has been the Organist and Music Director at North Congregational Church since 2003. He holds a B.S. in Music Education from Western Connecticut State University. Outside of the church, he is a frequent performer throughout the United States, and accompanies at Western Connecticut State University and several school districts. He also owns his piano studio where he gives lessons throughout the week. 

Becky began working in religion as a parish administrator for a Lutheran church in 2017. Her favorite part of the job is sharing her love for Christ with the children. Becky grew up in Woodbury and her grandfather was the choir director at North Church in the 1950s!

Becky and her husband Adam have been married since 2013, and have a son, Ben who loves coming to church with his Mom! At home, they have two dogs- Kaya, a 1-year-old Great Pyrenees mix, and Loki, an 8-year-old yellow lab.

Community Outreach is also very important to Becky. In her last position, she co-founded "Becky's Cupboard," a food pantry that opened in March 2020 and served approximately 400 people per month. She received the Micah Award for outstanding community service in 2023 for starting this viral ministry.

Becky loves the mountains or spending time in Cape Cod at her father's beach house when time allows in the summer.

Her favorite quote from the Bible is Isaiah 6:8, "then I heard the voice of the Lord saying' "whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I, send me!"