Rev. Heidi Champagne

Rev. Heidi Champagne was born and raised in CT and moved to Cape Cod in 1995. She worked for a number of years in the human services field before realizing her call to ministry.

She graduated from Andover Newton Seminary with a Master of Divinity and a Certificate in Pastoral Counseling. Rev. Heidi’s experiences in ordained ministry include working as a bridge pastor, a settled pastor throughout Covid, and, most recently, a hospice chaplain. She has a love for people, animals and all of God’s creation and believes that we are all connected and called to care for one another.

In her spare time, Heidi enjoys reading, writing, hiking, nature photography, and gatherings with friends and family. She is also a yoga instructor and Reiki master teacher.

Rev. Heidi and her spouse, John, are parents of a blended family of 8 adult children, the youngest of whom is in college. They reside in Sandwich with their 3 cats and a 90lb lap dog.

Marcia Hempel – Music Director / Organist

Music Director Marcia Hempel is a highly skilled organist with extensive training in choral direction for both children and adults.

Marcia has studied organ at the New England Conservatory, piano and voice at the Rhode Island Conservatory and choral conducting at Westminster Choir College, to name just part of her broad and ongoing training. Her interests are eclectic ranging, as she puts it, “from Bach to Bernstein,” including the jazz organ! She also plays the guitar.

In addition to her church work, Marcia directs the Young Singers Program for ages 9-16, sponsored by the church. She conducts the Harwich Women’s Chorus, which she started in 2013, and accompanies the Victrola Chorus, which performs at nursing homes. Prior to coming to First Church, Marcia was the founder, director and accompanist of the Nantucket Women’s Choir.

Emily Smith – Administrative Assistant

Emily has been a member of the Congregation since 2015 and has put in a lot of time to help the church, even if it was little/small things. Emily grew up in Orleans before moving to Harwich with her husband. She has two beautiful boy/girl twins and a yellow lab at home that keep her busy when she isn’t in the office.

Paul Frederickson – Sexton

Being the son of a long-time member, he grew up in this church and is knowledgeable about its buildings, campus and history.

A talented musician, he contributes to our Coffee House gatherings. Paul also works at the Cape Cod Technical High School.

He is married to Susan.