~WHO WE ARE~

First Congregational Church of Williamsburg, Massachusetts

We are a group of dedicated individuals passionate about serving the Lord.

The United Church of Christ (UCC) is a distinct and diverse community of Christians that come together as one church to join faith and action.  With over 5,000 churches and nearly one million members across the U.S., the UCC serves God in the co-creation of a just and sustainable world.  The UCC is a church of firsts, a church of extravagant welcome, and a church where "…they may all be one" (John 17:21).

~OUR AWESOME TEAM~

Get to know the Burgy Church staff

Rev. Jack Kraaz- Minister

 

Pastor Jack Kraaz...

has served congregations from the East Coast to the desert Southwest as well as in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. He lived in Florence Italy for a year, and hiked the Grand Canyon, twice, rim to rim.

He and his wife Sarah live in nearby Northampton where they participate in activities serving the underserved and needy.

He is a writer, storyteller, and sprited leader. He describes himself as both strong and gentle, intense and humerous. He sees himself as a therapeutic teaching pastor.

Nick Reid-Lastowski- Musician

 

About Nick by Nick:

I live in Worthington, working at Czelusniak et. Dugal Pipe Organ Builders in Northampton. I’ve been the organist (at Burgy Church) since August 2023.  It was Mary Lastowski (Smart) who was a member. She loved Williamsburg Church and her family. She also lived in Northampton.

I’ll say that for a long time I’ve been struggling with knowing God and knowing who I want to be as a person. As early as age 8, I started going to church and just felt like part of this big family. I was never pushed to keep going and I choose to believe God tests me every day by asking of me to keep Faith in Him and Jesus.  It wasn’t until a few years ago, just a bit of time before I was asked to play in Williamsburg, that I’ve reconnected with God.  I’ve reconnected with Jesus, and I’ve felt more alive, more in tune, and more like myself than ever before.  Some do not have a choice in their blessings of Christ, but I do, I’m choosing Him. My family had gone to our church for many years, and were baptized there, too. I want to be with my church family, and my family of Christ.

 

Jennifer Burdick-Church Administrator & Social Media Facilitator

Jennifer...

grew up in Florence, Massachusetts, went to Florence Grammar, Northampton High School, and has degress in fine art and photography.

When she is not in the church's office doing the duties of church administrator, she is also up in the balcony on Sunday mornings and special occasions as our Social Media Facilitator, capturing our weekly worship services online, and overseeing our social media pages on Facebook, and YouTube.

She also owns and operates Jenn Burdick Photography & Art, specializing in portrait and wedding photography, as well as creating original artwork from her photos and paintings.

You may also see her as the morning crossing guard for the local elementary school, working at the high school teaching and assisting for the school plays and musicals. She is also the proud mother of two wonderful young adults, Gregory and Emily.

~OUR CORE VALUES STATEMENT~

Through our faith in Christ's teachings

We demonstrate our love of others

By accepting all people

Helping those in need

By showing spirituality and joy

In our daily living and worship.

(agreed in October 2025)

 

 

OUR VALUES

We are here for you

We believe in the triune God

Creator, resurrected Christ, the sole Head of the church, and the Holy Spirit, who guides and brings about the creative and redemptive work of God in the world.

Each person is on a spritiual journey

We believe each of us is at a different stage of that journey.

Each person is unique and valuable

It is the will of God that every person belong to a family of faith where they have a strong sense of being valued and loved.

We believe in the power of peace

We believe in the power of peace, and work for nonviolent solutions to local, national, and international problems.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

Come as you are

We want you to come just as you are. When you walk through our doors you may see people in suits and ties, but you will also see people in jeans and t-shirts. We want to make sure when you visit you are comfortable and that is all that matters to us. As long as you come through our doors, we want to make sure you feel loved and welcomed. If you ever need anything, always feel free to connect with us. We love to hear from our new visitors.