The Pastor and Staff of Murphys First Congregational Church

OUR PASTOR: THE REV. ALAN CLAASSEN

Alan comes to us with nearly twenty-five years of experience as a pastor, arts administrator and college teacher. First ordained in our partner denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), he transferred his ministerial standing to the United Church of Christ in 1996.

Pastoral and Administrative Accomplishments

• Developed and implemented a new church program of teaching conflict resolution for all ages.
• Brought Matthew Fox to address Humboldt State University on the spiritual dimension of environmental concerns.
• Created an evening alternative worship service that included music, meditation, and a time to hear from guest speakers from the community.
• Introduced the Heifer Project to two churches.
• Guided churches through the interim process after difficult departures of previous ministers restoring hope and building community.
• Created a performance coffeehouse located at Trinity Methodist Church in Berkeley that featured locally and nationally known performers.
• Coordinated free concerts in hospitals, senior centers, and the Golden Gate Bandshell while working with Bread & Roses and City Celebration.
• Taught World Religions at a Community College.
• Served as the Outreach Director at the Northwest Earth Institute.
• Alan’s primary focus in the church has been Interim Ministry. During his last assignment at Lake Oswego, UCC he realized that he felt like a mechanic who never gets to take the car for a drive. He is ready to go on a road trip with Murphys Congregational Church, U.C.C.

Education

• Sonoma State University, B.A. Philosophy.
• Pacific School of Religion, M.Div.
• Confluence Northwest, Mediation
• University of Creation Spirituality, Certificate

Special Interests

• Music: playing guitar, songwriting, singing, organizing concerts
• Sports: soccer, tennis, canoeing, hiking

Family

Alan’s wife, Betsy Claassen has been teaching dance in the Vancouver School District for 15 years. She is currently working on a Masters of Education Degree in Creative Arts. Alan and Betsy first met when they were both attending the American High School in London. They re-united several years later and in November of 2008 will be celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary.

They have two children: Lauryn, 21, who will be a senior year at Chapman University, in Orange. California; and Cody, 18, who will be a freshman at DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond, Washington. Lauryn is majoring in Peace Studies with a minor in Broadcast Journalism. Cody is studying Animation and Game Design.

Alan’s Vision for Ministry

“One of the reasons that I have chosen to be active in the church is because I believe that it is one place that sees the human situation in its totality. The church affirms: the unity and worth of all people and all creation; that peace and justice cannot be separated; that human growth involves developing heart, mind, body and soul; that evil is a reality that can be overcome by a loving, disciplined community; that suffering lived through leads to healing and resurrection; that forgiveness is always possible; and that God loves new beginnings.

“I think of the church as an orchestra, each member has something unique to give, their particular instrument to play. And furthermore, just as musicians follow a discipline in order to improve their technique we in the church need to follow a discipline and improve our craft. The techniques that are available to the Christian are: prayer, meditation, worship, study and service.

“The church is a place that helps people to discover their gifts and overcome whatever is blocking those gifts from being shared with the world seeking peace, justice, and beauty. One of the best ways to achieve this is in small groups where intimacy, sharing, and trust are possible.

“My hope for the world and for the church is that this ability to see life in its totality and the recognition that vision comes spiritual practice will make the church relevant for the present and creative for the future.”

OTHER CHURCH STAFF

Mary Cole, Church Secretary (Office hours: Tuesday through Friday, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm)
Ron Randall, Choir Director
Caitlin Randall, Asst. Choir Director
Kim Plowman, Organist
Teddi Jackson, Christian Education Director
Rose Mulvany, Parish Nurse