Our Team
Contact Pastor Kevin by email RevKev, in the office, or on his cell phone 774.764.1021
A positive, joyful leader; Rev. Downer teaches, preaches, pastors, and ministers in spiritually-grounded, practical ways. Bio for Rev. Downer
An openly gay man, Rev Kev believes our challenges present opportunities to express, extend and experience grace, love, compassion and justice. He welcomes and affirms everyone, “wherever you have been or may be on your life or spiritual journey.”
He grew up in the area; spent a decade as a business consultant; started an emerging church in Chicago; and pastored diverse congregations in East Hollywood Los Angeles, Minneapolis, San Antonio, Toronto, and Worcester. He has worked with interfaith, ecumenical, and social-justice organizations; was a member of the Chicago LGBT Substance Use and Abuse Task Force and the LGBT Asylum Task Force.
Rev. Dr. Kevin Downer, Pastor
Rev Kev enjoys running, gardening, baking and exploring life’s journey with his spouse Toby and their two cats. You can address him in whatever way you feel comfortable, e.g., Rev. Kev, Kevin, Pastor Kevin, Rev. Downer, etc.
Contact Gretchen by email or in the office 860.928.7405
Gretchen D’Andrea, Music Director
Gretchen has held choir director positions in church music ministries of various denominations since her college days at UMass Lowell in the 1980s, including Roman Catholic (Northbridge, MA); Unitarian Universalist (Mendon/Uxbridge, MA), and Congregational (Princeton, MA). She founded and directed early music performing group Clepsydra in the 1990’s, and taught Choirfest Summer Program at Fairlawn Church, Whitinsville, from 1999-2019. Gretchen also directed the Whitinsville Christian High School Vocal ensemble, and produced and directed musical theater performances.
From 1997 to present, Ms. D’Andrea has been a public school music teacher in various MA and NH public school districts. She specializes in band, choral and general music.
Some may remember Gretchen D’Andrea from our FCCW musical production of Scrooge’s Christmas in 2014, raising funds for Pomfret Congregation when their church building was destroyed in a fire the previous year.
Her musical passion is for sacred music of all genres, and she looks for examples from different musical traditions that resonate deeply with a love of God and for each other. Gretchen married husband David Worden ten years ago at FCCW on August 18, and was a choir member around that time. She is a proud Mom to Lauren-Rose; Lauren’s husband, Peter, and two beautiful granddaughters, Noelle and Eva. Gretchen also has five cats; Horatio, Bela, Pangur Ban, Ike, and Miss Bunbury. Ms. D’Andrea’s goal is to serve our congregation with love and the best she has to offer as a musician. Soli Deo Gloria!
Leilani Nixon, Organist
Leilani has been the organist at First Congregational Church of Woodstock since 1995.
She began her organ studies at Eastman while she was an undergraduate at the University of Rochester and later studied at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. She has been organist of several churches in the Chicago area before moving to the Quiet Corner in 1988. She is a member of the American Guild of Organists and enjoys participating in master classes and playing in member and solo recitals.
Leilani likes to hike and kayak when she is on vacation where she’s frequently found in music stores searching for new music.
Contact Nichola by email or in the office 860.928.7405
Nichola Johnson, Communications Coordinator
Nichola serves as the Communications Coordinator at FCCW, where she helps share the life, mission, and spirit of the church with the wider community. She believes communication is not simply about sharing information, but about creating connection — helping people feel welcomed, informed, and invited into meaningful participation.
Nichola is the founder and director of The Complex Performing & Creative Arts Centre in Putnam, CT and serves as adjunct professor in the Connecticut State College Systems. With a professional background in arts education, creative leadership, and community programming, she brings a thoughtful eye for storytelling, design, and engagement to the church’s digital media, publications, and event promotion.
Her work is grounded in the belief that creativity and compassion are deeply connected, and that the church’s presence in the world is expressed not only through worship, but through action, care, and relationship. She is grateful to be part of a congregation that values service, creativity, and community.