SENIOR MINISTER
REVEREND JEFF BRAUN
Pastor Jeff gives thanks for his call to South Church and to Glastonbury. He is excited to join South Church in their DNA-deep commitment to embody welcome and to build community both within and far beyond their buildings and grounds.
Jeff brings nearly 20 years of ministry with success in cultivating dynamic worship, pastoral care, programming (including youth programming), community outreach, and intergenerational connection. Jeff’s proven passion is collaborating closely with both lay leadership and fellow staff to ensure that church is a welcoming community that meets people where they are, engages their God-given gifts, and is willing to move―boldly yet humbly―beyond the barriers that can all too often divide us as sisters and brothers of the world and restrict our creative embodiment of God’s love. He believes deeply that our youth aren’t just tomorrow’s leaders, they are today’s leaders and that they have much to teach us about our walk of faith.
Before South Church, Pastor Jeff served as the senior pastor of Winnetka Congregational Church in Winnetka, Illinois (2015-2023). Prior to that, he served as the senior minister of First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ (UCC) in Cheshire, CT (2009-2015) and as associate minister at The First Church of Christ, Congregational, UCC in Redding, CT (2004-2009). During his final year of divinity school (2003-2004), Jeff interned at First Church Congregational Church, UCC in Fairfield, CT.
Prior to attending Yale Divinity School, Jeff worked for 10 years in corporate marketing/advertising serving a variety of well-known clients and sharpening critical communication and strategic-thinking skills, which continue to prove invaluable in his work as a minister.
Jeff’s family is a blessing to him, including his amazing wife and three daughters.
If you’d like to connect with Rev. Braun, he can be reached at:
JeffBraun@southchurch2.org
or 860-633-4651 ext. 1
ASSOCIATE MINISTER
REVEREND MELISSA SPINDLER-SMITH
Melissa grew up in New London, CT, where her earliest memories of church were filled with music, joy, and a deep sense of belonging. “I was surrounded by adults I didn’t know, but who I knew loved me and were so happy I was there,” she recalls. That formative experience shaped her lifelong love for church and her deep calling to serve others—especially children.
Now living in Montville, CT with her husband, James, and their spirited daughter, Eliza Louise, Melissa’s life continues to be centered around love, laughter, and community. “She is the love of my life,” Melissa says of Eliza. “She radiates joy in every room she enters—so watch out!”
A lover of the arts and the outdoors, Melissa enjoys knitting, hiking, yoga, dancing, and cooking. Her vibrant personality shines through in everything she does. She brings an engaging mix of playfulness, humility, and boundless enthusiasm to her work and relationships.
Melissa is passionate about creating spaces where children feel safe, seen, and celebrated. She also treasures meaningful relationships with people of all ages and life stages. Her diverse experiences—many focused on children and all grounded in service—have shaped a ministry rooted in joy, justice, and genuine connection.
At the heart of Melissa’s ministry is a deep commitment to what she believes church is meant to be:
• A place where we lift our voices in praise through song, prayer, and acts of service.
• A community that welcomes everyone—sinner or saint or somewhere in between—with the radical love Jesus taught.
• A space where hard questions are embraced as part of our journey toward God and the common good.
• A sanctuary for honesty, growth, accountability, and grace.
• A fellowship that supports, comforts, and cares for one another through all of life’s ups and downs.
• A steward of creation and all God’s creatures.
With a heart full of love and a spirit grounded in purpose, Melissa continues to inspire and lead others in building a more inclusive, compassionate, and joyful faith community.
If you would like to connect with Rev. Melissa, she can be reached at:
Melissa@southchurch2.org
or 860-633-4651 ext.4
