In the United Church of Christ, we have no bishop, synod or presbytery telling us what to do as a congregation. While we freely cooperate with other churches, we make our own decisions. We look to our minister for pastoral and spiritual leadership, but we govern ourselves. This means the congregation as a whole votes on important matters such as the budget, electing officers and board members and calling a new minister. The entire congregation meets at least twice a year to conduct business and more often if needed. Learn more about our boards and committees.
Pastor
adam@hillsboro-ucc.org
Rev. Adam Hange began his call as our settled pastor on September 1, 2016. Prior to moving to Oregon, he served as the associate minister at Plymouth Church UCC, in Shaker Heights, OH. Pastor Adam was ordained in 2011 and is currently working toward his Doctor of Ministry through Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA. He received his Masters of Divinity degree from Ashland Theological Seminary and his Bachelors of Arts in Music Performance from Wheaton College Conservatory of Music. After seminary, he and his wife, Hannah, taught English in Fukushima, Japan. They have three precocious children - the oldest just beginning school. Adam is a participant in the UCC's Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI5). It is a program designed to guide young pastors through the first 10 years of pastoral leadership. He will complete the program in 2025. He also serves currently as the moderator-elect for the Central Pacific Conference of the United Church of Christ. In addition to the other, predictably "pastoral" hobbies of reading, movies, and coffee, Adam enjoys cycling, green-tech, and eating all kinds of international foods. He was born and raised in Mansfield, Ohio.
Director of Christian Education
crystal@hillsboro-ucc.org
Crystal joined the Hillsboro UCC congregation in 2017 and became part of the staff in 2019. This position is a good fit for Crystal as it provides opportunities for her to do two of her favorite things: plan fun activities and build connection and community- between individuals and between individuals and God. When Crystal is not at church she spends her time working as a licensed counselor and enjoys time with her husband, two energetic young children and two sweet goldendoodles. A lifelong Oregonian, she loves to camp, especially along the Oregon and California coastlines.
Director of Music
leslie@hillsboro-ucc.org
Leslie coordinates all music programs of the church. She facilitates our effort to use music to support and deepen our services of worship. Along with these responsibilities she serves as Co-Choir Director, sharing this position with Kristine Peterson. Leslie is a trained musician and works patiently to help us become involved in music, whether through our choirs or via special ensemble performances.
Organist
Nathaniel is a trained musician with music degrees from Fisk University, University of Colorado and University of Hartford and experience on the faculty of Xavier University of New Orleans. He performs on both piano and organ during Sunday morning worship. Nathaniel’s musical skill spans genres of classical sacred music, gospel hymns, leadership in accompaniment of congregational singing, jazz, and praise music.
Nathaniel’s quiet poise is complemented by a friendly smile and readiness to rehearse with church members who enjoy preparing choral or instrumental ensemble music.
Co-Choir Director
Kristine is a retired public school music teacher and shares with Leslie the Directorship of the Covenant Choir. The choir sings three Sundays per month, September – June, and rehearses on Wednesday evenings as well as prior to services. Those who sing under Kristine’s leadership often express gratitude for the beauty of tone and spirit which she elicits. We frequently remark, “It’s amazing how our small choir (15-20 members) provides such outstanding sound!”
Bell Choir Director
Carolyn (Coi) has been Celestial Ringers Director for over thirty years. Over those years she has trained many people of all ages in performance of bell choir music. Under her leadership, the bell choir performs in worship approximately once each month, September – June.
Coi’s musicianship and friendly approach turn neophytes into performers. Whether performing from the balcony or the chancel, the Celestial Ringers enhance the worship of our church. Especially on Christmas Eve and Easter morning, it just wouldn’t be the same without the bells.
Joy Chimes and Praise Ringers
Church Administrator
laura@hillsboro-ucc.org
Laura is a lifelong member of this church having been baptized as an infant and confirmed as a youth. She had a career as an Occupational Therapist for many years and volunteered extensively with her children’s sports, musical, and church activities from their childhoods through high school. Laura came to work for the church in 2013 upon the retirement of the previous long term church secretary.
Nursery Attendant
Custodian
Assistant Custodian
Pastor Emerita
Pastor Emerita Diane Dulin was pastor of Hillsboro UCC 1992-2014. Since retiring, her work has centered on global human rights, with a focus on Palestine. As a UCC Global Ministries Short Term Mission Volunteer, Diane traveled to Palestine with church members involved in partnership with YWCA of Palestine and Keep Hope Alive olive harvest program.