Rev. Laura gailbraith, Pastor
Laura has served as a Pastor in the New York Annual Conference for 21 years, having served congregations in Waterbury, Simsbury and Forestville, CT. She holds a Master of Divinity from the Theological School of Drew University, a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of Saint Joseph and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/Sociology from Roberts Wesleyan College. Prior to attending seminary in 1997, Laura had a career in the administration of programs for abused and delinquent teenagers. Laura remains passionate about ministry to youth and seeks to engage them in ways that meet their unique needs and interests. The diversity of day-to-day life in a congregation is something that continues to energize Laura in her ministry. Pastoral care, planning worship, outreach to the community, Bible study and Sunday School and development of leaders are all areas that interest her in her growth as pastoral leader. Laura grew up in a practicing Catholic family in Plainville, Connecticut. When her faith journey led her to conversion to the United Methodist Church in her late twenties, her family shared in her celebration at finding a community of believers where she felt at home. Laura is single and she shares her home with Suzy, her nine year-old black Labrador Retriever and Marty, her fourteen year-old big fluffy cat. Both of her parents are deceased and she has three sisters who live in Georgia, Massachusetts and Connecticut. In her spare time, she helps to transport rescue dogs and cats to their new homes. She also loves the beach, daily walks with Suzy, good fiction or memoir, crocheting for a cause and afternoon drives to new places. She eats mostly vegan but if someone is offering chocolate cake she’s a willing recipient!Email Pastor Laura
Brandi Hayden, Choir Director Emerita
Brandi served Rowayton United Methodist Church as music director for some 30 years. She brings her passion for choral music to her direction of the Adult Choir, as well as Junior Choir. With husband Bill, Brandi is co-founder of the Good Folk Coffee House, a monthly venue for a variety of folk artists hosted here at RUMC.
John Dunkerley, Director of Music
John joined the Rowayton United Methodist Church staff in 2009, and the organ hasn't been the same since. John's career has spanned musical theatre to sacred music. He is a performer, teacher, and composer, bringing all those gifts to bear in the congregation. John lives in Rockland County, NY with his wife Harriett and their daughter, Rosella.
Lauriston Avery, Director of Five Mile River Nursery School
As a devoted member of RUMC, Lauriston was a founding parent of the Five Mile River Nursery School in 1987. Under her leadership, the Five Mile River Nursery School first became NAEYC Accredited in 2000. She serves early childhood programs in Norwalk as a member of the Norwalk Early Childhood Council, working on Transition to Kindergarten, and Professional Development programs for area children and early childhood professionals. She has served the church as chairperson of the Life and Ministry Council, choir member, Certified Lay Speaker and Lay Member to Annual Conference.