Clergy and Staff
Our Team
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The Reverend Jennifer (DeBisschop) Whipple was ordained in the Naugatuck Valley Association in December 2005. Jennifer resides in Naugatuck with her husband, two children and their dog. She has been a part of the CCB family since August 2005 - serving as the Associate Pastor from August 2005-July 2025 and now serving as our Senior Pastor.
As a Pastor at CCB, Jennifer's responsibilities have run the gamut from preaching and worship leadership to youth and outreach ministries and administrative leadership. Throughout her time at CCB, she has watched as the amazing congregation has shared their gifts and talents for ministry - putting their hands to work in service, sharing their faith in worship and small groups, serving on committees, helping to oversee Capital Campaigns and building projects, and more. Jennifer's passions in ministry revolve around watching youth grow in faith, sitting and praying with people amidst the "rollercoaster" times, watching people become passionate about using their gifts, and helping people make connections between their faith and everyday lives.
Jennifer graduated with a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Justice & Society Studies from La Salle University in Philadelphia and an M.Div. from Yale University Divinity School. Before coming to CCB, Jennifer worked for the Waterbury YMCA with its Aftercare and summer camp programs, teaching youth to be counselors and helping to lead challenge courses and teambuilding workshops. She also spent 6 months living in the Dominican Republic where she worked with the Good Samaritan Mission in La Romana. When she is not at church, you can usually find Jennifer sitting alongside a court or field watching and cheering as her kids play sports, walking her dog, or spending time with extended and chosen family.
Contact Jennifer Whipple by email here
Barbara Crandell is our Church School Coordinator. Although raised Presbyterian, she became an official member of The Congregational Church of Brookfield in March of 2013. Her husband and three children make their home in New Milford. As a stay-at-home mother, she also works part-time as a personal trainer and swim teacher as well as organizing road races for the town of New Milford. Prior to motherhood, she worked for 10 years as a Health Education teacher. She has also coached cross country, track & field, and swimming. She holds certification in Physical Education as well as Christian Education, through the United Church of Christ.
Barbara writes, "What drew me towards this position is that I could use my talents in education to help expand upon an already great program. I still get excited each new year to create a program that will excite our children to strengthen their relationship with God."
Contact Barbara by email 
here
