Pastor and Staff

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The Reverend. Dr. Gary Percesepe was called to be Interim Pastor  of Open Door Congregational Church  in June, and began his ministry with us on July 6, 2025.  Previously Pastor of Keawala'i Congregational Church on Maui, Gary is married to  Resea, who remains  on Maui awaiting the sale of their house there,  along with Ashton (20), Elizabeth (Resea’s mom), and Søren, an energetic Standard Poodle and neighborhood ambassador of joy!

Gary was ordained to pastoral ministry in 1996 and holds his ministerial standing with the United Church of Christ. Together, Gary & Resea are the parents of adult children living in Baltimore,  Atlanta,  and Washington, DC ,  and have six grandchildren, including a set of twins.

Dr.  Percesepe holds a master’s degree in theology from Denver Seminary, a master’s in philosophy from University of Denver, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Saint Louis University, and has done postgraduate study at Collegium Phenomenologicum, Perugia, Italy. He has taught philosophy and theology at many universities, including Fordham University, University of Dayton, Wittenberg University, and Saint Louis University.

In his thirty-year pastoral ministry Gary has served Congregational, Presbyterian, and American Baptist (ABC) churches. Throughout his ministry he has demonstrated his ability to adapt, lead, and persevere though challenges that were unique to each church. 

Gary is the author of twelve books, including Moratorium: Collected Stories, named by Kirkus Review as one of the top 100 Indie books of 2022, and several collections of poetry.  Excerpts from his spiritual memoir-in-progress have been published recently in The Sun Magazine. He is an avid golfer, paddler, reader, and skier.

Gary would love to spend time “talking story” with you! Call the church office or send him an email at garypercesepe@gmail.com to set up a time for a visit! 

Kate Moody is a composer and pianist who has produced eight CDs of her work, ranging from solo piano to symphonic works. Her music is inspired by nature and by her studies of spiritual philosophy - “Being attentive to the field of awareness,” (Amit Goswani). Kate's first church job was in 1990 as Choir Director at Suquamish UCC in Suquamish, Washington, with Rev. Dick Kroll. Working with choirs and congregations has inspired many choral pieces - originals and arrangements. Kate looks forward to creating meaningful moments of uplifting music with all of you at Open Door! 

Evelyn Betts has been in education for 50 years. She obtained her BA in Liberal Studies from CSU Chico. Evelyn was an elementary and middle school teacher in Butte County and Calaveras County, as well as operating her own preschool in Arnold for 10 years. Evelyn and her family moved to Arnold in 1982, raising and raising educating 4 sons along the highway 4 corridor. Evelyn and her family joined Open Door (then First Congregational) UCC shortly after, and she has been a spearhead of Christian Enrichment and Sunday School ever since. 

Evelyn recently took on the role of Director of Christian Education early 2026. She brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, kindness and humor to her role and is a beloved mentor for the youth in our program. 

Since stepping into her role at Open Door UCC in 2022, Jenny has seen many changes in our church community. From the merger of two UCC congregations to navigating a pastoral transition, Jenny has been managing the church office doing the "behind the scenes" stuff. She is grateful for the loving, joyful, and supportive working environment environment that defines Open Door. 

Jenny has been living along the Highway 4 Corridor, with her husband and two daughters since 2009, working and volunteering for various non-profit organizations focusing on sustainable land use and environmental stewardship throughout Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties. Coming to work for Open Door has been a perfect way to blend her passion for environmental and social justice with her natural enjoyment of talking and connecting with many folks. 

Away from work, you can find Jenny paddleboarding, hiking, reading, cooking and enjoying that slow paced mountain life that she loves so much. 

Abby is a local resident of Calaveras County, having recently graduated from Bret Harte High School. She has flourished in her role as a Child Care Assistant, providing a calm and attentive presence for the children in our Sunday School. Abby has also stepped up to participate in worship services in a more artistic way, even bringing beloved hymns to life through dance.

In addition to working with children at Open Door's Sunday School, she teaches a youth jazz dance class at Studio 4 School of Dance in Vallecito and works at the Senior Center Thrift Store in Murphys and at the Family 4 Fitness Center in Vallecito. She is currently attending Columbia College where she is pursuing a degree in Diagnostic Radiology.